How do pumps add kinetic energy to a fluid?

Kinetic pumps add kinetic energy to a fluid by imparting velocity to it, which is primarily achieved through the use of a rapidly rotating impeller.12

There are two primary methods by which kinetic energy is added to the fluid:
* Rotation: The fluid is rotated at high speed by the impeller, which throws the fluid outward and imparts velocity.12
* Impulse: Energy is provided by giving the fluid an impulse in the direction of flow.2

Once this velocity is imparted, most of the resulting velocity head is typically converted into pressure head to facilitate the movement of the fluid through the system. In specific designs, such as diffuser pumps, fixed vanes are used after the fluid leaves the impeller to provide a more controlled flow and a more efficient conversion of this velocity into pressure.1

It is important to note that kinetic pumps are distinct from positive displacement pumps, which move fluid by trapping a fixed volume and forcing it through the system rather than by increasing its velocity.23