Which pump type is known for its ability to handle high viscosities without significant shear?

The gear pump is specifically designed to handle high viscosities effectively while minimizing shear. Its operation involves the movement of fluid by trapping it between the rotating gears and the pump casing, which creates a continuous flow. This design allows it to manage thicker fluids without breaking them down, making it ideal for applications involving viscous materials such as oils, paints, or syrups.

In contrast, other pump types, such as the diaphragm pump, centrifugal pump, and peristaltic pump, have different operational characteristics that impact their ability to handle viscous fluids. For instance, while diaphragm pumps can manage some level of viscosity, they tend to generate more shear, which can be undesirable for certain applications. Centrifugal pumps are generally less effective with high-viscosity fluids because they rely on the velocity of fluid to create flow, which diminishes with increased viscosity. Peristaltic pumps can handle some viscous fluids, but again, they may not do so as efficiently as gear pumps.

This makes the gear pump the superior choice when it comes to maintaining the integrity of high-viscosity fluids and minimizing shear through its mechanical design and operation.