1. What is Pump Horsepower Calculation?

The pump horsepower calculation determines the power required to move a specific flow rate of fluid against a given head pressure, accounting for the fluid's properties and pump efficiency. This is essential for selecting properly sized booster pumps in domestic water systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the pump horsepower formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Flow rate (gallons per minute, GPM)
• \( H \) — Total dynamic head (feet)
• \( SG \) — Specific gravity (1.0 for water)
• \( \eta \) — Pump efficiency (decimal, typically 0.6-0.85)
• 3960 — Conversion factor (foot-pounds per minute per horsepower)

Explanation: The formula calculates the power needed to move water against system resistance (head) at a specified flow rate, adjusted for pump efficiency.

3. Importance of Proper Pump Sizing

Details: Correct pump sizing ensures adequate water pressure and flow while preventing energy waste from oversized pumps or insufficient performance from undersized pumps.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter flow rate in GPM, total head in feet, specific gravity (1 for water), and pump efficiency (typically 0.6-0.85). 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 lift, friction loss, and pressure requirements.

Q2: How do I determine pump efficiency?
A: Manufacturer specifications typically provide efficiency curves. For estimation, use 0.7-0.85 for centrifugal pumps.

Q3: Should I add a safety factor?
A: Yes, it's common to add 10-20% to the calculated HP to account for system variations and future needs.

Q4: What if my fluid isn't water?
A: Use the specific gravity of your fluid (ratio of its density to water's density).

Q5: How does this differ for multi-stage pumps?
A: The basic formula remains the same, but head is calculated differently for multi-stage configurations.