What is the primary role of the impeller within a centrifugal pump?

The primary role of the impeller within a centrifugal pump is to add head to the water. This is achieved by using rotational energy to increase the velocity of the fluid. As the impeller rotates, it exerts centrifugal force on the water, causing it to move outward from the center of the impeller. This action creates a pressure differential that effectively lifts the water within the pump and converts kinetic energy into pressure energy, thereby generating the necessary head required to transport water through the system.

Understanding this function is crucial for anyone working with centrifugal pumps, as the performance, efficiency, and capacity of a pumping system largely depend on the design and operation of the impeller.