1. What is Total Dynamic Head (TDH)?

Total Dynamic Head (TDH) is the total equivalent height that a fluid needs to be pumped, accounting for static head, friction losses, and velocity head. It's a crucial parameter in pump system design and selection.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the TDH equation:

Where:

• Static Head — Vertical distance between fluid surfaces in source and destination (meters)
• Friction Head Loss — Pressure loss due to friction in pipes and fittings (meters)
• Velocity Head — Energy due to fluid motion (V²/2g, where V is velocity and g is gravity) (meters)

Explanation: The equation sums all energy requirements needed to move fluid through a piping system.

3. Importance of TDH Calculation

Details: Accurate TDH calculation is essential for proper pump selection, ensuring the pump can provide enough pressure to overcome system resistance and deliver the required flow rate.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all values in meters. Static head is the elevation difference, friction loss can be calculated separately, and velocity head is typically small (often negligible for low-velocity systems).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Which component of TDH is usually most significant?
A: For most systems, static head and friction losses dominate, while velocity head is often negligible unless dealing with high-velocity flows.

Q2: How do I determine friction losses?
A: Friction losses can be calculated using the Darcy-Weisbach equation or Hazen-Williams equation based on pipe characteristics and flow rate.

Q3: What's a typical TDH range for residential water systems?
A: Typically 20-60 meters, depending on house height, distance from source, and pipe configuration.

Q4: Does TDH change with flow rate?
A: Yes, friction losses increase with flow rate, so TDH is higher at higher flow rates.

Q5: How does TDH relate to pump performance curves?
A: Pumps are selected so their performance curve intersects your system's TDH at the desired flow rate.