1. What is Hydraulic Flow Rate?

The hydraulic flow rate (Q) is the volume of fluid that passes through a given cross-sectional area per unit time. It's a fundamental parameter in fluid mechanics and hydraulic system design.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the basic flow rate equation:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Flow rate (gpm)
• \( A \) — Cross-sectional area (in²)
• \( v \) — Flow velocity (ft/s)

Explanation: The calculator converts the velocity from ft/s to in/s, calculates the flow in in³/s, then converts to gallons per minute (gpm).

3. Importance of Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Accurate flow rate calculation is essential for designing hydraulic systems, selecting pump sizes, determining pipe diameters, and ensuring proper system operation.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the cross-sectional area in square inches and flow velocity in feet per second. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical flow velocities in hydraulic systems?
A: Typical velocities range from 2-15 ft/s depending on application, with higher velocities for smaller pipes and lower for larger ones.

Q2: How does pipe diameter affect flow rate?
A: Flow rate increases with the square of the pipe diameter (for circular pipes) at constant velocity.

Q3: What's the difference between flow rate and flow velocity?
A: Flow velocity is the speed of the fluid, while flow rate is the volume of fluid passing per unit time.

Q4: Can this calculator be used for any fluid?
A: Yes, but the results are in volumetric flow rate. For mass flow rate, you'd need to multiply by fluid density.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This gives theoretical flow rate. Actual flow may differ due to friction losses, viscosity, and other factors.