Britannica AI Icon

force pump

Also known as: forcer pump

Quick Summary

A force pump is a type of pump used for drawing and forcing liquids, such as water, to a considerable height or under significant pressure. Unlike a simple suction pump, which relies on atmospheric pressure to lift water to a maximum height of about 34 feet, a force pump can move liquids from deeper mines.12

The force pump achieves this by using a solid piston. During the downward stroke of the piston, it forces the liquid out through a side valve. The height the liquid can be raised depends on the force applied to the piston. This technology is a key component in hydraulics, a branch of science focused on the practical applications of fluids in motion.23

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
3 Britannica Sources
  1. force pump
  2. pump
  3. hydraulics

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.