Print page

Email page

Calculate "downward force" on an impeller

Q: I am trying to calculate the "downward force" of an impeller. Is this the same a hydraulic force? (e.g. (19,000 x horsepower x service factor)/(rpm x impeller diameter).

A: The axial force on an impeller can be calculated from the horizontal force [lbs] = torque (63025 x horsepower/rpm) divided by 85% of the impeller diameter [inches] (typical equivalent load point on the blade). Then, resolving the horizontal force to the axial direction by dividing by the tangent of the blade angle with respect to the horizontal.