GPM Formula:
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The HP to GPM formula calculates the flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM) based on horsepower (HP), pump efficiency, head, and specific gravity. This calculation is essential for pump system design and analysis in various engineering applications.
The calculator uses the GPM formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula converts mechanical power (HP) to flow rate (GPM) while accounting for pump efficiency, the height the fluid must be lifted (head), and the density of the fluid (specific gravity).
Details: Accurate GPM calculation is crucial for proper pump selection, system design, energy efficiency analysis, and ensuring adequate fluid flow for various industrial, agricultural, and residential applications.
Tips: Enter horsepower as a positive number, efficiency as a decimal between 0 and 1, head in feet, and specific gravity (1.0 for water). All values must be greater than zero for accurate calculation.
Q1: What is the significance of the 3960 constant?
A: The constant 3960 comes from the conversion of horsepower (550 ft-lb/sec) to gallons per minute, considering that one gallon of water weighs 8.34 pounds.
Q2: How does specific gravity affect the calculation?
A: Higher specific gravity (denser fluids) requires more power to achieve the same flow rate, or results in lower flow rates for the same power input.
Q3: What is typical pump efficiency range?
A: Pump efficiency typically ranges from 0.5 to 0.85 (50-85%), depending on pump type, size, and operating conditions.
Q4: Can this formula be used for all pump types?
A: This formula is generally applicable to centrifugal pumps. Positive displacement pumps may require different calculations due to their different operating characteristics.
Q5: How does head affect GPM calculation?
A: Higher head requirements result in lower flow rates for the same horsepower input, as more energy is needed to overcome the increased elevation or pressure difference.