Flow and Pressure
How to compare flow rate, pressure rating, pressure drop, Cv, leak rate, burst pressure, viscosity, temperature, and fluid compatibility.
Back to Engineering FAQsView Engineering GuidesFlow rate through a valve, hose, fitting, or orifice depends on pressure drop, fluid density, viscosity, temperature, and geometry. A flow value without those conditions is incomplete for direct comparison.
Cv is a flow coefficient, not a direct volumetric flow rate. It can support comparison when the fluid and pressure assumptions are known, but it should not be treated as identical to GPM or L/min without context.
Operating pressure, proof pressure, burst pressure, cracking pressure, pressure drop, vacuum rating, and differential pressure describe different requirements and should be mapped to separate fields.
