What is the purpose of parallel operation in pump systems?

The purpose of parallel operation in pump systems is indeed to increase the volumetric flow rate through a common pipe. When multiple pumps are operated in parallel, they work together to move a greater volume of water than a single pump can achieve alone. This setup allows for a higher total capacity, which is particularly useful when the demand for flow exceeds what a single pump can supply.

By distributing the workload among several pumps, parallel operation not only enhances the overall flow rate but also potentially improves the system's efficiency and offers redundancy; if one pump fails, the others can continue to operate, ensuring that the flow is maintained. This principle is essential in applications requiring a significant and consistent supply of water, such as municipal water distribution or industrial processes.

While maintaining constant pressure or reducing wear on individual pumps can be beneficial outcomes of a well-designed pumping system, the primary advantage of operating pumps in parallel is fundamentally connected to boosting volumetric flow rate.