1. What is Pump Head to PSI Conversion?

The pump head to PSI conversion calculates the pressure generated by a pump based on the height of the fluid column (head) it can produce. This is essential for understanding pump performance in pressure terms.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( PSI \) — Pressure in pounds per square inch
• \( H \) — Pump head in feet
• \( 0.433 \) — Conversion factor for water (psi/ft)

Explanation: The factor 0.433 psi/ft comes from the specific weight of water at standard conditions (62.4 lb/ft³ converted to psi per foot of head).

3. Importance of Head to PSI Conversion

Details: Understanding both head and pressure is crucial for pump selection, system design, and troubleshooting. While head is independent of fluid density, pressure varies with fluid properties.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the pump head in feet (the height water would be lifted if there were no friction losses) to get the equivalent pressure in PSI for water.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does this work for fluids other than water?
A: No, the 0.433 factor is specific to water. For other fluids, multiply by (specific gravity × 0.433).

Q2: What's the difference between head and pressure?
A: Head is energy per unit weight (feet), while pressure is force per unit area (psi). Head is fluid-independent, while pressure depends on fluid density.

Q3: Why is head used instead of pressure for pumps?
A: Pump performance (head vs. flow) is independent of fluid density, making head more universal for comparing pumps.

Q4: What's a typical head for residential water pumps?
A: Most residential pumps produce 30-60 feet of head (13-26 psi).

Q5: How does elevation affect this conversion?
A: The conversion factor remains valid, but atmospheric pressure decreases with elevation, affecting net pressure calculations.