1. What is Rate of Flow of Liquid?

Definition: This calculator determines the volumetric flow rate of a liquid through a pipe or channel in gallons per minute (GPM).

Purpose: It helps engineers, plumbers, and fluid system designers calculate liquid flow rates for system design and analysis.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Flow rate (gallons per minute, GPM)
• \( V \) — Velocity of the liquid (feet per second, ft/s)
• \( A \) — Cross-sectional area (square feet, ft²)
• \( 448.83 \) — Conversion factor (1 ft³/s = 448.83 GPM)

Explanation: The velocity multiplied by area gives flow in ft³/s, which is then converted to GPM.

3. Importance of Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Accurate flow rate calculations ensure proper system sizing, pump selection, and meet process requirements in piping systems.

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 is 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 find the cross-sectional area?
A: For circular pipes: \( A = \pi \times r² \) where r is the radius in feet.

Q3: What's a typical velocity for water in pipes?
A: Typically 4-8 ft/s for water in commercial plumbing, but varies by application.

Q4: Can this be used for any liquid?
A: Yes, but the velocity should be appropriate for the specific liquid's viscosity.

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