Question 1289 Deck General

The correct answer is D) overheat. When two centrifugal pumps, driven by independent electric motors at unequal speeds, are discharging an inflammable liquid through a common discharge line, the higher speed pump can cause the slower pump to overheat. This is because the higher speed pump will generate a higher discharge pressure, which can overcome the lower pressure generated by the slower pump. This can force the slower pump to operate in reverse, causing it to work against the higher discharge pressure, leading to increased power consumption and eventual overheating. The other options are incorrect because: A) the slower pump will not turn backward, as it is being forced to operate in reverse by the higher pressure; B) the driving end of the slower pump will not overspeed, as it is being forced to operate against the higher discharge pressure; and C) the slower pump will not stop, as it is being forced to operate in reverse by the higher discharge pressure.