Question about Pumps and Nozzles

[kineticjustin]

How do I know if a pump I have is strong enough to suck up a pool of mucky water? What equations would I use?

And how do I calculate the pressure with which the water would be discharged?
Then finally how do I determine the correct nozzle to disperse this water?

This is not a homework question but a real world problem!
Thank you :)

 

[Simon Bridge]

If you already have a pump, then you can read the manufacturers notes on the matter.
The manufacturer will give you a bunch of information about the proper operation of the pump.

This is not something you would calculate as much as try it and see.

The basic equations are:
Bournoulli's equation, with conservation of energy and momentum ... and some for converting masses and densities. But what you mean by "mucky water" will be important - what is the largest article size for example? Does the pump have to contend with leaves and bits of stick or stone?

Real life is messy.