Calculating PSI from GPM

Pressure Formula:

\[ P = \frac{V^2 \times \rho}{2 \times 144} \] \[ V = \frac{Q}{A \times 448.83} \]

Velocity (V):

Pressure (P):

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1. What is PSI from GPM Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the pressure (PSI) in a pipe system based on flow rate (GPM), pipe cross-sectional area, and fluid density.

Purpose: It helps engineers, plumbers, and fluid system designers understand the pressure characteristics of their systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses two formulas:

\[ V = \frac{Q}{A \times 448.83} \] \[ P = \frac{V^2 \times \rho}{2 \times 144} \]

Where:

\( P \) — Pressure (psi)
\( V \) — Velocity (ft/s)
\( \rho \) — Fluid density (lb/ft³)
\( Q \) — Flow rate (GPM)
\( A \) — Pipe cross-sectional area (ft²)

Explanation: First calculates velocity from flow rate, then uses Bernoulli's principle to determine pressure.

3. Importance of Pressure Calculation

Details: Proper pressure estimation ensures system safety, adequate flow, and helps in selecting appropriate pipe materials and pump specifications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter flow rate in GPM, pipe area in square feet, and fluid density (default 62.4 lb/ft³ for water). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the 448.83 conversion factor?
A: It converts GPM to ft³/s (1 GPM = 0.002228 ft³/s) and accounts for unit consistency in the equation.

Q2: Why is density important?
A: Heavier fluids (higher density) create more pressure at the same velocity than lighter fluids.

Q3: What's a typical water density value?
A: Pure water at 60°F is 62.37 lb/ft³, often rounded to 62.4 for calculations.

Q4: How do I find pipe area?
A: For circular pipes, area = π × (diameter/2)². Convert diameter from inches to feet first.

Q5: Does this account for friction losses?
A: No, this calculates dynamic pressure only. For complete system analysis, include friction losses.