What type of output does a positive displacement pump provide regardless of discharge head?

A positive displacement pump provides a constant output because it moves a fixed volume of fluid with each cycle of operation, regardless of the discharge head against which it is working. This type of pump operates by trapping a specific amount of fluid and then forcing it out into the discharge pipe with each stroke or rotation, which allows it to deliver a consistent flow rate.

When the discharge head increases, a positive displacement pump will adjust its pressure output to maintain that constant flow, ensuring that the same volume of fluid is delivered over equal time intervals. This consistent performance is particularly useful in applications where maintaining a specific flow rate is crucial, such as chemical dosing or metering operations.

In contrast, other types of pumps, such as centrifugal pumps, may experience variations in output depending on the discharge conditions, leading to different flow rates at varying heads. Thus, the constant output characteristic of a positive displacement pump is what truly differentiates it from other pumping technologies.