What is series operation in pump systems?

Series operation in pump systems refers to the configuration where one pump discharges into the suction line of another pump. This arrangement is employed to increase the total pressure or head delivered by the pumping system. When pumps are in series, the first pump raises the pressure of the liquid, which is then further increased by the second pump. This method is particularly useful in applications where a higher discharge pressure is required than what a single pump can achieve alone.

In contrast, the other options involve different configurations or aspects of pump operation that do not describe series operation accurately. For instance, two pumps working independently do not enhance the overall pressure but may increase flow capacity. Likewise, pumps operating in parallel are set up to share the flow and increase overall capacity without contributing additional pressure. Lastly, measuring pump efficiency is a process that assesses how well a pump converts input energy to output energy, unrelated to the operational configuration of pumps in series.