1. What is a Gas Pipe Flow Rate Calculator?

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

Purpose: It helps engineers, plumbers, and HVAC technicians determine gas flow rates for system design and troubleshooting.

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 (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: Proper flow rate estimation ensures adequate gas supply, proper system performance, 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. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical gas velocity in pipes?
A: Residential systems typically use 10-15 ft/s, while industrial systems may go up to 30-60 ft/s.

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

Q3: Why 448.83 conversion factor?
A: It converts cubic feet per second to gallons per minute (1 ft³/s = 448.83 GPM).

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

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides theoretical maximum flow. Actual flow may be less due to friction, fittings, and elevation changes.