1. What is Pump Head Calculation?

The pump head calculation determines the total head a centrifugal pump must generate to move fluid through a piping system. It accounts for pressure differences, elevation changes, and friction losses in the system.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the pump head equation:

Where:

• \( H \) — Total pump head (m)
• \( P_2 \) — Discharge pressure (Pa)
• \( P_1 \) — Suction pressure (Pa)
• \( \rho \) — Fluid density (kg/m³)
• \( g \) — Gravity (9.81 m/s²)
• \( Z_2 \) — Discharge elevation (m)
• \( Z_1 \) — Suction elevation (m)
• \( h_f \) — Friction loss (m)

Explanation: The equation combines pressure head, elevation head, and friction head to determine the total dynamic head the pump must overcome.

3. Importance of Pump Head Calculation

Details: Accurate pump head calculation is essential for proper pump selection, ensuring the pump can deliver the required flow rate against the system's total head.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all pressure values in Pascals, elevations in meters, and density in kg/m³. Ensure all values are positive and density is greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the typical range for pump head?
A: Pump heads vary widely depending on application, from a few meters for circulation pumps to hundreds of meters for high-pressure applications.

Q2: How do I account for fittings in friction loss?
A: Use equivalent length method or add up K-factors for all fittings when calculating total friction loss.

Q3: What if my system has multiple elevations?
A: Use the maximum elevation difference between suction and discharge points in your calculation.

Q4: How does viscosity affect the calculation?
A: Higher viscosity increases friction losses, which should be accounted for in the h_f value.

Q5: Can this be used for positive displacement pumps?
A: This equation is specific to centrifugal pumps. Positive displacement pumps require different calculations.