Neste Eng ETT, VMP, Design PETO5-2, 13.3.

1992Basis

Page 1 of 1

Sizing of pipes
For sizing of pipes within unit's battery limits the following recommendations for
velocity and maximum pressure drop may be used. For critical pipes the sizing must be
checked during detailed engineering.
1 Liquid flow
Specific gravity 1.0
Specific gravity 0.8
Specific gravity 0.5
boiling
Forced flow Pump suction
Pump suction,
subcooled
Pump discharge 0-50
m3/h
Pump discharge 50-300 m3/h
Pump discharge >300
m3/h
Gravity flow
General

Velocity, m/s
1.5-2.5
1.8-3.0
3.0-4.5
0.3-1.0
0.8-2.0
1.5-2.5
1.8-4.0
2.5-4.5
1.0-2.5

max P, kPa/km

100
200
1400
900
500
50

2 Gas flow
Operating pressure, MPa (abs)
< atmospheric
0.1 - 0.45
0.45 - 0.7
0.7-1.5
1.5-3.5
3.5
Compressors
- suction
- discharge

max P, kPa/km
20
30
30
30
30
30
100
200

Elevations
Elevations of pumps and vessels shall provide a minimum NPSH available of 4.0 meters
of liquid for pumps at flow rates less than 100 m3/h and 5.0 meters for flow rates 100200 m3/h. NPSH available for pumps with flowrate above 200 m3/h shall be agreed on
case-to-case basis. A lower, NPSH available must always be agreed upon case.