How does changing nozzle orifice size affect GPM?

How does changing nozzle orifice size affect GPM?

• A. Halving the orifice size halves GPM
• B. Doubling the orifice size has no effect on GPM
• C. Doubling the orifice size doubles GPM
• D. Halving the orifice size doubles GPM

Answer: (C)

Flow rate through a nozzle depends on how large the opening is. At a given pressure, the discharge is proportional to the opening’s cross-sectional area, and that area grows with the square of the diameter. So if you double the diameter, the area becomes four times larger, and the GPM increases by about four times. Halving the diameter reduces the area to one-fourth, cutting GPM accordingly. The idea that doubling the size only doubles GPM is a simplification and underestimates the actual increase, which is why understanding that GPM scales with the opening area is key.

Flow rate through a nozzle depends on how large the opening is. At a given pressure, the discharge is proportional to the opening’s cross-sectional area, and that area grows with the square of the diameter. So if you double the diameter, the area becomes four times larger, and the GPM increases by about four times. Halving the diameter reduces the area to one-fourth, cutting GPM accordingly. The idea that doubling the size only doubles GPM is a simplification and underestimates the actual increase, which is why understanding that GPM scales with the opening area is key.