What factors determine the gas flow rate through an orifice?

The gas flow rate through an orifice is primarily influenced by several key physical properties and conditions, specifically the size of the orifice, the specific gravity of the gas, and the pressure of the gas.

The orifice size is crucial as it dictates the amount of space through which the gas can flow. A larger orifice allows more gas to pass through at a given pressure compared to a smaller one. Specific gravity, which is the ratio of the density of the gas to the density of air, affects the flow characteristics of the gas, including how it interacts with the orifice. Lastly, the gas pressure directly influences the flow rate; higher pressure generally results in increased flow through the orifice.

These factors work together to determine how easily gas can flow, which is important for ensuring that appliances receive the correct amount of gas for operation, thus affecting efficiency and safety.