If the flow through a pipe is 500 GPM and the flowmeter reads 485 GPM, what is the percent of error?

To determine the percent of error in the flowmeter reading, you first need to calculate the difference between the actual flow rate and the flowmeter reading. In this case, the actual flow is 500 GPM, and the flowmeter shows 485 GPM.

The error can be calculated as:

Error = Actual Flow - Measured Flow

= 500 GPM - 485 GPM

= 15 GPM.

Next, to find the percent of error, you divide the error by the actual flow and then multiply by 100 to convert it into a percentage:

Percent of Error = (Error / Actual Flow) x 100

= (15 GPM / 500 GPM) x 100

= 3%.

This means that the flowmeter reading is 3% lower than the actual flow. This percentage indicates how much the measurement deviates from the true value, relevant for evaluating the accuracy and reliability of the instrument.