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Calculate Water Flow Rate Through Pipe

Flow Rate Formula:

\[ Q = A \times v \]

m/s

1. What is Water Flow Rate Through Pipe?

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

Purpose: It helps engineers, plumbers, and fluid system designers determine the water flow capacity in piping systems.

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)
  • \( v \) — Flow velocity (meters per second, m/s)

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

3. Importance of Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Accurate flow rate calculations ensure proper pipe sizing, efficient system design, and compliance with engineering standards.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the pipe's cross-sectional area in m² and the water velocity in m/s. For circular pipes, area = π × (diameter/2)².

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, use A = π × (d/2)².

Q2: What's a typical water velocity in pipes?
A: Domestic systems: 0.5-2.5 m/s; Industrial systems: 2-5 m/s (depends on application and pipe material).

Q3: Can I use this for other liquids?
A: Yes, the formula works for any incompressible fluid, though viscosity may affect actual velocity.

Q4: How does pipe roughness affect the calculation?
A: Roughness affects velocity (via friction losses) but not the basic Q = A × v relationship.

Q5: What if my pipe isn't circular?
A: Calculate the cross-sectional area appropriately for rectangular, oval, or other pipe shapes.

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