Pump vs Compressor: Major differences between a Pump and a Compressor

Pumps and Compressors are widely used hydraulic machines in chemical, Oil & Gas, refinery, petrochemical industries. Both of them even find applications in domestic usage. Both Pump and Compressors are machines that increase the pressure from its inlet side to the discharge side. Because of this, sometimes a pump and compressor are used interchangeably. But there are a few distinct differences. In this article, we will explore more about those differences between Pump and Compressor i.e Pump vs Compressor.

Pump vs Compressor: Flowing Media

Pumps are best suited for incompressible fluids like water, oil, etc. However, they can operate on gases, or mixed fluid mediums as well. But Compressors operate only for a compressible medium like air, gas, vapor, etc.

Pump vs Compressor: Working Principle

A pump forces fluid from one place to another by increasing its pressure. The mechanical energy from the pump engine is transferred kinetic energy to the flowing fluid which subsequently increases the pressure energy. On the other hand, a compressor reduces the volume of gases while increasing the pressure and the mechanical energy is stored in the gas as potential energy.

The main objective of a pump is fluid transfer whereas the main objective of a compressor is fluid compression. As pumps mostly work for liquids there is no density and volume change. But for compressors density increases and volume decreases.

Pump vs Compressor: Storage

Pumps do not have any storage facilities. It only takes the fluid from the suction pipe and discharges it into the outlet pipe. Compressors normally have storage facilities attached to them. So, it can store compressed gases and deliver when required.

Pump vs Compressor: Cost

Pumps are economic whereas Compressors are costlier than pumps.

Pump vs Compressor: Cavitation

Cavitation is the characteristics of pumps and can cause pump failure. Compressors do not exhibit a cavitation phenomenon.

Pump vs Compressor: Complexity of Design Structure

Industrial Pumps are relatively simple in design as compared to Industrial Compressors. In most cases, Industrial Compressors consume more workspace and are considered more critical as compared to pumps. Compressors have more vibrating tendency as compared to pumps.

Pump vs Compressors: Temperature Change

During compression of air or gas in a compressor, heat is generated and temperature of the flowing media increases as compared to inlet temperature. But in pumps such changes are not significant.

Pump vs Compressors: Applications

Domestic Pumps are found at washing machines, cars, ships, airplanes, etc. Industrial pumps are found in every chemical, water, power industry. They are also used as irrigation pumps, mining pumps, etc. Compressors are often found in the refrigeration and air conditioning industries, processing industries, breweries, refineries, technical gas plants (O₂, N₂ bottles); in pneumatic tools and automatics: shipbuilding, construction, vehicles, etc.