Flow rates in oil pipes

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d90n4c
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Joined: Wed Aug 11, 2010 9:54 pm

Flow rates in oil pipes

Post by d90n4c »

Looking to calculate the maximum flow rate for WTI Crude in both 12" and 20" steel pipes - same fluid properties and pressure. Only difference woudl be the pipe diameter. How much more oil in volume terms would pass through the larger pipe compared to the smaller pipe? Any help much appreciated?
admin
Site Admin
Posts: 375
Joined: Mon Feb 08, 2010 7:47 pm

Re: Flow rates in oil pipes

Post by admin »

For laminar flow (Re<2300) flow rate will change with 4 power of diameter Q/Q1 = (D/D1)^4

For turbulent flow where friction factor is not depending on the Reynolds number flow rate will change with 2.5 power of diameter Q/Q1 = (D/D1)^2.5

Anyway, you can try with calculator at:
http://www.pipeflowcalculations.com/pre ... /index.htm
Pipe flow calculations - since 2000
Shifton
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Joined: Sat Mar 24, 2012 12:36 am

Re: Flow rates in oil pipes

Post by Shifton »

What is the flow rate in gallons per day for an oil pipeline with a 20 inch diameter?

Shifton
admin
Site Admin
Posts: 375
Joined: Mon Feb 08, 2010 7:47 pm

Re: Flow rates in oil pipes

Post by admin »

It is difficult to say without knowing other properties like velocity or pressure difference, but with estimated velocity of 1 m/s it is about 200.000 gph or 4,8 mil gallons per day.
Pipe flow calculations - since 2000
Hitesh
Posts: 1
Joined: Mon Apr 09, 2012 9:02 am

Re: Flow rates in oil pipes

Post by Hitesh »

admin wrote:For laminar flow (Re<2300) flow rate will change with 4 power of diameter Q/Q1 = (D/D1)^4

For turbulent flow where friction factor is not depending on the Reynolds number flow rate will change with 2.5 power of diameter Q/Q1 = (D/D1)^2.5

Anyway, you can try with calculator at:
http://www.pipeflowcalculations.com/pre ... /index.htm
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