Pipe Diameters and subsequent Flow Rates

Forum about flow calculators available on pipeflowcalculations.com and how to find solution for your fluid flow problem.
Post Reply
robert.race
Posts: 1
Joined: Tue Jul 06, 2010 4:36 pm

Pipe Diameters and subsequent Flow Rates

Post by robert.race »

I think this question will be similar to the one asked just previous regarding ideal pipe sizes. I apologise if it is.

At my company it was current practice to install pipes to 1-1/2” dia. I suspected this to be OTT and suggested that comparable flow rate could be achieved with lesser diameters and therefore save a tonne of money in materials.

Indeed – your pipe flow calculator backs this up. It suggests while there is an increase in flow rate for diameters of ¾” up to 1” – but then it says there is actually a minor decrease in flow rate for 1” up to 1-1/2”.

And while this reinforces my way of thinking I’m having a hard time proving with regards to calculations. Can you help?

I used a rough guide flow rate of 170l/h as this was the output suggested by the manufacturer of our R.O. plant and used Q = VA to establish V valves for 3/4", 1" and 1-1/2" pipe sizes. I then inputted these values into your calculator with a Re of 2654.157.
admin
Site Admin
Posts: 375
Joined: Mon Feb 08, 2010 7:47 pm

Re: Pipe Diameters and subsequent Flow Rates

Post by admin »

There are two options - either you choose pipe diameter based on the wanted maxim velocity for given flow rate - you can use:
http://www.pipeflowcalculations.com/flowrate/index.htm - and select - calculate for diameter.

Or for given pipe line and known pressure on the start and on the end of pipeline you can calculate actual flow rate for known pipe diameter - you can use:
http://www.pipeflowcalculations.com/pre ... /index.htm - pressure drop calculator.

Also, you have theory pages that might be of help:
http://www.pipeflowcalculations.com/pip ... locity.htm.

Hope this helps.
Pipe flow calculations - since 2000
Post Reply