Enter the discharge coefficient, orifice area, and head into the calculator to determine the flow rate through an orifice. This calculator uses the standard orifice equation to estimate the flow rate.
Orifice Equation
The standard orifice equation used to calculate the flow rate is given by:
Q = C * A * √(2 * g * H)
Variables:
- Q is the flow rate through the orifice (m³/s)
- C is the discharge coefficient (dimensionless)
- A is the orifice area (m²)
- H is the head or height of the water above the orifice (m)
- g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²)
To calculate the flow rate, multiply the discharge coefficient by the orifice area and the square root of twice the acceleration due to gravity multiplied by the head.
What is an Orifice?
An orifice is an opening with a closed perimeter through which water or another fluid can flow. Orifices are commonly used to measure flow rates, control flow, or reduce pressure. The flow rate through an orifice depends on the size and shape of the orifice, the head of the fluid, and the fluid’s properties.
How to Calculate Flow Rate through an Orifice?
The following steps outline how to calculate the flow rate through an orifice:
- First, determine the discharge coefficient (C).
- Next, measure the orifice area (A) in square meters.
- Then, measure the head (H) in meters.
- Use the orifice equation Q = C * A * √(2 * g * H) to calculate the flow rate (Q).
- After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.
Example Problem:
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
Discharge coefficient (C) = 0.62
Orifice area (A) = 0.005 m²
Head (H) = 3 m
