1. What is Flow Rate from Pressure Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates fluid velocity and volumetric flow rate based on pressure difference, fluid density, and pipe cross-sectional area.

Purpose: It helps engineers and technicians determine flow characteristics in piping systems using pressure measurements.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses these formulas:

Where:

• \( V \) — Fluid velocity (feet per second)
• \( P_1 \) — Upstream pressure (psi)
• \( P_2 \) — Downstream pressure (psi)
• \( \rho \) — Fluid density (pounds per cubic foot)
• \( Q \) — Volumetric flow rate (gallons per minute)
• \( A \) — Cross-sectional area (square feet)

Explanation: The pressure difference is converted to velocity, which is then used to calculate volumetric flow rate.

3. Importance of Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Accurate flow rate estimation is essential for system design, pump sizing, and process control in fluid systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both pressure values, fluid density (default 62.4 lb/ft³ for water), and cross-sectional area. All values must be > 0 except P₂ which can be 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the 144 factor in the equation?
A: This converts psi to psf (pounds per square foot) since 1 psi = 144 psf.

Q2: Why 448.83 in the flow rate formula?
A: This converts cubic feet per second to gallons per minute (1 ft³/s = 448.83 GPM).

Q3: What's a typical density for water?
A: Fresh water at 60°F is 62.4 lb/ft³. Salt water is about 64 lb/ft³.

Q4: How do I find cross-sectional area?
A: For circular pipes: \( A = \pi \times (diameter/2)^2 \) (convert diameter to feet).

Q5: Does this work for gases?
A: This simplified form works best for incompressible fluids (liquids). Gases require more complex calculations.