Gas Flow Through Orifice Calculator

Orifice Flow Equation:

\[ Q = c \times a \times \sqrt{\frac{2 \times \Delta P}{\rho}} \]

Discharge Coefficient (c):

dimensionless

Orifice Area (a):

m²

Pressure Difference (ΔP):

Density (ρ):

kg/m³

Gas Flow Rate (Q):

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1. What is the Orifice Flow Equation?

The orifice flow equation calculates the volumetric flow rate of gas through an orifice based on the pressure difference across the orifice, the orifice characteristics, and the gas properties. It's widely used in fluid dynamics and engineering applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the orifice flow equation:

\[ Q = c \times a \times \sqrt{\frac{2 \times \Delta P}{\rho}} \]

Where:

\( Q \) — Volumetric flow rate (m³/s)
\( c \) — Discharge coefficient (dimensionless)
\( a \) — Orifice area (m²)
\( \Delta P \) — Pressure difference across orifice (Pa)
\( \rho \) — Gas density (kg/m³)

Explanation: The equation accounts for the relationship between pressure drop, orifice geometry, and gas properties to determine flow rate.

3. Importance of Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Accurate flow rate calculation is crucial for designing and analyzing fluid systems, sizing equipment, and ensuring proper operation of gas distribution systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all required values with correct units. The discharge coefficient typically ranges from 0.6 to 0.9 depending on orifice geometry and flow conditions.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the discharge coefficient?
A: The discharge coefficient accounts for energy losses and flow contraction through the orifice. It must be determined experimentally or from empirical correlations.

Q2: What are typical values for the discharge coefficient?
A: For sharp-edged orifices, c ≈ 0.61-0.62. For rounded orifices, c can be higher (up to 0.9).

Q3: When is this equation valid?
A: The equation is valid for isentropic flow of ideal gases through thin-plate orifices with subsonic flow.

Q4: What are limitations of this equation?
A: It doesn't account for compressibility effects at high Mach numbers, viscosity effects, or non-ideal gas behavior.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: Accuracy depends on knowing the correct discharge coefficient and having accurate measurements of pressure difference and gas properties.