Both pumps and compressors do almost the same job. A pump moves fluid from one place to another. The compressor does the same job but with increased pressure energy. Let us learn more about the difference between pump and compressor in this article.
At the end of this article, there will be a link to download the difference between pump and compressor PDF copy which you can use for future reference.
What is a Pump?
In simple words, a Pump is a machine used for moving fluids from one place to another place. Now it can be a pure fluid or fluid with solid materials with different densities and temperatures. A pump uses the mechanical energy from an engine or motor to the fluid flowing through it. Electric motors are used to generate mechanical energy.
Types Of Pumps
There are basically two types of pump.
- Positive Displacement Pump
- Centrifugal Pump ( Turbo pump)
Positive Displacement Pump
Positive displacement pumps transfer fluid from one place to another with increased pressure and flow by reducing the volume of the chamber of the pump. This type of pump can transfer a low amount of fluid at a good altitude due to high pressure and flow rate.
Centrifugal Pump Or Turbo Pump
Centrifugal pumps give pressure to the fluid with the help of rotating blades,. This type of pump gives high-pressure energy to the fluid but with a decreased flow rate. That is the reason this type of pumps is not used for hydraulics.
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What is a Compressor?
A compressor is a mechanical machine that increases the pressure energy of gas by reducing its volume. Ideally both compressors and pumps work in the same principle. Both increase the pressure and transfer the medium. In the case of a pump, it transfers fluids which are incompressible, whereas compressor transfer gas which is compressible.
Types Of Compressors
There are basically two type of compressors
- Positive displacement compressors
- Dynamic compressors
Positive Displacement Compressor
Positive displacement compressor increases the pressure energy of gas by displacement of the mechanical linkage which reduces the volume of gas. This type of compressor gets the gas through the inlet and reduce the volume to create more pressure.
Dynamic Compressor
Dynamic Compressor uses rapidly rotating blades to accelerate the air passing through it, thus converting the velocity head into pressure. Dynamic compressors are further divided into Axial compressors and centrifugal compressors.
Difference between pump and compressor
| Pump | Compressor |
|---|---|
| Pump transfer fluid | Compressor transfer gas |
| The pump does not have any storage capacity | Compressor does have storage capacity |
| Increases the kinetic energy of the fluid | Increases the potential energy of the gas. |
| Change of pressure is not necessary | Change of pressure is a must |
| The pump is mainly used for incompressible fluids | A compressor is used for compressible gas |
| The volume remains constant for incoming and outgoing fluid | The volume is not always constant. |
| Pump is cheaper | Compressors are costlier than pumps |
| The pump is to transfer fluid and not to compress | Compressor compress gas |
| Fluid can be liquid or gas | A compressor can compress only gas |
Conclusion: Difference Between Compressor and Pump
Here is a short article on the difference between pump and compressor. Many of us had this confusion between pump and compressor. Hope this article could able to solve that confusion. If you still have some doubts, please do write in the comment section and I will be happy to answer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a pump?
Pump is a machine to lift fluid from one height to water using the kinetic energy that it generates from a motor.
What Is a Compressor?
Compressor is a machine to compress gas by increasing the pressure energy and decreasing the volume
What are types of pumps?
Positive displacement pump
Centrifugal Pump
What are types of compressors?
Positive displacement compressor
Dynamic Compressor
