1. What is a Flow Rate Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines flow rate either through pipes (in gallons per minute) or for IV administration (in milliliters per hour).

Purpose: It helps engineers calculate fluid flow in piping systems and medical professionals determine IV drip rates.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses two formulas depending on the application:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Flow rate (gallons per minute)
• \( V \) — Velocity (feet per second)
• \( A \) — Cross-sectional area (square feet)
• \( Q_{ml} \) — Flow rate (milliliters per hour)
• \( V_d \) — Volume to be infused (milliliters)
• \( t \) — Time for infusion (hours)

Explanation: The pipe flow formula converts velocity and area to volume flow rate, while the IV formula calculates infusion rate based on total volume and time.

3. Importance of Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Proper flow rate calculation ensures efficient system design in engineering and safe medication administration in healthcare.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Select calculation type (Pipe Flow or IV Flow) and enter the required values. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the 448.83 factor in the pipe formula?
A: This converts ft³/s to gallons per minute (1 ft³/s = 448.83 GPM).

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

Q3: Can I use this for other flow rate calculations?
A: Yes, for any fluid where the units match (GPM or mL/h).

Q4: How accurate is the IV flow calculation?
A: Very accurate assuming correct inputs. Always verify with medical protocols.

Q5: What's a typical pipe flow velocity?
A: Typically 2-8 ft/s for water in pipes, depending on application.