Gas Flow Calculation Formula

Gas Flow Formula:

\[ Q = V \times A \times 448.83 \]

Flow Rate (Q in GPM):

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1. What is the Gas Flow Calculation Formula?

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

Purpose: It helps engineers and technicians determine gas flow rates in piping systems and ventilation applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ Q = V \times A \times 448.83 \]

Where:

\( Q \) — Volumetric flow rate (gallons per minute)
\( V \) — Velocity of gas (feet per second)
\( A \) — Cross-sectional area (square feet)
\( 448.83 \) — Conversion factor (ft³/s to GPM)

Explanation: The velocity is multiplied by the cross-sectional area to get flow in ft³/s, then converted to GPM.

3. Importance of Gas Flow Calculation

Details: Accurate flow rate calculations are essential for proper system design, efficiency analysis, and safety considerations in gas handling systems.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: What's a typical gas velocity in piping systems?
A: For natural gas, typical velocities range from 20-40 ft/s in distribution systems.

Q3: How do I calculate cross-sectional area?
A: For circular pipes: \( A = \pi \times r^2 \) where r is the radius in feet.

Q4: Does this work for liquids too?
A: Yes, the same formula applies to incompressible fluids like water.

Q5: What about for compressible gases at high pressure?
A: For high-pressure gases, additional factors like compressibility and temperature may need to be considered.