Convert Mass Flow Rate to Molar Flow Rate

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the conversion of mass flow rate to molar flow rate, specifically in the context of gases. Participants explore the methods and considerations involved in this conversion, including the role of density and standard conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about converting mass flow rate to molar flow rate using gas density.
  • Another participant asserts that the conversion can be achieved by dividing the mass flow rate by the molecular weight, without using density.
  • A third participant notes that mass flow can be expressed in various units, suggesting that the original question may involve 'SLPM' or 'SCCM' units, and emphasizes the importance of standard gas density in this context.
  • This participant also highlights that different manufacturers may use different standards for gas density, which can introduce significant errors.
  • Further, they mention the use of standard ideal molar volume for converting flow rates from molar units to standard cubic centimeters per minute (sccm) and provide specific standard conditions for this conversion.
  • They reference a source from NIST that states 1 sccm is approximately 0.74358 µmol/s.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of using density for the conversion, with some asserting it is essential while others argue it is not. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to the conversion.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the variability in standard conditions and gas densities used by different manufacturers, which may affect the accuracy of conversions. There is also a reference to the specific conditions under which the ideal molar volume is defined.

vishnu123
Messages
38
Reaction score
2
TL;DR
can someone tell me the relation between the molar flow rate and density with respect to mass flow rate?
how can i convert mass flow rate into molar flow rate using density of the gas.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
You can't do it using density. Just divide the mass flow rate by the molecular weight to get the molar flow rate.
 
Mass flow may be described with a number of different units. I infer from your question that you may be starting with 'SLPM' or 'SCCM' - these are common mass flow meter units.

Chestermiller is correct, but getting from SLPM to the mass/time units does require the gas density. Specifically, it requires the 'standard' gas density assumed in the 'SLPM' units. In practice, everyone (who manufactures MFMs) uses their own version of 'standard' - mostly 0C vs 25C vs 70F reference temperature - it's an almost 10% error waiting to happen.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Chestermiller
Thank you Chestermiller and Dullard for clarifying the doubt.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Tom.G
Dullard said:
Mass flow may be described with a number of different units. I infer from your question that you may be starting with 'SLPM' or 'SCCM' - these are common mass flow meter units.

Chestermiller is correct, but getting from SLPM to the mass/time units does require the gas density. Specifically, it requires the 'standard' gas density assumed in the 'SLPM' units. In practice, everyone (who manufactures MFMs) uses their own version of 'standard' - mostly 0C vs 25C vs 70F reference temperature - it's an almost 10% error waiting to happen.
You should use the standard ideal molar volume to convert the flow rate from molar units to standard cubic centimeters per minute (sccm). The standard conditions are defined as P= 101325 Pa, T=273.15 K and Z=1.

https://physics.nist.gov/cgi-bin/cuu/Value?mvolstd|search_for=molar+volume

From NIST, 1 sccm is approximately 0.74358 µmol/s.
https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication...4154&msclkid=d34cae6cabff11ec8093320a4d23498a
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
8K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
6K