Converting Between PPM and Flow Rate for Gas Leak Detection: Expert Guide

In summary, the conversation is about the conversion between parts per million (ppm) and flow rate, specifically in relation to detecting a gas leak from pipes. The conversation discusses how different companies measure and claim their ability to detect methane in the air, with one company using ppm and the other using flow rate. The conversation also mentions the potential influence of wind speed on these measurements. Finally, there is a request for help in calculating the flow rate of oxygen gas using given data.
  • #1
hananl
23
0
Hi guys,
This question is about the conversion between ppm and flow rate (I know you can't really convert between those two...)
I have been looking on different products in the Internet, concerning the detection of a gas leak from pipes.
It seems that each company is "measuring differently".
Company A claims it can detect 100ppm of methane. (in air)
Company B claims it can detect a flow rate of 1liter/hour of methane. (in air)

How do I translate between the two? one is ppm as for concentration parameter and the other is for a flow rate.
Lets say there is a wind of 10km/hr max.

I thought maybe physicians could help me with that...
10x.
 
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  • #2
Company B specs is missing something. It would be tolerable if it was 1 litter /(hour * meter^2), but then the methane concentration would be dependent on wind speed (calculus needed). Buy company A.
 
  • #3
lpfr said:
It would be tolerable if it was 1 litter /(hour * meter^2
Lets say I email them, and they tell me X gram/(hour*meter^2)
Then what?
 
  • #4
If the wind speed is v m/s, in one hour, 3600* v meters long of air would have traversed the squared meter. Then the total volume will be 3600*v cubic meters. If there are x grams, you can compute the numbers of grams per m^3.
Then you may want to know the volume relative concentration. As you know the molecular mass of methane, you can determine the number of moles (not molecules). Then with the formula PV=nRT you can determine the volume (beware the units , bars, pascals, litters and m^3) of methane. Divide this by 1 m^3 and you will have the relative concentration. You can, of course multiply by a million to transform in ppm.
All this can be put in a single formula.
 
  • #5
sir,

Please me calculate the flowrate of oxygen gas form with the given data below:

Need oxygen in PPM = 10ppm = 14.1mg/cubic meter (m3)
Capacity of Tank = 100 cubic meter (m3)

I need the flowrate

Sonics
 

1. What is PPM?

PPM stands for parts per million and is a unit of measurement used to indicate the concentration of a gas in a mixture of gases or in the atmosphere.

2. What is flow rate?

Flow rate is the volume of a gas that passes through a particular point in a given amount of time. It is typically measured in units of volume per time, such as liters per minute or cubic feet per hour.

3. How do you convert between PPM and flow rate?

To convert between PPM and flow rate, you will need to know the concentration of the gas in PPM, the total flow rate of the gas mixture, and the specific gravity of the gas. You can then use the formula PPM = (flow rate * concentration) / (specific gravity * 106) to calculate the flow rate in PPM.

4. Why is it important to convert between PPM and flow rate for gas leak detection?

Converting between PPM and flow rate is important for gas leak detection because it allows you to accurately measure the concentration of a gas in a gas mixture. This information is crucial for identifying potential leaks and determining the severity of the leak.

5. What are some common applications for PPM and flow rate conversions for gas leak detection?

PPM and flow rate conversions are commonly used in industries such as oil and gas, chemical manufacturing, and environmental monitoring. They are also important in safety and regulatory compliance for gas detection equipment and systems.

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