If the discharge pressure gauge on a pump reads 15 psi, this is equivalent to how many feet of head?

To determine how many feet of head are equivalent to a discharge pressure reading of 15 psi, it is essential to understand the relationship between pressure (in psi) and head (in feet) in a fluid system. The conversion is based on the principle that 1 psi is approximately equal to 2.31 feet of water head. This conversion factor arises due to the weight of water and the gravitational force acting on it.

When you multiply the pressure value of 15 psi by the conversion factor of 2.31, you can calculate the equivalent head in feet:

15 psi × 2.31 ft/psi = 34.65 ft

Rounding this number typically gives you approximately 35 feet of head. Therefore, this calculation shows that a discharge pressure gauge reading of 15 psi corresponds closely to 35 feet of head, which makes this the correct answer.

Understanding this conversion is crucial in water systems and pump operations, as it allows for the interpretation of pressure readings in terms of the vertical distance that the pump can effectively lift the water.