Which type of pump is commonly used to boost pressure along pressurized lines?

• A. Submersible pump
• B. Positive displacement pump
• C. Horizontal centrifugal pump
• D. Diaphragm pump

Answer: (C)

Pumps used to boost pressure along pressurized lines are chosen for their ability to add head to a flowing stream and maintain steady delivery. A horizontal centrifugal pump fits this role best because it is designed to increase the pressure (head) of water as it flows through the system, providing a large volume with a moderate pressure rise that matches the needs of distributing water along a line. Its impeller transfers energy to the liquid, creating discharge pressure, so the flow remains smooth and continuous even as demand varies. This makes it well-suited for inline boosting where you want reliable pressure along an existing pipeline, and it can be sized for the required flow and the amount of head needed, with straightforward horizontal installation along the piping.

Submersible pumps are typically used for lifting water from wells or tanks and are not suited for boosting existing pressurized lines in an inline system. Positive displacement and diaphragm pumps can create high pressures at low flow rates and may produce pulsations, which aren’t ideal for maintaining steady pressure along long distribution lines. They’re more often used for precise dosing or transfer tasks rather than continuous line boosting.