Calculate Discharge Pressure From Pump Head

Discharge Pressure Formula:

\[ P_{discharge} = \rho g h + P_{suction} \]

Density (ρ):

kg/m³

Gravity (g):

m/s²

Head (h):

Suction Pressure (P_suction):

Discharge Pressure (P_discharge):

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1. What Is Discharge Pressure?

Discharge pressure is the pressure at the outlet of a pump, calculated from the pump head and suction pressure. It represents the total pressure that the pump delivers to the system, accounting for both the static head and the inlet pressure conditions.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the discharge pressure formula:

\[ P_{discharge} = \rho g h + P_{suction} \]

Where:

\( P_{discharge} \) — Discharge pressure at pump outlet (Pa)
\( \rho \) — Fluid density (kg/m³)
\( g \) — Gravitational acceleration (m/s²)
\( h \) — Pump head (m)
\( P_{suction} \) — Suction pressure at pump inlet (Pa)

Explanation: This equation calculates the total pressure at the pump discharge by adding the pressure generated by the pump head to the existing suction pressure.

3. Importance Of Discharge Pressure Calculation

Details: Accurate discharge pressure calculation is essential for proper pump selection, system design, and ensuring that the pump can overcome system resistance while delivering the required flow rate.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter fluid density in kg/m³, gravitational acceleration in m/s² (standard is 9.81 m/s²), pump head in meters, and suction pressure in Pascals. All values must be positive or zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between pump head and discharge pressure?
A: Pump head represents the energy imparted to the fluid (in meters of fluid column), while discharge pressure is the actual pressure at the pump outlet (in Pascals or other pressure units).

Q2: Why is suction pressure included in the calculation?
A: Suction pressure represents the pressure already present at the pump inlet, which contributes to the total discharge pressure delivered by the pump.

Q3: What are typical units for discharge pressure?
A: Common units include Pascals (Pa), bars, psi, or meters of water column, depending on the application and regional standards.

Q4: How does fluid density affect discharge pressure?
A: Higher density fluids require more pressure to achieve the same head, as pressure is directly proportional to density in this equation.

Q5: When is this calculation most important?
A: This calculation is critical during pump sizing, system design, troubleshooting pump performance issues, and ensuring system pressure requirements are met.