Fluid Flow

Sources
1. GPSA Eizgirzeel-iiig Data Book, Gas Processors Suppliers Association. 10th Ed. 1987.
2, Branan, C. R., The Process Engineel-j_.Pocket Handbook. Vol. 1, Gulf Publishing Co., p. 6, 1976.

Recommended Velocities
Here are various recommended flows, velocities, and
pressure drops for various piping services.
LATERALS

Sizing Steam Piping in New Plants Maximum Allowable

Flow and Pressure Drop
Laterals
Pressure. PSlG
Density, #/CF
AP, PSI/lOO

600
0.91
1.0

Nominal Pipe
Size, In.

175
0.41
0.70

Mains
30
0.106
0.50

Maximum Lb/Hr

600
0.91
0.70

175
1.41
0.40

30
0.106
0.30

10

14
16
18
20
24
30

3.1 00
4.500
6,000

....
...
....

MAINS

4.34

4.47

5.56
.05

:5;:

429
3.19
LWy

6.81
7.20
7.91
8.31
....
....

2.10
2.10
2.09
1.99
....

....

....

....

1
~

70
140
380
650
1,100
1.800
2,200
3,300
4.500
6,000
11.ooo
19.000

3.04
3.53
4.22
4.17
4.48
5.11
5.13
5.90
6.23
6.67
7.82
8.67

2.31
2.22
1.92
1.36
1.19
1.23
1.14
1.16
1.17
1.17
1.19
1.11

~~

3
4
6
8
70

12
14
76
18
20

7.5
15
40
76
130
190
260
360
...

3.6
7.5
21
42
76
115
155
220
300

...

...

1.2
3.2
8.5
18
32
50
70
100
130
170

6.2
12
33
63
108
158
21 7
300
...
...

2.7
5.7
16
32
58
87
117
166
227
...

0.9
2.5
6.6
14
25
39
54
78
101
132

Note:
(1) 600 PSlG steam is at 750%, 175PSlG and 30 PSlG are saturated.
(2) On 600PSlG flow ratings, internal pipe sizes for larger nominal
diameters were taken as follows: 18/16.5, 14/12.8, 12/11.6,
10/9.75.
(3) If other actual 1.D.pipe sizes are used, or if local superheat exists
on 175PSlG or 30 PSlG systems, the allowable pressure drop shall
be the governing design criterion.

Sizing Piping for Miscellaneous Fluids

Dry Gas
Wet Gas
High Pressure Steam
Low Pressure Steam
Air
Vapor Lines General
Light Volatile Liquid Near Bubble
Pt. Pump Suction
Pump Discharge, Tower Reflux
Hot Oil Headers
Vacuum Vapor Lines below 50 M M
Absolute Pressure

100 ft/sec
60 ft/sec
150 ft/sec
100 ft/sec
100 ft/sec
Max. velocity 0.3 mach
0.5 psi1100 ft
0.5 ft head total
suction line
3-5 psi/lOO ft
1.5 psi1100 ft
Allow max. of 5%
absolute pressure
for friction loss