Mechanical Engineering 4 PDH Credits
100% Board Accepted
Pump Hydraulics, System Curves, NPSH & Cavitation Prevention
Course Description
A focused, practical course for mechanical and process engineers involved in fluid handling systems. Learn to calculate Total Dynamic Head (TDH), generate system friction curves using the Darcy-Weisbach equation, read pump performance curves, size centrifugal pumps at the Best Efficiency Point (BEP), calculate Net Positive Suction Head available (NPSHa), and prevent cavitation damage.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this continuing education course, the licensee will be able to:
- Calculate static head, pressure head, and dynamic friction losses to establish system head curves
- Identify the pump operating point by intersecting system curves with pump performance head-flow curves
- Calculate NPSHa under various suction conditions and ensure required safety margins over NPSHr to prevent cavitation
- Apply pump affinity laws to predict head, flow, and brake horsepower variations with speed or impeller trims
Course Syllabus & Curriculum Modules
Part 1
Module 1: Fluid Fundamentals & System Head
- • Bernoulli equation applications
- • Darcy-Weisbach & Colebrook friction
- • Minor loss coefficients (K-values)
Part 2
Module 2: Centrifugal Pump Curves & Operation
- • Head-capacity (H-Q) curves
- • Best Efficiency Point (BEP)
- • Series and parallel pump arrangements
Part 3
Module 3: NPSH, Cavitation & Affinity Laws
- • Vapor pressure and suction head
- • NPSHa calculation step-by-step
- • Affinity law scaling calculations
Online Quiz & Certificate Issuance
20 Multiple-Choice Questions Based directly on the included study guide document.
80% Passing Score Required Mandated by state boards for CPC compliance.
Free Unlimited Retakes Review and retake instantly at zero extra charge.
Instant PDF Certificate Includes Certificate ID and State Board validation code.
Course Instructor & Author
James T. Henderson, PE, CEM
HVAC Engineering Consultant & Energy Auditor
PE (TX, CA, NY), Certified Energy Manager, ASHRAE Fellow
100% Board Acceptance Guarantee
If any state licensing board rejects our PDH course for your license renewal, we will issue a full 100% prompt refund. Zero risk to you.