Determine optimal pipe diameters, fluid velocity, and pressure drop
Featured: Calculate pipe diameters, velocity, and pressure drop
Input basic pipe and fluid parameters for calculations
Calculate pipe diameter based on target fluid velocity
Water (general service): 1-3 m/s (3-10 ft/s)
Water (pump suction): 0.6-1.2 m/s (2-4 ft/s)
Oil (pressure lines): 1.5-4.5 m/s (5-15 ft/s)
Steam (low pressure): 20-30 m/s (60-100 ft/s)
Air (compressed): 6-20 m/s (20-65 ft/s)
Calculate pipe diameter based on target pressure drop
Proper pipe sizing requires balancing velocity to avoid excessive pressure drop while preventing sedimentation at low velocities. Typical design velocities are 1-3 m/s for water, 15-30 m/s for steam, and 10-20 m/s for compressed air. Higher velocities increase erosion risk and noise, while lower velocities may lead to particle settling and increased pipe costs.
The Darcy-Weisbach equation is the most accurate method for pressure drop calculation: ΔP = f(L/D)(ρv²/2), where f is the friction factor determined from the Moody chart or Colebrook equation. For water systems, the Hazen-Williams equation is often used: ΔP = 10.67L(Q/C)^1.852/D^4.87, where C is the pipe roughness coefficient.
Pipe schedules (SCH 40, 80, etc.) determine wall thickness and pressure rating. Schedule selection depends on operating pressure, temperature, and fluid characteristics. Higher schedules provide greater strength but increase cost and weight. ASME B36.10 and B36.19 standards provide dimensions for carbon and stainless steel pipes.
