Cooling Water Flow Input Form
Use the responsive grid below. It shows three columns on large screens, two on smaller screens, and one on mobile.
Example Data Table
| Scenario | Heat Load | ΔT | Safety Factor | Design Flow | Main Pipe ID | Pump Input |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooling tower loop | 350 kW | 5 °C | 10% | 66.24 m³/h | 114.80 mm | 4.51 kW |
| Heat exchanger circuit | 500 kW | 6 °C | 12% | 80.49 m³/h | 125.70 mm | 5.97 kW |
| Process cooling skid | 225 kW | 4 °C | 8% | 52.35 m³/h | 101.99 mm | 3.42 kW |
Formula Used
Heat Load = Mass Flow × Specific Heat × Temperature Rise
Mass Flow (kg/s) = Heat Load (kW) ÷ [Cp (kJ/kg·K) × ΔT (°C)]
Volumetric Flow (m³/s) = Mass Flow (kg/s) ÷ Density (kg/m³)
Design Flow = Base Flow × [1 + Safety Factor ÷ 100]
Diameter = √[4 × Flow ÷ (π × Velocity)]
Reynolds = Density × Velocity × Diameter ÷ Dynamic Viscosity
Hydraulic Power (kW) = Density × g × Flow × Head ÷ 1000
Pump Input Power = Hydraulic Power ÷ Efficiency
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the project heat load and choose its unit.
- Select the temperature unit, then enter inlet and outlet water temperatures.
- Review or edit water properties such as specific heat, density, and viscosity.
- Set your safety factor, pipe velocity target, and number of parallel circuits.
- Add pump head, efficiency, operating hours, annual days, and energy rate.
- Press the calculate button.
- Read the result section above the form for flow, pipe sizing, pump power, and yearly energy.
- Use the CSV and PDF buttons to export the results.
FAQs
1) What does this calculator estimate?
It estimates cooling water mass flow, volumetric flow, design flow with margin, recommended internal pipe diameter, Reynolds number, pump power, annual energy use, and annual circulating volume.
2) Why is temperature rise important?
Temperature rise controls how much heat each kilogram of water carries. A larger rise lowers required flow, while a smaller rise increases pipe size and pumping demand.
3) Should I use actual water properties?
Yes. Specific heat, density, and viscosity vary with temperature and water quality. Using project conditions improves flow, pipe sizing, and Reynolds number estimates.
4) What safety factor should I choose?
Many designs use a modest allowance to cover fouling, uncertainty, or operational variation. Choose a value that matches your design standard and equipment selection approach.
5) Why does the calculator show per circuit flow?
Per circuit flow helps when the total design flow is split across multiple branches, skids, or identical cooling lines. It supports branch line sizing and balancing decisions.
6) What does Reynolds number tell me?
Reynolds number indicates whether flow is likely laminar or turbulent. Turbulent flow usually improves heat transfer, but it can also increase pressure loss.
7) Does this calculator replace full hydraulic design?
No. It is a practical sizing tool. Final design should still include detailed pressure drop, fittings, valve losses, equipment data, and local code requirements.
8) Can I use it for chilled water or condenser water?
Yes. The same heat balance method works for many water circuits. Just enter the correct load, temperature difference, fluid properties, and pump conditions.