ROHT Exam Preparation

ROHT Calculation Guide

JIM MORONEY AND MARK CARRIER
 Core ROHT Exam Formulas
High-Priority Occupational Hygiene Calculations

These formulas represent the core calculations most commonly encountered in occupational
hygiene practice and certification examinations.
Candidates should be comfortable recognizing when these formulas apply and performing the
calculations accurately.

EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT
Time-Weighted Average (TWA)
𝐶1 𝑇1 + 𝐶2 𝑇2 + ⋯ + 𝐶𝑛 𝑇𝑛
𝑇𝑊𝐴 =
𝑇1 + 𝑇2 + ⋯ + 𝑇𝑛

TLV Mixture Rule

𝐶1 𝐶2 𝐶𝑛
+ +⋯+
𝑇𝐿𝑉1 𝑇𝐿𝑉2 𝑇𝐿𝑉𝑛

If the sum exceeds 1, the combined exposure exceeds the allowable limit.

GAS CONCENTRATION AND UNIT CONVERSION

Parts Per Million (ppm)
𝑉𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑛𝑡
𝑝𝑝𝑚 = × 106
𝑉𝑎𝑖𝑟

ppm ↔ mg/m³ Conversion

𝑚𝑔/𝑚3 × 24.45
𝑝𝑝𝑚 =
𝑀𝑊
𝑝𝑝𝑚 × 𝑀𝑊
𝑚𝑔/𝑚3 =
24.45

RADIATION PROTECTION
Inverse Square Law
𝑑1 2
𝐼2 = 𝐼1 ( )
𝑑2

Radiation intensity decreases rapidly as distance from the source increases.

HEAT STRESS ASSESSMENT
WBGT with Solar Load
𝑊𝐵𝐺𝑇 = 0.7𝑇𝑛𝑤𝑏 + 0.2𝑇𝑔 + 0.1𝑇𝑑𝑏

WBGT without Solar Load

𝑊𝐵𝐺𝑇 = 0.7𝑇𝑛𝑤𝑏 + 0.3𝑇𝑔

WBGT combines temperature, humidity, radiant heat, and air movement to estimate heat
stress.

VENTILATION CALCULATIONS
Airflow Rate
𝑄 = 𝑉𝐴

Where
Q = airflow rate
V = air velocity
A = duct area
Air Velocity from Velocity Pressure (Imperial)
𝑉 = 4005√𝑉𝑃

Air Velocity from Velocity Pressure (Metric)

𝑉 = 4.04√𝑉𝑃

Air Changes per Hour

60𝑄
𝑁𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑠 =
𝑉𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑚

Study Tip
These formulas represent the core quantitative tools used in occupational hygiene practice.
Understanding when to apply them is often more important than memorizing the equations
themselves.
 Rapid Recall – Core ROHT Formulas

TWA
∑𝐶𝑇
𝑇𝑊𝐴 =
∑𝑇

Mixture Rule
𝐶
∑
𝑇𝐿𝑉

ppm
𝑉𝑐
𝑝𝑝𝑚 = × 106
𝑉𝑎

ppm ↔ mg/m³
𝑚𝑔/𝑚3 × 24.45
𝑝𝑝𝑚 =
𝑀𝑊

Inverse Square Law

𝑑1 2
𝐼2 = 𝐼1 ( )
𝑑2

WBGT (solar)
𝑊𝐵𝐺𝑇 = 0.7𝑇𝑛𝑤𝑏 + 0.2𝑇𝑔 + 0.1𝑇𝑑𝑏

WBGT (no solar)

𝑊𝐵𝐺𝑇 = 0.7𝑇𝑛𝑤𝑏 + 0.3𝑇𝑔

Airflow
𝑄 = 𝑉𝐴

Velocity (Imperial)
𝑉 = 4005√𝑉𝑃

Velocity (Metric)
𝑉 = 4.04√𝑉𝑃

Air Changes
60𝑄
𝑁=
𝑉
 General Occupational Hygiene Formulas

1. Concentration of a Contaminant in Air (ppm)

Formula

ppm = ( Vcontaminant / Vair ) × 10⁶

Where:

Vcontaminant = volume of contaminant gas or vapor

Vair = total volume of air sampled

Use

This relationship expresses the volume fraction of a contaminant in air.

