Fuel pumps are classified as what type?

Fuel pumps are classified as positive displacement pumps because they operate by trapping a fixed amount of fuel and then forcing it into the fuel line, creating pressure necessary for fuel delivery to the burner. In positive displacement pumps, the mechanism physically moves the fuel by reducing the volume of the chamber that it occupies, ensuring a consistent flow rate regardless of system pressure, as long as it's within the pump's operational range.

This type of pump is particularly effective for applications requiring precise fuel delivery and is commonly found in various boiler systems. The design and operation principles of positive displacement pumps make them suitable for handling varying viscosities and pressures, providing reliable performance in heating systems where consistent fuel supply is critical.

Other types of pumps, such as centrifugal pumps, work on different principles that rely on rotational energy and are not considered positive displacement; they generate flow by converting rotational energy into kinetic energy, which moves the fluid, often less efficiently at varying pressures compared to positive displacement pumps.