The Velocity Formula
The velocity of a fluid in a pipe is a measure of how fast it is moving. It is a fundamental calculation in hydraulics and is essential for preventing issues like water hammer (if velocity is too high) or sediment buildup (if velocity is too low).
The formula is: Velocity = 0.4085 × Flow Rate (GPM) / (Inner Diameter)². This formula directly converts Gallons Per Minute and diameter in inches to a velocity in Feet Per Second.