Engineering
Flow Rate Calculator
Calculate volumetric flow rate through dairy pipes from inner diameter and fluid velocity. Essential for pipe sizing and pump selection.
Formula
Math.PI * Math.pow((diameter / 1000) / 2, 2) * velocity * 3600
diameter
Pipe Inner Diameter (mm)
velocity
Flow Velocity (m/s)
Worked Example
1
Given:
diameter = 50
velocity = 1.5
2
Apply the formula:
Math.PI * Math.pow((diameter / 1000) / 2, 2) * velocity * 3600
3
Result:10.603 m³/hr
Flow Rate in Dairy Pipelines
Flow rate is the volume of fluid passing through a pipe per unit time. Understanding flow rate is essential for:
- Sizing dairy pipelines correctly
- Selecting pumps with adequate capacity
- Calculating product transfer times
- Designing CIP (Clean-in-Place) systems
Flow Rate Formula
Q = A × v = π × (D/2)² × v
Where:
- Q = Volumetric flow rate (m³/hr)
- A = Cross-sectional area of pipe (m²)
- D = Inner diameter of pipe (m)
- v = Flow velocity (m/s)
Recommended Flow Velocities in Dairy
| Application | Velocity (m/s) |
|---|---|
| Milk transfer | 1.0–2.5 |
| CIP solution | 1.5–3.0 |
| Hot water | 1.0–2.0 |
| Steam condensate | 0.5–1.0 |
| Viscous products | 0.5–1.5 |
Higher velocities may cause product damage (especially for cream, yogurt, and cultured products).
Pipe Sizing Guidelines
Standard dairy pipe sizes (inner diameter):
- 25 mm, 38 mm, 51 mm, 63 mm
- 76 mm, 102 mm, 152 mm
Use this calculator to find the required pipe size for your desired flow rate and velocity.