1. What is the Booster Pump Power Equation?

The pump power equation calculates the required horsepower for a water booster pump based on flow rate, head pressure, fluid properties, and pump efficiency. It's essential for proper system design and energy efficiency.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the pump power equation:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Flow rate (gallons per minute, GPM)
• \( H \) — Total dynamic head (feet, ft)
• \( SG \) — Specific gravity (1.0 for water)
• \( \eta \) — Pump efficiency (decimal, typically 0.7-0.9)
• 3960 — Conversion factor (ft-lb/min per HP)

Explanation: The equation calculates the power needed to move a specific flow rate against a given head pressure, accounting for fluid density and pump efficiency.

3. Importance of Proper Pump Sizing

Details: Correct pump sizing ensures adequate water pressure, minimizes energy consumption, prevents cavitation, and extends pump life. Oversized pumps waste energy while undersized pumps can't meet demand.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Measure flow rate based on peak demand
• Calculate total head including static lift, friction losses, and pressure requirements
• Use specific gravity of 1.0 for pure water
• Typical pump efficiency ranges from 70-90% (0.7-0.9)

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is total dynamic head?
A: The sum of static head (vertical distance), friction losses, and pressure requirements at the discharge point.

Q2: How do I determine flow rate?
A: Calculate based on fixture units or peak demand. For residential, typical flow rates range from 5-15 GPM.

Q3: What if my fluid isn't water?
A: Adjust specific gravity (SG) - for example, seawater is about 1.03, glycol mixtures may be 1.1-1.2.

Q4: Should I add a safety factor?
A: It's common to add 10-20% to the calculated HP for safety margins and future expansion.

Q5: How does elevation affect pump sizing?
A: Higher elevations reduce atmospheric pressure, which may require larger pumps for suction applications.