1. What is Pump Head Calculation?

Definition: Pump head is the height to which a pump can raise a fluid, calculated using Bernoulli's equation that accounts for velocity, elevation, and pressure energy.

Purpose: This calculation is essential for designing pumping systems, selecting appropriate pumps, and ensuring proper fluid flow in pipelines.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses Bernoulli's equation:

Where:

• \( h \) — Total pump head (meters)
• \( v \) — Fluid velocity (meters/second)
• \( g \) — Gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s²)
• \( z \) — Elevation head (meters)
• \( P \) — Pressure (Pascals)
• \( \rho \) — Fluid density (kg/m³)

Explanation: The equation sums three components: velocity head (kinetic energy), elevation head (potential energy), and pressure head.

3. Importance of Pump Head Calculation

Details: Accurate pump head calculation ensures proper pump selection, prevents cavitation, and maintains desired flow rates in piping systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter fluid velocity, elevation difference, pressure, and fluid density (default 1000 kg/m³ for water). All values must be ≥ 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the typical density for water?
A: Pure water at 4°C has a density of 1000 kg/m³. For other fluids, consult density tables.

Q2: How do I measure fluid velocity?
A: Velocity can be calculated from flow rate (Q) and pipe diameter: \( v = Q/A \), where A is cross-sectional area.

Q3: What units should I use for pressure?
A: The calculator uses Pascals (Pa). 1 bar = 100,000 Pa, 1 psi ≈ 6895 Pa.

Q4: Does this include friction losses?
A: No, this is the theoretical head. For practical applications, add friction losses from pipe roughness and fittings.

Q5: Why is gravitational acceleration constant?
A: Standard gravity (9.81 m/s²) is used for most engineering calculations unless extreme precision is needed.