Calculating Air Flow Volume Through a Pipe

Air Flow Volume Formula:

\[ Q = A \times v \]

Flow Rate (m³/s):

1. What is Air Flow Volume Calculation?

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

Purpose: It helps HVAC engineers, industrial designers, and ventilation specialists determine air movement in ducts and pipes.

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 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 air velocity through it.

3. Importance of Air Flow Calculation

Details: Proper air flow estimation ensures adequate ventilation, efficient HVAC system design, and proper industrial process control.

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.

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 in meters.

Q2: What's a typical air velocity in HVAC systems?
A: Typically 2.5-5 m/s in main ducts, 1.5-3 m/s in branch ducts for comfort systems.

Q3: Can I use this for liquids too?
A: Yes, the same formula applies to incompressible fluids like water.

Q4: How does temperature affect the calculation?
A: The formula remains valid, but temperature affects air density which may impact velocity measurements.

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