maximum pipe velocities
maximum pipe velocities
(OP)
I am designing a water system for a college using watercad. I have sized my pipes primarily to satisfy my required fire flows but I also wanted to make sure I was within allowable flow velocities. I have looked thru all of my hydraulic books and civil books and can not find any parameters for allowable flow velocities for potable water systems. Any help would be appreciated.





RE: maximum pipe velocities
General Service....0.4 to 10 feet per second
City...............up to 7 feet per second
RE: maximum pipe velocities
RE: maximum pipe velocities
JKW05,
If it isn't to much to ask, it would really help to know where you got that. I think my boss would have a lot more confidence in my answer if I can site something.
Thanks,
Craig
RE: maximum pipe velocities
RE: maximum pipe velocities
Are you working within a building? I will get you the reference information, but I was doing a water distribution system inside of a building. Not sure what differences there may be if you are working on a "campus" distribution system.
RE: maximum pipe velocities
RE: maximum pipe velocities
RE: maximum pipe velocities
Sorry, I misunderstood what you were working on.
For what its worth, the book I was referencing is "Plumbing Design and Installation Reference Guide" by Tyler G. Hicks. For plumbing systems in buildings, he suggests "good engineering practice" is for "... water supply piping to be limited to no more than 8 fps." This is to avoid "whistling line noise", cavitation and excessive noise in fittings and valves. He goes on to say, "It is also recommended that maximum velocity be limited to no more than 4 fps in branch piping ... to water outlets at which the supply is controlled by means of quick-closing devices (e.g. flush valves)." This is to avoid excessive and damaging shock pressures.
JKW
RE: maximum pipe velocities
RE: maximum pipe velocities
Municipal flows are generally within the range of 4-6 feet per second.