The main difference between pump and compressor is that the pump is used to increase kinetic energy of fluid which further increases the elevation or pressure energy of it. It moves the fluid from one place to another. But the compressor is mostly used to increase the potential energy (pressure energy) of fluid by pressuring it into a container. It is used to compress the fluid which increases its density and pressure. There are many other differences which are described below.
Difference between pump and compressor:
| S. No. | Pump | Compressor |
| 1. | It is used to move the fluid from one place to another at any height. | It is used to increase pressure or potential energy of fluid. It increases density of fluid. |
| 2. | It increase pressure of fluid by move it at higher height. | It increases pressure of fluid by compressing it. |
| 3. | There is no change volume from inlet to outlet of pump. | There is change in volume from inlet to outlet from the compressor. |
| 4. | It is used to transport liquid like water, oil etc. | It is used to transport gases. |
| 5. | The may or may not change in pressure of fluid. | There must be change in pressure of fluid. |
| 6. | It is mostly used to increase energy of incompressible fluid. | It is mostly used to increase energy of compressible fluid. |
| 7. | It does not have storage. It only sucks the fluid from one side and forced it out from other side. | It has storage capacity. It can store gases and deliver it when required. |
Today I have point out main difference between pump and compressor. If I forgot something, kindly inform me through comment.
