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 (lb/hr) based on volumetric flow rate (GPM) and fluid density (lb/gal).

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 hours.

3. Importance of Mass Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Mass flow rate is crucial in fluid dynamics, chemical processing, and engineering applications where precise measurement of material flow is needed.

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 (from GPM) to hours (for lb/hr), as mass flow rate is typically expressed per hour.

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

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

Q4: How do I find the volumetric flow rate?
A: Volumetric flow rate can be measured using flow meters or calculated from pipe dimensions and velocity.

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