Piping design - rule of thumb

[rustbuster]

I am looking for a "rule of thumb" idea or even documentation related to maximum flow velocities for process piping. I recall from the past hearing 50ft/s generically but not sure if it was for process piping, pipelines, or both. My specific need is for a gas phase but a generic table would be handy.

Thanks in advance for any knowledge...

 

[ApC2Kp]

rustbuster,

There was a flowmeter product line that used ranges of flow velocities of 2 to 20 ft/sec for liquid flow, and flow velocities of 20 to 200 ft/sec for gas/ vapor/ steam flows.

I think normal pipe sizing would keep velocities less than the middle of those ranges, 10 f/sec for liquid flow and 100 ft/sec for gas/ vapor/ steam flows, to keep pressure drop, pump horse power, and noise within practical limits. Exceptions would be allowed for occasional extreme flow.

 

[strider6]

Rust

You can look at API 14E for the Erosional Velocity Limit for a Gas.

"API RP 14E Recommended Practice for Design and Installation of Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems"

There is also the DNV Recomended Practice RP0501 "Erosive wear in Piping Sysyem" that is applicable also to liqui/gas fluids; there is also a software based on this standard.

Another model is:
"An Alternative to API 14E Erosional Velocity Limits for Sand-Laden Fluids"

Journal of Energy Resources Technology -- June 2000 -- Volume 122, Issue 2, pp. 71-77

http://scitation.aip.org/getabs/ser...00122000002000071000001&idtype=cvips&gifs=yes

Hope this help

regards

Strider

http://www.corrosionist.com

 

[SJones]

thread311-191447

Steve Jones
Materials & Corrosion Engineer

http://www.pdo.co.om/pdo/