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A positive displacement pump is a device that moves a set volume of fluid with each operating cycle. These pumps work by directly displacing the fluid, rather than transforming kinetic energy into pressure energy.12

There are two main categories of positive displacement pumps:
* Reciprocating pumps: These include piston, plunger, and diaphragm types. They operate using a back-and-forth motion within a cylinder.1
* Rotary pumps: Common examples are gear, lobe, screw, and vane pumps. These utilize rotating components to move the fluid.1

Positive displacement pumps are generally suited for moving lower volumes of fluid at high pressures.1

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. pump
  2. displacement pump

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