1. What is the Pump Power Equation?

The pump power equation calculates the required power to move a fluid through a system, taking into account the fluid properties, flow rate, head, and pump efficiency.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the pump power equation:

Where:

• \( P \) — Power (W)
• \( \rho \) — Fluid density (kg/m³)
• \( g \) — Gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s²)
• \( Q \) — Volumetric flow rate (m³/s)
• \( H \) — Head (m)
• \( \eta \) — Pump efficiency (0 to 1)

Explanation: The equation calculates the power required to move a given volume of fluid against gravity and system resistance, adjusted for pump efficiency.

3. Importance of Pump Power Calculation

Details: Accurate power calculation is crucial for selecting properly sized pumps, estimating energy costs, and designing efficient fluid transport systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter fluid density in kg/m³ (water ≈ 1000 kg/m³), flow rate in m³/s, head in meters, and pump efficiency as a decimal (0.85 for 85%). All values must be positive.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is typical pump efficiency?
A: Centrifugal pumps typically range from 40-85% efficiency, with higher efficiency in larger, well-designed pumps.

Q2: How does viscosity affect power requirements?
A: Higher viscosity fluids require more power, but this equation assumes Newtonian fluids. For viscous fluids, additional calculations are needed.

Q3: What is "head" in pump calculations?
A: Head represents the height a pump can lift the fluid, accounting for both elevation and pressure differences in the system.

Q4: How do I convert flow rate from L/s to m³/s?
A: Divide liters per second by 1000 (1 L/s = 0.001 m³/s).

Q5: What safety factor should I add?
A: Engineers often add 10-20% to calculated power for safety margins and future system changes.