Fluid Volumetric Flow Rate Equation

Fluid Flow Table of Contents
Hydraulic and Pneumatic Knowledge

Fluid Volumetric Flow Rate Equation

The volumetric flow rate (V ) of a system is a measure of the volume of fluid passing a point in the system per unit time. The volumetric flow rate can be calculated as the product of the cross sectional area (A) for flow and the average flow velocity (v).

Equation (1)

V = A · v

If area is measured in square feet and velocity in feet per second, Equation 1 results in >volumetric flow rate measured in cubic feet per second. Other common units for volumetric flow >rate include gallons per minute, cubic centimeters per second, liters per minute, and gallons per hour.

Example:

A pipe with an inner diameter of 4 inches contains water that flows at an average velocity >of 14 feet per second. Calculate the volumetric flow rate of water in the pipe.

Solution:

Use Equation 1 and substitute for the area

V = ( π · r2 ) v

V = ( 3.14157 ) ( 2 12 f t ) 2 ( 14 f t s e c )

V = 1.22 f t 3 s e c

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