Which type of pumps have higher flow but similar head?

Which type of pumps have higher flow but similar head?

• A. Parallel Pumps
• B. Series Pumps
• C. Single Pumps
• D. Turbom Pumps

Answer: (A)

The key idea is how pumps share load when arranged differently. When two pumps are connected in parallel to the same system, each pump pushes flow into the line at roughly the same head as a single pump would at that point. The result is that the total flow capability doubles (for identical machines) while the discharge head required by the system stays about the same. So you get more flow without a noticeable change in head. If you instead put pumps in series, the same flow goes through both pumps, so their heads add together. That means you can achieve a higher head, but the flow isn’t increased beyond what a single pump would deliver at that higher head. A single pump can’t deliver more flow than its own capacity, so it won’t match the parallel arrangement’s higher flow. Turbom pumps are a type of pump used in specialized applications; the question focuses on how parallel versus series connections affect flow and head, not on a specific pump class. So, two pumps in parallel give higher flow while maintaining a similar head, which is why that arrangement is the best answer.

The key idea is how pumps share load when arranged differently. When two pumps are connected in parallel to the same system, each pump pushes flow into the line at roughly the same head as a single pump would at that point. The result is that the total flow capability doubles (for identical machines) while the discharge head required by the system stays about the same. So you get more flow without a noticeable change in head.

If you instead put pumps in series, the same flow goes through both pumps, so their heads add together. That means you can achieve a higher head, but the flow isn’t increased beyond what a single pump would deliver at that higher head.

A single pump can’t deliver more flow than its own capacity, so it won’t match the parallel arrangement’s higher flow. Turbom pumps are a type of pump used in specialized applications; the question focuses on how parallel versus series connections affect flow and head, not on a specific pump class.

So, two pumps in parallel give higher flow while maintaining a similar head, which is why that arrangement is the best answer.