Orifice Size Gas Flow Calculator

Orifice Flow Equation:

\[ \text{Flow Rate} = C \times A \times \sqrt{\frac{2 \times \Delta P}{\rho}} \]

Discharge Coefficient (C):

dimensionless

Area (A):

m²

Pressure Drop (ΔP):

Density (ρ):

kg/m³

Flow Rate:

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1. What is the Orifice Flow Equation?

The orifice flow equation estimates gas flow rate through an orifice based on the discharge coefficient, orifice area, pressure drop across the orifice, and gas density. It's widely used in fluid mechanics and engineering applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the orifice flow equation:

\[ \text{Flow Rate} = C \times A \times \sqrt{\frac{2 \times \Delta P}{\rho}} \]

Where:

\( C \) — Discharge coefficient (dimensionless)
\( A \) — Cross-sectional area of the orifice (m²)
\( \Delta P \) — Pressure drop across the orifice (Pa)
\( \rho \) — Density of the gas (kg/m³)

Explanation: The equation calculates the volumetric flow rate of gas through an orifice based on the pressure difference and fluid properties.

3. Importance of Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Accurate flow rate calculation is crucial for designing ventilation systems, process engineering, HVAC design, and various industrial applications involving gas flow through restrictions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the discharge coefficient (typically 0.6-0.8 for sharp-edged orifices), orifice area in square meters, pressure drop in Pascals, and gas density in kg/m³. All values must be positive.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical discharge coefficient value?
A: For sharp-edged orifices, C is typically between 0.6-0.8. The exact value depends on the orifice geometry and Reynolds number.

Q2: How do I calculate orifice area?
A: For circular orifices, A = π × (d/2)² where d is the orifice diameter in meters.

Q3: What affects the discharge coefficient?
A: Orifice shape, edge sharpness, Reynolds number, and the ratio of orifice to pipe diameter all affect the discharge coefficient.

Q4: When is this equation not applicable?
A: This simplified equation may not be accurate for compressible flow at high Mach numbers, very viscous fluids, or non-Newtonian fluids.

Q5: How does temperature affect the calculation?
A: Temperature affects gas density (ρ), which is part of the equation. Warmer gases have lower density and thus higher flow rates for the same pressure drop.