Steam pipe sizing estimator

Use to estimate size of steam pipe/main using velocity and pressure drop

Saturated steam pressure at start of steam pipe barg
length of steam pipe/main run m
Steam flow rate kg/hr
STEEL PIPE, SCH 40, to ANSI B36.1
Pipe size (nominal ID) inchDNsteam velocity in pipe/main, m/ssteam pressure drop through length of pipe/main, barg
1/86
1/48
3/810
1/215
3/420
125
1 1/432
1 1/240
250
2 1/265
380
4100
5125
6150
8200
10250
12300

Notes:

To keep noise and any possible pipe erosion down it is advisable to keep the velocity of the steam down below 40m/s. This may vary on some applications and depends on the length of steam pipe. Please note that if steam goes through valves the velocity may vary

An estimate for pressure drop through pipe fittings should always be allowed for. Always ensure that the pressure drop does not result in a lower steam pressure being delivered at the point of use than is desired.

Steam velocity figures estimated above are an average over the length of steam pipe/main, (i.e. (V1+V2)/2)

Figures calculated are of a simple theoretical nature and other variables may need to be considered depending on application