Pump vs. Turbine: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 30, 2024
A pump is a device that moves fluids or gases by mechanical action, whereas a turbine converts fluid flow into rotational energy.
Key Differences
Pumps and turbines both interact with fluids, but in opposite manners. A pump uses mechanical energy to move fluids or gases, typically from a low-pressure area to a higher-pressure area. Turbines, on the other hand, harness energy from moving fluids, such as water or air, converting this kinetic energy into mechanical energy, typically for generating electricity.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
The core difference lies in energy conversion. Pumps consume electrical or mechanical energy to increase the potential or kinetic energy of a fluid. In contrast, turbines convert the kinetic or potential energy of a fluid into mechanical energy. This mechanical energy is often used to drive generators for electricity production.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
Pumps operate by exerting force on the fluid, either by physically lifting or by pressurizing it. Common types include centrifugal and positive displacement pumps. Turbines extract energy from fluid flows; the fluid's pressure and movement cause the turbine's blades to rotate, generating rotational energy. Types of turbines include steam, gas, and hydro turbines.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
Pumps are integral in applications like water supply, in HVAC systems for circulating water, and in industrial processes where fluid transfer is required. Turbines are central to energy generation, such as in hydroelectric dams, wind turbines, and steam turbines in thermal power plants.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
The design of pumps focuses on maximizing flow and pressure while minimizing energy consumption. Turbine design, however, aims to extract the maximum possible energy from the fluid flow. Efficiency is a key factor in both, but it's measured differently: in pumps, it's about how effectively they move fluid against resistance; in turbines, it's about how efficiently they convert fluid energy into mechanical energy.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Energy Role
Consumes energy to move fluid
Produces energy from fluid movement
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Jan 30, 2024
Operation
Increases fluid pressure or height
Harnesses energy from fluid pressure
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Jan 30, 2024
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Pump and Turbine Definitions
Pump
A pump is a mechanical device that moves fluid or gas.
The water pump ensures constant water flow in the aquarium.
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Jan 03, 2024
Turbine
A turbine converts fluid motion into mechanical energy.
The wind turbine generates electricity as the wind turns its blades.
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Jan 03, 2024
Pump
A pump creates pressure differences to move fluids.
The hydraulic pump operates the machinery by manipulating fluid pressure.
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Jan 03, 2024
Turbine
A turbine uses fluid flow to produce rotation.
The gas turbine in the power plant spins rapidly to generate electricity.
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Jan 03, 2024
Pump
A pump facilitates fluid circulation in systems.
The heart acts as a biological pump, circulating blood throughout the body.
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Jan 03, 2024
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Turbine
A turbine harnesses energy from moving fluids.
The hydroelectric turbine produces power using the river's current.
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Jan 03, 2024
Turbine
A turbine transforms fluid energy into mechanical work.
The steam turbine efficiently converts steam pressure into rotational force.
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Jan 03, 2024
Pump
(Physiology)A molecular mechanism for the active transport of ions or molecules across a cell membrane.
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Jan 02, 2024
Turbine
A turbine is an energy-converting device using fluids.
The jet engine's turbine turns high-speed air into thrust.
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Jan 03, 2024
Pump
(Physics)Electromagnetic radiation used to raise atoms or molecules to a higher energy level.
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Jan 02, 2024
Turbine
Any of various machines in which the kinetic energy of a moving fluid is converted to mechanical power by the impulse or reaction of the fluid with a series of buckets, paddles, or blades arrayed about the circumference of a wheel or cylinder.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Turbine
Any of various rotary machines that use the kinetic energy of a continuous stream of fluid (a liquid or a gas) to turn a shaft.
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Jan 02, 2024
Pump
(Informal)The place where consumers purchase gasoline. Used with the:gas prices rising at the pump.
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Jan 02, 2024
Turbine
A water wheel, commonly horizontal, variously constructed, but usually having a series of curved floats or buckets, against which the water acts by its impulse or reaction in flowing either outward from a central chamber, inward from an external casing, or from above downward, etc.; - also called turbine wheel.
