1. What is Pipe Velocity?

Pipe velocity is the speed at which fluid flows through a pipe. It's an important parameter in hydraulic calculations for water distribution systems, wastewater collection, and industrial piping.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the pipe velocity formula:

Where:

• \( MGD \) — Flow rate in million gallons per day
• \( Diameter \) — Pipe diameter in feet
• 1.547 — Conversion factor from MGD to cubic feet per second (cfs)
• 86400 — Seconds per day

Explanation: The equation converts MGD to cfs, then calculates velocity by dividing flow rate by pipe cross-sectional area.

3. Importance of Velocity Calculation

Details: Proper velocity is crucial for system design - too high causes erosion and pressure loss, too low allows sedimentation. Typical design range is 2-5 ft/s for water systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter flow rate in MGD and pipe diameter in feet. Both values must be positive numbers. The result will be velocity in feet per second.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why convert MGD to cfs first?
A: The conversion to cubic feet per second makes the units compatible with pipe diameter in feet for velocity calculation.

Q2: What is a typical velocity range for water pipes?
A: 2-5 ft/s is common for water distribution, with 3-4 ft/s often being optimal for balancing energy and maintenance.

Q3: How does pipe material affect velocity?
A: Material affects friction loss but not the velocity calculation itself. However, maximum recommended velocity varies by material.

Q4: Can I use this for other liquids?
A: The calculation works for any liquid, but the conversion factor (1.547) is specific to gallons. For other units, different conversion would be needed.

Q5: What about non-circular pipes?
A: This calculator assumes circular pipes. For other shapes, use the hydraulic radius calculation instead.