1. What is Mass Flow Rate?

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

Purpose: It's commonly used in fluid dynamics and process engineering to measure how much mass of a fluid 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)
• \( \rho \) — Density of the fluid (lb/gal)
• 60 — Conversion factor (minutes to hours)

Explanation: The formula converts volumetric flow rate to mass flow rate by accounting for the fluid's density and converting the time unit.

3. Importance of Mass Flow Rate

Details: Accurate mass flow rate calculations are essential for system design, process control, and equipment sizing in chemical, petroleum, and manufacturing industries.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the volumetric flow rate in GPM and fluid density in lb/gal (default 8.34 for water at 60°F). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why multiply by 60 in the formula?
A: The 60 converts minutes (from GPM) to hours (for lb/hr), standardizing the time unit.

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

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

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

Q5: What if my density is in different units?
A: Convert to lb/gal before using this calculator (1 lb/gal = 119.826 kg/m³).