1. What is Booster Pump Sizing?

Booster pump sizing determines the required horsepower for a pump to move fluid at a specific flow rate against a given head pressure, accounting for fluid properties and pump efficiency.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the pump power formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM)
• \( H \) — Total dynamic head in feet (ft)
• \( SG \) — Specific gravity of fluid (1 for water)
• \( \eta \) — Pump efficiency (0-1, typically 0.7-0.9)
• 3960 — Conversion factor for units

Explanation: The equation calculates the theoretical power required to move fluid, then divides by pump efficiency to get actual required horsepower.

3. Importance of Proper Pump Sizing

Details: Correct pump sizing ensures efficient operation, prevents energy waste, avoids cavitation, and extends pump life. Oversized pumps waste energy while undersized pumps can't meet system demands.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter flow rate in GPM, head in feet, specific gravity (1 for water), and pump efficiency (typically 0.7-0.9). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is total dynamic head?
A: The total resistance the pump must overcome, including static head, friction loss, and pressure differences.

Q2: Why is efficiency important?
A: Pumps don't convert 100% of input power to fluid power. Typical efficiencies range from 50-90% depending on pump type and size.

Q3: What's the 3960 constant?
A: Conversion factor when using GPM, feet, and horsepower (1 HP = 3960 GPM·ft·lb/min).

Q4: How does specific gravity affect sizing?
A: Higher SG fluids require more power to pump. Water is 1.0, seawater ~1.03, oils ~0.8-0.9.

Q5: Should I add a safety factor?
A: Typically add 10-20% to calculated HP for safety margin and future capacity needs.