When adjusting GPM using nozzle orifice size, what happens if the orifice size is doubled?

When the orifice size of a nozzle is doubled, the gallons per minute (GPM) increases significantly, specifically it doubles. This is based on the principle of fluid dynamics, where the flow rate through an orifice is directly related to the size of the orifice. A larger orifice allows more fluid to pass through it per unit of time, leading to an increase in flow rate.

When the area of the orifice increases, the cross-sectional area through which the fluid can flow expands. The flow rate is not simply linear but increases exponentially due to the relationship defined by the area formula. Therefore, if you double the diameter of the nozzle orifice, the area through which the fluid flows increases by a factor of four (since area is proportional to the square of the diameter), which results in a substantial increase in the flow rate, effectively doubling the GPM.

This principle is crucial for applications involving fluid transfer, such as in irrigation systems, firefighting, and chemical processes, where accurate control of flow rates is vital for efficiency and safety. Understanding how changes in nozzle size affect flow rates helps in selecting the appropriate equipment for different operational requirements.