1. What is Flow Rate?

Flow rate is the volume of fluid that passes through a given surface per unit time. In pipe systems, it helps determine the capacity and efficiency of fluid transport.

2. Flow Rate Equation

The fundamental flow rate equation is:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Flow rate (m³/s)
• \( A \) — Cross-sectional area of the pipe (m²)
• \( v \) — Velocity of the fluid (m/s)

Explanation: The equation shows that flow rate is directly proportional to both the pipe's cross-sectional area and the fluid velocity.

3. Importance of Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Flow rate calculations are essential for designing pipe systems, selecting appropriate pump sizes, ensuring proper fluid delivery, and maintaining system efficiency in various engineering applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the pipe's cross-sectional area in square meters and the fluid velocity in meters per second. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I calculate cross-sectional area for a circular pipe?
A: Use \( A = \pi r^2 \) where r is the pipe radius, or \( A = \pi d^2/4 \) where d is the pipe diameter.

Q2: What's a typical flow velocity in pipes?
A: For water, typical velocities range from 0.5-3 m/s in building plumbing and 1-5 m/s in industrial piping.

Q3: How does pipe diameter affect flow rate?
A: Flow rate increases with the square of the pipe diameter when velocity is constant (for circular pipes).

Q4: What are common units for flow rate?
A: Common units include m³/s, L/s, gallons per minute (gpm), and cubic feet per second (cfs).

Q5: How does viscosity affect flow rate?
A: Higher viscosity fluids generally have lower flow rates at the same pressure due to increased friction.