pompë

Pompë is a mechanical device that moves liquids or gases by creating pressure differences. It works by drawing fluid into a chamber and then expelling it through a discharge path, or by accelerating the fluid with rotating blades, pistons, or diaphragms. Pumps are used to transport, raise, or circulate fluids in a wide range of systems.

Pumps are classified by the mechanism that moves the fluid. Positive-displacement pumps trap a fixed volume and push it out, producing high pressure at low flow. Examples include piston, diaphragm, gear, and vane pumps. Dynamic pumps, such as centrifugal, axial, and mixed-flow types, impart velocity to the fluid with impellers, and rely on fluid momentum to achieve flow. Most pumps include an inlet and outlet, with one or more check valves to prevent backflow. The energy source may be manual, electric, petrol/diesel engines, or hydraulic power.

Etymology and history: The Albanian word pompë is a loanword from Western European languages, likely from Italian pompa or French pompe, adapted to Albanian phonology. Pumps have ancient origins, with devices such as the Archimedes screw for lifting water and early piston and treadle pumps. The modern era saw rapid development of centrifugal and other dynamic pumps for industrial, agricultural, and domestic use.

Applications: Pumps are essential for water supply and sanitation, irrigation, heating and cooling systems, fuel and chemical processing, and laboratory instrumentation. Selection considerations include flow rate, head (pressure), efficiency, viscosity of the fluid, and operating conditions.