Compressed Air Velocity Calculator:
Enter the values of air flow rate, Q(ft3/m) and diameter, d(in) to determine the value of compressed air velocity, Vca(ft/s).
Compressed Air Velocity Formula:
Compressed air velocity refers to the speed at which air moves through a conduit or pipeline when compressed. This velocity is crucial in various industrial applications where air tools, pneumatic systems, or processes require a steady and controlled air flow.
Compressed air velocity ensures that the air delivered through the system is adequate to perform tasks effectively without causing undue pressure drop or loss of efficiency.
The compressed air velocity, Vca(ft/s) in feets per seconds is calculated by dividing the air flow rate, Q(ft3/m) in cubic feet per minute by the term d/24, d(in) in inches that converts the diameter from inches to feet, and squaring this term gives the cross-sectional area in square feet. Multiplying this area by pi calculates the area of the pipe’s inner circle. The divisor, 60, converts the flow rate from cubic feet per minute (CFM) to cubic feet per second (CFS) to match the velocity’s time unit.
Compressed air velocity, Vca(ft/s) = Q(ft3/m) / 60 * 3.14 * (d(in)/24)2
Vca(ft/s) = compressed air velocity in feets per seconds, ft/s.
Q(ft3/m) = air flow rate in cubic feet per minute, ft3/m.
d(in) = diameter in inches, in.
Compressed Air Velocity Calculation:
1.Determine the velocity of compressed air in a pipeline with a diameter of 4 inches and an air flow rate of 120 CFM.
Given: Q(ft3/m) = 120ft3/m, d(in) = 4in.
Compressed air velocity, Vca(ft/s) = Q(ft3/m) / 60 * 3.14 * (d(in)/24)2
Vca(ft/s) = 120 / 60 * 3.14 * (4/24)2
Vca(ft/s) = 120 / 60 * 3.14 * 0.0278
Vca(ft/s) =22.92ft/s.
2.Suppose we know the compressed air velocity is 100 ft/s and the diameter of the pipe is 6 inches.
Given: Vca(ft/s) = 100ft/s, d(in) = 6in.
Compressed air velocity, Vca(ft/s) = Q(ft3/m) / 60 * 3.14 * (d(in)/24)2
Q(ft3/m) = Vca(ft/s) * 60 * 3.14 * (d(in)/24)2
Q(ft3/m) = 100 * 60 * 3.14 * (6 / 24)2
Q(ft3/m) = 100 * 60 * 3.14 * 0.0625
Q(ft3/m) = 11781ft3/m.
Applications and Considerations:
- Monitoring compressed air velocity helps in optimizing the performance of pneumatic systems and reducing energy costs.
- Correct air velocity prevents excessive wear and erosion in pipelines, a concern also relevant in erosional velocity management.
- In both scenarios, whether managing erosional or compressed air velocity, the dimensions and condition of the pipeline, as well as the characteristics of the fluid or air, significantly affect system efficiency and safety.
- Regular checks and adjustments are required to maintain system integrity and operational effectiveness in response to varying demands and environmental conditions.