What does discharge head measure in a pump system?

Discharge head is an important concept in pump systems that quantifies the pressure at the discharge end of a pump. It specifically measures the height to which a pump can raise water against gravity and is typically represented in feet or meters of fluid. When considering the parameters of a pump, the discharge head reflects the energy added to the fluid, and it is directly associated with the pressure at the center line of the discharge.

Understanding this is essential for evaluating the performance and efficiency of a pump within a system, allowing operators to calculate how effectively the pump can move fluid to its intended destination. The other options address different aspects of pump operation, such as pressure at the inlet or flow rate, which are relevant but do not pertain specifically to what discharge head measures.