Engineering Guides
Concise guides explaining the engineering concepts behind the calculators and unit conversions on ProcessConvert. Each guide covers the definition, formula, worked example, common mistakes, and links to the relevant calculator.
These guides complement the interactive calculators with theory and context. More guides are planned for future releases.
What Is Pump Head?
Pump head is energy per unit weight of fluid, expressed as an equivalent height of liquid column. Learn why it matters for pump selection and how it relates to pressure.
Pressure vs Head Explained
Pressure is force per area; head is equivalent fluid column height. Learn how density connects them and when to use each.
Mass Flow vs Volumetric Flow
Volumetric flow measures volume per time; mass flow measures mass per time. Learn the density relationship and when each matters.
How 4–20 mA Scaling Works
The 4–20 mA current loop is the dominant analogue signal standard in process instrumentation. Learn the scaling formula and how to convert between signal and process value.
Heat Duty Explained
Heat duty is the rate of heat transfer needed to change a fluid temperature. Learn the sensible heat formula, required inputs, and common mistakes.
What Is Specific Heat Capacity?
Specific heat capacity (Cp) is the energy required per unit mass per degree of temperature change. Learn why it matters in heat duty calculations and how units relate.
Sensible Heat vs Latent Heat
Sensible heat changes temperature; latent heat changes phase. Learn how they differ, why the heat duty calculator covers sensible heat only, and what latent heat requires.
Residence Time Explained
Residence time is the average time material spends inside a vessel, equal to volume divided by volumetric flow rate. Learn the formula, units, and common mistakes.
Tank Volume Explained
Tank volume is the internal geometric capacity of a vessel. Learn formulas for rectangular tanks, vertical cylinders, and horizontal cylinders, and when each applies.
Reynolds Number Explained
The Reynolds number is a dimensionless ratio that indicates whether flow is laminar, transitional, or turbulent. Learn the formula, flow regime thresholds, and common mistakes.
Ohm's Law Explained
Ohm's Law relates voltage, current, and resistance in a DC or purely resistive circuit: V = IR. Learn the three forms of the equation, common units, and when to use each.
Electrical Power Explained
Electrical power is the rate of energy transfer in a circuit: P = VI. Learn the three equivalent DC power formulas, common units (W, kW, hp), and limitations.
Voltage Drop Explained
Voltage drop is the loss of voltage across a conductor as current flows through its resistance. Learn the formula, percent drop, and the difference between calculation and cable sizing.
RTD Temperature Explained
A resistance temperature detector (RTD) measures temperature via the change in resistance of a platinum element. Learn the Pt100/Pt1000 linear approximation, default alpha, and limitations.
Percent Span Explained
Percent span expresses a process value as a percentage of the instrument range (LRV to URV). Learn the formula, the difference from 4-20 mA scaling, and common mistakes.
Dilution Explained
Dilution reduces concentration by adding solvent or increasing final volume. Learn the C1V1 = C2V2 formula, how to calculate added solvent volume, and common mistakes.
Concentration Explained
Concentration is the amount of solute per amount of solution. Learn the difference between mass concentration and percent by mass, with worked examples and common mistakes.
Percent Solids Explained
Percent solids is the mass fraction of solid material in a slurry. Learn the formulas for solids mass flow, liquid mass flow, and slurry mass flow, with a worked example.
Tank Turnover Explained
Tank turnover is how many tank volumes pass through a vessel over time. Learn the turnover rate, turnover time, and how tank turnover differs from residence time.
Pump Affinity Laws Explained
The pump affinity laws relate flow, head, and power to pump speed for the same pump and impeller. Learn the three scaling formulas, a worked example, and key limitations.
These guides cover the engineering theory behind pump head, pressure/head conversion, mass and volumetric flow, 4–20 mA instrumentation scaling, and sensible heat duty. Each guide includes formulas, worked examples, and links to the relevant interactive calculator. Additional guides are planned for future releases.