1. What is Hydraulic Pump Horsepower?

Hydraulic pump horsepower (HP) is the power required to drive a hydraulic pump to deliver a specific flow rate at a given pressure. It accounts for the pump's efficiency in converting mechanical power to hydraulic power.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the hydraulic horsepower formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM)
• \( P \) — Pressure in pounds per square inch (PSI)
• \( \eta \) — Pump efficiency (decimal between 0 and 1)
• 1714 — Conversion factor (PSI × GPM to HP)

Explanation: The formula calculates the theoretical power required and then divides by efficiency to account for energy losses in the pump.

3. Importance of HP Calculation

Details: Proper HP calculation ensures you select a motor with adequate power to drive the pump at required flow and pressure, preventing underpowering (which causes poor performance) or overpowering (which wastes energy).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Enter flow rate in GPM (gallons per minute)
• Enter pressure in PSI (pounds per square inch)
• Efficiency is typically 0.85-0.95 for gear pumps, 0.90-0.98 for piston pumps
• All values must be positive numbers

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is 1714 used in the formula?
A: 1714 is the conversion factor that accounts for units (1 HP = 1714 PSI × GPM) based on the definition of horsepower.

Q2: What's a typical efficiency value?
A: Gear pumps: 85-90%, Vane pumps: 85-90%, Piston pumps: 90-95%. Always check manufacturer specifications.

Q3: How does viscosity affect HP requirements?
A: Higher viscosity fluids require more HP due to increased friction losses. The calculator assumes normal hydraulic oil viscosity.

Q4: Should I add a safety factor?
A: Yes, it's common to add 10-20% to the calculated HP to account for system losses and future demands.

Q5: Can this be used for other fluids?
A: The formula works for any fluid, but efficiency may vary significantly with fluid properties like viscosity.