Pump Curve Calculator
What is Pump Curve?
A pump curve is a graphical representation of the relationship between the flow rate and the head (or pressure) of a pump. It is a useful tool for understanding the performance characteristics of a pump and for selecting the appropriate pump for a specific application.
Pump Curve Calculation Formula
To calculate a pump curve, you will need to measure the flow rate and head of the pump at a range of different operating points. The flow rate can typically be measured using a flow meter, and the head can be calculated using the following formula:
Head (ft) = (Pump Discharge Pressure – Suction Pressure) / (Specific Gravity x 0.433)
Where:
- Pump Discharge Pressure is the pressure at the discharge of the pump (in pounds per square inch, or psi)
- Suction Pressure is the pressure at the suction of the pump (in psi)
- Specific Gravity is the ratio of the density of the liquid being pumped to the density of water
Once you have measured the flow rate and head at a number of different operating points, you can plot these values on a graph, with flow rate on the x-axis and head on the y-axis. This will give you the pump curve for that particular pump.
Note: The shape of the pump curve can vary significantly depending on the specific pump and the operating conditions. Some pumps may have a relatively flat curve, while others may have a more steeply sloped curve.
