Calculators

Fluid Flow Fundamentals

Water systems involve the movement of water from one point to another. Examples are transferring water from one process to another, or from one production facility or building to a packaging plant or final product shipping area.

Water usage is typically expressed as a volumetric flow rate (volume/time). If the water flowing though a cylindrical pipe is represented by the shaded area shown below (perpendicular to flow direction) and the velocity of the water is known, then the flow rate of the water can be determined through the pipe as gal/min or m³/sec.

Flow Rate Equations

Flow Rate (Q) = Area x Velocity

The flow rates of process pipes are very important to know to complete water balances and usage and measuring volumetric flow rates are easy using common flow meters. See Types of Flow Meters for various types of flow measurement devices.

Sample Calculation: Determine the quantity of water flowing through a 6-inch diameter pipe that has a velocity of 5 ft/sec.

SI Units