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