1. What is Mass Flow Rate from Pressure Drop?

Definition: This calculator determines the mass flow rate of a fluid based on its density, pressure drop across a system, and flow resistance.

Purpose: Essential for engineers and technicians working with fluid systems to determine flow rates in pipes, valves, and other components.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses two formulas:

Where:

• \( \dot{m} \) — Mass flow rate (kg/s)
• \( \rho \) — Fluid density (kg/m³)
• \( Q \) — Volumetric flow rate (m³/s)
• \( \Delta P \) — Pressure drop (Pa)
• \( R \) — Flow resistance (Pa·s/m³)

Explanation: First calculates volumetric flow from pressure drop and resistance, then converts to mass flow using fluid density.

3. Importance of Mass Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Accurate mass flow rate determination is critical for system design, performance analysis, and troubleshooting in HVAC, chemical processing, and hydraulic systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the fluid density, measured pressure drop across the system, and the known flow resistance. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I determine flow resistance (R)?
A: Resistance can be calculated from system parameters or measured experimentally. For pipes, R = 8ηL/(πr⁴) where η is viscosity.

Q2: What's a typical density for water?
A: Water at 20°C has a density of about 998 kg/m³. Density varies with temperature and composition.

Q3: Does this work for compressible fluids?
A: This simplified version assumes incompressible flow. For gases, additional factors must be considered.

Q4: What units should I use?
A: Consistent SI units are required - kg/m³ for density, Pa for pressure, and Pa·s/m³ for resistance.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: Accuracy depends on precise resistance values and assuming laminar flow conditions.