It is commonly used to describe gas concentrations where the contaminant volume is expressed
as a fraction of the total air volume.

In occupational hygiene practice, ppm concentrations are often determined using analytical
measurements or gas relationships, but this formula illustrates the basic definition of ppm.

Example

A sampling system detects 0.002 L of contaminant vapor in 200 L of sampled air.

ppm = (0.002 L / 200 L) × 10⁶

ppm = 0.00001 × 10⁶

ppm = 10 ppm

Interpretation

The contaminant represents 10 parts per million of the air volume.

2. Concentration Using Partial Pressure
Formula

ppm = (Pv / Patm) × 10⁶

Where:

Pv = partial pressure of the contaminant gas

Patm = total atmospheric pressure

Use

This relationship is derived from Dalton’s Law of Partial Pressures, which states that the total
pressure of a gas mixture is the sum of the partial pressures of its components.

It can be used to determine the concentration of a gas or vapor in air when the contaminant’s
partial pressure is known relative to the total atmospheric pressure.

Example

The partial pressure of a contaminant is 0.0003 atm, and the atmospheric pressure is 1 atm.

ppm = (0.0003 atm / 1 atm) × 10⁶

ppm = 300 ppm

Interpretation

The contaminant concentration in the air is 300 parts per million.

3. Conversion Between ppm and mg/m³
Formula

ppm = (mg/m³ × 24.45) / Molecular Weight

or

mg/m³ = (ppm × Molecular Weight) / 24.45

Where:

Molecular Weight = molecular weight of the contaminant (g/mol)

24.45 = molar volume of an ideal gas at 25°C and 1 atmosphere

Use

This conversion is used when comparing air sampling results with occupational exposure
limits, which may be expressed in either ppm or mg/m³.

The equation is commonly applied for gases and vapors when converting between concentration
units.

Example

A measurement shows 25 ppm of toluene.

Molecular weight of toluene = 92

mg/m³ = (25 × 92) / 24.45

mg/m³ ≈ 94 mg/m³

Interpretation

The airborne concentration of toluene is approximately 94 mg/m³.

If converting ppm → mg/m³, the value usually increases (depending on molecular weight).

If converting mg/m³ → ppm, the value usually decreases.

4. Gas Law Relationship
Formula
𝐏𝟏 𝐕𝟏 𝐏𝟐 𝐕𝟐
=
𝐓𝟏 𝐓𝟐
Where:

P = pressure
V = gas volume
T = absolute temperature (Kelvin)

Use

This relationship is used to correct gas volumes when temperature or pressure changes.

In occupational hygiene, it may be used when:

• adjusting gas measurements to standard conditions

• interpreting air sampling volumes
• correcting calibration results

Example

A gas sample occupies 1.5 L at 20°C and 1 atm.

The temperature increases to 30°C, while pressure remains constant.

Convert temperatures to Kelvin:

20°C = 293 K
30°C = 303 K

𝑇2
𝑉2 = 𝑉1 ×
𝑇1
303
𝑉2 = 1.5 ×
293
𝑉2 ≈ 1.55 𝐿

Interpretation

As temperature increases, the volume of a gas increases slightly when pressure remains
constant.
5. Adjusted Lower Control Limit
Formula
𝑻𝑾𝑨
𝑳𝑪𝑳𝒂𝒔 = − 𝑺𝑨𝑬
𝑶𝑬𝑳
Where:

TWA = time-weighted average exposure

OEL = occupational exposure limit
SAE = statistical adjustment factor used to account for uncertainty in exposure estimates

Use

This relationship is used in exposure assessment statistics to help determine whether a

measured exposure distribution is likely to remain below the occupational exposure limit.

The equation incorporates an adjustment factor to account for statistical uncertainty in

exposure measurements.

