Flow Rate Formula:
Definition: This calculator determines the volumetric flow rate in a pipe based on the cross-sectional area and flow velocity.
Purpose: It helps engineers, plumbers, and fluid system designers calculate pipe flow rates for various applications.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The flow rate is simply the product of the pipe's cross-sectional area and the average velocity of the fluid.
Details: Accurate flow rate calculations are essential for proper pipe sizing, system design, and ensuring efficient fluid transport.
Tips: Enter the pipe's cross-sectional area in m² and the flow velocity in m/s. For circular pipes, area = π × (diameter/2)².
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 flow velocity in pipes?
A: Common velocities are 1-3 m/s for water in supply pipes, but this varies by application and fluid type.
Q3: Can I use this for non-circular pipes?
A: Yes, as long as you correctly calculate the cross-sectional area for the pipe shape.
Q4: How does pipe material affect the calculation?
A: Material affects friction losses but not this basic flow calculation. For complete system design, consider additional factors.
Q5: What units should I use?
A: The calculator uses metric units (m² and m/s). For other units, convert to metric before calculation.