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 of fluid (pounds per gallon, lb/gal)
• 60 — Conversion factor (minutes to hours)

Explanation: The formula converts volumetric flow rate to mass flow rate by multiplying by density and converting minutes to hours.

3. Importance of Mass Flow Rate

Details: Mass flow rate is crucial in process engineering, fluid dynamics, and various industrial applications where precise material transfer is required.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the 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 factor converts minutes (from GPM) to hours (for lb/hr) since there are 60 minutes in an hour.

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

Q3: Can I use this for gases?
A: While the principle is the same, gas densities vary significantly with pressure and temperature, so additional corrections may be needed.

Q4: How do I find the density of other fluids?
A: Consult material safety data sheets (MSDS) or engineering references for specific fluid densities.

Q5: What if my flow rate is in different units?
A: Convert to GPM before using this calculator, or adjust the formula accordingly.