Which type of pump is primarily used for high viscosity fluids?

The gear pump is specifically designed to handle high viscosity fluids effectively. This type of pump operates using interlocking gears that move fluid through the pump housing. The mechanical action of the rotating gears creates a positive displacement effect, allowing for a steady flow of thick liquids.

High viscosity fluids can be difficult for other types of pumps to transport due to their resistance to movement; however, the gear pump's design helps overcome this by creating a constant flow without significant shearing action on the fluid. This makes gear pumps particularly well-suited for applications involving oils, syrups, and other heavy liquids.

In contrast, centrifugal pumps are best for low-viscosity fluids and can struggle with high-viscosity materials as the fluid may not be able to fill the impeller adequately. Diaphragm pumps can handle varying viscosities but are typically used for more precise metering and are less efficient for very high viscosity applications. Submersible pumps are mainly designed for pumping fluids from underwater and are not specialized for handling high viscosity fluids. Thus, the gear pump is the most appropriate choice for moving high viscosity fluids efficiently.