3 Process Piping Hydraulics Sizing And Pressure Rating Pdf 'link' | Module
). Most industrial process piping operates in the turbulent regime.
Once the diameter is set, the pipe must be strong enough to contain the process fluid safely. This is governed by international codes like ASME B31.3 (Process Piping). The Pipe Wall Thickness Formula
Sizing a pipe is a balancing act between capital cost (smaller pipes are cheaper) and operating cost (smaller pipes cause higher pressure drops, requiring more pumping energy). 1. Velocity Limitations This is governed by international codes like ASME B31
The PDF will stress that you never use nominal thickness. You must apply:
Total pressure drop = friction losses + elevation (static head) + fittings/valves. Velocity Limitations The PDF will stress that you
for different pipe materials (Carbon Steel vs. Stainless)
For water-like fluids, a velocity of 3 to 10 ft/s is typical. For steam, velocities range from 50 to 150 ft/s. Your hydraulics calculations must verify that the pump provides enough head to overcome ( h_f ). 2. Pressure Drop Constraints
Hydraulics, in the context of process piping, is the study of fluid behavior under confinement. The key concept driving Module 3 is the , expressed via the Bernoulli equation with a friction term.
Bernoulli says: ( \Delta P_total = \Delta P_friction + \rho g \Delta z ). If you pump fluid up 100 feet, you need 43.3 psi just to fight gravity (for water). Your hydraulics sizing PDF must include a "static head" column.
: Usually kept low (2 to 4 ft/s) to prevent cavitation. 2. Pressure Drop Constraints