1. What is Pipe Velocity?

Pipe velocity is the speed at which fluid flows through a pipe, measured in feet per second (ft/s). It's an important parameter in hydraulic design to ensure proper flow characteristics and avoid issues like erosion or sedimentation.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the pipe velocity formula:

Where:

• \( GPM \) — Flow rate in gallons per minute
• \( Diameter \) — Inner diameter of the pipe in inches
• 0.408 — Conversion factor (gpm to ft/s)

Explanation: The formula converts flow rate (GPM) to velocity (ft/s) by accounting for the cross-sectional area of the pipe.

3. Importance of Pipe Velocity Calculation

Details: Proper pipe velocity ensures efficient fluid transport while avoiding excessive pressure drops, water hammer, pipe erosion, or sediment accumulation in the pipe.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter flow rate in GPM and pipe diameter in inches. All values must be valid (GPM > 0, diameter > 0). Typical velocities range from 2-8 ft/s for water systems.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good pipe velocity for water systems?
A: For water systems, 2-5 ft/s is typical for supply lines, with 5-8 ft/s acceptable for short runs. Higher velocities may cause noise and erosion.

Q2: Does this work for any fluid?
A: The formula works for water at standard conditions. For other fluids, you'll need to adjust for specific gravity and viscosity.

Q3: What if my pipe diameter is in millimeters?
A: First convert millimeters to inches (1 inch = 25.4 mm) before using the calculator.

Q4: What's the maximum recommended velocity?
A: Generally 8-10 ft/s for water, but lower for systems with particulates or where noise is a concern.

Q5: How does pipe material affect velocity?
A: Material affects friction loss but not the basic velocity calculation. However, softer materials may have lower maximum recommended velocities.