What is the purpose of a "gear pump"?

A gear pump is specifically designed to move viscous fluids and maintain consistent flow rates, making it essential in various industrial applications where steady fluid delivery is critical. The mechanism of a gear pump involves two or more interlocking gears that trap fluid in the spaces between them and move it through the pump, efficiently handling thicker fluids that would otherwise be challenging to pump.

This consistent flow rate is vital in processes where accurate dosing of fluids is required, ensuring that operations run smoothly and efficiently without interruptions that could be caused by fluctuations in fluid delivery. Gear pumps are especially common in hydraulic systems, lubrication systems, and processes that require the movement of high-viscosity substances like oils or syrups.

The other options do not align with the primary function of a gear pump. Cooling engine fluids does not specifically require a gear pump, measuring liquid levels involves different equipment, and generating steam is a function usually associated with boilers, not gear pumps. Hence, the correct answer emphasizes the unique advantages of gear pumps in handling viscous fluids with reliability.