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).