GUIDELINE 018

LINE SIZING

CONTENTS
654307908.doc 1
 1.0 SCOPE

2.0 CODES, STANDARDS AND REFERENCES

3.0 GENERAL

4.0 DESIGN PRESSURE

5.0 DESIGN TEMPERATURE

6.0 LINE SIZING

7.0 PIPING DETAILS

8.0 CALCULATION PROCEDURES AND EXAMPLES

9.0 PIPE FITTINGS EQUIVALENT LENGTH TABLE

1.0 SCOPE
654307908.doc 2
 1.1 This Process Engineering Design Guideline outlines the general process requirements
for piping systems.

1.2 Customer's specifications or supplements to this design criteria, when submitted to

Skantec, shall take precedence over the information which follows

1.3 These design guidelines are intended to provide a simple, standard method to
facilitate the accurate sizing of lines within a plant or the accurate determination of
pressure drop for a specific Line. For a more detailed analysis of Fluid Flow
calculations refer to Crane.

2.0 CODES, STANDARDS AND REFERENCES

1. Standards of the Hydraulic Institute (1948) and (1954).

2. American Notional Standard Code for pressure piping, A.N.S. B31.3-1966, Petroleum
Refinery Piping
3. Peters, M. S., Timmerhaus, K.D., Plant Deaden and Economics for Chemical Engineers,
4th Ed, McGraw - Hill, 1980.
4. Gar Processors Suppliers Association Engineering Data Book, Vol. II, 10th Ed., 1987.
5. Crane, Flow of Fluids, Publication 410M, 1982.

3.0 GENERAL

3.1 The process function with regard to piping is as follows

a. The establishment of all required lines, which will be indicated on the

Engineering Line Diagram (ELD).

b. The establishment of line specification design data.

c. The economic sizing of lines to insure the hydraulic integrity of the process.

d. Co-ordination with the piping design discipline to insure that the detail design
does not interfere with the process design.

4.0 DESIGN PRESSURE

The design pressure of a line shall be carried through to, and include, the last block valve
which can be used to shut in the system. Line design pressure shall be determined from the
maximum of the following:

4.1 Design pressure based on maximum operating pressure. This should take into
account all modes of operation and shall be set based on the table below

Maximum Operation Pressure (barg) Pressure (barg)

654307908.doc 3
 Full or Partial Vacuum 3.5/ Full Vac
0.0 - 0.4 3.5/Full Vac
0.4 - 2.5 3.5
2.5 - 20.0 MOP +2
> 20.0 1.1 x MOP

4.2 The set pressure of the relief valve when mounted on the line.

4.3 The set pressure of the relief valve on equipment when connected to the line plus the
static head and friction loss.

4.4 The maximum pressure that a piece of equipment can generate, such as the shutoff
head of centrifugal pumps or the stalling pressure of reciprocating pumps.

a For horizontal centrifugal pumps, the assumed shutoff pressure shall be the
normal suction pressure plus 125% of the differential pressure at normal
capacity, or the maximum suction pressure plus the differential pressure at
normal capacity, whichever is greater. Maximum suction pressure is taken at
the relieving pressure of the suction vessel.
b. For some high head and vertical pumps, the shutoff pressure may be higher
than 125% of the normal. The Mechanical Engineer should be consulted for
an adequate allowance.

c. For reciprocating pumps the following table shall be used to establish the
setting for the relief valve in the pump discharge, this also sets the design
pressure of the discharge piping. The factor shall be applied to the normal
pump discharge pressure.

PUMP TYPE WITHOUT DAMPER WITH DAMPER

Simplex 1.50 1.30

Duplex 1.40 1.25
Triplex 1.30 1.20

4.5 Lines subject to steam-out as part of routine operation of maintenance shall be

designed for full vacuum.

5.0 DESIGN TEMPERATURE

5.1 The design temperature for piping shall be set at the maximum operating temperature
plus 30°C. The maximum operating temperature shall take into account all
temperature excursions. In hot climatic conditions a design temperature of some
minimum value may be necessary.

5.2 Minimum design temperatures shall be set based on the table below:

Minimum Operating Temperature (°C) Minimum Design Temperature

654307908.doc 4
 Ambient to -10 Min op minus 1 5°C
-10 to -25 -30 °C
-25 to -60 Min op minus 5°C
Below -60 Min op

5.3 Additionally, the following shall be considered and applied where appropriate:

a If the process fluid is subject to chilling by evaporation during filling,

emptying or depressurization of the line, this temperature shall be stated

b. If reactors or dryers are subject to regeneration the regeneration conditions

shall be considered when setting the design temperature and pressure. Both
the normal operating and design temperature and pressure and the maximum
regeneration temperature and pressure should be shown on the line sizing
calculation sheet.

c. Lines subject to steam-out will have the steam out temperature stated.
(Minimum design temperature 105°C)

d. The design temperature on the outlet side of an exchange shall be the normal
inset temperature to the exchanger or the outlet temperature plus 30°C
whichever is the greater.

e. Failures shall not be considered when setting operating temperature.

