1. What is the Liquid Flow Rate Formula?

Definition: This calculator determines the volumetric flow rate of 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 in pipes and channels.

2. How Does the Formula Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Flow rate (gallons per minute)
• \( V \) — Velocity of liquid (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 ensure proper system design, pump selection, and pipe sizing for efficient fluid transport.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

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

Q3: What's a typical velocity for water in pipes?
A: 2-5 ft/s for residential plumbing, 5-10 ft/s for industrial applications.

Q4: Can this be used for any liquid?
A: Yes, but the formula assumes the liquid has similar properties to water (density doesn't affect the calculation).

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