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Pipe Size and Flow Rate Calculator

Flow Rate Formula:

\[ Q = A \times v \]

m/s
m³/s

1. What is the Pipe Size and Flow Rate Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the volumetric flow rate through a pipe based on its cross-sectional area and the fluid velocity.

Purpose: It helps engineers, plumbers, and fluid system designers calculate flow rates for 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 fluid.

3. Importance of Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Proper flow rate calculation ensures adequate system performance, prevents pipe overpressure, and helps in selecting proper pump sizes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

  • For circular pipes: \( A = \pi \times r^2 \) where r is the radius
  • Typical water velocities: 0.5-2.5 m/s for residential, 2-4 m/s for industrial
  • All values must be > 0

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I calculate area for a circular pipe?
A: Use \( A = \pi \times r^2 \) where r is the radius in meters, or \( A = \pi \times (d/2)^2 \) where d is diameter.

Q2: What's a typical flow velocity for water pipes?
A: Residential systems: 0.5-2.5 m/s; Industrial systems: 2-4 m/s; Higher velocities may cause erosion.

Q3: How does pipe material affect the calculation?
A: Material affects maximum allowable velocity (to prevent erosion) but not the basic flow rate calculation.

Q4: Can I use this for gases or other fluids?
A: Yes, the formula works for any fluid, but ensure units are consistent (m² for area, m/s for velocity).

Q5: How do I account for friction losses?
A: This calculator gives theoretical flow rate. For actual flow, you'll need to consider friction using the Darcy-Weisbach equation.

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