Which type of hydraulic pump allows the same amount of fluid to be moved regardless of pressure changes?

A positive displacement pump is designed to move a consistent volume of fluid with each cycle, which means it provides the same amount of fluid regardless of the pressure changes within the system. This characteristic is crucial in applications where maintaining a specific flow rate is necessary, even if the system pressure varies.

In positive displacement pumps, the mechanism creates a fixed amount of volume per revolution, ensuring that the flow rate remains unchanged unless the pump speed is altered. This property makes them ideal for applications needing precise fluid transfer, such as in hydraulic systems or metering processes.

Other types of pumps operate differently. Centrifugal pumps, for example, rely on rotational energy to impart velocity to the fluid and are affected by changes in pressure, which can impact the flow rate. Turbine pumps operate on a similar principle to centrifugal pumps, where flow can be variable depending on the system's resistance. Gear pumps, while also capable of providing consistent flow, can still be influenced by system pressure and changes in viscosity, making them less reliable in situations where precise volume movement is essential compared to a positive displacement pump.