1. What is a Flow Rate Calculator for Pipe?

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

Purpose: It helps engineers, plumbers, and technicians determine how much fluid is moving through a pipe per unit time.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Volumetric flow rate (cubic meters per second)
• \( r \) — Pipe radius (meters)
• \( V \) — Fluid velocity (meters per second)
• \( \pi \) — 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 get volume per second.

3. Importance of Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Accurate flow rate calculations are essential for proper pipe sizing, system design, and ensuring efficient fluid transport in various applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the pipe radius in meters and fluid velocity in meters per second. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use diameter instead of radius?
A: Yes, but you would need to divide the diameter by 2 first to get the radius for this formula.

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

Q3: How do I convert m³/s to other units?
A: 1 m³/s = 1000 liters/second = 15850 gallons/minute (US).

Q4: Does this work for non-circular pipes?
A: No, this formula is specifically for circular pipes. For other shapes, different area calculations are needed.

Q5: How does viscosity affect the calculation?
A: Viscosity affects the velocity profile but not this basic calculation, which assumes uniform velocity across the pipe.