Pipeng Toolbox : Flow Velocity Modules Login
Short Cuts
GO
Main ±
Beams ±
References ±
Fluid Flow ±
Fluid Properties ±
Maths ±
Materials ±
Pipelines ±
Soils ±
Subsea ±
Data ±
Units ±
Help ±
Demo

Fluid Flow Velocity Modules

Links : ±
CALCULATOR MODULE : ASME B31.3 Process Piping Fluid Velocity And Flow Rate   ±

Calculate ASME B31.3 process piping fluid velocity and flow rate for two phase gas liquid piping, and three phase black oil piping (gas water and oil).

The two phase fluid calculator can be used for single phase gas, single phase liquid, or two phase gas and liquid. The three phase black oil calculator can be used for single phase oil, single phase water, two phase oil and water, and three phase oil, water and gas. Water cut is the volume fraction of water in the liquid phase (ignoring the gas phase). Gas oil ratio (GOR) is the ratio of gas moles to liquid volume (ignoring the water phase). Gas moles are commonly measured as gas volume at standard conditions, eg SCM (Standard Conditions Meter) or SCF (Standard Conditions Feet).

Reference : ANSI/ASME B31.3 : Process Piping (2018)

Change Module :

CALCULATOR MODULE : ASME B31.4 Liquid Pipeline Fluid Velocity And Flow Rate   ±

Calculate ASME B31.4 liquid pipeline fluid velocity and flow rate for two phase gas liquid piping, and three phase black oil piping (gas water and oil).

The two phase fluid calculator can be used for single phase gas, single phase liquid, or two phase gas and liquid. The three phase black oil calculator can be used for single phase oil, single phase water, two phase oil and water, and three phase oil, water and gas. Water cut is the volume fraction of water in the liquid phase (ignoring the gas phase). Gas oil ratio (GOR) is the ratio of gas moles to liquid volume (ignoring the water phase). Gas moles are commonly measured as gas volume at standard conditions, eg SCM (Standard Conditions Meter) or SCF (Standard Conditions Feet).

Reference : ANSI/ASME B31.4 : Pipeline Transportation Systems For Liquids And Slurries (2012)

Change Module :

CALCULATOR MODULE : ASME B31.8 Gas Pipeline Fluid Velocity And Flow Rate   ±

Calculate ASME ASME B31.8 gas pipeline fluid velocity and flow rate for two phase gas liquid piping, and three phase black oil piping (gas water and oil).

The two phase fluid calculator can be used for single phase gas, single phase liquid, or two phase gas and liquid. The three phase black oil calculator can be used for single phase oil, single phase water, two phase oil and water, and three phase oil, water and gas. Water cut is the volume fraction of water in the liquid phase (ignoring the gas phase). Gas oil ratio (GOR) is the ratio of gas moles to liquid volume (ignoring the water phase). Gas moles are commonly measured as gas volume at standard conditions, eg SCM (Standard Conditions Meter) or SCF (Standard Conditions Feet).

Reference : ANSI/ASME B31.8 : Gas Transmission And Distribution Piping Systems (2018)

Change Module :

CALCULATOR MODULE : ASME B31.1 Power Piping Steam Mass And Flow Rate   ±

Calculate ASME B31.1 power piping steam mass, velocity and flow rate from the steam table (IAPWS R7-97 Steam Table).

Steam mass and volume can be calculated from steam temperature and pressure, and either steam mass, steam volume, or piping length. Steam flow rate and velocity can be calculated from steam temperature and pressure, and either steam mass flow rate, steam volume flow rate, or steam velocity.

Steam properties can be calculated for water and steam, saturated water, saturated steam, saturated water and steam, metastable water, and metastable steam. The calculations for water and steam are valid between 273.15 K and 1073.15 K (0 to 100 MPa), and between 1073.15 K and 2273.15 K (0 to 50 MPa).

The saturated water and steam calculations are valid between 273.15 K and 647.096 K.

The metastable calculation is valid between 273.15 K and 647.096 K, and for pressure from the saturated vapour line to the 5% equilibium moisture line (user defined).

