1. What is Brake Horsepower?

Brake horsepower (BHP) is the actual horsepower delivered to the pump shaft. It represents the power required to drive the pump and accounts for all mechanical losses in the system.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the brake horsepower formula:

Where:

• \( Flow Rate \) — Pump flow rate in gallons per minute (gpm)
• \( Head \) — Total dynamic head in feet (ft)
• \( Specific Gravity \) — Ratio of fluid density to water density (dimensionless)
• \( Efficiency \) — Pump efficiency as a percentage (%)
• \( 3960 \) — Conversion constant for horsepower calculation

Explanation: The formula calculates the actual power required to move fluid through the pump system, accounting for fluid properties and pump performance characteristics.

3. Importance of Horsepower Calculation

Details: Accurate horsepower calculation is crucial for proper pump selection, motor sizing, energy consumption estimation, and system design optimization.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter flow rate in gpm, head in feet, specific gravity (1.0 for water), and pump efficiency as a percentage. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between BHP and WHP?
A: Brake Horsepower (BHP) is power input to the pump shaft, while Water Horsepower (WHP) is the hydraulic power delivered to the fluid.

Q2: Why is specific gravity important?
A: Specific gravity accounts for fluid density differences. Heavier fluids require more power to pump than water.

Q3: What is a typical pump efficiency range?
A: Pump efficiency typically ranges from 50% to 85%, depending on pump type, size, and operating conditions.

Q4: How does head affect horsepower?
A: Higher head requires more horsepower as the pump must work against greater pressure and elevation differences.

Q5: Can this formula be used for all pump types?
A: This formula is primarily for centrifugal pumps. Positive displacement pumps may require different calculations.