Water Velocity Calculator
Calculate the velocity of water flowing through a pipe based on flow rate and pipe diameter.
Understanding Water Velocity in Pipes
Water velocity is a crucial factor in pipe system design and operation. It represents the speed at which water moves through a pipe, typically measured in feet per second (ft/s) or meters per second (m/s).
Formula
The basic formula for water velocity is:
v = Q / A
Where:
- v = velocity
- Q = flow rate
- A = cross-sectional area of the pipe (π × r²)
Recommended Velocity Ranges
- Minimum: 2 ft/s (0.6 m/s) - To prevent sediment buildup
- Maximum: 8 ft/s (2.4 m/s) - To prevent erosion and excessive noise
- Optimal: 4-5 ft/s (1.2-1.5 m/s) - For most applications