1. What is Capacity in Flow?

Capacity in flow represents the mass flow rate, which is the amount of mass passing through a given cross-sectional area per unit time. It's a fundamental concept in fluid dynamics and engineering applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the capacity equation:

Where:

• \( Velocity \) — Flow speed in meters per second (m/s)
• \( Density \) — Fluid density in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³)
• \( Area \) — Cross-sectional area in square meters (m²)

Explanation: The equation calculates mass flow rate by multiplying the volumetric flow rate (velocity × area) by the fluid density.

3. Importance of Capacity Calculation

Details: Calculating capacity is essential for designing piping systems, determining pump requirements, and analyzing fluid transport in various engineering applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter velocity in m/s, density in kg/m³, and area in m². All values must be positive numbers. For water at room temperature, density is approximately 1000 kg/m³.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What units does this calculator use?
A: The calculator uses SI units: m/s for velocity, kg/m³ for density, and m² for area, resulting in kg/s for capacity.

Q2: How does velocity affect capacity?
A: Capacity is directly proportional to velocity - doubling the velocity doubles the capacity, assuming other factors remain constant.

Q3: What's a typical velocity range for pipe flow?
A: For water in pipes, typical velocities range from 0.5-3 m/s, with higher velocities creating more friction losses.

Q4: How does temperature affect the calculation?
A: Temperature primarily affects density (especially for gases). The calculator requires the density at the actual operating temperature.

Q5: Can this be used for gases?
A: Yes, but remember gas density varies significantly with pressure and temperature, so use the appropriate density value for your conditions.