March 28, 2010 – Design Tips Decoupler Sizing

WHAT IS THE HYDRAULIC DECOUPLER

The hydraulic decoupler or the (bypass / the common pipe ) is used in the chilled water
primary/secondary circuits, to help the primary secondary sets acting in parallel, it divides
the circuit into two :

Primary circuit (loop) : the primary pumps just overcoming the pressure drop on the
accessories, chillers, expansion tanks, valves and piping between them.

Secondary circuit (loop) : the secondary pumps ( variable frequency driven pumps ) is
overcoming the pressure drop of all piping and all equipments found from and to the system
through the longest run.

HOW TO SIZE THE DECOUPLER

It is a pipe with very low friction loss connected between the suction of the primary pumps
to the suction of the secondary pumps ( suction to suction ) , the designer should consider
some points while sizing the decoupler as shown below.

1- the friction in the decoupler should not be more than 1.5 ft Wg.1
2- The length of the decoupler is recommended to be at least (3 to 10)
times of its diameter.2&3
3- The decoupler diameter size is recommended to be the same size as the
main supply and return pipes.4 In case of Primary/Secondary System
4- For pipes larger than 20 in, it is recommended sizing the decoupler pipe
according to the biggest chiller flow rate , because 20'' in pipe and
above has very high initial cost.4
5- The flow through the pipe is considered as (110 – 115 % ) of the biggest
chiller.4
6- The length of the decoupler should not be too long to avoid increasing
the pressure drop2, also it should not be too short to reduce the
likelihood of unwanted mixing resulting from velocity (kinetic) energy or
turbulence.3
7- there should be at least 10 times the pipe diameter as a distance from
the first chiller to avoid the possibility of having stratification in the
primary return line leading to unmixed water to the first chiller.2

REFRENCES

1- Carrier .Distribution systems. Water Piping & pumps, 2005:26.

2- McQuay. Application Guide 31-003-1. Chiller Plant Design, 2002:54.
3- ASHRAE. HVAC Systems and Equipment . Hydronic Heating & Cooling System
Design,2008;12:22.
4- Cool Tools. Chilled Water Plant Design & Specification Guide, 2000:(4-12).