1. What is Pipe Velocity?

Pipe velocity is the speed at which fluid flows through a pipe, 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 pipe velocity equation:

Where:

• \( v \) — Pipe velocity (m/s)
• \( Q \) — Volumetric flow rate (m³/s)
• \( A \) — Cross-sectional area of the pipe (m²)

Explanation: The velocity is calculated by dividing the volumetric flow rate by the cross-sectional area of the pipe.

3. Importance of Pipe Velocity Calculation

Details: Pipe velocity is crucial for determining appropriate pipe sizes, ensuring efficient flow, preventing erosion, and avoiding excessive pressure drops in piping systems.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical pipe velocity range?
A: For water systems, typical velocities are 0.5-3 m/s for suction lines and 1-5 m/s for discharge lines.

Q2: Why is pipe velocity important?
A: Proper velocity prevents issues like water hammer, excessive noise, pipe erosion, and ensures efficient system operation.

Q3: How does velocity relate to pipe diameter?
A: For a given flow rate, velocity increases as pipe diameter decreases, following the inverse square relationship.

Q4: What happens if velocity is too high?
A: High velocities can cause erosion, noise, vibration, and significant pressure drops in the system.

Q5: How do you calculate area for non-circular pipes?
A: For rectangular ducts, area is width × height. For other shapes, use appropriate geometric formulas.