Pumps vs. Compressors, Blowers and Fans
A generic definition of a pump is
"A machine or device for raising, compressing, or transferring fluids."
In practice - it is common to differentiate between
- pumps
- compressors
- blowers
- fans
as summarized below:
Pumps
- A pump is a machine for raising a liquid - a relatively incompressible fluid - to a higher level of pressure or head
Compressors
- A compressor is a machine for raising a gas - a compressible fluid - to a higher level of pressure
Blowers
- A blower is a machine for moving volumes of a gas with moderate increase of pressure
Fans
- A fan moves large amounts of gas with low increase in pressure
Related Topics
• Fluid Mechanics
The study of fluids - liquids and gases. Involving velocity, pressure, density and temperature as functions of space and time.
• Gases and Compressed Air
Air, LNG, LPG and other common gas properties, pipeline capacities, sizing of relief valves.
• Pumps
Piping systems and pumps - centrifugal pumps, displacement pumps - cavitation, viscosity, head and pressure, power consumption and more.
• Ventilation
Systems for ventilation and air handling - air change rates, ducts and pressure drops, charts and diagrams and more.
Related Documents
Fan AMCA Classification
Fan classification established by AMCA.
Pumps - Classifications
Centrifugal pumps vs. positive displacement pumps.
Turbo Machines - Specific Work done by Pumps, Compressors or Fans
Calculate specific work done by pumps, fans, compressors or turbines.
Types of Air Compressors
Reciprocating, rotary screw and rotary centrifugal air compressors.
Types of Fans
Axial and propeller fans, centrifugal (radial) fans, mixed flow fans and cross flow fans.
Types of Fans - Capacity Ranges
Centrifugal, axial and propeller fans and their capacity ranges.