Find optimum pipe size

Journal Article · Sat Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1984 · Hydrocarbon Process.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6289008

Fastenakels, M; Campana, H

For decades, chemical engineers have used various rules of thumb for selecting the size of pipe in continuousprocess plants. Often these methods result in sizes that are not the correct selection for the operating conditions. This causes the plant to be less efficient to operate or more costly to erect. The optimum size is controlled by one of three modes of selection: the least annual cost (energy external source), the pressure drop available or the velocity allowable (often is two-phase flow)./sup 3/ Pressure drop available applies when a pressure loss may be (or must be) absorbed by the pipe. The optimum size then becomes the smallest and the least expensive that permits the flow to take place with no undesirable side effects. Except for very special cases, this would not be used in conjunction with a pumped or compressed fluid. This mode requires at least an approximation of the length of the pipe and the quantity and nature of the fittings in the system before the selection can be made. It can also apply under some conditions to the suction piping for pumps or compressors, to the lines conducting steam to and from reciprocating pumps and to heating equipment.

• Research Organization: Planta Piloto de Ingenieria Quimica, Bahia Blanca
• OSTI ID: 6289008
• Journal Information: Hydrocarbon Process.; (United States), Journal Name: Hydrocarbon Process.; (United States) Vol. 62:9; ISSN HYPRA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020500* -- Petroleum-- Products & By-Products
CHEMICAL PLANTS
COMPRESSIBLE FLOW
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
EFFICIENCY
FLUID FLOW
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
OPERATION
OPTIMIZATION
PARAMETRIC ANALYSIS
PETROCHEMICAL PLANTS
PIPE FITTINGS
PIPES
PRESSURE DROP
SIZING