Example

Measured exposure TWA = 35 ppm

Occupational Exposure Limit = 50 ppm
Statistical adjustment factor = 0.1

𝐿𝐶𝐿𝑎𝑠 = (35/50) − 0.1

𝐿𝐶𝐿𝑎𝑠 = 0.7 − 0.1
𝐿𝐶𝐿𝑎𝑠 = 0.6

Interpretation

If the calculated value is less than 1.0, the exposure distribution is generally considered below
the occupational exposure limit.

Values greater than 1.0 may indicate that exposures could exceed the applicable limit.
6. pH of a Solution
Formula

pH = -log10 (H+)

Where:

H⁺ = hydrogen ion concentration in solution (mol/L)

Use

This relationship is used to determine the acidity or alkalinity of a solution based on the
concentration of hydrogen ions present.

The pH scale typically ranges from 0 to 14:

• pH < 7 → acidic
• pH = 7 → neutral
• pH > 7 → alkaline (basic)

Understanding pH is important when evaluating chemical hazards, particularly corrosive

substances that may affect skin, eyes, or respiratory tissues.

Example

Hydrogen ion concentration = 1 × 10⁻⁴ mol/L

pH = −log₁₀(10⁻⁴)

pH = 4

Interpretation

A pH of 4 indicates that the solution is acidic.

7. Time-Weighted Average (General)
Formula
𝑪𝟏 𝑻𝟏 + 𝑪𝟐 𝑻𝟐 + ⋯ + 𝑪𝒏 𝑻𝒏
𝑻𝑾𝑨 =
𝑻𝟏 + 𝑻𝟐 + ⋯ + 𝑻𝒏

Where:

C = contaminant concentration during a specific period

T = duration of exposure at that concentration

Use

This formula is used to calculate the average exposure concentration over a work shift when
exposure levels vary during the sampling period.

In occupational hygiene, the time-weighted average is commonly used to compare worker

exposure with 8-hour occupational exposure limits (OELs).

Example

A worker experiences:

50 ppm for 3 hours

20 ppm for 5 hours

TWA = (50 × 3 + 20 × 5) / 8

TWA = (150 + 100) / 8

TWA = 31.25 ppm

Interpretation

The worker’s average exposure over the work shift is 31.25 ppm, which can be compared with
the applicable occupational exposure limit.
8. Time-Weighted Average (8-Hour Shift)
Formula
𝑪𝟏 𝑻𝟏 + 𝑪𝟐 𝑻𝟐 + ⋯ + 𝑪𝒏 𝑻𝒏
𝑻𝑾𝑨 =
𝟖

Where:

C = contaminant concentration during a specific period

T = duration of exposure at that concentration (hours)

Use

This version of the time-weighted average equation is used when evaluating exposures over a
standard 8-hour work shift, which forms the basis for most occupational exposure limits.

It assumes that the total exposure time equals 8 hours.

Example

A worker experiences:

80 ppm for 2 hours

40 ppm for 4 hours
10 ppm for 2 hours

TWA = (80 × 2) + (40 × 4) + (10 × 2) / 8

TWA = (160 + 160 + 20) / 8

TWA = 42.5 ppm

Interpretation

If the occupational exposure limit is 50 ppm, the worker’s 8-hour average exposure does not
exceed the limit.
9. TLV Mixture Rule
Formula
𝑪𝟏 𝑪𝟐 𝑪𝒏
𝑻𝑳𝑽𝒎𝒊𝒙 = + +⋯+
𝑻𝑳𝑽𝟏 𝑻𝑳𝑽𝟐 𝑻𝑳𝑽𝒏

Where:

C = measured concentration of each substance

TLV = occupational exposure limit for each substance

Use

This relationship is used when workers are exposed to multiple chemicals that produce similar
toxic effects.

The formula evaluates whether the combined exposure exceeds acceptable limits.

If the sum of the fractions exceeds 1, the combined exposure is considered to exceed the
allowable exposure limit.

Example: A worker is exposed to two solvents.

