1. What is Volumetric Flow Rate?

Definition: Volumetric flow rate measures the volume of fluid that passes through a given surface per unit time (gallons per minute in this calculator).

Purpose: It's essential for designing and analyzing fluid systems in engineering, plumbing, and industrial applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Volumetric flow rate (gallons per minute)
• \( V \) — Fluid velocity (feet per second)
• \( A \) — Cross-sectional area (square feet)
• 448.83 — Conversion factor (cubic feet per second to gallons per minute)

Explanation: The product of velocity and area gives flow rate in cubic feet per second, which is then converted to gallons per minute.

3. Importance of Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Accurate flow rate calculations ensure proper system design, efficient operation, and prevent issues like pressure drops or pipe overloading.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the fluid velocity in ft/s and cross-sectional area in ft². Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: How do I measure cross-sectional area?
A: For circular pipes, use \( A = \pi r² \). For rectangular ducts, use width × height.

Q3: What's a typical velocity for water in pipes?
A: Typically 2-8 ft/s for water in residential plumbing, depending on pipe size and application.

Q4: Can I use this for gases?
A: The basic principle applies, but gas calculations often need additional factors for compressibility.

Q5: How does pipe diameter affect flow rate?
A: Flow rate increases with the square of the diameter (double diameter = 4× flow rate at same velocity).