The pump world is buzzing about the recent news of ITT Corporation's decision to split the company into three distinct, publicly-traded companies.

One of civilization's earliest inventions, pump technology has not changed much through the years. Since 200 B.C., pumps have moved water and other viscous materials from Point A to Point B. No matter the consistency of the liquid—whether it's peanut butter or oil—there is a pump that can suck, push or lift it to its destination.

The massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is troubling and sad on many levels. The long-term environmental effects are unknown, but the current goal is to remove as much oil from the water as possible.