1. What is a Liquid Flow Rate Calculator?

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

Purpose: It helps engineers, plumbers, and fluid system designers calculate flow rates for pipes, channels, and other conduits.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The velocity multiplied by area gives volumetric flow in cubic feet per second, which is then converted to GPM.

3. Importance of Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Accurate flow rate calculations are essential for proper system design, pump selection, and ensuring adequate liquid supply in pipelines.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the liquid velocity in ft/s and the 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 combines 7.48052 (gallons per cubic foot) and 60 (seconds per minute): 7.48052 × 60 ≈ 448.83.

Q2: What's a typical velocity for water in pipes?
A: Typically 2-8 ft/s for water, with 5 ft/s being a common design value for residential plumbing.

Q3: How do I calculate area for non-circular pipes?
A: Use appropriate formulas (width×height for rectangles, etc.) or measure directly if irregular.

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

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides theoretical flow rate; actual flow may vary due to friction, viscosity, and pipe roughness.