1. What is a Compressed Air Flow Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the volumetric flow rate of compressed air through a pipe in gallons per minute (GPM) equivalent.

Purpose: It helps engineers and technicians determine proper pipe sizing and compressor capacity for pneumatic systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Flow rate (GPM equivalent)
• \( V \) — 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 GPM equivalent for practical applications.

3. Importance of Compressed Air Flow Calculation

Details: Proper flow calculation ensures efficient system design, prevents pressure drops, and maintains equipment performance.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the air velocity in ft/s and pipe cross-sectional area in ft². All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use GPM equivalent for air flow?
A: GPM equivalent helps compare compressed air systems with liquid systems and is familiar to many engineers.

Q2: What's a typical air velocity in pipes?
A: Recommended velocity is 20-30 ft/s for main lines and 50-70 ft/s for branch lines to minimize pressure drop.

Q3: How do I calculate pipe cross-sectional area?
A: Area = π × (pipe inner diameter in ft)² ÷ 4. Convert diameter from inches to feet first.

Q4: Does this account for compressed air density changes?
A: No, this is a simplified calculation. For precise work, consider pressure and temperature effects.

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).