Enter the volume flow rate of the steam and the total flow area into the calculator to determine the steam velocity.

Steam Velocity Formula

The following equation is used to calculate the Steam Velocity.

Vs = QV / FA
  • Where Vs is the steam velocity (ft/s)
  • QV is the steam volume flow rate (ft^3/s)
  • FA is the flow area (ft^2)

To calculate the steam velocity, divide the steam volumetric flow rate by the flow area.

What is a Steam Velocity?

Definition:

Steam velocity measures the linear speed of steam through an enclosed area. The steam velocity depends on the size of the flow, pressures, relative humidity, and temperatures.

How to Calculate Steam Velocity?

Example Problem:

The following example outlines the steps and information needed to calculate Steam Velocity.

First, determine the steam volume flow rate. In this example, the steam volume flow rate is found to be 55 ft^3/s.

Next, determine the flow area. For this problem, the flow area is found to be 10 ft^2.

Finally, calculate the Steam Velocity using the formula above:

Vs = QV / FA

Vs = 55 / 10

Vs = 5.5 ft/s