How do rotary pumps move fluid?

Rotary pumps move fluid by trapping it between moving elements, such as gears, screws, vanes, or lobes, and fixed components of the pump. As the rotating element turns, it creates a chamber that continuously fills with fluid. The action of the rotating component then forces the fluid to move through the pump and out into the discharge line.

This method of fluid movement is effective because it maintains a relatively constant flow rate and is capable of handling various viscosities of liquids. The design of rotary pumps allows for efficient sealing and containment of the fluid, which minimizes loss and optimizes performance. This mechanism is particularly useful in applications requiring the handling of thick or viscous fluids, where other pumping methods may struggle.

In contrast, other options like compressing fluid or creating a vacuum involve different principles that do not accurately describe the action of rotary pumps. Compressing fluid generally refers to positive displacement pumps, while vacuum systems rely on atmospheric pressure to move fluid. Using gravity as a means of fluid movement is characteristic of drainage systems and not applicable to the mechanics of rotary pumping systems.