Estimating Flow Rates

[drfloyd]

Hey all,

I am currently employed as a summer intern at a lyophilization facility. I have recently been asked to execute a validation protocol. I am supposed to check that the utilities connected to one of our lyophilizers are running appropriately with respect to the lyophilizer's specifications.
I have successfully verified the power, compressed air and clean steam. However, I am having trouble verifying the flow rates of the cooling water.
The P&ID charts for the piping was kept by the engineering firm that installed it. So my task is to calculate the flow rates within the pipes, with the particular goal of insuring that they fall BELOW certain values.

My boss has recommended that I determine the maximum flow rates of the smallest diameter section of pipe based on a chart with max PVC piping flow rates. A ballpark confirmation that the flow rates are below the maximums on the protocol are all I need.
The approach I have been using isn't ideal, I was wondering if anyone could come up with a better way to eyeball flow rates through copper pipe. The pipes have a multitude of diameter changes and automated flow restrictors. Thanks in advance.

 

[BigInch]

Did you try sending the engineers their paychecks?

You'd have much better luck by taking pressure readings and calculating flowrates, finding pump ratings and looking at equipment nameplates. Estimating flowrates in short piping; frankly you're probably looking at anything between 2 and 50 fps, which doesn't produce answers within a very useful error range.

If its a serious project, I'm sure somebody could find a strap-on flowmeter for you to use , otherwise its about the biggest waste of time I've heard of this year.

"We have a leadership style that is too directive and doesn't listen sufficiently well. The top of the organisation doesn't listen sufficiently to what the bottom is saying." Tony Hayward CEO BP
"Being GREEN isn't easy." Kermit

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpiIWMWWVco

http://virtualpipeline.spaces.liv