What Is This Tool?
This converter transforms heat flux density values measured in Btu (IT)/hour/square foot into Btu (th)/second/square foot. It helps users convert hourly heat transfer rates based on the International Table British thermal unit to per-second rates based on the thermochemical British thermal unit, facilitating thermal system design and energy analysis.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the heat flux density value in Btu (IT)/hour/square foot.
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Select the target unit as Btu (th)/second/square foot.
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Click the convert button to get the equivalent value.
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Use the converted output for thermal transfer calculations or design.
Key Features
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Converts heat flux density between two specific British thermal unit based units.
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Supports building science, HVAC, fire testing, and thermal engineering applications.
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Provides a precise conversion factor based on established unit definitions.
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Browser-based and easy to use with straightforward input and output.
Examples
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10 Btu (IT)/hour/square foot converts to 0.002779637 Btu (th)/second/square foot.
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100 Btu (IT)/hour/square foot converts to 0.02779637 Btu (th)/second/square foot.
Common Use Cases
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Determining U-values for building codes and thermal transmittance specifications.
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Sizing heating and cooling loads and calculating heat loss or gain in buildings.
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Expressing heat transfer rates in HVAC and building-envelope designs.
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Assessing surface heat flux in fire exposure and material flammability testing.
Tips & Best Practices
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Confirm which Btu definition applies to avoid conversion discrepancies.
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Use this conversion for steady-state or average heat flux measurements.
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Ensure accurate input of surface area and time values for reliable results.
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Use the tool for dynamic thermal system design requiring per-second resolution.
Limitations
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Btu unit differences (International Table vs. thermochemical) may cause slight variations.
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Conversion is best suited for steady-state or average flux values, not transient conditions.
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Precise surface area and time measurement are essential for accuracy.
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Does not account for complex or highly dynamic heat transfer scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does Btu (IT)/hour/square foot measure?
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It measures heat flux density based on the International Table British thermal unit transferred per hour across one square foot of surface.
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Why convert to Btu (th)/second/square foot?
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Converting to this unit allows heat flux density to be expressed per second using the thermochemical Btu unit, which is helpful in precise engineering and thermal analyses.
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Can this tool be used for transient heat flux cases?
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The converter assumes steady-state or average heat flux values; highly dynamic or transient scenarios may require more advanced modeling.
Key Terminology
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Btu (IT)/hour/square foot
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A heat flux density unit representing one International Table British thermal unit transferred per hour across one square foot.
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Btu (th)/second/square foot
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A heat flux density unit indicating one thermochemical British thermal unit transferred per second across one square foot.
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Heat Flux Density
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The rate of heat transfer per unit area, often used in building science and thermal engineering.