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Piping Systems : free online Process Engineering Handbook

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Process Engineer's Tools has selected here all the key knowledge Engineers working with fluid flow / fluid dynamics need to solve industrial problems or simply get a handy reminder when required. Bookmark the page for future reference !

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PIPING SYSTEMS

• Pressure drop calculation tools

Discover pipe pressure drop principles and access free Excel calculation tools. Calculate pressure drop in straight pipes, factor in bends, valves, and more for comprehensive results.

• Pressure drop of key piping components (equivalent length)

Essential information on the equivalent length of common valves and fittings in piping systems, facilitating pressure drop calculations. It's a valuable resource for engineers and professionals looking to streamline preliminary studies or troubleshooting. Visit the page for detailed tables and data in both US and SI units to enhance your piping system design and analysis

• Pressure drop of key piping components (singularity coefficient) in turbulent flow
  

Recommended K coefficient, which is used to calculate pressure drop in fluid piping due to fittings and valves in turbulent flow. It offers a range of K coefficients for various common valves and fittings, aiding engineers in precise pressure drop calculations. These coefficients are essential for ensuring efficient and accurate design of fluid piping systems.

• Pressure drop of key piping components (singularity coefficient) in laminar flow
  

References for laminar flow pressure drop calculations in fluid piping systems.Recommended K coefficients for pressure drop in valves and fittings in LAMINAR flow, offering two approaches. Kittredge and Rowley's data provides frictional loss coefficients for various Reynolds numbers, while Hooper's method offers an approximate approach by using coefficients for turbulent flow and laminar flow adjustments.

• Partially filled pipe
  

This webpage explains how to determine if a pipe is partially full, which is crucial for accurate calculations in scenarios like return pipes and condensate systems. An Excel calculator is proposed at the end of the article.

• Sonic velocity

This article offers insights into gas sonic velocity and critical pressure ratios, along with a downloadable Excel calculator for sonic velocity estimation. Sonic velocity represents the maximum attainable gas speed within a system, impacting aspects like pressure safety valves and flow constraints. Formula in both metric and imperial units are given.

• Valves types
  

Overview of control valve types commonly used in process industries, including globe valves, angle valves, butterfly valves, gate valves, and ball valves. Each valve type is briefly described, highlighting their specific design features and typical flow parameters. We also give manufacturers references for each valve type and give links to additional pages for valve sizing calculations.

• Valves Cv and sizing for liquid and gas
  

Control valve sizing, with a focus on flow coefficients Cv and Kv, for both liquids and gases. It explains the definitions of these coefficients and their conversions. The calculations for flow through valves, considering subcritical and critical flow conditions, are detailed for both liquids and gases in SI units. The page also provides guidance on control valve sizing, emphasizing maintaining a specific pressure drop ratio and flow range. Corrections for special cases, such as pipe reducers, viscosity, and laminar flow, are discussed.

• Valves Cv and sizing for steam and superheated steam
  

Control valve sizing and flow calculations, with a focus on defining Cv and Kv. The page provides formulas for calculating mass flow rates of steam and superheated steam in both SI and US units. Additionally, it offers guidelines for optimal control valve sizing practices to ensure efficient performance.

• Valves Cv and sizing for 2 phases flow
  

The webpage explains Cv and Kv definitions for valve flow in SI units. It also explain how to calculate the required Cv for valves in two-phase flow conditions, considering factors like mass flow, geometry, and pressure drops, aiding effective valve selection.

• Valves Cv and sizing for laminar flow
  

This article covers valve Cv calculation for laminar flow conditions. It explains how to correct Cv for such situations and provides detailed steps, including calculations for factors like Reynolds number and correction factor. You can use this resource to select the right valve for laminar flow applications, ensuring precise control and minimizing pressure drop.

• Valves characteristics

Information on valve flow characteristics, offering insights on different types such as linear, exponential, semi-quick opening, and quick opening. The article emphasizes the importance of selecting the right valve for precise control and the factors affecting valve behavior within a circuit. Valve gain and actuator torque considerations for optimal performance are also discussed.

• Pressure safety valve sizing (gas)

This guide provides insights into pressure relief valve design and sizing, focusing on API 520 standards. It explains critical vs. subcritical flows and offers formulas for safety valve sizing, especially for steam applications. Engineers can select standard valve orifice sizes based on standardized designations.

• Pressure safety valve sizing (gas low pressure, vacuum)

This guide explains pressure relief valve design and sizing for low-pressure safety venting. It outlines theoretical formulas and coefficients for calculating valve flow. Note that this information is for low-pressure gas applications only.

• Pressure safety valve sizing (liquid)

This guide explains pressure relief valve design and sizing for liquid flow, emphasizing safety. It provides formulas and coefficients for calculating valve requirements based on API520 standards.

• Hydrostatic

All about hydrostatic pressure – the force exerted by resting fluid due to gravity : calculation formula of hydrostatic pressure, table for pressure vs. water depth and practice problems. Access the Hydrostatic Pressure calculator in Excel.

• Toricelli formula

Understand Torricelli's Law for tank orifice flowrate. Calculation of liquid flowrate with the Torricelli formula, with worked examples. Calculation of the time to empty a tank using Torricelli's equation, with worked example.

• Reynolds number

Calculation of Reynolds number

• Hydraulic Diameter

The hydraulic diameter concept simplifies non-circular flow calculations. It is useful for Reynolds number and flow regimes (laminar, intermediary, turbulent). Access an Excel Calculator for hydraulic diameter.

• Friction factor

Learn about the friction factor in pipes and how to calculate it. Understand its significance in fluid flow and explore formulas for laminar and turbulent regimes, including the Hagen-Poiseuille equation.

