How does a fixed displacement pump differ from a variable displacement pump?

A fixed displacement pump indeed moves a constant amount of fluid per cycle, which is a fundamental characteristic that distinguishes it from variable displacement pumps. In a fixed displacement pump, the volume of fluid displaced with each rotation or cycle of the pump is predetermined and does not change regardless of the system's pressure or load requirements. This means that the flow rate from the pump remains consistent, which can be advantageous in applications requiring steady fluid delivery.

On the other hand, variable displacement pumps can adjust the volume of fluid moved per cycle based on the system demands, allowing for flexibility in flow rates depending on the operational requirements. This adaptability can lead to energy efficiency, especially in systems where demand fluctuates significantly.

While other options touch on aspects of pump performance or maintenance, they do not accurately capture the essence of how a fixed displacement pump operates compared to a variable displacement design.