1. What is Pipe Velocity Calculation?

The pipe velocity calculation converts flow rate in million gallons per day (MGD) to velocity in gallons per minute per square foot (gpm/ft²). This is important for determining the speed of fluid flow in pipes.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the pipe velocity equation:

Where:

• \( MGD \) — Flow rate in million gallons per day
• \( 1.547 \) — Conversion factor (MGD to cfs to gpm)
• \( Area \) — Cross-sectional area of pipe in square feet

Explanation: The equation converts MGD to cubic feet per second (cfs), then to gallons per minute (gpm), and divides by the pipe area to get velocity in gpm/ft².

3. Importance of Velocity Calculation

Details: Proper pipe velocity is crucial for system design - too high causes erosion and head loss, too low allows sedimentation. Typical design velocities range from 2-5 ft/s (1.5-3.5 gpm/ft²).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter flow rate in MGD and pipe area in ft². For circular pipes, area = π × (diameter/2)². All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why convert MGD to gpm/ft²?
A: This conversion provides velocity in common engineering units that are easier to work with for many applications.

Q2: What's the 1.547 conversion factor?
A: It combines MGD to cfs (1 MGD = 1.547 cfs) and cfs to gpm (1 cfs = 448.8 gpm), simplified to one step.

Q3: What are typical velocity ranges?
A: Water systems: 2-5 ft/s (1.5-3.5 gpm/ft²). Wastewater: 2-3 ft/s (1.5-2.2 gpm/ft²) minimum to prevent solids deposition.

Q4: How does pipe material affect velocity?
A: Higher velocities are acceptable in steel pipes than PVC due to material strength. Always consult engineering standards.

Q5: Can this be used for non-circular pipes?
A: Yes, as long as you use the correct cross-sectional area for the pipe shape (rectangular, oval, etc.).