Note : There is an anomaly in the steam calculation for region 3 between the saturated vapour line, the regions 2/3 boundary, and the critical pressure. Refer to the region 3 anomaly help page for more details (click the utility button on the data bar).

Reference : ANSI/ASME B31.1 : Power Piping (2014)

Change Module :

CALCULATOR MODULE : ASME B31.5 Refrigeration Piping Fluid Velocity And Flow Rate   ±

Calculate ASME B31.5 refrigeration piping fluid velocity and flow rate for two phase gas and liquid.

The two phase gas liquid calculator can be used for single phase gas, single phase liquid, or two phase gas and liquid. Gas oil ratio (GOR) is the ratio of gas moles to liquid volume (ignoring the water phase). Gas moles are commonly measured as gas volume at standard conditions, eg SCM (Standard Conditions Meter) or SCF (Standard Conditions Feet).

Reference : ANSI/ASME B31.5 : Refrigeration Piping And Heat Transfer Components (2013)

Change Module :

Related Modules :

CALCULATOR MODULE : Pipeline Fluid Velocity And Flowrate   ±

Calculate pipeline fluid velocity, density and flowrate for two phase gas liquid, three phase gas oil and water (black oil), single phase gas, and single phase liquid.

Two phase gas liquid density is calculated from the gas oil ratio (GOR). Three phase black oil density is calculated from the gas oil ratio (GOR), and water cut (WC). Single phase gas density is calculated from temperature, pressure, specific gravity (relative to air), and compressibility factor. Single phase liquid density can be calcuated from specific gravity, degrees Baume (Be+), degrees Baume (Be-), degrees API, or degrees Twaddell.

Change Module :

CALCULATOR MODULE : DNVGL ST F101 Submarine Pipeline Fluid Velocity And Flowrate   ±

Calculate DNVGL-ST-F101 subsea pipeline fluid velocity and flowrate for two phase gas and liquid, and three phase oil, water and gas (black oil).

The two phase fluid calculator can be used for single phase gas, single phase liquid, or two phase gas and liquid. The three phase black oil calculator can be used for single phase oil, single phase water, two phase oil and water, and three phase oil, water and gas. Water cut is the volume fraction of water in the liquid phase (ignoring the gas phase). Gas oil ratio (GOR) is the ratio of gas moles to liquid volume (ignoring the water phase). Gas moles are commonly measured as gas volume at standard conditions, eg SCM (Standard Conditions Meter) or SCF (Standard Conditions Feet).

Reference : DNVGL-ST-F101 : Submarine Pipeline Systems (Download from the DNVGL website)

Change Module :

CALCULATOR MODULE : API RP 1111 Pipeline Fluid Velocity And Flow Rate   ±

Calculate API RP 1111 limit state pipeline fluid velocity and flow rate for two phase gas liquid piping, and three phase black oil piping (gas water and oil).

The two phase fluid calculator can be used for single phase gas, single phase liquid, or two phase gas and liquid. The three phase black oil calculator can be used for single phase oil, single phase water, two phase oil and water, and three phase oil, water and gas. Water cut is the volume fraction of water in the liquid phase (ignoring the gas phase). Gas oil ratio (GOR) is the ratio of gas moles to liquid volume (ignoring the water phase). Gas moles are commonly measured as gas volume at standard conditions, eg SCM (Standard Conditions Meter) or SCF (Standard Conditions Feet).

Reference : API RP 1111 : Design, Construction, Operation, and Maintenance of Offshore Hydrocarbon Pipelines (Limit State Design) (2011)

Change Module :

CALCULATOR MODULE : AS 2885.1 Pipeline Fluid Velocity And Flow Rate   ±

Calculate AS 2885.1 pipeline fluid velocity and flow rate for two phase gas liquid piping, and three phase black oil piping (gas water and oil).

The two phase fluid calculator can be used for single phase gas, single phase liquid, or two phase gas and liquid. The three phase black oil calculator can be used for single phase oil, single phase water, two phase oil and water, and three phase oil, water and gas. Water cut is the volume fraction of water in the liquid phase (ignoring the gas phase). Gas oil ratio (GOR) is the ratio of gas moles to liquid volume (ignoring the water phase). Gas moles are commonly measured as gas volume at standard conditions, eg SCM (Standard Conditions Meter) or SCF (Standard Conditions Feet).