Solvent A = Concentration = 40 ppm and TLV = 100 ppm

Solvent B = Concentration = 60 ppm and TLV = 200 ppm

Calculation:

40 / 100 + 60 / 200

0.40 + 0.30 = 0.70

Interpretation

Because the result is less than 1, the combined exposure does not exceed the mixture limit. If
the result had been greater than 1, the combined exposure would be considered above the
acceptable limit.
10. TLV Mixture Using Fractional Concentrations
Formula
𝟏
𝑻𝑳𝑽𝒎𝒊𝒙 =
𝑭𝟏 𝑭𝟐 𝑭𝒏
(𝑻𝑳𝑽 + 𝑻𝑳𝑽 + ⋯ + 𝑻𝑳𝑽 )
𝟏 𝟐 𝒏
Where:

F = fraction of the total concentration contributed by each contaminant

TLV = occupational exposure limit for each contaminant

Use

This equation is used to determine the effective occupational exposure limit for a mixture
when the fractional composition of each component is known.

This approach is typically applied when evaluating pre-mixed chemical products where the
relative proportion of each substance in the mixture is known.

Example

A mixture contains:

40% Solvent A (TLV = 100 ppm)

60% Solvent B (TLV = 200 ppm)

Calculation:
1
𝑇𝐿𝑉𝑚𝑖𝑥 =
0.4 0.6
(100 + 200)
1
𝑇𝐿𝑉𝑚𝑖𝑥 =
(0.004+0.003)
1
𝑇𝐿𝑉𝑚𝑖𝑥 =
0.007
𝑇𝐿𝑉𝑚𝑖𝑥 ≈ 143 ppm

Interpretation

The mixture has an effective occupational exposure limit of approximately 143 ppm.

Measured exposure to the mixture can then be compared with this calculated limit.
11. Arithmetic Mean
Formula
∑𝑋
𝑋ˉ =
𝑛
Where:

𝑋ˉ= arithmetic mean

∑𝑋= sum of all values
𝑛= number of observations

Use

The arithmetic mean represents the average value of a set of measurements and is commonly
used when summarizing exposure monitoring data.

It is most appropriate when data are normally distributed. In occupational hygiene, exposure
measurements are often lognormally distributed, which is why geometric statistics are also
used.

Example

Five exposure measurements are recorded:

12 ppm
15 ppm
18 ppm
20 ppm
25 ppm

Mean = (12 + 15 + 18 + 20 + 25) / 5

Mean = 90 / 5

Mean = 18 ppm

Interpretation

The average measured concentration across the sampling period is 18 ppm.

12. Standard Deviation
Formula

∑(𝑥𝑖 − 𝑥ˉ )2
𝑆𝐷 = √
𝑛−1
Where:

SD = standard deviation
xᵢ = individual measurement value
x̄ = arithmetic mean
n = number of observations

Use

Standard deviation describes the spread or variability of measurements around the mean.

In occupational hygiene, it helps determine whether exposure measurements are consistent or

highly variable across different samples or workers.

Example

Five exposure measurements are recorded:

12 ppm
15 ppm
18 ppm
20 ppm
25 ppm

Mean = 18 ppm

Using the standard deviation formula, the calculated value is approximately:

SD ≈ 4.9 ppm

Interpretation

A large standard deviation indicates that exposure measurements vary widely from the mean,
suggesting greater variability in worker exposure levels.

A small standard deviation indicates that measurements are closely grouped around the
mean.
13. Geometric Standard Deviation (50% Reference)
Formula
84.13 percentile value
𝐺𝑆𝐷 =
50 percentile value

Where:

50th percentile = geometric mean (GM)

84.13 percentile = value corresponding to one geometric standard deviation above the
geometric mean

Use

This relationship is used when evaluating lognormally distributed exposure data, which is
common in occupational hygiene measurements.

The geometric standard deviation describes the spread of exposure measurements around the
geometric mean.

Example

84.13 percentile value = 60 ppm

50 percentile value (geometric mean) = 30 ppm

60
𝐺𝑆𝐷 =
30

𝐺𝑆𝐷 = 2

Interpretation

A geometric standard deviation of 2 indicates moderate variability in exposure

measurements.

Higher GSD values indicate greater variability in exposure levels.

