1. What is the Compressed Air Flow Calculation?

Definition: This calculator determines the volumetric flow rate of compressed air in gallons per minute (GPM) based on velocity and cross-sectional area.

Purpose: It helps engineers and technicians design and evaluate compressed air systems for industrial applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Volumetric flow rate (GPM)
• \( V \) — Velocity of air (ft/s)
• \( A \) — Cross-sectional area of pipe (ft²)
• 448.83 — Conversion factor (ft³/s to GPM)

Explanation: The formula converts the product of velocity and area to gallons per minute using the standard conversion factor.

3. Importance of Compressed Air Flow Calculation

Details: Proper flow rate calculation ensures efficient system design, prevents pressure drops, and helps select appropriate pipe sizes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the air velocity in feet per second and the pipe's cross-sectional area in square feet. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical velocity for compressed air systems?
A: Most systems are designed for 20-30 ft/s velocity to balance pressure drop and noise.

Q2: How do I calculate cross-sectional area?
A: For circular pipes: \( A = \pi \times r^2 \) where r is radius in feet.

Q3: Why convert to GPM?
A: Gallons per minute is a common unit for comparing liquid and air flows in industrial systems.

Q4: Does this account for pressure and temperature?
A: No, this is for standard conditions. For other conditions, use the ideal gas law for corrections.

Q5: What's the 448.83 conversion factor?
A: It converts cubic feet per second to gallons per minute (1 ft³/s = 448.83 GPM).