In a centrifugal double-suction pump, wear rings are used to maintain what between the impeller discharge and suction areas?

In a centrifugal double-suction pump, wear rings are used to maintain what between the impeller discharge and suction areas?

• A. Inlet and outlet
• B. Flow restriction
• C. Bearing and seal
• D. Suction line and discharge valve

Answer: (B)

Wear rings set up a tight, controlled gap around the impeller to limit leakage from the high-pressure discharge back to the suction side. By creating a defined, restricted flow path between those areas, they maintain the hydraulic balance and improve efficiency. They aren’t there to support bearings or seals, nor to connect inlet to outlet or suction lines to discharge valves—their main job is to reduce internal leakage by providing a flow restriction between the suction and discharge regions.

Wear rings set up a tight, controlled gap around the impeller to limit leakage from the high-pressure discharge back to the suction side. By creating a defined, restricted flow path between those areas, they maintain the hydraulic balance and improve efficiency. They aren’t there to support bearings or seals, nor to connect inlet to outlet or suction lines to discharge valves—their main job is to reduce internal leakage by providing a flow restriction between the suction and discharge regions.