1. What is the Velocity Flow Rate Area Formula?

Definition: This calculator determines the flow rate 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 Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Flow rate (gallons per minute, GPM)
• \( V \) — Velocity (feet per second, ft/s)
• \( A \) — Cross-sectional area (square feet, ft²)
• 448.83 — Conversion factor (cubic feet to gallons and seconds to minutes)

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

3. Importance of Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Accurate flow rate calculations ensure proper system design, pump sizing, and pipe diameter selection for efficient fluid transport.

4. Using the Calculator

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

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 common for residential plumbing.

Q3: How do I calculate pipe cross-sectional area?
A: For circular pipes: \( A = \pi \times (D/2)^2 \) where D is diameter in feet.

Q4: Can this be used for gases?
A: The basic formula works, but gas calculations often need additional factors for compressibility and temperature.

Q5: What if my area is in square inches?
A: Convert to square feet first (divide by 144) before using this calculator.