A gear pump positive displacement pump is also known as a?

A gear pump is classified as a rotary pump because it operates based on the principle of positive displacement through the rotational motion of gears. In a gear pump, two gears intermesh and turn, drawing fluid in through one side and pushing it out through the other. This mechanism allows for a consistent flow rate that is determined by the speed of the gears and the displacement volume of the gears themselves.

Understanding the operation of different pump types helps clarify why gear pumps fall under the category of rotary pumps. Unlike reciprocating pumps, which use a back-and-forth motion to displace fluid, or centrifugal pumps that utilize a rotating impeller to increase fluid velocity, gear pumps rely solely on the rotational movement of the gears. Additionally, turbine pumps are designed specifically to add kinetic energy to the fluid by rotating a series of blades, which distinguishes them from gear pumps. Therefore, identifying a gear pump as a rotary pump highlights its specific working mechanism within the broader classification of pumps.