Water Flow Through an Orifice Calculator

Water Flow Rate Formula:

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

Discharge Coefficient (C_d):

(dimensionless)

Orifice Area:

ft²

Pressure Difference:

psi

Water Density:

lb/ft³

Flow Rate (Q):

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1. What is a Water Flow Through Orifice Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the volumetric flow rate of water through an orifice based on the orifice characteristics and pressure difference.

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the orifice flow equation:

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

Where:

\( Q \) — Flow rate (gallons per minute, GPM)
\( C_d \) — Discharge coefficient (dimensionless, typically 0.62 for sharp-edged orifices)
\( A \) — Cross-sectional area of orifice (square feet)
\( \Delta P \) — Pressure difference across orifice (psi)
\( \rho \) — Water density (lb/ft³, default 62.4 for water at 60°F)

Explanation: The equation calculates flow based on Bernoulli's principle, accounting for energy losses through the discharge coefficient.

3. Importance of Orifice Flow Calculation

Details: Accurate flow rate calculations are essential for proper system design, pump sizing, and ensuring adequate water supply in plumbing, irrigation, and industrial processes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the discharge coefficient (default 0.62), orifice area in square feet, pressure difference in psi, and water density (default 62.4 lb/ft³). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the discharge coefficient (C_d)?
A: It's a dimensionless factor that accounts for energy losses in the flow, typically ranging from 0.6 to 0.9 depending on orifice shape and edge conditions.

Q2: How do I convert orifice diameter to area?
A: For circular orifices, \( A = \pi \times (diameter/2)^2 \). Remember to convert diameter to feet for this calculator.

Q3: Does this work for other liquids besides water?
A: Yes, but you must input the correct density (ρ) for the specific liquid being measured.

Q4: What's the 448.83 conversion factor for?
A: This converts the result from cubic feet per second to gallons per minute (1 ft³/s = 448.83 GPM).

Q5: When would I need to adjust the water density?
A: For hot water systems or other conditions where water temperature significantly deviates from 60°F (where ρ = 62.4 lb/ft³).