The BTU to CFH calculator is a specialized tool designed to convert the amount of energy, measured in British Thermal Units (BTU), to the volume of gas flow in cubic feet per hour (CFH). This conversion is crucial for various applications, including sizing gas supply lines, configuring heating systems, and optimizing fuel consumption for both residential and commercial settings.
Formula of BTU to CFH Calculator
To understand the conversion process, let's break down the formula into two simple steps:
1. Convert BTU to therms:
- Divide BTU by 100,000. This conversion factor reflects the energy content of one therm, which is equivalent to 100,000 BTU.
2. Convert therms to CFH:
- Multiply the number of therms by the heating value of natural gas (in cubic feet per therm). This value can vary based on the specific gas composition. A commonly used value for natural gas is 96.7 ft³/therm.
Formula:
CFH = BTU / (100,000 BTU/therm) * Heating Value (ft³/therm)
Table for General Conversions
To simplify the conversion process, below is a table that provides quick reference values for the most common BTU to CFH conversions without the need for calculations:
| BTU (per hour) | CFH (using 96.7 ft³/therm) |
|---|---|
| 10,000 | 0.967 |
| 50,000 | 4.835 |
| 100,000 | 9.67 |
| 500,000 | 48.35 |
| 1,000,000 | 96.7 |
This table serves as a handy reference for estimating gas flow requirements without delving into calculations each time.
Example of BTU to CFH Calculator
Consider a scenario where you have a heater that requires 120,000 BTU per hour. To calculate the CFH needed for this heater, the process would look like this:
- First, divide the BTU requirement by 100,000 to convert BTU to therms. In this case, 120,000 BTU divided by 100,000 equals 1.2 therms.
- Next, multiply the number of therms by the heating value of natural gas, which is commonly 96.7 cubic feet per therm. Therefore, 1.2 therms multiplied by 96.7 equals approximately 11.604 cubic feet per hour.
So, a heater that requires 120,000 BTU per hour would need about 11.604 cubic feet per hour of natural gas.
Most Common FAQs
BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. It's a unit of heat used to describe the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
The heating value of natural gas can vary depending on its composition. You can usually find this information on your gas bill, from your supplier, or by contacting your local gas utility.
Yes, but keep in mind that propane has a different heating value, so you'll need to adjust the conversion accordingly. Propane typically has a higher heating value than natural gas.