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GPM to PSI Formula:
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The GPM to PSI conversion calculates pressure drop across a valve or fitting using the valve flow coefficient (C_v). This relationship is essential for hydraulic system design and fluid flow analysis in various engineering applications.
The calculator uses the standard formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula shows that pressure drop increases with the square of flow rate and decreases with the square of the valve coefficient. Higher C_v values indicate less restriction to flow.
Details: Accurate pressure drop calculations are crucial for proper valve selection, pump sizing, system efficiency optimization, and preventing cavitation or excessive pressure losses in hydraulic systems.
Tips: Enter flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM) and valve coefficient (C_v). Both values must be positive numbers. The C_v value is typically provided by valve manufacturers in technical specifications.
Q1: What is the valve flow coefficient (C_v)?
A: C_v is a dimensionless number that represents the flow capacity of a valve. It's defined as the flow of water in GPM that will pass through a valve with a 1 PSI pressure drop.
Q2: Can this formula be used for all fluids?
A: This specific formula is primarily for water. For other fluids, additional factors like specific gravity and viscosity corrections may be needed.
Q3: What are typical C_v values?
A: C_v values range from less than 1 for small restrictive valves to over 1000 for large full-port ball valves, depending on valve size and type.
Q4: Why does pressure drop increase with flow squared?
A: This quadratic relationship comes from the energy equation and reflects that kinetic energy (and thus pressure loss) increases with the square of velocity.
Q5: When is this calculation most important?
A: Critical for pump selection, system design, ensuring adequate pressure at endpoints, and avoiding excessive energy consumption in fluid systems.