Irrigation in the Pacific Northwest

Total Dynamic Head

"Head" is a word engineers use for pressure. This calculator determines the pressure (head) required just after the pump, and the pressure (head) that the pump must generate or add. The required pressure just after the pump (total dynamic head) includes pre-existing pressure of water entering the pump, pressure needed to overcome elevation differences (sometimes pressure is added if flowing downhill), and the pressure losses due to friction in the pipes in order to produce the required pressure at the emitters, or sprinklers. Learn more about the units used on this page.


Elevation Change between the Pump and the Emitter (positive = pumping uphill, negative = pumping downhill):
Pressure Required at the Emitter or Sprinkler:
Friction Head Loss in the Pipeline:
Pre-Existing Pressure Head Entering the Pump:
Total Dynamic Head (Pressure) Needed Just After the Pump (should compare to pressure gauges after the pump):
Total Dynamic Head (Pressure) the Pump Must Generate (Use this to specify your pump.):

 

 

 

 

 

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