Which component is part of a centrifugal pump?

The volute is indeed a critical component of a centrifugal pump. In centrifugal pumps, the volute serves as a casing or chamber that helps direct the flow of liquid coming from the impeller. Once the impeller imparts kinetic energy to the liquid, the volute converts that kinetic energy into pressure energy, allowing the liquid to be efficiently discharged from the pump.

The design of the volute is essential for the pump's performance, as it provides a smooth flow path, minimizes turbulence, and helps in reducing losses due to friction. As flow moves through this casing, the cross-sectional area of the volute gradually increases. This expansion aids in allowing the fluid to slow down, converting speed into pressure energy effectively.

Understanding the role of the volute helps in appreciating how centrifugal pumps operate and why they are used widely in various applications. The other components mentioned, such as the impeller, gearbox, and diaphragm, play different roles or are found in other types of pumps or machinery and would not directly characterize the functioning of a centrifugal pump in the same way that the volute does.