Mass Flow Rate Calculator

Mass Flow Rate Formula:

\[ \dot{m} = \rho \times Q \]

Mass Flow Rate (ṁ): kg/s

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 a crucial measurement in fluid dynamics, chemical engineering, and HVAC systems to quantify material movement.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ \dot{m} = \rho \times Q \]

Where:

\( \dot{m} \) — Mass flow rate (kg/s)
\( \rho \) — Density of the fluid (kg/m³)
\( Q \) — Volumetric flow rate (m³/s)

Explanation: The density of the fluid is multiplied by the volumetric flow rate to determine how much mass is flowing per second.

3. Importance of Mass Flow Rate

Details: Accurate mass flow rate calculations are essential for system design, process control, and efficiency optimization in various industries.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the fluid density in kg/m³ and the volumetric flow rate in m³/s. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical density values for common fluids?
A: Water ≈ 1000 kg/m³, Air ≈ 1.225 kg/m³ (at sea level), Oil ≈ 800-950 kg/m³ depending on type.

Q2: How do I convert other flow rate units to m³/s?
A: 1 L/min = 0.00001667 m³/s, 1 ft³/min = 0.0004719 m³/s, 1 gal/min = 0.00006309 m³/s.

Q3: Can I use this for gases?
A: Yes, but remember gas density changes with pressure and temperature - use appropriate density values.

Q4: What's the difference between mass and volumetric flow rate?
A: Volumetric measures volume per time, while mass flow measures actual mass per time, accounting for density.

Q5: How precise should my density measurement be?
A: For accurate results, density should be measured at the actual temperature and pressure of the flowing fluid.