1. What is Pump Capacity?

Pump capacity (Q) is the volume of fluid a pump can move per unit of time, calculated as the product of fluid velocity (V) and the cross-sectional area (A) of the pipe or conduit.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the fundamental flow rate equation:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Flow rate (m³/s)
• \( V \) — Fluid velocity (m/s)
• \( A \) — Cross-sectional area (m²)

Explanation: This equation represents the volumetric flow rate of a fluid moving through a pipe or channel.

3. Importance of Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Calculating pump capacity is essential for designing fluid systems, selecting appropriate pumps, and ensuring efficient system operation in applications like water supply, HVAC, and industrial processes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter velocity in meters per second (m/s) and cross-sectional area in square meters (m²). Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What units should I use for the calculation?
A: The calculator uses SI units (m/s for velocity and m² for area), resulting in m³/s for flow rate. Convert other units to these before calculation.

Q2: How does pipe diameter relate to this calculation?
A: For circular pipes, area A = πr² where r is the radius. You can calculate area from diameter using A = π(d/2)².

Q3: Is this equation valid for all fluids?
A: Yes, this basic equation applies to all incompressible fluids. For compressible fluids, additional factors must be considered.

Q4: What's a typical flow rate for residential water systems?
A: Typical home water systems might have flow rates between 0.0005 to 0.002 m³/s (0.5 to 2 L/s).

Q5: How does this relate to pump power requirements?
A: While this gives flow rate, power requirements also depend on pressure head, fluid density, and pump efficiency.