Reference : Australian Standard AS 2885.1 : Pipelines - Gas And Liquid Petroleum Part 1 : Design And Construction (2015)

Change Module :

CALCULATOR MODULE : Piping Check Valve Minor Loss Factor   ±

Calculate typical gas and liquid pipe check valve minimum velocity and minor loss factors (K, Cd, Cv*, Av, Cv-uk, Cv-us, Cv-met and Kv).

The minimum flowrate is the flowrate required to keep the check valve fully open. For full port valves the valve port cross section area equals the nominal internal cross section area. For reduced port valves the valve port cross section area is less than the nominal internal cross section area. For circular valve ports the diameter ratio is equal to the valve port diameter over the nominal inside diameter. For non circular valve ports, use the square root of the internal area ratio (the square root of the valve port area over the nominal internal area).

Minor loss factors are calculated for:

  • Av (SI) flow coefficient - the flow in cubic meters per second fluid density 1 kilogram per cubic meter which gives a pressure drop of 1 Pa
  • Cv-uk (UK) flow coefficient - the flow in UK gallons per minute of water at 60 degrees F which gives a pressure drop of 1 psi
  • Cv-us (US) flow coefficient - the flow in US gallons per minute of water at 60 degrees F which gives a pressure drop of 1 psi
  • Cv-met (Metric) flow coefficient - the flow in liters per minute of water at 16 degrees C which gives a pressure drop of 1 bar
  • Kv (EU) flow coefficient - the flow in cubic meters per hour of water at 16 degrees C which gives a pressure drop of 1 bar
  • Cv* the dimensionless US flow factor = Cv-us / din^2 (din is the inside diameter in inches)
  • K factor - the ratio of pressure loss over the dynamic pressure
  • Cd or discharge coefficient - the ratio of the actual flow rate of the fluid through the fitting over the frictionless flow rate.

The calculated values are typical. Manufacturers data should be used if it is available.

Reference : Crane Technical Paper 410M Metric Version : Flow Of Fluids Through Valves, Fittings And Pipe

Change Module :

Related Modules :

CALCULATOR MODULE : Bernoulli's Equation Fluid Flowrate And Velocity   ±
CALCULATOR MODULE : Bernoulli's Equation Prandtl Tube   ±

Calculate fluid velocity from the pressure difference across a Pitot-Static or Prandtl tube using the Bernoulli equation.

Prandtl tubes or Pitot-Static tubes are used to measure the fluid static pressure, and the fluid stagnation pressure (the sum of the static pressure and the dynamic pressure). The fluid velocity can be calculated from the dynamic pressure. The dynamic pressure is equal to the stagnation pressure minus the static pressure.

Change Module :

Related Modules :

CALCULATOR MODULE : Bernoulli's Equation Pitot Tube   ±

Calculate fluid velocity from the Pitot tube pressure measurement using the Bernoulli equation.

Pitot tubes are used to measure the fluid stagnation pressure (the sum of the static pressure and the dynamic pressure). The fluid velocity can be calculated from the Pitot tube pressure for cases where the static pressure is negligible. For example in shallow water where the stagnation pressure is measured by gauge pressure.

Change Module :

Related Modules :

CALCULATOR MODULE : Dimensionless Number   ±

Calculate dimensionless numbers for fluid flow and other physical systems.

Dimensionless numbers are calculated from groups of variables so that the result is dimensionless. Dimensionless numbers can be calculated from any consistent set of units, and will have the same value. Dimensionless numbers can be a very powerful tool for analysing physical systems.

Change Module :

Related Modules :

CALCULATOR MODULE : Liquid Pipeline Fluid Velocity And Flow Rate   ±
CALCULATOR MODULE : Gas Pipeline Fluid Velocity And Flow Rate   ±
CALCULATOR MODULE : API RP 14E Maximum Erosional Velocity   ±

Calculate API RP 14E maximum allowable erosional velocity for platform piping systems.

