Steam Velocity through Piping

Steam velocity through piping is the speed at which steam travels through a pipe.  It's a crucial factor in designing steam systems because excessive velocity can cause several issues like erosion, water hammer, and increased energy consumption.  The ideal steam velocity depends on various factors such as pipe size, pressure, temperature, and the type of steam application.  Generally, steam velocities are kept within a certain range to ensure efficient and safe operation.

 

Steam Velocity through Piping formula
\( v_s =   Q_s \;  \upsilon \;/\; 3600 \; \pi \;  \left( d\;/\;24 \right)^2   \)
Symbol	English	Metric
\( v_s \) = steam velocity	\(ft\;/\;sec\)	\(m\;/\;s\)
\( \pi \) = Pi	\(3.141 592 653 ...\)
\( d \) = pipe inside diameter	\( in \)	\( mm \)
\( \upsilon \)  (Greek symbol upsilon) = specific volume of steam	\(ft^3\;/\;lbm\)	\(m^3\;/\;kg\)
\( Q_s \) = steam flow rate	\(ft^3\;/\;sec\)	\(m^3\;/\;s\)