Pocket Guide Gas 3
Pocket Guide Gas 3
A
fundamental test to confirm the quantity of gas burned
by an appliance over a specific time frame, typically one
hour (3600 seconds).
For practicality the test is conducted over a shorter time frame
– either one complete revolution of the test dial (ft3) or 2
minutes plus number of seconds until the next whole number
on test drum (m3). Once the quantity of gas used is established,
the appliance heat input can be determined using a simple
calculation to factor in the fuels Calorific Value (CV).
To gas rate a metric meter, note the first reading and run the appliance
for 2 minutes (see Note) the end of which you take the second reading.
Subtract the first reading from the second to establish the amount of
gas used.
Note: Additional seconds may be needed after the 2 minute period
until the next whole digit appears. Include these additional seconds
within the formula.
The following formula is used to determine the amount of gas used:
3600 x m3
Gas rate (m3/hr) =
120 + any additional seconds
Heat input
With a known quantity of gas used in either ft3/hr or m3/hr the heat
input for the appliance (the energy produced from that quantity of fuel
burned) can be calculated in either:
❖❖ btu/hr (imperial)
❖❖ kW (metric)
Imperial (ft3)
Use the following formula to establish the heat input in btu:
Heat input (btu/hr) = ft3/hr x 1040 (btu/ft3)
To convert btu/hr to kW, divide by 3412
Metric (m3)
Use the following formula to establish the heat input in kW
m3/hr x38.76 (MJ/m3)
Heat input (kW) =
3.6