Module: 3 Process Piping Hydraulics Sizing And Pressure Rating Pdf
= Pipe roughness coefficient (higher values indicate smoother interior walls) 2. Pipe Sizing Methodology
The fundamental equation for fluid flow relating pressure, velocity, and elevation. $$P_1 + \frac12\rho v_1^2 + \rho g h_1 = P_2 + \frac12\rho v_2^2 + \rho g h_2 + \textLosses$$
: Sizing begins with the Continuity Equation , is flow rate, is cross-sectional area, and is velocity. Flow Regimes : The Reynolds Number ( ) determines if flow is laminar ( ) or turbulent ( ), which dictates the method for calculating friction. Pressure Drop Calculations :
The t calculated from the equation above is the theoretical minimum thickness required to contain pressure. A responsible engineer must add additional thickness to the pipe to account for real-world degradation and manufacturing processes. Flow Regimes : The Reynolds Number ( )
: As fluid flows through a pipe, it loses pressure due to friction against the pipe wall and turbulence. Additional losses occur when the fluid passes through fittings, valves, bends, and equipment connections. Calculating the total pressure drop in a system is critical for ensuring that the selected pump or compressor has enough power to move the fluid at the required rate.
The most universally applicable formula for head loss due to friction. $$h_f = f \cdot \left( \fracLD \right) \cdot \left( \fracv^22g \right)$$
: The primary method for calculating head loss ( hLh sub cap L ) due to friction: Moody Diagram : Used to find the friction factor ( ) based on pipe roughness and the Reynolds number. : As fluid flows through a pipe, it
Implementing a proper process piping design methodology is a multi-stage process. Here is a condensed, actionable roadmap to guide your engineering workflow:
Note: For $f$, the Moody Chart or Colebrook-White equation is used, accounting for pipe roughness ($\epsilon$).
After the pipe diameter is chosen, the next critical design step is determining the required wall thickness. This ensures the pipe can safely contain the internal pressure of the process fluid. Characterized by chaotic fluid motion
Characterized by chaotic fluid motion, eddies, and rapid mixing. Most industrial process piping operates in the turbulent regime. The Reynolds Number (
Pipes are sized to keep fluid velocities within specific ranges to avoid issues: