Which factor is least likely to affect the efficiency of a chemical feed pump?

The efficiency of a chemical feed pump is influenced by several factors, and among these, ambient temperature is generally the least impactful. This is because chemical feed pumps primarily operate based on the mechanical characteristics of the pump design, the speed at which they are set to run, and the properties of the liquid being pumped.

Pump speed directly affects the flow rate and pressure the pump can achieve, thereby influencing efficiency. Similarly, the feed rate is critical as it determines how much liquid is being pumped per unit time, which also impacts efficiency calculations. Liquid viscosity plays a significant role as well; higher viscosity fluids require more energy to pump, thereby affecting the overall efficiency.

In contrast, while ambient temperature can influence the viscosity of certain fluids, it does not typically affect the mechanical performance of the pump itself to the same degree as the other factors. The design of the pump and its operating conditions tend to maintain consistent performance despite variations in ambient temperature, making it the least likely factor to impact pump efficiency.