What are the two main types of pumps?

What are the two main types of pumps?

• A. Submersible & Turbine
• B. Vacuum & Centrifugal
• C. Centrifugal & Positive Displacement
• D. Gear & Diaphragm

Answer: (C)

Pumps are classified into two broad families based on how they move fluid. Centrifugal pumps push liquid outward with an impeller, turning fast-moving energy into pressure; they handle higher flows and moderate heads, with relatively smooth, non-pulsating output. Positive displacement pumps trap a fixed amount of liquid and then push it out in discrete increments, delivering a steady, controllable flow even at high pressures and when dealing with viscous fluids. This fundamental split—centrifugal versus positive displacement—is why the best answer pairs those two categories. Other options mix specific pump styles or refer to conditions (like vacuum) rather than the broad behavioral classes, so they don’t represent the main division.

Pumps are classified into two broad families based on how they move fluid. Centrifugal pumps push liquid outward with an impeller, turning fast-moving energy into pressure; they handle higher flows and moderate heads, with relatively smooth, non-pulsating output. Positive displacement pumps trap a fixed amount of liquid and then push it out in discrete increments, delivering a steady, controllable flow even at high pressures and when dealing with viscous fluids. This fundamental split—centrifugal versus positive displacement—is why the best answer pairs those two categories. Other options mix specific pump styles or refer to conditions (like vacuum) rather than the broad behavioral classes, so they don’t represent the main division.