1. What is Mass Flow Rate?

Mass flow rate is the mass of a substance that passes per unit of time. It is typically measured in kilograms per second (kg/s) and is a fundamental concept in fluid dynamics and thermodynamics.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the mass flow rate equation:

Where:

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

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

3. Importance of Mass Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Mass flow rate is crucial in various engineering applications including HVAC systems, chemical processing, fuel consumption measurement, and fluid transport systems. It helps in designing efficient systems and ensuring proper material balance.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter density in kg/m³ and volumetric flow rate in m³/s. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the mass flow rate in kg/s.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between mass flow rate and volumetric flow rate?
A: Volumetric flow rate measures volume per unit time (m³/s), while mass flow rate measures mass per unit time (kg/s). Mass flow rate accounts for density variations.

Q2: How does temperature affect mass flow rate calculations?
A: Temperature affects fluid density. For accurate calculations, use density values at the actual operating temperature, or apply appropriate temperature corrections.

Q3: Can this calculator be used for gases?
A: Yes, but note that gas density varies significantly with pressure and temperature, so use appropriate density values for the specific conditions.

Q4: What are typical mass flow rate units?
A: While kg/s is standard, other common units include g/s, lb/s, or kg/h depending on the application and industry standards.

Q5: How is mass flow rate measured in practice?
A: Various devices are used including Coriolis flow meters, thermal mass flow meters, and differential pressure flow meters with density compensation.