1. What is the Velocity Equation?

The velocity equation (Velocity = Flow Rate / Area) calculates the speed of gas or fluid flow through a pipe or conduit. It's a fundamental equation in fluid dynamics and piping system design.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the velocity equation:

Where:

• \( Flow\ Rate \) — Volumetric flow rate (m³/s)
• \( Area \) — Cross-sectional area of pipe (m²)

Explanation: The equation shows that velocity increases with higher flow rates or smaller pipe diameters (smaller area).

3. Importance of Velocity Calculation

Details: Calculating flow velocity is essential for designing piping systems, ensuring proper flow characteristics, and avoiding issues like excessive pressure drop or erosion.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter flow rate in m³/s and area in m². Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the velocity in meters per second (m/s).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical velocity range for gas pipes?
A: For natural gas, typical velocities range from 5-20 m/s depending on pressure and application.

Q2: How does pipe diameter affect velocity?
A: For a given flow rate, velocity increases as pipe diameter decreases (since area decreases with the square of diameter).

Q3: When is high velocity problematic?
A: Excessive velocity can cause noise, erosion, or excessive pressure drop. Maximum velocity depends on the specific application.

Q4: Can this be used for liquids as well as gases?
A: Yes, the equation applies to both liquids and gases, though the implications of velocity differ between them.

Q5: What if I know diameter instead of area?
A: First calculate area using \( Area = \pi \times (Diameter/2)^2 \), then use this calculator.