Air Pipe Flow Calculator

Flow Rate Formula:

\[ Q = A \times v \]

Flow Rate (m³/s):

1. What is an Air Pipe Flow Calculator?

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

Purpose: It helps HVAC engineers, ventilation specialists, and industrial designers determine air flow rates for system design and analysis.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ Q = A \times v \]

Where:

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

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

3. Importance of Air Flow Calculation

Details: Accurate flow rate calculations ensure proper ventilation, efficient system operation, and compliance with safety standards in industrial and building applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the pipe's cross-sectional area in m² and the air velocity in m/s. For circular pipes, area = π × (diameter/2)². All values must be > 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 pipe radius. For diameter (D), use A = π × (D/2)².

Q2: What's a typical air velocity in ventilation systems?
A: Typically 2.5-10 m/s for main ducts, 1.5-3 m/s for branch ducts, depending on application and noise requirements.

Q3: Can I use this for liquids as well?
A: Yes, the same formula applies to incompressible fluids like water, though units may differ.

Q4: How does temperature affect the calculation?
A: This calculator assumes constant density. For significant temperature variations, consider using mass flow rate instead.

Q5: What if my pipe isn't circular?
A: Calculate the cross-sectional area based on the pipe's shape (rectangle, oval, etc.) and use that value.