14. Geometric Standard Deviation (15.87% Reference)
Formula

84.13 percentile value

𝐺𝑆𝐷 = √
15.87 percentile value

Use

This method is used when the 84.13 percentile and 15.87 percentile values of a lognormally
distributed data set are known.

These percentiles correspond to one geometric standard deviation above and below the
geometric mean.

Example

84.13 percentile value = 60 ppm

15.87 percentile value = 15 ppm

60
𝐺𝑆𝐷 = √
15

𝐺𝑆𝐷 = √4

𝐺𝑆𝐷 = 2

Interpretation

A geometric standard deviation of 2 indicates moderate variability in exposure data.

Larger GSD values indicate greater variability in exposure measurements.

15. Statistical Adjustment Factor (SAE)
Formula

SAE = 1.645 × CVtotal

Where:

CV = coefficient of variation of the exposure measurements

Use

This relationship is used in statistical evaluation of occupational exposure data to account for
uncertainty in exposure estimates.

The factor 1.645 corresponds to a 95% one-sided confidence level, which is commonly used in
exposure decision analysis.

Example

If the coefficient of variation is 0.20:

SAE = 1.645 × 0.20

SAE = 0.329

Interpretation

The calculated value represents a statistical adjustment factor that accounts for variability in
exposure measurements when evaluating compliance with occupational exposure limits.
 Noise Calculations
Noise exposure is commonly evaluated in occupational hygiene using sound pressure levels and
frequency relationships. These formulas are used to understand how sound levels change with
pressure, distance, and mechanical sources.

1. Sound Pressure Level

Formula
𝑷
𝑳𝒑 = 𝟐𝟎𝒍𝒐𝒈 𝟏𝟎 ( )
𝑷𝟎
Where:

Lₚ = sound pressure level (decibels, dB)

P = measured sound pressure
P₀ = reference sound pressure (20 micropascals in air)

Use

This relationship converts measured sound pressure into the decibel scale, which is a
logarithmic representation of sound intensity.

The decibel scale is used because the human ear responds logarithmically to sound pressure
changes.

Example

If the measured sound pressure is 10 times the reference pressure:

𝐿𝑝 = 20log 10 (10)

𝐿𝑝 = 20 × 1

𝐿𝑝 = 20 dB

Interpretation

An increase in sound pressure produces a logarithmic increase in sound level.

For example, a tenfold increase in sound pressure corresponds to a 20 dB increase in sound

pressure level.
2. Sound Level Change with Distance
Formula

L₂ = L₁ + 20 log₁₀ (d₁ / d₂)

Where:

L₁ = sound level at distance d₁

L₂ = sound level at distance d₂

Use

This formula estimates how sound levels change with distance from the source.

Sound intensity decreases as the distance from the source increases.

Example

A sound level of 100 dB is measured at 1 meter from a machine.

Estimate the sound level at 2 meters.

L₂ = 100 + 20 log₁₀ (1 / 2)

log₁₀ (0.5) = −0.301

L₂ = 100 + (20 × −0.301)

L₂ ≈ 94 dB

Interpretation

Doubling the distance from a sound source reduces the sound level by approximately 6 dB.
3. Frequency Change with Doubling Energy
Formula

𝒇𝟐 = √𝟐 × 𝒇𝟏

Where:

f₁ = original frequency
f₂ = new frequency after energy increase

Use

This relationship is sometimes used in acoustics to illustrate how certain energy changes in
vibrating systems can affect frequency characteristics.

It may appear in discussions of sound generation from mechanical systems, such as rotating
equipment.

Example

If the original frequency is 500 Hz:

𝑓2 = √2 × 500

𝑓2 ≈ 707 Hz

Interpretation

An increase in energy in a vibrating system may produce a corresponding change in frequency

characteristics.
4. Fan Blade Frequency
Formula
𝑵 × 𝑹𝑷𝑴
𝒇=
𝟔𝟎
Where:

f = blade pass frequency (Hz)

N = number of fan blades
RPM = rotational speed (revolutions per minute)

Use

This equation estimates the dominant noise frequency generated by rotating equipment, such
as fans, compressors, and turbines.

