To calculate the air speed in a turbine tunnel, the volumetric flow rate (Q) in cubic feet per minute must be divided by the cross-sectional area of the orifice in square feet. The user provided an air volume of 375,000 cfm and an orifice area of 18,900 ft², along with an air pressure of 20 inches of water column. The discussion emphasizes the need to convert volumetric flow to velocity by ensuring the units are compatible. Clarification on additional parameters like upstream pressure or mass flow is also sought for a more accurate calculation. Understanding the relationship between flow rate and area is crucial for determining the air velocity.