1. What is Mass Flow Rate?

Mass flow rate (ṁ) is the mass of a substance that passes per unit of time. It is a fundamental parameter in fluid dynamics and thermodynamics, commonly used in engineering applications involving fluid flow systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the mass flow rate equation:

Where:

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

Explanation: The equation calculates the mass flow rate by multiplying the density of the fluid by its volumetric flow rate, providing the mass of fluid passing through a given cross-section per unit time.

3. Importance of Mass Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Mass flow rate is crucial for designing piping systems, calculating heat transfer rates, determining pump and compressor specifications, and ensuring proper operation of various industrial processes involving fluid transport.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter density in kg/m³ and volume flow rate in m³/s. Both values must be positive numbers. Common fluid densities: water ≈ 1000 kg/m³, air ≈ 1.2 kg/m³ at standard conditions.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between mass flow rate and volume flow rate?
A: Mass flow rate measures the mass of fluid passing per unit time (kg/s), while volume flow rate measures the volume of fluid passing per unit time (m³/s). Mass flow rate is independent of temperature and pressure changes.

Q2: When should I use mass flow rate vs volume flow rate?
A: Use mass flow rate for energy balance calculations, chemical reactions, and compressible flows. Use volume flow rate for incompressible flow applications and when dealing with constant-density fluids.

Q3: How does temperature affect mass flow rate?
A: Temperature affects fluid density. For gases, density decreases with increasing temperature, which affects the mass flow rate for a given volume flow rate. For liquids, density changes are generally smaller.

Q4: What are typical mass flow rate units?
A: Common units include kg/s, kg/h, lb/s, and lb/h. The SI unit is kg/s. Always ensure unit consistency in calculations.

Q5: Can this calculator be used for gases?
A: Yes, but remember that gas density varies significantly with temperature and pressure. Use the appropriate density value for your specific conditions.