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Mechanical EngineeringP0

Pump Selection Guide Calculator

Estimate pump type selection based on flow rate, head, and fluid properties for preliminary engineering.

Inputs
Enter your values below

100 m³/h ≈ 0.028 m³/s

Water ≈ 0.001 Pa·s

Result
Pump Type Index (higher = centrifugal favored)
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Enter values and click Calculate
Formula
flow × √(head)

Pump selection index = Q√H. Low index (<0.1) = high head/low flow → PD or multi-stage centrifugal. High index (>0.5) = high flow/low head → single-stage centrifugal or axial.

Introduction

Get a preliminary indication of pump type based on specific speed and viscosity. Low flow/high head favors positive displacement; high flow/medium head favors centrifugal; high viscosity favors rotary PD or gear pumps.

Calculation Example

Pump type index based on flow/head ratio: low index (<2) suggests positive displacement, high (>20) suggests centrifugal. This is a simplified guidance only.

Inputs: flow=0.028, head=50, viscosity=0.001
Result: 0.2

Engineering Applications

  • •Pump type selection
  • •FEED studies
  • •Budget estimating
  • •Vendor inquiry preparation

Frequently Asked Questions

When to use positive displacement pumps?

PD pumps for: high viscosity (>500 cP), high pressure/low flow, precise metering, shear-sensitive fluids, or self-priming needs.

What is specific speed?

Specific speed Ns characterizes pump geometry: high Ns (>100) = axial/propeller; medium (30-100) = mixed flow; low (<30) = radial/centrifugal; very low = multi-stage or PD.

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Pump Sizing CalculatorPump Power Calculator

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Disclaimer: Calculations are for reference and educational purposes only. Always verify results independently for engineering design. See full disclaimer.