1. What is Pipe Velocity?

Pipe velocity is the speed at which fluid flows through a pipe, measured in feet per second (fps). It's a critical parameter in hydraulic system design and analysis.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the velocity formula:

Where:

• \( Flow \) — Volumetric flow rate (ft³/s)
• \( Area \) — Cross-sectional area of pipe (ft²)

Explanation: The formula calculates how fast fluid moves through a pipe by dividing the flow rate by the pipe's cross-sectional area.

3. Importance of Velocity Calculation

Details: Proper velocity calculation ensures efficient system operation, prevents erosion, and helps maintain laminar flow conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter flow in cubic feet per second (ft³/s) and area in square feet (ft²). Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical pipe velocity range?
A: For water systems, 2-5 fps is common. Higher velocities may cause erosion and noise.

Q2: How do I calculate pipe area?
A: For circular pipes: Area = π × (Diameter/2)². Remember to convert diameter to feet.

Q3: Why measure velocity in fps?
A: Feet per second is a standard unit in US engineering practice for fluid velocity.

Q4: Does this work for any fluid?
A: Yes, as long as you use consistent units. The formula is independent of fluid type.

Q5: What if I have flow in gpm?
A: Convert gpm to ft³/s first (1 ft³/s = 448.831 gpm).