The calculated value represents the blade pass frequency, which is the frequency at which fan
blades pass a fixed point during rotation.

This frequency is often associated with tonal noise generated by rotating machinery.

Example

A fan has: 6 blades and rotates at 1200 RPM

6 × 1200
𝑓=
60
7200
𝑓=
60

𝑓 = 120 Hz

Interpretation

The dominant tonal frequency generated by the fan is approximately 120 Hz.
5. Frequency of a Wave
Formula
𝒄
𝒇=
𝝀
Where:

f = frequency (Hz)
c = speed of light (3 × 10⁸ m/s)
λ = wavelength (meters)

Use

This equation describes the relationship between frequency and wavelength of

electromagnetic radiation.

It is commonly applied when evaluating non-ionizing radiation sources, such as radiofrequency

and microwave radiation.

Example

If a wave has a wavelength of 0.5 meters:

3 × 108
𝑓=
0.5

𝑓 = 6 × 108 Hz

Interpretation

Shorter wavelengths correspond to higher frequencies, while longer wavelengths correspond to

lower frequencies.
 Radiation Calculations
Radiation intensity decreases as the distance from the source increases.
This relationship follows the inverse square law, which is commonly used in radiation
protection and exposure assessment.

1. Inverse Square Law

Formula

𝒅𝟏 𝟐
𝑰𝟐 = 𝑰𝟏 ( )
𝒅𝟐
Where:

I₁ = radiation intensity at distance d₁

I₂ = radiation intensity at distance d₂
d₁ = original distance from the source
d₂ = new distance from the source

Use

The inverse square law is used to estimate how radiation intensity changes with distance from a
point source. This relationship applies to many types of radiation, including:

• gamma radiation
• X-rays
• other point-source emissions

Increasing distance from the radiation source significantly reduces exposure.

Example A radiation source produces 8 mSv/hr at a distance of 1 meter. Estimate the dose
rate at 2 meters.

1 2
𝐼2 = 8 ( )
2

𝐼2 = 8(0.25)

𝐼2 = 2 mSv/hr

Interpretation

Doubling the distance from the radiation source reduces the exposure to one-quarter of the
original intensity.
 Heat Stress Calculations
Heat stress is commonly evaluated using the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index.
This index combines several temperature measurements to estimate the overall heat load
experienced by workers.

Two WBGT equations are commonly used depending on whether solar radiation is present.

1. WBGT with Solar Load (Outdoor Conditions)

Formula

WBGT = 0.7 Tₙwb + 0.2 Tg + 0.1 Tdb

Where:
Tₙwb = natural wet bulb temperature
Tg = globe temperature
Tdb = dry bulb temperature

Use

Used when workers are exposed to direct sunlight or significant radiant heat, such as outdoor
work or work near hot equipment. WBGT combines the effects of temperature, humidity,
radiant heat, and air movement into a single heat stress index.

Example

Wet bulb temperature = 25°C

Globe temperature = 35°C
Dry bulb temperature = 30°C

WBGT = (0.7 × 25) + (0.2 × 35) + (0.1 × 30)

WBGT = 17.5 + 7 + 3

WBGT = 27.5°C

Interpretation

A WBGT of 27.5°C represents the combined heat stress conditions and can be compared with
heat exposure guidelines to determine appropriate controls.
2. WBGT without Solar Load (Indoor Conditions)
Formula

𝑾𝑩𝑮𝑻 = 𝟎. 𝟕 𝑻𝒏𝒘𝒃 + 𝟎. 𝟑 𝑻𝒈
Where:

Tₙwb = natural wet bulb temperature

Tg = globe temperature

Use

This equation is used for indoor environments or shaded outdoor locations where solar
radiation is not a significant factor.

