CALCULATING CFM

Posted: 11/6/23

CALCULATING AIR FLOW VOLUME WITH DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE TRANSMITTERS

Calculating CFM in your control system using a differential pressure transmitter is significantly less costly than using air flow stations or flow meters. This post
explains how to use a differential pressure transmitter and simple math to calculate CFM using the below formula:

CFM = FPM x Duct Cross Sectional Area

STEP 1
Calculate Flow Velocity In FPM
Finding the Flow Velocity in feet per minute (FPM)
is the first step. To find the Flow Velocity, use this
equation:
FPM = 4005 x √ΔP (The square root of the
Velocity Pressure)
The Velocity Pressure value will be provided by
either ACI’s DLP or MLP2 differential pressure
transmitter paired with a PT Differential Pitot Tube
installed in the duct. The PT is an ABS plastic pitot
tube that comes in 3", 5.2", 7.5", 9.7" lengths. The
insertion depth should cover as much of the width
of the duct as possible without touching the
opposite side. The PT samples multiple points
across its length - see YouTube video for
complete details of PT installation, port
designation, and recommended length.
The “H” port of the PT will connect to the HIGH
port of the differential pressure transmitter, and
the “L” to the LOW. The difference between the
total pressure reading monitored at “H” port of PT,
and the static pressure monitored at the “L” port, is
the Velocity Pressure. The output from the DLP or
MLP2 is the Velocity Pressure used in the equation.
For example: If a Velocity Pressure of 0.45" W.C. is
measured by our pressure transmitter and entered
into our equation, we see that the Flow Velocity is
2,686 Feet Per Minute (FPM).
STEP 2 STEP 3
Determine The Area Of The Duct Calculate Air Flow Volume (CFM)
Next, we need to determine the Duct Cross Now that we’ve calculated Flow Velocity (2686
Sectional Area. FPM) and Duct Cross Sectional Area (1.07 square
feet) we can calculate Air Flow in CFM for our 14"
There are two equations for determining a Duct’s diameter round duct using the equation:
Cross-Sectional Area. One to be used for square or
rectangular duct and the other for round duct. CFM = FPM x Duct Cross Sectional Area
The equation for a square or rectangular duct is:
CFM = 2,686 x 1.07 sq. feet
A=XxY CFM = 2,874
The equation for a round duct is:
Air Flow Volume = 2,874 CFM
A = π x r²
A: Duct Cross Sectional Area
Tech Tips Episode #2 • Calculat…
Calculat…
X: Height in feet
Y: Width in feet
r²: Radius of the duct in feet
If we have a round 14" diameter duct, the radius is
half that, or 7" which converts to 0.585 feet
(7"/12").
Substituting our values into the equation we see
that the Duct Cross Sectional Area equals pi,
or 3.14159 times our radius, .585 squared giving us
a solution of 1.07 square feet.
A = π x 0.585²
FPM = 4005 x √0.45
FPM = 2,686
Our Flow Velocity solution of 2686 FPM can now be
inserted into our equation used to calculate Flow
Volume in CFM:
CFM = 2,686 x Duct Cross Sectional
Area
DLP
The A/DLP Series uses a piezoresistive, silicon
sensing element which senses differential pressure
and provides an analog output. The hinged cover is
easily opened using the locking tab on the side of
the enclosure. This allows for easy access to the
zero function and field selectable ranges and
outputs. The A/DLP Series is available in 0.25% and
A = 1.07 sq. feet
ACI SENSORS NEEDED
MLP2
The A/MLP2 Series pressure transmitter
incorporates a durable piezoresistive, silicon
micro-machined sensing element to enable very
low-pressure measurements. The pushbutton zero
feature provides field adjustability and its small
size uses minimal panel space. In addition, the
terminal block is removable and the enclosure
features an integral DIN-rail mounting bracket.
PITOT TUBES
The 3", 5.2", 7.5" and 9.7" pitot tubes are designed
to sense the differential inlet pressure in the inlet
section of VAV and Fan Terminal Boxes. Pitot tubes
can be used to measure the velocity pressure when
mounted facing into the air stream.
Pilot Tubes Product Page
(https://www.workaci.com/product/305?
v=1997)»
0.50% accuracy and has pitot tube, din-rail, and MLP2 (/media/1424/download?inline)Product
LCD options for installation and operating Page (https://www.workaci.com/product/303?
flexibility. v=1880) »

DLP (/media/1413/download?inline)Product
Page (https://www.workaci.com/product/300?
v=1805) »

RESOURCES RELATED TO PRESSURE

 v=pNp3gdKFOCo) 
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=UfFXv7EyXXI)
(https://www.youtube
v=5CSakCtV_VU)
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