1. What is Air Flow Through a Pipe?

Definition: This calculator determines the volumetric flow rate of air moving through a pipe based on cross-sectional area and velocity.

Purpose: It helps HVAC engineers, mechanical designers, and technicians calculate air flow for ventilation systems, pneumatic systems, and other applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the fundamental flow rate formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Volumetric flow rate (cubic meters per second, m³/s)
• \( A \) — Cross-sectional area of pipe (square meters, m²)
• \( v \) — Velocity of air (meters per second, m/s)

Explanation: The flow rate is simply the product of the pipe's cross-sectional area and the air velocity through that area.

3. Importance of Air Flow Calculation

Details: Proper air flow calculation ensures adequate ventilation, proper system performance, and energy efficiency in HVAC and pneumatic systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• For circular pipes: Area = π × (diameter/2)²
• Typical air velocities: 2-5 m/s for ventilation, up to 10 m/s for compressed air systems
• All values must be greater than 0

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I calculate area for a circular pipe?
A: Use the formula A = π × r² where r is the radius in meters (radius = diameter/2).

Q2: What's a typical air velocity in ventilation systems?
A: Typically 2-5 m/s for comfort ventilation, lower for noise-sensitive areas.

Q3: Does this account for pressure and temperature?
A: This calculates volumetric flow. For mass flow, you'd need to account for air density which varies with pressure and temperature.

Q4: How does pipe roughness affect the calculation?
A: Pipe roughness affects velocity (via pressure drop) but not this basic calculation. For precise work, consider using more advanced formulas.

Q5: Can I use this for liquids too?
A: Yes, the same formula applies to incompressible fluids like water, though units may differ.

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