What is a positive displacement pump used to supply the engine with a large volume of low-pressure air?

• A. Blower (Also supercharger)
• B. Roots Blower
• C. Air Cleaner
• D. Air Silencer

Answer: (A)

A positive displacement device moves a fixed amount of air with each cycle, so it can deliver a large volume of air to the engine even at relatively low boost pressure. A blower, commonly called a supercharger, is exactly this kind of pump used to force more air into the intake for increased engine power. It provides a high air flow to the engine without requiring the high pressures a turbocharger might use, which matches the description of supplying a large volume of air at low pressure. A Roots blower is a specific type of blower, but the general term that fits best for this description is the blower. Air cleaner and air silencer don’t supply air to the engine; they either filter the air or quiet the intake, respectively.