What device is primarily used to move fluid from one location to another?

The primary device used to move fluid from one location to another is a pump. Pumps are mechanical devices specifically designed to transfer liquids or slurries, utilizing mechanical energy to create flow and pressure. They can function in various applications, from supplying water to systems, moving chemicals in processing plants, to recirculating fluids in hydraulic systems.

Valves, while essential for controlling the flow and direction of fluids within a system, do not actively move fluids; rather, they manage their passage or block them as necessary. Pipes serve as the passageways for fluids but do not themselves facilitate movement; they simply convey the fluid. Compressors, on the other hand, are primarily used for gases, increasing their pressure and moving them between locations, which is different from the action of pumps in handling liquids. Therefore, when considering the device whose main purpose is to actively transport fluids, a pump is the definitive choice.