What is Pump Discharge Pressure and Why Should You Care?
Pump Discharge Pressure is the pressure the pump needs to achieve at its outlet to effectively move fluid through the piping system. If this pressure is not calculated correctly, it can lead to insufficient flow rates, system damage due to overpressure, and inefficient operations.
To get this right, you need two critical pieces of information: the Suction Pressure (the initial pressure at which fluid enters the pump) and the Design Pressure (the added push needed to overcome all resistances within the system).
How to Calculate Pump Discharge Pressure
The formula is straightforward:
[\text{Pump Discharge Pressure} = \text{Suction Pressure} + \text{Design Pressure}]
Where:
- Pump Discharge Pressure is the pressure at the pump's outlet (Pa)
- Suction Pressure is the pressure at which fluid enters the pump (Pa)
- Design Pressure is the additional pressure required to overcome system resistances (Pa)
Steps to Calculate:
- Identify Suction Pressure: This is the pressure at the pump's inlet
- Identify Design Pressure: This is the additional pressure needed for the fluid to move efficiently through the system
- Apply the Formula: Add the Suction Pressure and Design Pressure together
Calculation Example
Given:
- Suction Pressure: 65 Pa
- Design Pressure: 20 Pa
[\text{Pump Discharge Pressure} = 65 \text{ Pa} + 20 \text{ Pa} = 85 \text{ Pa}]
Your pump discharge pressure is 85 Pascal. Accurate calculations help ensure your pump runs efficiently, avoiding overloading and preventing unnecessary wear and tear.