1. What is the Flow Rate Equation?

Definition: This equation calculates the volumetric flow rate (Q) in gallons per minute (GPM) based on fluid velocity and cross-sectional area.

Purpose: It's essential for hydraulic system design, pipe sizing, and fluid dynamics calculations in engineering applications.

2. How Does the Equation Work?

The equation is:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Flow rate (gallons per minute)
• \( V \) — Velocity (feet per second)
• \( A \) — Cross-sectional area (square feet)
• 448.83 — Conversion factor (ft³/s to GPM)

Explanation: The product of velocity and area gives flow in ft³/s, which is then converted to GPM.

3. Importance of Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Accurate flow rate determination ensures proper system performance, prevents pipe overpressure, and optimizes pump selection.

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

Q2: What's a typical velocity for water in pipes?
A: Generally 2-5 ft/s for residential, 5-10 ft/s for industrial applications.

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

Q4: Does this work for any fluid?
A: Yes, but the velocity should be appropriate for the specific fluid's viscosity.

Q5: What if I need different units?
A: You'll need to adjust the conversion factor accordingly (e.g., for L/min or m³/h).