Pumps 101
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Run-Out Point is a point where the flowrate is maximum and the head minimum. Beyond the Run-Out-Point, the pump cannot operate.
What is a Pump
A pump is a mechanical device used to move liquids and gases.
The earliest pump was described by Archimedes around 300 BC and is known as the “Archimedes screw pump”. Pumps work by using mechanical forces to move these liquids and gasses from one location to another, either by physically lifting, or by the force of compression.
Uses of Pumps
In fluid systems, pumps are used to keep the fluid moving in a useful way. Typically pumps are used to move fluid upwards through pipes. The pumps provide enough push to keep the fluid flowing against the pull of gravity and friction.
Where to Find Pumps
It is safe to say that wherever one finds fluids in pipes, a pump is probably nearby. Pumps can be found in cars, refrigerators, air conditioners, power plants, ships, and airplanes, to name a few places. In the manufacturing industry, pumps are frequently referred to as “the heart of a factory”.