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Jan 02, 2024
Pump
A shoe that has a closed back and is cut low around the toes, usually with heels and no fastenings.
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Jan 02, 2024
Turbine
A type of rotary engine with a set of rotating vanes, diagonally inclined and often curved, attached to a central spindle, and obtaining its motive force from the passage of a fluid, as water, steam, combusted gases, or air, over the vanes. Water turbines are frequently used for generating power at hydroelectric power stations, and steam turbines are used for generating power from coal- or oil-fired electric power stations. Turbines are also found in jet engines, and in some automobile engines.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Pump
To cause to flow by means of a pump or pumplike organ or device:Derricks pumped oil out of the ground. The heart pumps blood throughout the body.
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Jan 02, 2024
Turbine
Rotary engine in which the kinetic energy of a moving fluid is converted into mechanical energy by causing a bladed rotor to rotate
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Jan 02, 2024
Pump
To draw, deliver, or pour forth:a writer who pumped out a new novel every year.
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Jan 02, 2024
Pump
To cause to move with an up-and-down or back-and-forth motion:a bicyclist pumping the pedals; a piston pumping a shaft.
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Jan 02, 2024
Pump
To push or pull (a brake or lever, for instance) rapidly:a driver pumping the brakes.
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Jan 02, 2024
Pump
To shoot (bullets, for example) at or into:a gunner pumping rounds at a target.
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Jan 02, 2024
Pump
(Physics)To raise (atoms or molecules) to a higher energy level by exposing them to electromagnetic radiation at a resonant frequency.
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Jan 02, 2024
Pump
(Physiology)To transport (ions or molecules) against a concentration gradient by the expenditure of chemically stored energy.
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Jan 02, 2024
Pump
To question closely or persistently:pump a witness for secret information.
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Jan 02, 2024
Pump
(Informal)To promote or publicize vigorously:The company pumped its new product on its website.
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Jan 02, 2024
Pump
To move up and down or back and forth in a vigorous manner:My legs were pumping as I ran up the stairs.
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Jan 02, 2024
Pump
(Sports)To fake a throw, pass, or shot by moving the arm or arms without releasing the ball.
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Jan 02, 2024
Pump
A device for moving or compressing a liquid or gas.
This pump can deliver 100 gallons of water per minute.
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Jan 02, 2024
Pump
An instance of the action of a pump; one stroke of a pump; any action similar to pumping
It takes thirty pumps to get 10 litres; he did 50 pumps of the weights.
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Jan 02, 2024
Pump
A device for dispensing liquid or gas to be sold, particularly fuel.
This pump is out of order, but you can gas up at the next one.
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Jan 02, 2024
Pump
A swelling of the muscles caused by increased blood flow following high intensity weightlifting.
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Jan 02, 2024
Pump
(colloquial) A ride on a bicycle given to a passenger, usually on the handlebars or fender.
She gave the other girl a pump on her new bike.
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Jan 02, 2024
Pump
(British) A low-top shoe with a rubber sole and a canvas upper; a low-top canvas sneaker.
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Jan 02, 2024
Pump
A type of women's shoe which leaves the instep uncovered and has a relatively high heel, especially a stiletto (with a very high and thin heel)
She was wearing a lovely new pair of pumps.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Pump
To use a pump; to move (water or other liquid) by means of a pump.
I've been pumping for over a minute but the water isn't coming through.
I've pumped over 1000 gallons of water in the last ten minutes.
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Jan 02, 2024
Pump
(obsolete) To put (a person or part of the body) under a stream of water from a pump, as a punishment or as a form of medical treatment; to force a pump of water upon or on someone.
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Jan 02, 2024
Pump
(transitive) To gain information from (a person) by persistent questioning.
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Jan 02, 2024
Pump
To fill with air by means of a pump; to inflate.
