Spray Nozzle Flow Rate Calculator

Flow Rate Formula:

\[ Q = C_d \times A \times \sqrt{\frac{2 \times \Delta P}{\rho}} \times 448.83 \]

Discharge Coefficient (C_d):

Nozzle Area (A):

ft²

Pressure Difference (ΔP):

psi

Fluid Density (ρ):

lb/ft³

Flow Rate (Q):

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is a Spray Nozzle Flow Rate Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the volumetric flow rate through a spray nozzle in gallons per minute (GPM) based on nozzle characteristics and fluid properties.

Purpose: It helps engineers, technicians, and designers determine the flow capacity of spray nozzles for various applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ Q = C_d \times A \times \sqrt{\frac{2 \times \Delta P}{\rho}} \times 448.83 \]

Where:

\( Q \) — Flow rate (gallons per minute, GPM)
\( C_d \) — Discharge coefficient (dimensionless, typically 0.6-0.9)
\( A \) — Nozzle area (square feet, ft²)
\( \Delta P \) — Pressure difference (pounds per square inch, psi)
\( \rho \) — Fluid density (pounds per cubic foot, lb/ft³)

Explanation: The formula calculates flow rate based on Bernoulli's principle, accounting for nozzle efficiency (C_d), pressure differential, and fluid properties.

3. Importance of Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Accurate flow rate estimation ensures proper nozzle selection, system performance, and efficient fluid delivery in applications like irrigation, fire suppression, and industrial spraying.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the discharge coefficient (default 0.8), nozzle area in square feet, pressure difference in psi, and fluid density (default 62.4 lb/ft³ for water). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the discharge coefficient (C_d)?
A: It's a dimensionless number (0-1) representing nozzle efficiency, accounting for energy losses. Typical values range from 0.6 to 0.9.

Q2: How do I find nozzle area?
A: For circular nozzles: \( A = \pi \times r^2 \), where r is the radius in feet. Convert diameter to radius by dividing by 2.

Q3: What's a typical fluid density?
A: Water at 68°F is 62.4 lb/ft³. For other fluids, consult material property tables.

Q4: Why the 448.83 multiplier?
A: This converts the result from cubic feet per second to gallons per minute (1 ft³/s = 448.83 GPM).

Q5: Does this work for all nozzle types?
A: The formula works best for simple orifice nozzles. Specialized nozzles may require additional factors.