What type of pump is a peristaltic pump classified as?

A peristaltic pump is classified as a positive displacement pump because of the way it operates. In a peristaltic pump, fluid is moved through a tube by the mechanical action of rollers or a wiper that compresses the tube and creates a vacuum that draws the fluid in. This method captures a specific volume of fluid and then displaces it out of the pump.

Positive displacement pumps work by trapping a fixed amount of fluid and forcing it through the discharge pipe, ensuring a consistent flow rate regardless of the pressure in the discharge line. This is particularly advantageous in applications requiring precise dosing or handling of viscous fluids.

The other types of pumps listed, such as centrifugal pumps, diaphragm pumps, and vortex pumps, utilize different mechanisms for fluid movement. Centrifugal pumps, for instance, rely on rotational energy to add velocity to the fluid, while diaphragm pumps operate using a flexible diaphragm to create suction and pressure. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why the peristaltic pump is specifically categorized under positive displacement pumps.