Typical applications include:

• manufacturing facilities
• warehouses
• enclosed process areas
• shaded work environments

Example

Measured values:

Wet bulb temperature = 24°C

Globe temperature = 30°C

𝑊𝐵𝐺𝑇 = (0.7 × 24) + (0.3 × 30)

𝑊𝐵𝐺𝑇 = 16.8 + 9
𝑊𝐵𝐺𝑇 = 25.8∘ 𝐶

Interpretation

The calculated WBGT value is used to evaluate heat stress risk and determine appropriate
work–rest schedules, hydration strategies, and other heat stress control measures.
 Ventilation Calculations
Ventilation systems are commonly used to control airborne contaminants in the workplace. The
following formulas are used to estimate airflow, air velocity, and air exchange rates when
evaluating ventilation performance.

1. Airflow Rate in a Duct

Formula

Q=VA

Where:
Q = volumetric airflow rate
V = air velocity
A = cross-sectional area of the duct

Use

Determines the volume of air moving through a duct or ventilation system.

Commonly used when evaluating local exhaust ventilation (LEV) or general ventilation
airflow.

Example

Air velocity = 8 m/s

Duct area = 0.5 m²

Q = 8 × 0.5

Q = 4 m³/s

Interpretation

The ventilation system moves 4 cubic meters of air per second through the duct.
2. Air Velocity Using Velocity Pressure (Imperial Units)
Formula

V = 4005 √VP

Where:
V = air velocity (ft/min)
VP = velocity pressure (inches of water gauge, in. w.g.)

Use

Used to calculate air velocity in a duct when velocity pressure is measured with a pitot tube
and manometer during ventilation system evaluations.

Example

Velocity pressure = 0.25 in. w.g.

V = 4005 √0.25
V = 4005 × 0.5

V ≈ 2000 ft/min

Interpretation

The air velocity in the duct is approximately 2000 ft/min.

3. Air Velocity Using Velocity Pressure (Metric Units)
Formula

V = 4.04 √VP

Where:
V = air velocity (m/s)
VP = velocity pressure (Pa)

Use

Used to determine air velocity in a duct when velocity pressure is measured in SI units using a
pitot tube and manometer.

Example

Velocity pressure = 0.09 Pa

V = 4.04 √0.09
V = 4.04 × 0.3

V ≈ 1.21 m/s

Interpretation

The air velocity in the duct is approximately 1.2 m/s.

4. Total Pressure
Formula

TP = VP + SP

Where:
TP = total pressure
VP = velocity pressure
SP = static pressure

Use

Represents the combined pressure within a ventilation system, consisting of static pressure
and velocity pressure.

Example

Velocity pressure = 0.15 in. w.g.

Static pressure = 0.35 in. w.g.

TP = 0.15 + 0.35

TP = 0.50 in. w.g.

Interpretation

The total pressure in the duct system is 0.50 inches of water gauge.
5. Average Velocity Pressure
Formula
𝟐
√𝑽𝑷𝟏 + √𝑽𝑷𝟐 + ⋯ + √𝑽𝑷𝒏
𝑽𝑷𝒂𝒗𝒈 =( )
𝒏

Where:
VP₁, VP₂ … VPₙ = individual velocity pressure measurements
n = number of measurement points

Use

Determines the average velocity pressure across multiple measurement points in a duct,
commonly used during pitot tube traverses.

Example

Velocity pressure measurements:

0.04
0.09
0.16

Square roots:

√0.04 = 0.20
√0.09 = 0.30
√0.16 = 0.40

Average: (0.20 + 0.30 + 0.40) / 3 = 0.30

Square the result:

VP_avg = 0.30²

VP_avg = 0.09

Interpretation

The average velocity pressure across the duct is 0.09 (in the same units as the original
measurements).
6. Air Changes per Hour
Formula
60𝑄
𝑁𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑠 =
𝑉𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑚

Where:

Nchanges = number of air changes per hour (ACH)

Q = airflow rate (m³/min)
Vroom = room volume (m³)

Use

This equation estimates how many times the air within a room is replaced in one hour by the
ventilation system.

Air changes per hour are commonly used when evaluating general ventilation performance in
workplaces.

Example

Airflow rate = 5 m³/min

Room volume = 150 m³

60 × 5
𝑁𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑠 =
150
300
𝑁𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑠 =
150
𝑁𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑠 =2

Interpretation

The ventilation system replaces the air in the room two times per hour (2 ACH).