1. What is Mass Flow Meter Calculation?

Definition: This calculator determines the mass flow rate of a fluid using volumetric flow rate and density measurements.

Purpose: It helps engineers and technicians convert volumetric flow measurements to mass flow rates for process control and monitoring.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( W \) — Mass flow rate (pounds per hour)
• \( Q \) — Volumetric flow rate (gallons per minute)
• \( \rho \) — Fluid density (pounds per gallon)
• 60 — Conversion factor (minutes to hours)

Explanation: The volumetric flow rate is multiplied by density to get mass per minute, then converted to hourly rate.

3. Importance of Mass Flow Calculation

Details: Mass flow measurements are critical for accurate process control, material balancing, and quality assurance 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 use mass flow instead of volumetric flow?
A: Mass flow remains constant regardless of temperature/pressure changes, making it more reliable for many processes.

Q2: What's a typical density for water?
A: Water at 60°F has a density of 8.34 lb/gal, but this decreases slightly with temperature.

Q3: How do I find the density of other fluids?
A: Consult material safety data sheets (MSDS) or use a hydrometer for experimental determination.

Q4: Can this be used for gases?
A: The basic principle applies, but gas calculations often require compensation for temperature and pressure.

Q5: What about metric units?
A: For metric, use kg/m³ for density and m³/h for flow to get kg/h mass flow (adjust formula accordingly).