Pump Discharge Pressure Head Calculation

Head Equation:

\[ Head = (P_{discharge} - P_{suction}) \times \frac{2.31}{SG} \]

Discharge Pressure (P_discharge):

psi

Suction Pressure (P_suction):

psi

Specific Gravity (SG):

dimensionless

Head (H):

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1. What Is Pump Discharge Pressure Head?

Pump discharge pressure head represents the energy imparted to a fluid by a pump, expressed in feet of fluid. It's a crucial parameter in pump selection and system design, indicating the pump's ability to overcome system resistance.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the head equation:

\[ Head = (P_{discharge} - P_{suction}) \times \frac{2.31}{SG} \]

Where:

\( P_{discharge} \) — Discharge pressure (psi)
\( P_{suction} \) — Suction pressure (psi)
\( SG \) — Specific gravity (dimensionless)
2.31 — Conversion factor from psi to feet of water

Explanation: The equation converts the pressure difference between discharge and suction into equivalent feet of fluid, accounting for the fluid's specific gravity.

3. Importance Of Head Calculation

Details: Accurate head calculation is essential for proper pump selection, system design, and ensuring pumps operate within their optimal efficiency range while meeting system requirements.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter discharge and suction pressures in psi, and specific gravity (SG must be greater than 0). All values must be valid numerical inputs.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is specific gravity important in head calculation?
A: Specific gravity accounts for the density of the fluid being pumped. Heavier fluids (SG > 1) require more energy to pump than water, resulting in lower head for the same pressure difference.

Q2: What are typical head values for centrifugal pumps?
A: Head values vary widely based on pump type and size, ranging from 10-100 feet for low-head applications to over 1000 feet for high-pressure systems.

Q3: When should suction pressure be measured?
A: Suction pressure should be measured at the pump inlet under normal operating conditions to account for system losses and ensure proper net positive suction head (NPSH).

Q4: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: This calculation assumes incompressible fluid flow and doesn't account for velocity head differences or elevation changes between measurement points.

Q5: How does head relate to pump performance curves?
A: Head is a primary parameter on pump curves, showing the relationship between flow rate and head that a pump can generate at various operating points.