Understanding Flow Rate
Water flow rate, often measured in Gallons Per Minute (GPM), is the volume of water that passes through a given point in a specific amount of time. For hoses, it's influenced by two primary factors:
- Hose Pressure (PSI): This is the force of the water pushing through the hose. Higher pressure generally leads to a higher flow rate, assuming the hose and nozzle can handle it. It's typically measured in Pounds per Square Inch (PSI).
- Nozzle Diameter: The size of the opening at the end of your hose. A larger diameter allows more water to pass through, increasing the flow rate.
The formula used here is an approximation based on common hydraulic principles, taking into account the relationship between pressure, nozzle orifice, and flow. It's important to note that actual flow rates can be affected by hose length, internal hose diameter, bends, and the efficiency of the nozzle itself.
Example Calculation: If you have a hose pressure of 50 PSI and a nozzle with a diameter of 0.5 inches, the estimated flow rate would be approximately 50 GPM. This calculation provides a good starting point for understanding your system's capabilities.
function calculateFlowRate() {
var pressure = parseFloat(document.getElementById("pressure").value);
var nozzleDiameter = parseFloat(document.getElementById("nozzleDiameter").value);
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result");
if (isNaN(pressure) || isNaN(nozzleDiameter) || pressure < 0 || nozzleDiameter <= 0) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter valid positive numbers for pressure and nozzle diameter.";
return;
}
// Approximate formula for flow rate (GPM)
// Q = 29.73 * d^2 * sqrt(P)
// Where:
// Q = Flow rate in GPM
// d = Nozzle diameter in inches
// P = Pressure in PSI
var flowRate = 29.73 * Math.pow(nozzleDiameter, 2) * Math.sqrt(pressure);
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Estimated Flow Rate:
" + flowRate.toFixed(2) + " GPM";
}
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