1. Centrifugal pumps work by using centrifugal force to convert mechanical energy into hydraulic energy to move liquids through piping systems. They are the most common type of pumping machinery. 2. The main parts of a centrifugal pump are the impeller, casing, suction pipe with foot valve, and delivery pipe. Liquid enters at the center of the rotating impeller and is thrown outward by centrifugal force, converting kinetic energy into pressure energy. 3. Efficiency can be increased in multistage centrifugal pumps, which connect multiple impellers in series or parallel, allowing high heads or large discharges to be developed. Characteristic curves show the relationships between operating parameters.