Which are the basic types of mechanical pumps?

Centrifugal pumps, positive displacement pumps, and gear pumps represent fundamental categories within mechanical pumping systems, each distinguished by their operational principles and applications.

Centrifugal pumps utilize rotational energy to move fluid, relying on an impeller that accelerates the fluid outward from the center. This type is characterized by its efficiency in handling large volumes of low-viscosity fluids and is widely used in applications like water supply and irrigation.

Positive displacement pumps operate by trapping a fixed amount of fluid and forcing it into the discharge pipe. This type can be further classified into several subtypes, such as gear, diaphragm, and piston pumps. They are particularly effective in handling high-viscosity fluids and providing consistent flow rates regardless of pressure variations.

Gear pumps specifically fall under the positive displacement category, where the meshing of gears creates a cavity that moves the fluid. These pumps are commonly used in applications requiring the transfer of oils and other viscous liquids.

The other options consist of various types of pumps, but they don't encompass the fundamental categories as clearly as the selected choice does. For instance, diaphragm and rotary pumps are types of positive displacement pumps but do not collectively represent the wide-ranging classifications effectively. Piston and screw pumps are also positive displacement types but