1. What is Pump Head?

Pump head is a measurement of the height a pump can raise a liquid column, expressed in feet or meters. It represents the energy imparted to the liquid by the pump, accounting for pressure, elevation, and friction losses.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the head formula:

Where:

• \( Pressure \) — Pump pressure in psi
• \( 2.31 \) — Conversion factor from psi to feet of water
• \( Specific\ Gravity \) — Ratio of fluid density to water density (unitless)

Explanation: The formula converts pressure to equivalent height, adjusted 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 adequate flow rates in piping systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter pressure in psi and specific gravity (1.0 for water). Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is specific gravity important?
A: Specific gravity accounts for fluid density differences compared to water, affecting the height the pump can achieve.

Q2: What's the 2.31 conversion factor?
A: It converts psi to feet of water head (1 psi = 2.31 feet of water column at 60°F).

Q3: How does head differ from pressure?
A: Head is independent of fluid density, while pressure is density-dependent. Head allows comparison across different fluids.

Q4: What are typical head values?
A: Varies by pump type - from 20-50 feet for circulators to several hundred feet for multistage pumps.

Q5: Does elevation affect head calculation?
A: This basic formula doesn't account for elevation changes - system head calculations should include elevation differences.