What do the bowls of a vertical pump add to the system?

The bowls of a vertical pump are designed to increase the pressure of the fluid as it moves through the pump. This is achieved through the pump's impeller and the design of the bowl configuration, which directs the flow and compresses the liquid effectively, converting mechanical energy into hydraulic energy. As the fluid enters the impeller, it gains kinetic energy, and when it exits into the bowl section, that kinetic energy is converted into pressure energy. This is critical for overcoming the resistance in the distribution system and ensuring that the water can be delivered at the required pressure for various applications.

In this context, while friction, velocity, and volume may be relevant parameters, they do not capture the primary function of the bowls within the vertical pump, which is to specifically increase the pressure of the fluid being pumped. Thus, the most accurate choice is that the bowls add pressure to the system.