1. What is Pump kW Calculation?

Definition: This calculator determines the required pump power in kilowatts based on flow rate, head, fluid density, and pump efficiency.

Purpose: It helps engineers and technicians properly size pumps for various fluid transfer applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( P_e \) — Pump power (kW)
• \( Q \) — Flow rate (gallons per minute, GPM)
• \( H \) — Total head (feet, ft)
• \( \rho \) — Fluid density (pounds per gallon, lb/gal)
• \( \eta \) — Pump efficiency (decimal, 0-1)

Explanation: The formula calculates hydraulic power and converts it to kilowatts, accounting for pump efficiency.

3. Importance of Pump Power Calculation

Details: Accurate power calculation ensures proper pump selection, energy efficiency, and system reliability.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter flow rate in GPM, head in feet, fluid density (default 8.34 lb/gal for water), and pump efficiency (default 0.8). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the 0.746 factor in the formula?
A: This converts horsepower to kilowatts (1 HP = 0.746 kW).

Q2: What's a typical pump efficiency value?
A: Centrifugal pumps typically range from 0.5-0.9, with 0.7-0.8 being common for most applications.

Q3: How do I determine total head (H)?
A: Total head is the sum of static head, friction losses, and pressure differences in the system.

Q4: What density should I use for other fluids?
A: For different fluids, use their specific weight divided by 7.48 (gallons per cubic foot).

Q5: Should I add a safety factor?
A: Yes, it's common to add 10-20% to the calculated power for safety margin and future needs.