The fluid density can be calculated for single phase gas, single phase liquid, two phase gas liquid, or three phase black oil (gas oil and water). The erosional velocity is calculated from the fluid density and the C Factor. Equation 2.14 in API RP 14E uses FPS units. The API RP 14E calculators have been factored to use SI units.

For fluids with no entrained solids a maximum C value of 100 for continuous service, or 125 for intermittent service can be used. For fluids treated with corrosion inhibitor, or for corrosion resistant materials a maximum C value of 150 to 200 may be used for continuous service, and upto 250 for intermittent service. For fluids with solids, the C value should be significantly reduced.

Gas oil ratio (GOR) is the ratio of gas moles over oil volume. Gas moles are commonly measured as gas volume at standard conditions (eg SCF or SCM). Water cut is the volume ratio of water in liquid (oil and water).

Reference : API 14E Recommended Practice For Design and Installation of Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems

Change Module :

Related Modules :

CALCULATOR MODULE : API RP 14E Fluid Velocity   ±

Calculate API RP 14E fluid velocity and flowrate for single phase gas, single phase liquid, two phase gas liquid, and three phase gas, oil and water (black oil).

Flow rate can be calculated for mass flow rate, volume flow rate, mole flow rate and velocity. Gas density is calculated from temperature and pressure, and either specific gravity or molar mass. Liquid density can be calculated from specific gravity, degrees Baume, degrees Twaddell, or degrees API. Black oil is a three phase mixture of oil, water and gas. Water cut is measured relative to the total liquid volume (gas volume is ignored). Gas oil ratio (GOR) is measured relative to the oil volume at standard conditions (water volume is ignored).

Reference : API 14E Recommended Practice For Design and Installation of Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems

Change Module :

Related Modules :

CALCULATOR MODULE : Compressible Flow Speed Of Sound   ±

Calculate gas and liquid speed of sound and Mach number.

The Mach number is the ratio of the flow velocity to the speed of sound. It applies to either a moving fluid or to a moving object passing through stationary fluid. For a Mach number greater than one, the flow is supersonic. For a Mach number less than one, the flow is subsonic.

For an ideal gas, the speed of sound or sonic velocity can be calculated from the gas temperature, gas specific heat ratio and the gas specific gravity. For liquids the speed of sound can be calculated from the liquid bulk modulus and the liquid density.

Reference : Fluid Mechanics, Frank M White, McGraw Hill

Change Module :

Related Modules :

CALCULATOR MODULE : DNVGL RP O501 Erosion Rate   ±
CALCULATOR MODULE : DNVGL RP O501 Pipeline Fluid Velocity   ±

Calculate DNVGL RP O501 pipeline fluid velocity for single phase gas, single phase liquid, two phase gas liquid, or three phase black oil (gas, oil and water).

Gas oil ratio (GOR) is the ratio of gas moles over oil volume. Gas moles are commonly measured as gas volume at standard conditions (eg SCF or SCM). Water cut is measured relative to the total liquid volume (gas volume is ignored).

Liquid density can be calculated from degrees Baume, degrees Twaddell, or degrees API. For liquids lighter than or equal to water the density can be defined as degrees API, or degrees Baume (Be-). For liquids heavier than water the density can be defined by degrees Baume (Be+), or degrees Twaddell.

Gas density can be calculated from gas specific gravity, or gas molar mass. Gas molar mass is approximately equal to the molar mass of dry air times the gas specific gravity at standard conditions (for most gases the compressibility factor Z is approximately equal to 1 at standard conditions). The molar mass of dry air is taken as 28.964 kg/kg-mole. For gas mixtures, gas specific gravity is easier to measure than the molar mass.

Reference : DNVGL-RP-O501 Managing Sand Production And Erosion : formerly DNV-RP-O501 (Download from the DNVGL website)

Change Module :

Related Modules :

CALCULATOR MODULE : Water Hammer Transient Pressure   ±

Calculate water hammer transient pressure and pressure wave velocity.

Water hammer is caused by a sudden reduction of flow rate in liquid pipelines. Water hammer commonly occurs in water pipes, but it can occur in any liquid piping system. The transient pressure is reduced if gas is present in the liquid, or if the effective shut off time is greater than the maximum shut off time. The maximum shut off time is the time taken for the pressure transient to travel to the pipe inlet, and back again.

