Pumps use mechanical action to move liquids, gases, or slurries (solids suspended in a liquid or gas). The mechanical action is categorized as either positive displacement (PD) or kinetic. PD pumps capture and release discrete amounts of flow into a chamber and then force it out. Some examples of PD pumps are fuel and oil pumps in cars, pumps in hydraulic systems, and bicycle pumps. Kinetic pumps move liquids, gases, or slurries by transferring energy from the pump's movement to the flow. They use an impeller to draw the flow in, add energy to the flow, and move it through a volute (a spiral funnel through which the flow moves), and into the system.  Some examples of kinetic pumps include centrifugal (the most common pump in industrial applications), in-line pumps, sump pumps, and suction pumps. Energy sources for all types of pumps include wind power, manual operation, electricity, and gasoline or diesel fuel.

Procon manufactures pumps for clean liquid transfer applications. The company, founded in 1950, is headquartered in Smyrna, TN.