1. What is the Pump Head Equation?

Definition: This calculator determines the pump head (pressure) based on horsepower, flow rate, fluid density, and pump efficiency.

Purpose: It helps engineers and technicians size pumps and understand system requirements for fluid transport.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( H \) — Pump head (feet)
• \( HP \) — Horsepower
• \( \eta \) — Pump efficiency factor (0-1)
• \( Q \) — Flow rate (gallons per minute)
• \( \rho \) — Fluid density (pounds per gallon)

Explanation: The formula converts horsepower to hydraulic power, accounting for pump efficiency and fluid properties.

3. Importance of Pump Head Calculation

Details: Accurate pump head calculation ensures proper pump selection, system performance, and energy efficiency.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the pump horsepower (default 1), efficiency factor (default 0.85), flow rate in GPM, and fluid density (default 8.34 lb/gal for water). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the constant 3960 in the equation?
A: This is the conversion factor that relates horsepower, flow rate, and head (1 HP = 3960 GPM·ft·lb/gal).

Q2: What's a typical pump efficiency value?
A: Centrifugal pumps typically range from 0.7-0.9 (70-90% efficient), while positive displacement pumps can reach 0.9-0.95.

Q3: How does density affect pump head?
A: Higher density fluids require more power to achieve the same head (pressure), as shown in the inverse relationship in the formula.

Q4: What units should I use for accurate results?
A: The formula requires horsepower (HP), GPM for flow, lb/gal for density, and outputs head in feet.

Q5: Can I use this for viscous fluids?
A: This basic formula works best for low-viscosity fluids. For viscous fluids, additional correction factors are needed.