Flow Rate Through A Pipe

Mach 1.0

Flow rate is in units of m^3/s.

The maximum possible flow rate is possible when the fluid fully fills the inner cross-sectional area of the pipe. (m^2)

Practically it will be limited by the following:

• The net positive suction head of the pressure-generating device
• Cavitation within the pressure-generating device at the boiling temperature/pressure of the liquid
• The pressure at the delivery end of the pressure-generating device reaching the safe working pressure rating of the pipe
• The ability of whatever is holding the pipe secure to continue to do so.
• The ability of whatever is downstream of the pipe to receive or to distribute whatever is coming through the pipe.
• The ability of whatever is upstream of the pressure-generating device to continue to supply liquid.
• The ability of whatever bends there are in the pipe to remain as bends and not straighten out with the thrust produced by change of direction at the bend.
• Some combination of the above.

That's why Piping Designers are paid more than Plumbers.

Dear Friend,

Theoritically,You have to convert the Pressure in to HEAD of water in METRES. by using the Values 14.696 PSI = 34 FEET of Water Column ( 1.03 KS/CM^2 = 10.75 METRES)

From the calculated Head, you have to calculate the VELOCITY of water by using the Eqn. V^2 = 2gH, where V is the velocity, in Feet, g = acceleration due to gravity = 32.2 Ft/Sec^2, ( V = Velocity in Metre/Sec., g = acceleration due to gravity = 9.81 M/Sec^2)

You know the pipe size and Calculate the Area in Sq.Ft (or in Sq.Metres)

Then the Flow in Ft^3/ sec (or M^3/Sec.) = (0.65)xA x V

BUT THERE IS A LIMITATION FOR THE VELOCITY depending on FRICTION CO-EFFICIENT etc. Refer Hydraulics Books.

DHAYANANDHAN.S