Step 1 - Pipe Sizing for Condensate Formulas
|
||
|
\( d \;=\; \sqrt{ \dfrac{ 1.25 \cdot Q }{ \dfrac{ \pi \cdot v_{combined} }{ 4 } } }\) (Pipe Sizing for Condensate) \( v \;=\; \dfrac{ 1.25 \cdot Q }{ A_c }\) (Velocity) \( A_c \;=\; \dfrac{ \pi \cdot d^2 }{ 4 }\) (Area Cross-section) \( v_{combined} \;=\; \dfrac{ 1.25 \cdot Q }{ \dfrac{ \pi \cdot d^2 }{ 4 } }\) (Combined Velocity and Area) |
||
| Symbol | English | Metric |
| \( d \) = Pipe Inside Diameter | \(in\) | \(mm\) |
| \( v \) = Pipe Condensate Velocity | \(ft \;/\; sec\) | \(m \;/\; s\) |
| \( Q \) = Condensate Flow Rate | \(ft^3 \;/\; sec\) | \(m^3 \;/\; s\) |
| \( \pi \) = Pi | \(3.141 592 653 ...\) | \(3.141 592 653 ...\) |
| \( v_{combined} \) = Area Combined Velocity | \(ft \;/\; sec\) | \(m \;/\; s\) |
| \( A_c \) = Pipe Area Cross-section | \(in^2\) | \(mm^2\) |
Sizing a condensate pipe involves selecting an appropriate diameter to ensure efficient and effective drainage of condensate from a steam system. One commonly used formula for sizing condensate pipes is based on the velocity of the condensate flow. The goal is to maintain an acceptable velocity to avoid issues such as pipe erosion and ensure proper drainage
Step 2 - Pipe Sizing for Condensate with Adjustment for Slope, Fittings, and Valves Formulas
|
||
|
\( d \;=\; \sqrt{ \dfrac{ 1.25 \cdot Q }{ \dfrac{ \pi \cdot v_{adjusted} }{ 4 } } }\) (Pipe Sizing for Condensate with Adjustment) \( v_{slope} \;=\; v \cdot sin (\theta) \) (Adjustment Velocity for Pipe Slope) \( v_{adjusted} \;=\; v_{slope} \cdot \left( 1 + \dfrac{ L_{eq} }{ L_{pipe} } \right) \) (Adjustment Velocity for Fittings and Valves) |
||
| Symbol | English | Metric |
| \( d \) = Pipe Inside Diameter | \(in\) | \(mm\) |
| \( Q \) = Condensate Flow Rate | \(ft^3 \;/\; sec\) | \(m^3 \;/\; s\) |
| \( \pi \) = Pi | \(3.141 592 653 ...\) | \(3.141 592 653 ...\) |
| \( v_{adjusted} \) = Final Adjusted Velocity | \(ft \;/\; sec\) | \(m \;/\; s\) |
| \( v_{slope} \) = Slope Adjusted Velocity | \(ft \;/\; sec\) | \(m \;/\; s\) |
| \( v \) = Pipe Condensate Velocity | \(ft \;/\; sec\) | \(m \;/\; s\) |
| \( \theta \) = Slope Angle | \(deg\) | \(rad\) |
| \( L_{eq} \) = Fittings and Valves Equivalent Length | \(ft\) | \(m\) |
| \( L_{pipe} \) = Pipe Equivalent Length | \(ft\) | \(m\) |
To use this formula, you need to know the condensate flow rate and the desired velocity. Keep in mind that other factors, such as the slope of the pipe, fittings, and valves, can also influence the sizing of the condensate pipe. Additionally, consulting relevant engineering codes, standards, and guidelines, or working with a qualified engineer, is essential to ensure that the condensate pipe is properly sized for the specific conditions and requirements of your steam system.
