1. What is a Pump Pressure vs Flow Rate Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the hydraulic power required by a pump based on flow rate, head pressure, fluid density, and pump efficiency.

Purpose: It helps engineers and technicians properly size pumps for various fluid systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Pump power (horsepower)
• \( Q \) — Flow rate (gallons per minute)
• \( H \) — Head pressure (feet)
• \( \rho \) — Fluid density (pounds per gallon)
• \( \eta \) — Pump efficiency (dimensionless, 0-1)

Explanation: The formula relates the hydraulic power requirement to the flow rate and pressure head, adjusted for fluid properties and pump efficiency.

3. Importance of Pump Power Calculation

Details: Accurate power calculation ensures proper pump selection, energy efficiency, and system reliability.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter flow rate in GPM, head pressure in feet, fluid density (default 8.34 lb/gal for water), and pump efficiency (default 0.8). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the constant 3960 in the formula?
A: It's a conversion factor that combines unit conversions to give the result in horsepower.

Q2: What's a typical pump efficiency value?
A: Centrifugal pumps typically range from 0.7-0.9 (70-90% efficient), while positive displacement pumps can be 0.85-0.95.

Q3: How does fluid density affect the calculation?
A: Denser fluids require more power to pump at the same flow rate and head pressure.

Q4: What if I need the result in kW instead of HP?
A: Multiply the HP result by 0.7457 to convert to kilowatts.

Q5: Does this include motor efficiency?
A: No, this calculates hydraulic power. For electrical input power, divide by motor efficiency.