Pump Head is an important parameter in a pumping system, usually referred to as the height of the fluid raised by the pump, indicating the “head” of the pump. It is a key measure of pump performance and is often used to describe the ability of a pump to push a fluid. Specifically, pump head (or lift) refers to the maximum height to which the fluid can be lifted by the pressure supplied by the pump at the pump outlet.
What is a pump head?
Definition The pump head is the height of the column of water into which the pressure the pump can deliver is converted and is often the same concept as the head, especially in water treatment and pumping applications. The pump head is an important parameter of a pump, indicating the maximum height to which a pump can lift a fluid. In practice, pump head is usually expressed in meters (m), or in some cases in pressure (in Pa).
z = static height (difference in height between pump inlet and outlet)
Components of The Pump Head
Static head: Determined by the difference in height between the inlet and outlet of the pump.
Kinetic head: The energy caused by the speed of the fluid at the pump outlet.
Pressure head: The head caused by the increase in pressure provided by the pump.
The Role of The Pump Head
The higher the pump head, the more capable the pump is: the size of the pump head directly determines the pressure that the pump is able to overcome, and is therefore crucial to the fluidity of the system and the selection of the pump. Applications: The pump head is a very important parameter when designing a pump system, especially when a high degree of conveyance of liquids is required (e.g., water supply systems for high-rise buildings, liquid conveyance in industrial processes, etc.), the design of the pump head determines the efficiency and applicability of the pump.
Practical Applications
Water treatment systems: In water treatment processes, the pump head determines whether the pump can lift the water to the desired purification height or transport it to different parts of the treatment facility.
Oil and gas industry: In oil and gas transportation systems, the pump head ensures that it can overcome pipeline resistance and terrain ups and downs for efficient fluid transfer.
Building water supply and drainage systems: In high-rise buildings, pump heads determine whether water can be transported from an underground water source or a surface water source to each of the upper floors.
Suitable for high-viscosity fluids, applicable for low to medium head
Piston Pump
High Head (tens to hundreds of meters)
High-pressure cleaning, oil & gas industries, deep well water extraction
High-pressure, high-head applications, suitable for large pressure requirements
Self-Priming Pump
Medium to Low Head (10-50 meters)
Water treatment, drainage systems, irrigation systems
Self-priming, suitable for medium to low head applications
Roots Pump
Medium to High Head (50-200 meters)
Gas transport, vacuum systems, chemical and oil & gas industries
Suitable for high pressure and larger flow and head applications
Submersible Pump
Medium to High Head (tens to hundreds of meters)
Groundwater extraction, wastewater, agricultural irrigation, mining and construction dewatering
Works submerged, suitable for deep well water extraction and underground water discharge
Difference With Head Pressure
Pump head and pump lift are actually different expressions of the same concept, both of which describe the ability of the pump to overcome the system pressure and elevation of the liquid when providing flow.
Pump head is an important parameter that describes the performance of the pump, especially when choosing the right pump, the pump head determines the scope of application and efficiency of the pump.
Summary
The pump head reflects the pressure that the pump can overcome and the height to which it can lift the liquid. Therefore, when selecting the right pump based on the pump head, it is critical to consider the head requirements for the actual application. Different types of pumps are suitable for different pump head requirements.
As a leading manufacturer of industrial pumps, AOBL Pumps has established a trusted brand name in the industry. With decades of experience in pump manufacturing, we offer a range of high-performance pumps that meet the needs of a variety of industries, from water treatment to chemical processing. Feel free to contact our team of professionals for answers to your questions!
