Flow Rate Formula:
Definition: This calculator determines the volumetric flow rate (Q) in a pipe based on the cross-sectional area (A) and flow velocity (v).
Purpose: It helps engineers, plumbers, and fluid system designers calculate how much fluid passes through a pipe per unit time.
The calculator uses the fundamental flow rate formula:
Where:
Explanation: The flow rate equals the pipe's internal area multiplied by the average velocity of the fluid.
Details: Accurate flow rate calculations are essential for designing efficient piping systems, ensuring proper fluid delivery, and maintaining system pressure.
Tips: Enter the pipe's cross-sectional area in m² and the fluid velocity in m/s. For circular pipes, area = π × (diameter/2)².
Q1: How do I find the cross-sectional area of a circular pipe?
A: Use the formula A = π × r² where r is the pipe's internal radius in meters.
Q2: What's a typical flow velocity in pipes?
A: Common velocities range from 0.5-3 m/s for water, depending on application and pipe size.
Q3: Can I use this for gases or just liquids?
A: The formula works for any fluid (liquid or gas) as long as you use consistent units.
Q4: How does pipe material affect the calculation?
A: Material affects friction losses but not this basic calculation. For precise work, consider the Darcy-Weisbach equation.
Q5: What if my pipe isn't circular?
A: Measure the actual cross-sectional area of the non-circular pipe and use that value.