How It Works

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Pressure Compensator Operation

A pressure-compensated variable pump reduces displacement when system pressure reaches the compensator setting, reducing flow to only what is needed for leakage makeup. This saves energy compared to a fixed pump that must dump full flow over a relief valve.

Compensator Setting

The compensator must be set above the highest load pressure plus all line losses and valve pressure drops, with a margin:

P_comp = P_load + P_line_loss + P_valve_drop + Margin

Standby HP

At standby (no load), a compensated pump only draws:

HP_standby = (P_comp × Q_leakage) / 1714

vs a fixed pump: HP_fixed = (P_relief × Q_full) / 1714

Pressure Compensator

Calculate optimal compensator setting and compare energy savings vs fixed displacement pump.

Max Load Pressure (psi)

Line Losses (psi)

Valve Pressure Drop (psi)

Pressure Margin (%)Typically 5-15% above total

Full Pump Flow (GPM)

Standby Leakage (GPM)

Operating Hours/Year

Electricity Cost ($/kWh)

Annual Energy Savings

Estimated annual savings vs fixed pump

Fixed Pump Standby HP

Variable Pump Standby HP

Compensator Results

Compensator Setting--

Standby HP (variable)--

Standby HP (fixed pump)--

Total Pressure Required--

Margin Added--

Annual kWh Saved--

HP Reduction--