Which type of pump has no positive blockage between the intake and discharge sides?

The centrifugal pump is characterized by its method of operation, which relies on the rotational motion of an impeller to move fluid through the pump. Unlike positive displacement pumps, centrifugal pumps do not have a positive barrier or blockage separating the intake and discharge sides. Instead, they utilize the kinetic energy generated by the impeller to transform it into pressure, allowing fluids to flow freely due to the motion of the pump.

This design allows for a continuous flow of liquid as long as the pump is operating and there are sufficient incoming fluid levels. In applications where high flow rates and efficient handling of liquids are required, centrifugal pumps are often preferred due to their ability to handle large volumes with relatively low energy consumption.

Conversely, positive displacement pumps function by trapping a fixed amount of fluid and pushing it through the system, meaning they do create a blockage between the intake and discharge sides. Similarly, diaphragm pumps and gear pumps also operate on principles that involve some form of positive displacement, making them fundamentally different from centrifugal pumps in this context.