1. What is a Metric Flow Rate Conversion Calculator?

Definition: This calculator converts metric flow rates (liters per minute or cubic meters per hour) to gallons per minute (GPM).

Purpose: It helps engineers, technicians, and professionals working with fluid systems to convert between different flow rate units.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses these formulas:

Where:

• \( Q_{gpm} \) — Flow rate in gallons per minute
• \( Q_{lpm} \) — Flow rate in liters per minute
• \( Q_{m3h} \) — Flow rate in cubic meters per hour

Explanation:

• 1 gallon = 3.785 liters
• 1 m³/h = 4.402 GPM (since 1 m³ = 264.172 gallons and 1 hour = 60 minutes)

3. Importance of Flow Rate Conversion

Details: Accurate flow rate conversion is essential for system design, equipment specification, and performance analysis in various industries including water treatment, HVAC, and chemical processing.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter either LPM or m³/h value (not both). The calculator will automatically compute the equivalent GPM value.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why convert to GPM?
A: GPM is a standard unit in many countries, especially the US, for measuring liquid flow rates in plumbing, irrigation, and industrial applications.

Q2: Which is more accurate - LPM or m³/h conversion?
A: Both are equally accurate mathematically. Use the one that matches your source data units.

Q3: Can I convert GPM back to metric units?
A: Yes, reverse the formulas: LPM = GPM × 3.785 and m³/h = GPM / 4.402.

Q4: What's the typical flow rate for household water?
A: Typical household faucets flow at 1-2 GPM (3.8-7.6 LPM), while showerheads are about 2.5 GPM (9.5 LPM).

Q5: How precise are these conversion factors?
A: The factors are precise to 6 decimal places (1 gal = 3.785412 L, 1 m³/h = 4.402868 GPM), but we use rounded values for practical calculations.