1. What is Flow Rate Through a Pipe?

Definition: This calculator determines the volumetric flow rate of a fluid through a circular pipe based on the pipe's radius and the fluid's velocity.

Purpose: It's essential for engineers, plumbers, and fluid system designers to ensure proper pipe sizing and system performance.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Volumetric flow rate (m³/s)
• \( r \) — Pipe radius (m)
• \( V \) — Flow velocity (m/s)
• \( \pi \) — Mathematical constant Pi (~3.14159)

Explanation: The formula calculates the cross-sectional area of the pipe (πr²) and multiplies it by the fluid velocity to determine volume per second.

3. Importance of Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Accurate flow rate calculations ensure proper system design, prevent pressure drops, and help select appropriate pipe sizes and pumps.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the pipe radius in meters and flow velocity in meters per second. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What if my pipe diameter is given instead of radius?
A: Simply divide the diameter by 2 to get the radius before entering it into the calculator.

Q2: What's a typical flow velocity for water in pipes?
A: For residential plumbing, 0.5-2 m/s is common. Higher velocities may cause noise and erosion.

Q3: Can I use different units?
A: The calculator uses meters and seconds, but you can convert your units to these before calculation.

Q4: Does this work for non-circular pipes?
A: No, this formula is specific to circular pipes. Different formulas exist for rectangular or other shapes.

Q5: How does viscosity affect the calculation?
A: Viscosity affects the velocity profile but not the basic volumetric flow calculation. For precise work, consider Reynolds number effects.