1. What is Volumetric Flow Rate?

Volumetric flow rate is the volume of fluid that passes through a given surface per unit time. In pipe flow, it represents how much fluid volume is moving through the pipe each second.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the volumetric flow rate equation:

Where:

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

Explanation: The equation 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: Calculating flow rate is essential for designing piping systems, determining pump requirements, and ensuring proper fluid transport in industrial, plumbing, and HVAC applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter pipe radius in meters and 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 (radius = diameter/2).

Q2: What are typical flow velocities in pipes?
A: For water, typical velocities are 0.5-3 m/s in plumbing and 1-5 m/s in industrial pipes.

Q3: Does this work for any fluid?
A: Yes, the equation works for any incompressible fluid (liquids). For gases, additional factors may be needed.

Q4: How does pipe roughness affect the calculation?
A: Pipe roughness affects velocity (through pressure drop) but not this direct calculation. You'd need the Darcy-Weisbach equation for those effects.

Q5: What if my pipe isn't circular?
A: For non-circular pipes, use the cross-sectional area directly (Q = A × v) instead of πr².