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Volumetric Flow Rate Equation:
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Volumetric flow rate (Q) is the volume of fluid that passes through a given cross-sectional area per unit time. For air flow, it represents the amount of air moving through a duct, pipe, or opening in cubic meters per second.
The calculator uses the fundamental flow rate equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation calculates how much air volume passes through a specific area when moving at a given velocity over one second.
Details: Accurate flow rate calculation is essential for HVAC system design, ventilation requirements, industrial processes, aerodynamics, and environmental engineering applications.
Tips: Enter cross-sectional area in square meters and air velocity in meters per second. Ensure both values are positive numbers for accurate calculation.
Q1: What is the difference between volumetric and mass flow rate?
A: Volumetric flow rate measures volume per time (m³/s), while mass flow rate measures mass per time (kg/s). They are related by density: mass flow rate = volumetric flow rate × density.
Q2: How do I measure air velocity in practice?
A: Air velocity can be measured using anemometers, pitot tubes, or hot-wire anemometers depending on the application and required accuracy.
Q3: What are typical air flow rates in ventilation systems?
A: Residential ventilation typically ranges from 0.1-0.5 m³/s, while commercial systems can handle 1-10 m³/s or more depending on building size and occupancy.
Q4: Does temperature affect air flow rate calculations?
A: Temperature affects air density, which impacts mass flow rate but not volumetric flow rate in this basic calculation. For precise engineering, temperature corrections may be needed.
Q5: When is this equation not applicable?
A: This simple equation assumes uniform velocity profile and incompressible flow. For high-velocity air flows (approaching Mach 0.3) or non-uniform velocity distributions, more complex equations are needed.