Question 412General Subjects - Assistant Engineer

The correct answer is B) due to the inability of this type of pump to lift water to cover the suction (eye) of the impeller. Centrifugal bilge pumps require priming because they rely on the rotation of the impeller to create suction and lift water. Unlike positive displacement pumps, centrifugal pumps cannot inherently lift water from below the pump's inlet. Priming ensures that the suction (eye) of the impeller is submerged in water, allowing the pump to effectively draw water and begin operation. The other options are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the primary reason for priming a centrifugal bilge pump. Options A, C, and D address secondary factors rather than the fundamental need to cover the impeller's suction to enable the pump's operation.