1. What is a Pipe Flow Rate Calculator?

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 helps engineers, plumbers, and technicians calculate 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)
• \( V \) — Flow 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 determine volume per second.

3. Importance of Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Accurate flow rate calculations are essential for designing piping systems, ensuring proper fluid delivery, and maintaining system efficiency.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: What's a typical flow velocity in pipes?
A: For water, typical velocities range from 0.5-3 m/s depending on application and pipe size.

Q3: Does this work for non-circular pipes?
A: No, this formula is specifically for circular pipes. Different formulas exist for other shapes.

Q4: How do I convert m³/s to other units?
A: 1 m³/s = 1000 liters/second = 15850 gallons/minute (US).

Q5: Does this account for friction or viscosity?
A: No, this is the theoretical maximum flow rate. Actual flow may be less due to these factors.