A pump is a mechanical device that helps move fluid at a specific flow rate.The effectiveness of the device is measured in power.Although watt and kilowatts are more common units of power measurement, horsepower is still used for high-output electrical devices in the United States.1 horsepower is equal to 746 watt.
Step 1: Make a decision on the flow rate.
The flow rate of liquid from the pump is determined by the needs of your project.In gallons per minute, write this value down.You won't use this value right away, but it will tell you which pumps and pipes to use.A gardener has an irrigation plan.
Step 2: The water needs to travel at a certain height.
This is the distance from the top of the water table to the final destination.Ignore the distance from one side to the other.The maximum expected distance should be used if the water level changes.The "pumping lift" is what your pump will need to generate.When the gardener's water tank is nearly empty, the water level in the garden is less than expected.
Step 3: There are losses from the pipe.
The minimum pressure needed to move water a certain distance is not the only factor that needs to be overcome by your pump.Depending on the pipe's material, internal diameter, and length, as well as the type of bends and fittings you use, the amount of friction depends.Look up the values on a chart.Write down the number of feet you lose from your pumping lift because of the total friction loss.The gardener needs 75 ft of pipe total, which includes horizontal lengths.A chart tells him that plastic pipes cause a loss of head for every 100 ft of pipe.The total loss of 15 ft. is contributed by one 90o elbow connector and three threaded fittings.The estimates of water velocity are based on the flow rate and pipes you use.It's a good idea to keep your speed below 5 ft / s to prevent "water hammer", the repeated knocking that can damage your equipment.
Step 4: Add the two together.
The total dynamic head is when the vertical distance water needs to travel along with the losses from the pipe.The total pressure load is what the pump needs to overcome.The vertical distance is 50 ft and the friction loss is 20 ft.
Step 5: If you are pumping anything other than water, you should look at the specific gravity.
The formula assumes you are pumping water.If you are pumping a different fluid, look up its "specific gravity" online or in an engineering reference book.Higher specific density fluids require more power to push through the pipe.The gardener doesn't need to look up since he's pumping water.The water's specific gravity is equal to 1.
Step 6: Enter these values into the formula.
The minimum power required to run the pump is equivalent to the total dynamic head in feet.To find the water power for your project, enter all the values you found into the formula.The garden pump needs to produce a flow rate of 10 gallons per minute.It is equal to 1 if it is pumping water.
Step 7: Divide the power by the efficiency of the pump.
You know how much power you need to run your pump.There are no mechanical devices that are 100% efficient at transferring power.If you want to know the efficiency of the pump, check the manufacturer's info and write it as a decimal.To find the actual horsepower of the motor you need for your pump, divide the water horsepower by this value.A pump with a 50% efficiency rating would need to do 0.18 horsepower of work.When used as intended, most modern pumps are between 50% and 85% efficient.If you don't find an efficiency rating for your pump, you can assume the actual motor horsepower needed is between the two.
Step 8: The water level in the base tank needs to be checked.
The tank is used for your pump.The water level in the tank and the pipe are equal, so this is the level the pump is currently drawing from.If you are pumping from a well, either measure the depth directly or look for an estimate of water table levels in your area.Government agencies can often provide this information.
Step 9: The destination should be empty.
The pump transfers water from the base to the destination tank.Make sure it's empty and connected to the pump.If you don't have a tank here, you can collect the water by putting a bucket down.You can use a bucket of gallons.
Step 10: You can measure the vertical distance between the two locations.
Measure the vertical distance between the base tank and the water input at the destination tank using a scale or ruler.Put the distance in feet.The water level in the first tank is lower than the destination.The water's horizontal distance doesn't matter for this step.
Step 11: The pump needs to be switched on.
The device will start pumping water once it is turned on.Stop watch at the same time.
Step 12: The flow rate should be measured.
The volume of water transported per unit of time is called the volumetric flow rate.The rate is in gallons per minute.The pump takes 30 seconds to fill the container.The flow rate is 10 gallons per minute."gallons per minute" is what this is written for.
Step 13: Look at the gravity of the fluid.
The more dense a fluid is, the more power it takes to pump.Water has a specific gravity.On a gravity engineering table, look for a different fluid.The specific gravity is 1.
Step 14: Estimate the power of the values.
The H is the vertical distance the water travels in feet, and Q the flow rate is in gallons per minute.The pump is operating at 120ft20gpm13960.You may be using more power on your pump than you think.Due to the inefficiency of the motor, some power is wasted and your pump is overcoming the force of friction in the pipes.You can double this result for a rough estimate of power consumption, track the actual amount of fuel or electricity your motor uses, or refer to the full calculations above.