Maximum velocity in pipes
Maximum velocity in pipes
(OP)
i'm a new commer in process engineering and i want to know what's the maximum velocity of any fluid in pipes? i heard that 80 ft/s is the maximum velocity of gases in pipes without any choking happening is this right and what about liquids.





RE: Maximum velocity in pipes
My suggestion is get some tables on friction losses thru pipe or use any of the formula available to calculate the friction losses. As a process engineer this will be of more use to you than theoretical and useless maximums.
RE: Maximum velocity in pipes
While not in the process field, I limit domestic water to 8 ft/s - but always looking at the friction loss as well.
RE: Maximum velocity in pipes
Piping is sized for an economic optimum between pump and compressor energy input and pipe/fitting cost and labour. The optimum velocity shifts depending on circumstances. Pressure drop rather than velocity is the key deciding factor.
RE: Maximum velocity in pipes
RE: Maximum velocity in pipes
RE: Maximum velocity in pipes
For shorter segments of pipe, fluid velocities of 20-30 fps or more might be tolerated, but once again check that waterhammer effect.
"Less than 1% of the energy moving a car goes towards the driver."
Amory Lovins - The Oil End Game http://virtualpipeline.spaces.live.com/
RE: Maximum velocity in pipes
RE: Maximum velocity in pipes
"Less than 1% of the energy moving a car goes towards the driver."
Amory Lovins - The Oil End Game http://virtualpipeline.spaces.live.com/
RE: Maximum velocity in pipes
The "Piping Handbook" by Nayaar and "Crane Technical Paper #410" both carry recommended velocities for the economic design of piping systems.
As noted above, the tradeoff always is less capital cost (with the use of smaller pipe) versus higher operating costs (pumping costs.)
Saturated steam and superheated steam require more of a detailed evaluation than liquids, especially in cases where the piping goes long distances ( commonly called district heating systems)
Slurry systems are perhaps the most tricky, because the liquids must stay within a certain velocity range to ensure solids movement. A specific study of the proposed slurry is sometimes made by a lab to ensure a proper design.
Good luck
-MJC
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RE: Maximum velocity in pipes
RE: Maximum velocity in pipes
Normally 3 to 12 fps is used for Water
100 to 200 fps for steam in the power in the industry.
KMP