1. What is Volumetric Flow Rate?

Volumetric flow rate (Q) is the volume of fluid that passes through a given surface per unit time. It's commonly measured in cubic meters per second (m³/s) in SI units or liters per minute in other systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the fundamental flow rate equation:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Volumetric flow rate (m³/s)
• \( A \) — Cross-sectional area perpendicular to flow (m²)
• \( v \) — Flow velocity (m/s)

Explanation: The equation shows that flow rate equals the product of the cross-sectional area of the pipe/channel and the average velocity of the fluid.

3. Importance of Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Flow rate calculations are essential in fluid dynamics, pipe design, HVAC systems, chemical processing, and many engineering applications to ensure proper system operation and efficiency.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What if my pipe is circular?
A: For circular pipes, calculate area using \( A = \pi r^2 \) where r is the radius, or \( A = \pi d^2/4 \) where d is diameter.

Q2: How do I convert to other units?
A: 1 m³/s = 1000 L/s = 60000 L/min. For imperial units: 1 m³/s ≈ 35.3147 ft³/s.

Q3: Does this work for compressible fluids?
A: This simple equation works best for incompressible fluids. For compressible fluids (gases), additional factors like pressure and temperature must be considered.

Q4: What about turbulent vs laminar flow?
A: The equation works for both, but velocity profile affects the average velocity used in calculations.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides theoretical maximum under ideal conditions. Real-world factors like friction, viscosity, and pipe roughness reduce actual flow rates.