What is NOT an advantage of centrifugal pumps over reciprocating pumps?

Centrifugal pumps have several advantages over reciprocating pumps, which is why option relating to the requirement for priming is not an advantage. One of the key characteristics of centrifugal pumps is their ability to handle fluids at a continuous flow rate, which allows them to pump more cargo in less time compared to reciprocating pumps, making them highly efficient for large-scale operations.

Additionally, centrifugal pumps are designed to be smaller and lighter for the same amount of pumping capacity, which contributes to more efficient space utilization onboard vessels. Economically, centrifugal pumps tend to be less expensive to manufacture and maintain than reciprocating pumps, further reinforcing their advantages in marine applications.

In contrast, priming is often a necessary step for centrifugal pumps, especially when used in applications like stripping, which is more typically associated with features of reciprocating pumps that can draw fluids from below their inlet level without needing to be primed. Thus, requiring priming does not reflect an advantage but rather a limitation when compared to the performance of certain types of other pumps.