1. What is a Gas Pipe Flow Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the volumetric flow rate of gas through a pipe based on velocity and cross-sectional area.

Purpose: It helps engineers and technicians determine gas flow rates in gallons per minute (GPM) for piping system design and analysis.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Flow rate (gallons per minute)
• \( V \) — Velocity of gas (feet per second)
• \( A \) — Cross-sectional area of pipe (square feet)
• 448.83 — Conversion factor (cubic feet to gallons and seconds to minutes)

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 estimation ensures proper pipe sizing, system efficiency, and safety in gas distribution systems.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical gas velocity in pipes?
A: For natural gas, typical velocities range from 15-40 ft/s depending on pressure and application.

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

Q3: Does this work for liquids too?
A: Yes, the same formula applies to liquid flow calculations.

Q4: Why 448.83 conversion factor?
A: It combines 7.48052 (gallons per cubic foot) and 60 (seconds per minute).

Q5: What about compressibility effects?
A: This is a simplified calculation. For high-pressure gases, additional factors may be needed.