Explain pump curve and system curve. How do you find the operating point?

A pump curve (H-Q curve) shows the relationship between head developed and flow rate for a specific pump at constant speed, typically decreasing as flow increases. The system curve represents total head required by the piping system versus flow rate, including static head and friction losses (which increase with flow squared). The operating point is where these curves intersect, indicating the actual head and flow rate the pump will deliver in that system. If the operating point is not optimal, impeller trimming, speed variation (VFD), or pump selection revision may be needed.