1. What is a Poly Pipe Flow Rate Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the flow rate (in gallons per minute) through polyethylene pipes based on velocity and cross-sectional area.

Purpose: It helps irrigation professionals, plumbers, and engineers determine the water flow capacity of poly pipes.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Flow rate (gallons per minute)
• \( V \) — Velocity of fluid (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 velocity and area are multiplied, then scaled by the conversion factor to get flow rate in GPM.

3. Importance of Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Proper flow rate estimation ensures adequate water supply, proper pipe sizing, and efficient system design.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the fluid 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 velocity for poly pipe systems?
A: Most systems design for 5-10 ft/s velocity to balance flow and pressure loss.

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

Q3: Does this work for other pipe materials?
A: Yes, the formula applies to any pipe material, but friction loss calculations would differ.

Q4: What affects the flow rate in poly pipes?
A: Pipe diameter, length, elevation changes, fittings, and fluid viscosity all impact flow.

Q5: When would I need this calculation?
A: When designing irrigation systems, plumbing layouts, or any fluid transport system using poly pipe.