He pumped up the air-bed by hand, but used the service station air to pump up the tyres.
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Jan 02, 2024
Pump
(transitive) To move rhythmically, as the motion of a pump.
I pumped my fist with joy when I won the race.
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Jan 02, 2024
Pump
(bodybuilding) To enlarge the body by means of weightlifting or steroid use.
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Jan 02, 2024
Pump
Of music: to be loud, to have strong bass and rhythms; by extension to be full of energy.
The waves were really pumping this morning.
Last night's party was really pumping.
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Jan 02, 2024
Pump
(computing) To pass (messages) into a program so that it can obey them.
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Jan 02, 2024
Pump
(colloquial) To inject silicone into the body in order to try to achieve a fuller or curvier look.
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Jan 02, 2024
Pump
An hydraulic machine, variously constructed, for raising or transferring fluids, consisting essentially of a moving piece or piston working in a hollow cylinder or other cavity, with valves properly placed for admitting or retaining the fluid as it is drawn or driven through them by the action of the piston.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Pump
To draw water, or the like, from; to from water by means of a pump; as, they pumped the well dry; to pump a ship.
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Jan 02, 2024
Pump
Figuratively, to draw out or obtain, as secrets or money, by persistent questioning or plying; to question or ply persistently in order to elicit something, as information, money, etc.
But pump not me for politics.
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Jan 02, 2024
Pump
The hollow muscular organ located behind the sternum and between the lungs; its rhythmic contractions pump blood through the body;
He stood still, his heart thumping wildly
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Jan 02, 2024
Pump
A pump increases a fluid's pressure to move it.
The irrigation system's pump brings water from the river to the fields.
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Jan 03, 2024
Pump
A pump converts mechanical energy into fluid flow.
The heat pump transfers warmth from the outside air to heat the house.
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Jan 03, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is the primary purpose of a pump?
To move fluids or gases by increasing their pressure.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
Are turbines used in power plants?
Yes, turbines are key components in generating electricity in power plants.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
Can pumps generate electricity?
No, pumps use energy to move fluids, not generate it.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
How does a turbine work?
It converts the kinetic energy of fluids into mechanical energy.
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Jan 30, 2024
What's a common application of pumps?
Water circulation in heating and cooling systems.
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Jan 30, 2024
Is turbine efficiency important?
Yes, it determines how effectively a turbine converts fluid energy into mechanical energy.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
What are positive displacement pumps?
They move fluid by trapping a fixed amount and forcing it through the pump.
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Jan 30, 2024
Can turbines be used in transportation?
Yes, gas turbines are used in aircraft and ships.
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Jan 30, 2024
Do turbines only work with water?
No, turbines can use wind, steam, water, or gas.
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Jan 30, 2024
Do turbines produce direct current (DC)?
No, they typically produce alternating current (AC), which can be converted to DC.
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Jan 30, 2024
Are there environmental concerns with turbines?
Yes, especially with respect to the impact on wildlife and noise pollution.
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Jan 30, 2024
What makes a turbine efficient?
Efficient blade design and optimal fluid flow management.
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Jan 30, 2024
What is a key consideration in pump selection?
The type of fluid and the required flow rate and pressure.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
Can pumps operate with gases?
Yes, there are pumps designed for both liquids and gases.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
Are there different types of pumps?
Yes, including centrifugal, submersible, and diaphragm pumps.
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Jan 30, 2024
What's a centrifugal pump?
A pump that moves fluid by transferring rotational energy from one or more rotors.
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Jan 30, 2024
Can pumps be used in energy generation?
Indirectly, as in pumped-storage hydroelectricity where they move water to a higher elevation.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
Do pumps require a lot of maintenance?
It depends on the type and usage, but regular maintenance is important for efficiency and longevity.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
How long can turbines last?
With proper maintenance, turbines can operate efficiently for decades.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
Are windmills a type of turbine?
Yes, windmills are turbines that convert wind energy into rotational energy.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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