What is the term for the maximum amount of gas input required per unit of time?

The term for the maximum amount of gas input required per unit of time is commonly understood as demand. In the context of gas systems, demand represents the peak requirements that a system or appliance will need to function properly and efficiently. Determining gas demand is critical for designing and sizing piping systems, as well as for ensuring that gas supplies can meet potential usage fluctuations.

While flow rate, capacity, and consumption are related terms in the gas and mechanical systems context, they refer to different aspects. Flow rate typically measures the actual volume of gas that is moving through a system per unit of time, rather than focusing on maximum requirements. Capacity usually refers to the ability of a system or appliance to hold or use gas; it indicates the overall limits but doesn't specifically denote a maximum input at a particular moment. Consumption represents the actual usage levels at a given time, which can fluctuate based on demand. Thus, demand specifically encapsulates the idea of the maximum input requirement, making it the most accurate term in this context.