What type of fluid is pump performance curves based on?

Pump performance curves are typically based on cold water with a specific gravity (S.G.) of 1. This standardization allows for consistent evaluation and comparison of pump performance across various applications.

Cold water is chosen because it is a common working fluid in many industrial and commercial settings, and its properties are well understood. The specific gravity of 1 indicates that the fluid density is equivalent to that of water at a specified temperature, usually around 60 degrees Fahrenheit for standard reference.

Using cold water as the basis simplifies the calculations used in pump design and evaluation, leading to clearer performance curves that can be used to predict how pumps will perform under different conditions. These curves allow for the assessment of flow rate, head pressure, and efficiency across different systems, ensuring that operators can make informed decisions about pump selection and application.

In contrast, the other options represent fluids that either do not match the standard conditions typically used in pump performance assessments or have specific gravities that suggest different physical characteristics, making comparisons less straightforward. Thus, cold water with an S.G. of 1 serves as the reliable benchmark from which other fluid performances can be extrapolated if needed.