Circular Orifice Flow Calculator

Circular Orifice Flow Equation:

\[ Q = C \pi (d/2)^2 \sqrt{2 g h} \]

Flow Rate (Q):

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1. What is the Circular Orifice Flow Equation?

The Circular Orifice Flow equation calculates the volumetric flow rate of fluid through a circular orifice. It's based on Bernoulli's principle and accounts for the discharge coefficient which represents energy losses in the system.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Circular Orifice Flow equation:

\[ Q = C \pi (d/2)^2 \sqrt{2 g h} \]

Where:

\( Q \) — Volumetric flow rate (m³/s)
\( C \) — Discharge coefficient (unitless)
\( d \) — Orifice diameter (m)
\( g \) — Gravitational acceleration (9.8 m/s²)
\( h \) — Head or pressure difference (m)

Explanation: The equation calculates flow by multiplying the orifice area by the theoretical velocity (from Torricelli's theorem) and the discharge coefficient that accounts for real-world energy losses.

3. Importance of Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Accurate flow rate calculation is essential for designing fluid systems, sizing pipes and pumps, process control in industrial applications, and hydraulic engineering projects.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter discharge coefficient (typically 0.6-0.8 for sharp-edged orifices), diameter in meters, and head in meters. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical discharge coefficient value?
A: For sharp-edged circular orifices, C is typically 0.60-0.65. For well-rounded orifices, it can approach 0.98-0.99.

Q2: Does this equation work for all fluids?
A: The equation works for incompressible fluids. For gases or compressible fluids, additional factors must be considered.

Q3: What is the "head" in this context?
A: Head represents the height of fluid column that would produce the pressure difference across the orifice, measured in meters of fluid.

Q4: When is this equation not accurate?
A: The equation may be less accurate for very small orifices, high viscosity fluids, or when flow is not fully turbulent.

Q5: How does orifice shape affect the calculation?
A: This equation is specifically for circular orifices. Different shapes require different area calculations and may have different discharge coefficients.