1. What is Discharge Head?

Discharge Head represents the net head available at the pump outlet after accounting for suction conditions. It is a critical parameter in pump system design and performance analysis.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the fundamental pump head equation:

Where:

• \( \text{Discharge Head} \) — Net head at pump outlet (ft)
• \( \text{Total Head} \) — Total dynamic head developed by pump (ft)
• \( \text{Suction Head} \) — Head on suction side of pump (ft)

Explanation: This calculation determines the actual head available for system requirements after accounting for suction conditions.

3. Importance of Discharge Head Calculation

Details: Accurate discharge head calculation is essential for proper pump selection, system design, energy efficiency optimization, and ensuring adequate pressure for process requirements.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter total head and suction head in feet. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the net discharge head available.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between total head and discharge head?
A: Total head is the overall head developed by the pump, while discharge head is the net head available at the outlet after subtracting suction head.

Q2: Can discharge head be negative?
A: No, discharge head should always be positive in properly functioning pump systems. Negative values indicate calculation errors or system issues.

Q3: How does suction head affect pump performance?
A: Higher suction head reduces the net discharge head available and can affect pump efficiency and cavitation risk.

Q4: What units should I use for head measurements?
A: Feet (ft) are commonly used in imperial systems, while meters (m) are used in metric systems. Ensure consistency in units.

Q5: When is this calculation most important?
A: This calculation is critical during pump selection, system design, troubleshooting performance issues, and optimizing energy consumption.