Which type of pump is most commonly used as a booster pump in water distribution systems?

In water distribution systems, vertical turbine pumps serve as highly efficient booster pumps. They are particularly advantageous in applications where water needs to be lifted from a significant depth or when the pressure needs to be increased to ensure adequate flow rates throughout the system. These pumps are designed to handle large volumes of water and can maintain high efficiency over varying flow conditions, making them suitable for the demands of booster pumping.

Vertical turbine pumps utilize a series of impellers mounted on a vertical shaft, allowing them to effectively generate the pressure needed to push water through the distribution network. This configuration is especially useful in scenarios where a high lift is required, and the pump can be located above the water source, which minimizes the risk of flooding.

The other types of pumps listed have specific uses but do not match the suitability and typical application of vertical turbine pumps as booster pumps in water distribution systems. Submersible pumps are used for underground applications; horizontal centrifugal pumps generally handle lower head and higher flow scenarios; and diaphragm pumps are often utilized for metering or specific industrial applications rather than large-scale water distribution.