BTU Calculator & BTU Formulas For Water Circulating Heat Transfer

A BTU is an abbreviation fo British Thermal Unit, which is the amount of energy required to raise 1 pound of water 1 degree Fahrenheit at sea level. A BTU is a relatively small amount of energy... about equivalent to the heat generated by striking 1 stick match.

You can calculate BTU heating or cooling requirements for your process by understanding your application. Some common BTU calculating formulas are shown below.

Weighed Water Test

Measure the flow of water through your process by timing how long it takes to fill a known volume container. For example, allow your process water to fill a 5-gallon container. Accurately measure the water temperature entering and exiting your process. Use this formula to calculate BTU cooling required:

Formula

BTU = Flow Rate In GPM (of water) x (Temperature Leaving Process - Temperature Entering Process) x 500.4*Formula changes with fluids others than straight water.

BTU Calculator for Weighed Water Test

General Rules of Thumb

• Hydraulic Cooling For Injection Molding Press
• BTU/hr = Motor Horsepower x 1,500
• Hydraulic Cooling For Stamping Press
• BTU/hr = Motor Horsepower x 1,200
• Grinder Cooling
• BTU/hr = Motor Horsepower x 2,400
• Air Compressor Cooling with After Cooler
• BTU/hr = Compressor Horsepower x 3,000

Download the free Formula Cards (at right) for more information.

Advantage staffs a full complement of application specialists that can review your application and help you calculate your BTU requirement.

Call us today at 317-887-0729 and ask for application engineering specialist. Let us help you calculate BTU's for your process.