The primary energy losses in a real piping system are:
) is the sum of frictional losses in straight pipes and minor losses in fittings/valves. Frictional Loss (Darcy-Weisbach Equation)
Frequently used for water systems (civil engineering contexts) but generally avoided for process hydrocarbons. $$V = 1.318 \cdot C \cdot R_h^0.63 \cdot S^0.54$$
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. The primary energy losses in a real piping
The design pressure and design temperature for the line are established (often based on a pump or a relief valve setting). Using the ASME B31.3 equation, the required minimum theoretical wall thickness is calculated.
Follow this step-by-step engineering sequence to successfully size and rate a process line:
You can find detailed technical guidance in these publicly available documents: This ensures the pipe can safely contain the
Ensure the chosen pipe schedule accommodates the calculated mill tolerance and corrosion allowance over the intended design life of the plant.
(available in ASME B36.10)
Any serious work in process piping is guided by industry codes and standards. The most critical of these, referenced throughout this module, is . For a deeper dive into specific topics, the resources below are excellent starting points: or turbulent: Once diameter is chosen
) , which determines whether the flow is laminar, transitional, or turbulent:
Once diameter is chosen, select the based on design pressure and temperature.
t=P⋅D2(S⋅E⋅W+P⋅Y)t equals the fraction with numerator cap P center dot cap D and denominator 2 open paren cap S center dot cap E center dot cap W plus cap P center dot cap Y close paren end-fraction = Internal design gauge pressure = Outside diameter of the pipe