A pump is a mechanical device that transfers rotational energy to liquid to move it from one place to another. There are two main types of pumps: dynamic and positive displacement. A reciprocating pump is a type of positive displacement pump that uses a piston or plunger to trap and move liquid. A rotary pump also positively displaces liquid but does so continuously rather than reciprocating. A centrifugal pump is a type of dynamic pump that uses a rotating impeller to accelerate liquid and convert kinetic energy to pressure energy to move the liquid.