• Fanning and Moody friction factors
  

Discover the difference between Fanning and Moody friction factors in pipe flow. Learn how to calculate them and their significance in understanding fluid-pipe interactions. Explore correlations and the Moody diagram for practical insights.

• Friction factor correlation (Colebrook)
  

This page explains what is the Colebrook equation, a valuable tool in fluid mechanics, relating it to Reynolds number and pipe wall roughness. Get the calculation formula and understand its significance in estimating pressure drop and explore alternatives like the Darcy-Weisbach and Hazen-Williams equations.

• Friction factor correlation (Churchill)
  

You can calculate friction factors for various flow regimes using the Churchill equation. Easily estimate pressure drops in pipes from laminar to turbulent flows. Download our free Excel calculation tool for Churchill correlation to simplify your calculations and streamline your work.

• Pressure drop calculation

Efficiently calculate pressure drop in pipes with our handy tools. Understand the principles: it's the sum of friction along straight pipes and singularities like bends or valves. Simplify your work with our Excel calculation tools for both liquid and gas flows.

• Fluid velocity in pipes, calculation and recommendation
  

Understanding fluid velocity in pipes is crucial for flow characterization and sizing. Calculate it easily with our Excel tool. Recommended velocities for common fluids provided. Make informed design decisions for efficient pressure and cost balance.

• Flow regimes
  

The different flow regimes in pipes as a function of Reynolds number

• Orifice calculation
  

How to size and calculate orifice plates for precise fluid flow control and measurement. You can access our Excel calculation tool to practice the concepts presented in the page

• Tank agitator power requirement calculation
  

Learn how to calculate motor power for a tank agitator step by step. Find a free Excel calculator for agitator power requirements.

• Mass flowmeters (Coriolis flowmeters)

This article provides a comprehensive guide to flow meter installation and usage, covering selection criteria, installation processes, and type-specific guidelines for various flow meters. It addresses challenges such as high-viscosity fluids, temperature effects, and common metering issues, along with maintenance requirements and application considerations.

• Flowmeters installation best practices
  

Learn about Coriolis mass flowmeters, their advantages, and factors affecting performance. Discover how to select, install, and maintain them for accurate fluid flow measurement in various industries.

• Water Hammer

Learn about water hammer, a sudden pressure increase in fluid-carrying pipes caused by rapid flow changes. Discover its consequences, the calculation of pressure rise, and prevention methods to safeguard pipes and equipment from damage. Access a an Excel calculator for pressure rise prediction

• Water pipe networks : maximum recommended flow velocity

This page is presenting the importance of recommended velocities in water pipe networks. You can understand why following these guidelines is crucial for energy efficiency and system performance. Calculate water flow velocity with our Excel tool.

• Calculation of time needed to mix liquids

This page is explaining step by step how to calculate the time required for a pitch blade agitator to homogenize a liquid mixture.

• Terminal velocity of a particle in a fluid : formula, step by step calculation guide

Learn about terminal velocity in fluid mechanics. Understand how to calculate it for single particles and in the presence of other particles. Check out our Excel calculator for testing the concepts presented in the page.

• Impeller power to viscosity calculation

This page is explaining step by step how to estimate the apparent viscosity of a fluid from the power that is applied to a double helix agitator.

• Viscosity of non Newtonian Fluids

This article is presenting non-Newtonian fluids, where viscosity isn't constant but varies with shear rate. Learn about time-independent and time-dependent non-Newtonian behaviors, and explore the unique properties of viscoelastic materials.

• Pressure losses in flexible hoses

Gain a comprehensive understanding of hoses, their types, and how to calculate pressure losses in fluid transport systems. Explore the diverse materials, designs, and classifications of hoses, from rubber to stainless steel. Learn how factors like length, diameter, flow rate, and fluid viscosity contribute to pressure loss. Follow a step-by-step guide to calculate pressure loss using the Darcy-Weisbach equation. Whether you're dealing with rubber, PVC, or thermoplastic hoses, this guide equips you with essential insights for efficient system design.

• Check valves design

Unlock the potential of check valves in piping systems with our comprehensive guide. Explore swing, lift, ball, and diaphragm check valves—understand their design, installation, and troubleshooting. Delve into critical considerations like material selection, sizing, and cracking pressure. Learn to address common issues such as backflow, water hammer, and excessive wear. Our detailed guide ensures you master the intricacies of check valves.

• Check valves : calculate the minimum velocity for full opening, step by step calculation guide

Explore the world of check valves in piping engineering—essential components ensuring fluid flows in a single direction. Discover the diverse designs available and their applications. Uncover the common issue of noisy check valves and learn the importance of proper design to avoid quick wear. Delve into a step-by-step guide for calculating the minimum pipe velocity needed for full disc lift in check valves. Access a practical Excel calculator for quick and accurate calculations.

• Steam traps : calculate steam loss

Explore the crucial role of steam traps in process industries, understand common failure modes, and learn how to calculate steam leakage. Access an Excel calculator for precise steam loss estimations and discover cost-saving strategies.

• Gas flowrate calculation long pipelines
  

Explore efficient methods for calculating pressure drop in long gas pipelines. Learn about isothermal, Weymouth, Panhandle equations, and a modified isothermal approach. Access an Excel calculator for gas flow estimations.

• Hygienic Pipe Design : Best Practices
  

Learn essential principles for designing hygienic piping systems in food and pharma industries. This page covers key practices like eliminating dead ends, ensuring smooth surfaces, and selecting proper couplings and valves. Discover how to prevent material accumulation, optimize cleaning efficiency, and maintain product quality. For comprehensive guidance on hygienic piping design, visit the website

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