What type of pump is categorized as a positive displacement pump?

A diaphragm pump is categorized as a positive displacement pump because it uses a flexible diaphragm to create a vacuum that draws fluid into the pump chamber and then displaces that fluid out of the chamber with each cycle of the diaphragm. This mechanism allows for a specific volume of fluid to be moved with each stroke, which is the defining characteristic of positive displacement pumps. They are particularly effective for handling viscous fluids or those containing solids, and they maintain consistent flow rates regardless of the system pressure, making them ideal for applications requiring precise fluid delivery.

In contrast, centrifugal pumps rely on rotational energy to move fluid and are classified as dynamic pumps, not positive displacement. Submersible pumps can vary in design but are generally dynamic pumps as well, and turbine pumps, while capable of displacing fluid, operate based on the principle of kinetic energy rather than positive displacement. Understanding these differences is pivotal in selecting the right pump for specific applications in water operations.