1. What is Flow Rate in a Pipe?

Definition: This calculator determines the volumetric flow rate of liquid through a pipe in gallons per minute (GPM).

Purpose: It helps engineers, plumbers, and fluid system designers calculate pipe flow rates for system design and analysis.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Flow rate (gallons per minute)
• \( V \) — Fluid velocity (feet per second)
• \( A \) — Cross-sectional area of pipe (square feet)
• \( 448.83 \) — Conversion factor (ft³/s to GPM)

Explanation: The formula converts the basic volumetric flow rate (V×A) from cubic feet per second to gallons per minute.

3. Importance of Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Accurate flow rate calculations ensure proper pipe sizing, pump selection, and system performance in plumbing, irrigation, and industrial applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the fluid velocity in ft/s and pipe cross-sectional area in ft². For circular pipes, area = π × (diameter/2)².

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the conversion factor 448.83?
A: It converts cubic feet per second to gallons per minute (1 ft³/s = 448.83 GPM).

Q2: What's a typical velocity for water in pipes?
A: 2-5 ft/s for residential plumbing, 5-10 ft/s for industrial applications.

Q3: How do I calculate pipe cross-sectional area?
A: For circular pipes: A = π × r² where r is radius in feet.

Q4: Does this work for any liquid?
A: Yes, but the velocity should be appropriate for the specific liquid's viscosity.

Q5: How does pipe material affect the calculation?
A: Material affects friction loss but not this basic flow rate calculation.