1. What is Mass Flow Rate?

Definition: Mass flow rate is the mass of a substance that passes per unit of time.

Purpose: This calculator determines the mass flow rate in pounds per hour (lb/hr) based on volumetric flow rate and fluid density.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( W \) — Mass flow rate (lb/hr)
• \( Q \) — Volumetric flow rate (gallons per minute, GPM)
• \( \rho \) — Density (pounds per gallon, lb/gal)
• 60 — Conversion factor (minutes to hours)

Explanation: The volumetric flow rate is multiplied by density to get mass per minute, then multiplied by 60 to convert to hours.

3. Importance of Mass Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Mass flow rate is crucial in process engineering, chemical processing, and fluid dynamics for system design and control.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the volumetric flow rate in GPM and fluid density in lb/gal (default 8.34 for water). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why multiply by 60 in the formula?
A: The 60 converts minutes (GPM) to hours (lb/hr) since mass flow rate is typically expressed per hour.

Q2: What's a typical density for water?
A: Water has a density of approximately 8.34 lb/gal at standard conditions.

Q3: Can I use this for gases?
A: This is designed for liquids. For gases, you would need to account for compressibility and temperature effects.

Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: Accuracy depends on precise measurement of flow rate and knowledge of the fluid's exact density at operating conditions.

Q5: What if my flow rate is in different units?
A: Convert to GPM first or adjust the formula accordingly for different volumetric units.