Calculate fluid velocity in pipeline from flow rate and pipe diameter with erosional velocity check
Volumetric flow rate at actual flowing conditions (pressure and temperature in the pipe).
Inside diameter of the pipe. Use actual ID, not nominal size. Example: 6 inch Sch 40 has ID of 6.065 inches.
inches
Density of the flowing fluid at pipeline conditions. Crude oil: 45-65 lb/ft3. Water: 62.4 lb/ft3. Gas: use actual density at flowing P and T.
lb/ft3
API RP 14E constant. C=100 for continuous service, C=125 for intermittent, C=150-200 for corrosion-resistant alloys.
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Results
Fluid Velocity-ft/s
Erosional Velocity (Ve)-ft/s
Velocity as % of Erosional-%
Pipe Cross-Section Area-in2
Status-
References & Formulas:
V = Q / A (velocity = volumetric flow / cross-sectional area)
A = pi/4 × d2
Ve = C / sqrt(rho) — API RP 14E erosional velocity
C = empirical constant (100-200), rho = fluid density (lb/ft3)
API RP 14E: Design and Installation of Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems.