Calculate Flow Through an Orifice

Orifice Flow Formula:

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

Discharge Coefficient (C):

Orifice Area (A):

m²

Pressure Difference (ΔP):

Fluid Density (ρ):

kg/m³

Flow Rate (Q):

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1. What is Orifice Flow Calculation?

Definition: This calculator determines the volumetric flow rate of a fluid through an orifice based on the pressure difference across the orifice.

Purpose: It's essential for designing and analyzing fluid systems in engineering applications like pipelines, valves, and flow measurement devices.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the orifice flow equation:

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

Where:

\( Q \) — Volumetric flow rate (m³/s)
\( C \) — Discharge coefficient (dimensionless)
\( A \) — Cross-sectional area of the orifice (m²)
\( \Delta P \) — Pressure difference across orifice (Pa)
\( \rho \) — Fluid density (kg/m³)

Explanation: The flow rate depends on the orifice size, pressure difference, fluid properties, and the discharge coefficient which accounts for energy losses.

3. Importance of Orifice Flow Calculation

Details: Accurate flow calculations are critical for system design, flow measurement, process control, and ensuring equipment operates within safe parameters.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the discharge coefficient (default 0.62 for sharp-edged orifice), orifice area, pressure difference, and fluid density (default 1000 kg/m³ for water). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical discharge coefficient value?
A: For sharp-edged orifices, it's typically 0.6-0.65. The exact value depends on orifice geometry and Reynolds number.

Q2: How do I calculate orifice area?
A: For circular orifices, \( A = \pi \times (d/2)^2 \) where d is diameter. For other shapes, use appropriate area formulas.

Q3: What units should I use?
A: The calculator uses SI units: meters for length, pascals for pressure, and kg/m³ for density.

Q4: Does this work for compressible fluids?
A: This formula is for incompressible fluids. For gases, additional factors like compressibility must be considered.

Q5: What affects the discharge coefficient?
A: Orifice edge sharpness, thickness, upstream disturbances, and flow conditions all influence the coefficient.