1. What is Flow Velocity?

Flow velocity is the speed at which a fluid flows through a pipe or conduit, measured in meters per second (m/s). It's a fundamental parameter in fluid dynamics and pipe system design.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the basic flow velocity equation:

Where:

• \( Velocity \) — Flow speed (m/s)
• \( Flow \) — 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 (which reduce cross-sectional area).

3. Importance of Flow Velocity Calculation

Details: Proper velocity calculation is essential for designing efficient piping systems, preventing erosion, ensuring adequate flow, and avoiding excessive pressure drops.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter flow rate in m³/s and cross-sectional area in m². For circular pipes, area = π × (diameter/2)². All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical flow velocity in pipes?
A: For water systems, 0.5-3 m/s is common. Higher velocities may cause erosion, while lower velocities may allow sedimentation.

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

Q3: What units should I use?
A: The calculator uses SI units (m³/s for flow, m² for area). Convert from other units before entering values.

Q4: Does this work for gases as well as liquids?
A: Yes, the basic equation applies to both, though gas flow calculations often require additional factors for compressibility.

Q5: What about non-circular pipes?
A: The equation works for any cross-section - just use the correct area calculation for the shape.