1. What is a Water Flow Rate Calculator Using Pressure?

Definition: This calculator estimates the volumetric flow rate of water through an orifice or pipe based on pressure head using Torricelli's law.

Purpose: It helps engineers, plumbers, and fluid system designers determine water flow rates in various applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Volumetric flow rate (m³/s)
• \( C \) — Discharge coefficient (dimensionless, typically 0.62 for sharp-edged orifices)
• \( A \) — Cross-sectional area of flow (m²)
• \( g \) — Acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²)
• \( h \) — Pressure head (height of water column in meters)

Explanation: The formula calculates the theoretical flow rate adjusted by an empirical discharge coefficient.

3. Importance of Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Accurate flow rate estimation is crucial for designing water systems, sizing pipes, and ensuring proper system performance.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the discharge coefficient (default 0.62), cross-sectional area, gravity (default 9.81 m/s²), and pressure head. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the discharge coefficient (C)?
A: It's a dimensionless factor that accounts for real-world effects like friction and flow contraction, typically ranging from 0.6 to 1.0.

Q2: How do I measure pressure head (h)?
A: It's the height of the water column above the discharge point, measured in meters (1 psi ≈ 0.703 meters of water head).

Q3: Can this be used for other liquids?
A: Yes, but the density and viscosity differences may require adjusting the discharge coefficient.

Q4: What's the typical cross-sectional area for pipes?
A: Calculate as π × (pipe radius)². For a 50mm diameter pipe: π × (0.025m)² ≈ 0.00196 m².

Q5: Does this account for pipe friction losses?
A: No, this is for orifice flow. For pipe flow, consider using the Darcy-Weisbach equation for more accurate results.