The Volume flow is an important size in many industries - be it in air conditioning technology, mechanical engineering or environmental technology. But what exactly is the volume flow and how can it be determined? In this article we explain the basics of the volume flow, its calculation and the connection with cross -sectional area and flow speed. In addition, we present our new volume current calculator, which makes the calculation even easier for you.
What is volume flow?
The volume flow is the volume of a liquid or a gas that flows through a cross -section within a certain time. It is measured in cubic meters per second (m³/s), liter per minute (l/min) or in other similar units. This size is crucial to understand how fluids - i.e. gases or liquids - are moved in systems and how machines or systems have to be designed in order to transport a certain amount of fluid.
For simplifications, we go from idealized, i.e. h. Incompressible, fluids - such as water.
The volume current formula
The most common formula for calculating the volume flow is:
Q = A x V
Here stands Q For the volume flow, A For the cross -sectional area of the pipe or channel and V For the average flow speed of the fluid. This formula shows the direct connection between the cross -sectional area through which the fluid flows, the speed of the fluid and the resulting volume flow. The volume flow is directly proportional to the cross -sectional area and the flow speed: if the area is larger or the speed higher, the volume flow also increases.
However, an increase in flow speed can also lead to increased frictional loss and thus require a more powerful pump or drive technology. Here it is important to find an ideal middle ground to optimize energy efficiency and material stress.
It is important that the volume current formula is based on the assumption of the middle flow speed. The flow speed within a pipe or channel is not constant everywhere. Closer to the edge, where the fluid is in contact with the wall, the speed is lower due to friction than in the middle. This variation of the speed over the cross-section is even more pronounced in turbulent or non-laminar trends.
Laminar currents, in which the fluid moves in parallel layers without mixing, typically only occur at low speeds and in small pipes or with very viscous fluids. In most real applications, especially at higher speeds or in larger pipes, the current will mostly be turbulent. The various fluid layers mix in a turbulent current, which leads to a more uniform speed distribution in the cross -section.
So when it comes to calculating the volume flow, the average flow speed is switched to, which specifies the average speed of the fluid over the entire cross -section.
Units of the volume flow
The volume flow, which indicates how much volume of a fluid per unit of time flows through a certain cross -section, is expressed internationally in a variety of units. The standard SI unit of the volume flow is cubic meters per second (m³/s), a unit of measurement that is used for large industrial applications. In technical applications and in everyday use you can often find the information in liters per minute (l/min) or in cubic meters per hour (m³/h). These are particularly relevant in heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology as well as hydraulics, since they better meet the application context and are easier to use.
Use our volume current computer
With our new Volume current calculator you can calculate volume flow, flow speed or pipe diameter quickly and easily. Simply enter the known variables and our computer provides you with the volume flow in the desired unit. This tool saves you time and reduces the error rate manually when calculating.
Whether you work in heating and ventilation technology, work in the area of water treatment or have to do with fluid flow in other industrial applications- our volume current calculator becomes a simple tool for your everyday work.
Measurement of the volume flow with the volume stream units of Seikom Electronic
For a precise determination of the volume flow or the flow speed in pipeline systems, the volume stream units offer RLSW®8 And the RLSW®9 model, which will soon be released, reliable solutions, optionally even to Volume current measurement in environments up to 350 ° C. These precise instruments have been specially developed to enable users from industry and technology to reliable and user -friendly measurement.
The measuring principle of the RLSW®8 volume streaming device is based on the flow measurement using heat-wire-anemometry or also Calorimetric measuring method named, which can even capture the lowest speeds and volume flows. Users can easily insert the device into the pipeline system and measure the flow speed directly and easily. The device automatically converts these measurement data into the volume flow and shows it on a clear display and provides a linear analogue signal for further processing in the PLC.
Whether for maintenance work or for the control of heating, climate and ventilation systems- with the volume streaming devices RLSW®8 and RLSW®9, experts receive precise tools to optimally monitor and regulate the performance parameters of their systems. The measuring devices are designed in such a way that they enable simple handling and at the same time are robust enough for daily use. Due to the digital display, users can precisely read measured values and use them for monitoring and optimizing their processes. This is particularly important when implementing efficiency increase measures or in the error analysis.
Our team will be happy to support you in choosing the appropriate measuring device for your application. Feel free to see our different ones Solutions in the area of flow monitoring and measurement to learn more about our devices for measuring and regulating fluid flow in your applications.
