1. What is Pump Power?

Pump power is the energy required to move a fluid through a system against resistance. It depends on fluid properties, flow rate, head (pressure), and pump efficiency. This calculation is essential for selecting appropriate pumps in engineering applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the pump power equation:

Where:

• \( P \) — Pump power (W)
• \( \rho \) — Fluid density (kg/m³)
• \( g \) — Gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s²)
• \( Q \) — Volumetric flow rate (m³/s)
• \( H \) — Head (m)
• \( \eta \) — Pump efficiency (0-1)

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

3. Importance of Pump Power Calculation

Details: Accurate pump power calculation ensures proper pump selection, prevents under/over-sizing, optimizes energy consumption, and reduces operational costs in fluid systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• For water at 20°C, use 1000 kg/m³ density
• Typical pump efficiency ranges from 0.7 to 0.9
• Convert flow rates to m³/s (1 m³/s = 60000 L/min)
• Head is the total dynamic head (pressure + elevation + friction losses)

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between kW and horsepower for pumps?
A: 1 kW ≈ 1.34 HP. Many pumps are rated in HP, so you may need to convert after calculation.

Q2: How does viscosity affect pump power?
A: Higher viscosity fluids require more power due to increased friction. The calculator assumes Newtonian fluids.

Q3: What's a typical efficiency for centrifugal pumps?
A: 60-80% for most centrifugal pumps, higher for larger, well-designed pumps.

Q4: How do I account for system losses?
A: Include all losses in your head calculation (pipe friction, fittings, elevation changes).

Q5: Can I use this for positive displacement pumps?
A: The basic principle applies, but PD pumps have different efficiency characteristics.