Change Module :

Related Modules :

CALCULATOR MODULE : Transient Pressure Wave Velocity   ±

Calculate water hammer transient pressure wave velocity.

A sudden reduction of velocity in a liquid pipeline initiates a pressure wave which travels to the pipe inlet, and then back. The wave velocity increases with pipe stiffness. Any gas present in the liquid reduces the pressure wave velocity. The maximum shut off time is the time taken for the pressure transient to travel to the pipe inlet, and back again.

Change Module :

Related Modules :

CALCULATOR MODULE : Fresh Water Bulk Modulus   ±

Calculate fresh water density and bulk modulus from temperature using Kell's equations (1975).

Kells equations are valid for temperatures from 0 to 100 C, at atmospheric pressure. The calculations are based on the 1968 international temperature scale (IPTS-68).

Change Module :

Related Modules :

CALCULATOR MODULE : Sound Velocity In Water   ±
CALCULATOR MODULE : Pump Specific Speed   ±

Calculate pump specific speed from pump rotational speed, flowrate and delta pressure.

The pump specific speed is calculated at the best efficiency point (BEP), the point on the pump curve with the greatest efficiency.

`Ns = n Q^(1/2) (ρ/(ΔP))^(3/4) = n (Q^(1/2)) / (g.ΔH)^(3/4) `

where :

Ns = pump specific speed
n = pump rotational speed
Q = flow rate at BEP
ρ = fluid density
ΔP = delta pressure at BEP
ΔH = delta head at BEP
g = gravity constant
BEP = best efficiency point

The pump specific speed can be used to determine the type of pump which should be used (multi stage, centrifugal, mixed flow or axial). The pump size and speed can then be determined from the pump coefficients using the affinity or similarity laws. Usually, a known pump is scaled to operate at the BEP with the required design flow rate and delta pressure.

PLEASE NOTE : The pump calculators are currently being updated. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Change Module :

CALCULATOR MODULE : Pump Hydraulic And Input Power   ±

Calculate pump hydraulic power and input power or motive power from flowrate and delta pressure.

`Wh = Q ΔP `
`Wi = (Wh) / E `

where :

Wh = hydraulic power
Wi = input power or motive power
Q = volume flowrate
ΔP = delta stagnation pressure
E = efficiency factor

The pump efficiency accounts for energy losses in the pump such as friction etc. The input power is the motive power required to drive the pump (the size of motor). To calculate the energy required (eg electrical energy) the efficiency factor should equal the pump efficiency times the motor efficiency.

`E = Ep.Ee `

where :

Ep = pump efficiency factor
Ee = electric motor efficiency factor

Pump efficiency varies with flowrate. The flowrate with maximum efficiency is referred to as the best efficiency point (BEP).

PLEASE NOTE : The pump calculators are currently being updated. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Change Module :

CALCULATOR MODULE : Pump Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) Design Speed   ±

Calculate pump variable frequency drive (VFD) speed to match pump design pressure and design flowrate for viscous and non viscous fluids.

The design pump speed is calculated using the affinity or similarity laws.

`(ΔP2)/(ΔP1) = (ρ2)/(ρ1) (n2)/(n1)^2 `
`(Q2)/(Q1) = (n2)/(n1) `

where :

ΔP1 and ΔP2 = the delta pressure for pump 1 and 2
Q1 and Q2 = the flowrate for pump 1 and 2
n1 and n2 = the rotation speed for pump 1 and 2
ρ1 and ρ2 = the fluid density for pump 1 and 2

The pump curve is calculated using a three term quadratic curve:

`ΔP = ΔPo (1 - A Q - B Q^2 ) `

where :

ΔPo = the shut in delta pressure
A and B are constants

The design pump speed can be calculated by solving the quadratic equation for the design delta pressure and flowrate. For fluids with a kinematic viscosity ν > 20 cSt, the viscous calculation is recommended.

PLEASE NOTE : The pump calculators are currently being updated. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Change Module :