What is an important feature of gear pumps?

An important feature of gear pumps is that they are positive displacement pumps. This means that gear pumps move a fixed volume of fluid with each revolution of the gears. The mechanism relies on the gears' rotation to draw fluid into the pump and then push it out, eliminating any slippage that might occur in other types of pumps. The positive displacement action ensures a consistent flow rate regardless of the pressure in the system, which is a key advantage in many applications, including those requiring precise fluid delivery. This characteristic makes gear pumps suitable for tasks where maintaining a steady and predictable flow is essential, particularly in industrial and aquatic settings.

The other choices also contain relevant information about gear pumps but do not highlight this crucial aspect. While some applications may favor diaphragm pumps or utilize gear pumps more, the defining feature is the positive displacement mechanism that underlies their operation, allowing them to function effectively across various pressure conditions.