Selecting the Optimum Pipe Size - a PDH Online Course for Engineers and Surveyors

Selecting the Optimum Pipe Size

Course Outline

This practical course explains how to understand and apply fluid mechanics principles in the determination of optimum pipe size. It does so without resorting to laborious theoretical equation derivations and theorems. This simplified “jump-to-the-chase” approach along with ample worked-out examples enables a quick understanding of the concepts. With that said, unfortunately some relatively complex, but nevertheless straightforward, equations are generated when classical pressure drop formulas are rewritten in forms which allow direct determination of pipe diameter. Simply put, "d " is isolated on the left side of the equations.

This course includes a multiple choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this course, you will learn the:

Definition of pipe and the materials from which it is fabricated;
Broad meaning of optimum pipe size;
Basics of pipe flow;
Three classifications of flow regime;
Fluid dependent, system dependent, and basic flow dependent variables;
Four basic equations for the solution of fluid flow problems;
Importance of fluid friction and the friction factor;
Darcy-Weisbach method to select optimum pipe size;
Importance of economic comparative analysis;
Method of economic break-even analysis in pipe size selection;
Method of total life cycle cost analysis in pipe size selection;
Overall difficulty in analyzing gravity flow;
Various fluid flow patterns in horizontal and vertical pipes;
Basic differences in plumbing and process terminologies;
Fixture unit method to select optimum pipe size;
Method of optimum pipe size selection to prevent slug flow;
Achievement of terminal fluid velocity in plumbing stacks and risers;
Formation of hydraulic jump in horizontal and near-horizontal plumbing;
Applicability of the Manning formula in process applications;
Design approaches to selection of optimum pipe size for process drainage;
Phenomenon of cyclic surging in process drainage due to gas entrainment;
Importance of the Froude number in the selection of optimum pipe size;
Flooded gravity flow method of optimum pipe size selection;
Self-venting flow method of optimum pipe size selection;
Definition of pressurized flow and its economic implications;
Difference in design versus analysis approach to optimum pipe selection;
Method to make quick estimates of optimum pipe size for liquids;
Prevalence of pressure conservation as a method to determine pipe size;
Fluid velocity method of optimum pipe size selection;
Fluid velocity effect method of optimum pipe size selection;
Importance of erosion in optimum pipe size selection;
Importance of solids suspension in optimum pipe size selection;
Overall difficulty in analyzing compressible fluid flow;
Existence of subsonic and sonic flow of compressible fluids;
Concepts of Mach number and choked flow;
Gas erosional velocity method of optimum pipe size selection;
Weymouth empirical formula method of optimum pipe size selection;
Existence of two-phase flow and its inherent difficulty to analyze;
Method for optimum pipe size selection for two-phase flow conditions;
Importance of proper pipe size selection for relief valve discharges;
Method for optimum pipe size selection for flashing flow in relief manifolds;
Selection method for optimum pipe size in steam applications;
Selection method for optimum pipe size in condensate return systems;
Potential regulatory requirements for optimum pipe size selection; and
Hazen-Williams method of optimum pipe size selection.

Intended Audience

This course is for anyone interested in fluid dynamics, and in particular for those involved in the design and installation of piping systems. It will be of interest to students who want quick, summary information with tables of useful data. It will also be informative for anyone who has a general interest in historical technological developments as well as engineering economics.

The potential student should possess a knowledge of the elementary laws of fluid flow and have some familiarity with the associated basic forumulas.

Benefits for Attendees

Attendees of this course will be provided with a summary compilation of equations and formulas which deal with pipe size selection. There are tables and lists of friction factors, load factors, recommended flow velocities, and pipe schedules.

Course Content

The course content is in a PDF file (1MB):

Selecting the Optimum Pipe Size

Please click on the above underlined hypertexts to view, download or print the documents for your study. Because of the large file size, we recommend that you first save the file to your computer by right clicking the mouse and choosing "Save Target As ...", and then open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Course Summary

This course offers a practical way to apply engineering principles in solving day-to-day problems encountered in the selection of optimum pipe size. The course deals with process, petroleum, and gas flows, and touches lightly on plumbing applications.

Additional Resources and Related Links

There is a wealth of published information on fluid flow in pipe. The availability of information specific to pipe size selection is more limited. Here are some informative additional resources that will supplement the material presented in this course:

Interesting historical facts about plumbing in America: http://www.theplumber.com/usa.html
Pipe sizing information for offshore petroleum applications: http://www.standard.no/pronorm-3/data/f/0/01/40/9_10704_0/P-001.pdf
Reducing pumping costs through optimum pipe sizing; http://www1.eere.energy.gov/industry/bestpractices/pdfs/motor1.pdf

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.