Learning Forum

[Keyur Kanade]

Hello Fluids Experts, ?

I am required to estimate the flow rate of water through a porous zone. I know the expected pressure drop and the permeability of the zone. Is it possible to get a theoretical estimate of the flow rate based on these variables?

Thank you in advance for your help

[Karthik Remella]

Hi @kkanade ?,

Darcy's law provides a relationship for estimating the instantaneous flow rate through a homogeneous porous media of permeability K with a known pressure drop across its thickness.

Mathematically,

Q = K * A * del_P / (mu * L)

Where,

Q - flow rate [m^3/s]

K - permeability [m^2]

A - cross-sectional area [m^2]

del_P - pressure drop [Pa]

mu - dynamic viscosity [Pa-s]

L - length across the porous media (thickness) [m]

Hope this helps.