1. What is Mass Flow Rate?

Definition: Mass flow rate is the mass of a substance that passes per unit of time, typically measured in pounds per hour (lb/hr) in this calculator.

Purpose: It's crucial in fluid dynamics, chemical processing, and engineering to determine how much mass of a substance is moving through a system.

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 of the fluid (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 mass per hour.

3. Importance of Mass Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Accurate mass flow rate calculations are essential for system design, process control, and ensuring proper equipment sizing in industrial applications.

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 to hours since GPM is per minute and we typically want lb/hr.

Q2: What's a typical density for water?
A: Water is approximately 8.34 lb/gal at room temperature.

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

Q4: How do I find the volumetric flow rate?
A: Use flow meters or calculate from pipe diameter and velocity.

Q5: What units does this calculator use?
A: It uses US customary units: gallons per minute (GPM) and pounds per gallon (lb/gal).