Allowable velocities for sizing of pipes

Average velocity in Meter / Second

Sl no Nominal pipe size In mm
Below 50 mm 50 to 150 mm
1 Saturated steam at sub-atmospheric pressure ….. 10-15
2 Saturated steam at 0-1 kg/sq.cm.(g) 15-20 17-30
3 Saturated steam at 1.1 -7 kg/sq.cm.(g) 15-22 20-33
4 Saturated steam over 7 kg/sq.cm.(g) 15-25 20-'35
5 Superheated steam over 0- 7 kg/sq.cm.(g) 20-30 25-40
6 Superheated steam at 7.1-35 kg/sq.cm.(g) 20-33 28-43
7 Superheated steam at 35.1-70kg/sq.cm.(g) 22-33 30-50
8 Superheated steam over 70kg/sq.cm.(g) 22-35 35-61
9 Compressed air 7-10 10-15
10 Pump suction, condensate …… 0.4-0.6
11 Pump suction, boiler feed …… 0.6-0.9
12 Pump suction, general service 0.6-0.9 0.7-1.3
13 Pump suction, viscous liquid 0.3 0.3-0.4
14 Pump discharge, condensate 0.9-1.2 1.2-2.1
15 Pump discharge,boiler feed 1.0-1.2 1.5-2.1
16 Pump discharge,boiler general service 0.9-1.0 1.5-2.4
17 Pump discharge, viscous liquid 1.0 1.0
18 Header, general service under 2.0 kg/sq.cm.(g) ….. 1.3-2.0
19 Header, general service 2.0 kg/sq.cm.(g) & up …… 1.5-2.4

Note: the above velocity values are indicative and showing th maximum limits of the flow velocity. Lower velociti
may be selected if found necessary.
ity in Meter / Second
200 mm & above
15-20
20-30
25-43
30-50
30-50
35-55
40-61
50-76
18
0.6-0.7.
0.6-0.9
0.9-1.5
0.4-0.5
1.5-2.2
1.8-2.4
1.5-2.4
1.2-1.4
1.8-2.4
2.1-2.4

flow velocity. Lower velocities