f. The control setting for steam or electrically traced lines: shall be considered
for operating temperatures.

g. The design temperature on the outlet side of an air cooler shall be the normal
inlet operating temperature minus one third of the normal temperature drop
across the air cooler. or the normal outlet temperature plus 30°C whichever
the greater

6.0 LINE SIZING

654307908.doc 5
 6.1 Single Fluid Lines

6.1.1 Symbols and Definitions

Symbol Meaning Units

F Friction Factor (this may be either the Moody or

Fanning
Friction factor: This guideline uses the Moody Friction
Factor) -
L Pipe Length m
LE Equivalent Pipe Length m
MW Molecular Weight -
P Pressure bar a
R Bend Radius mm
S True Specific Gravity
(w.r.t. H2O) -
T Temperature °K
W Mass Flow kg/h
d Internal Pipe Diameter mm
 Pipe Roughness mm
/d Relative Roughness -
 Viscosity cP
K1 K value of fitting at Re = 1
K K value of fitting at Re = 
Re Reynolds Number
p Pressure drop per 100 m bar/100m of pipe
v Liquid velocity m/s
g gravitational constant 9.81 m/s2

6.1.2 THEORY

When a fluid flows through a tube or over a surface, the pattern flow will
vary greatly with the velocity, the physical properties of the fluid and the
geometry of the surface. There are two fundamental types of flow, namely
Laminar or Streamline and Turbulent.

Laminar flow refers to a flow pattern in which elements of the fluid pass
along the pipe axis without intermixing. Turbulent flow is characterised by
random movement of fluid across the pipe axis accompanied by eddies.

Viscosity is the most important physical property which influences pressure

drop. For most single-phase fluids, the viscosity is constant for a given
temperature and pressure and is independent of shear stress. These fluids are
said to be Newtonian.

A number of liquids, which do not have a constant viscosity, are said to be

non-Newtonian, e.g., most solid suspensions such as polystyrene in organic
liquids. Certain other materials referred to, as thixotropic fluids do not have
constant viscosity, e.g., non-drip paints.
THE EQUATIONS AND CHARTS IN THIS MANUAL HAVE BEEN
DEVELOPED FOR SINGLE PHASE NEWTONIAN FLUIDS ONLY

General Pressure Drop Equation

654307908.doc 6
 The head lose of a Liquid or gas flowing in a round pipe is given by the
generalised Darcy-Weisbach equation:

h = F. L . v2
d 2g

For the turbulent flow, the friction factor F can be expressed as a function of
two dimensionless groups, the Reynolds Number and the relative roughness
of the surface 
d
and in the laminar flow region

F= 64
Re

In the transition region, between Laminar and turbulent flow, reproducible

pressure drop values cannot be obtained. If such a case should arise which
falls in this region it will be adequate to consider it as Turbulent flow,
extrapolated.

6.1.3 Practical Equations for Pressure Drop Calculations

The Darcy-Weisbach equation can be re-arranged into a more practical form a

follows

p = 64.42 F W2
d5 S
This equation can be used for any single phase Newtonian fluid but for gases
it is more practical to re-write S in terms of pressure (bar), absolute
temperature (T °K) and molecular Weight (MW such that

p = 5459 FW 2T
d5 p (MW)

This equation can only be applied when p < 10 % of system pressure. To

take into account the expansion effect of gases refer to Crane.

for Laminar flow. Re < 2000, F= 64

Re

and for turbulent or transitional flow Re > 2700 F can be read from Moody
friction factor charts as a function of Re and /d

Re = 354 W
d

6.1.4 Roughness

In calculating relative roughness, the following values of  should be used:

mm
Drawing Tubing (Stainless, Aluminium) 0.015
Commercial Steel Pipe 0.045
Cast Iron Pipe 0.250
Smooth Concrete Pipe 0.300

6.1.5 Accuracy and Limitations

654307908.doc 7
 Accuracy

The pressure drop calculated by the methods presented is accurate to within

20% for turbulent flow.

Limitations

 The equations suitable for single phase Newtonian fluids

 The equations do not hold for liquid with appreciable solids Contents (say
more that 1% by volume)
 The equations hold for gases provided the pressure drop in the system does
not exceed 10% of the inlet pressure.
 If the pressure-drop in a system lie between 10% and 40% of the inlet
pressure the equations will apply provided that the average density and
viscosity are used in calculations.

6.1.6 Pipe Size Selection Criteria

For practical purposes the economic pipe size can be selected using criteria,
which have been established, based on fluid velocity or pressure drop per
Unit length of pipe. For initial pipe size selection use the Meare circular
calculator with the appropriate criteria. The following criteria are to be used
for the selection of pipe sizes. However, for each case, consideration may be
given to the effects of increasing or decreasing pressure drop to utilise the
highest-pressure drop, which can be tolerated without sacrificing economy or
safe operation. There will therefore be cases when individual judgement will
indicate deviation from the following criteria and these cases should be
discussed with the Process Design Manager.

6.1.7 Piping allowable velocities and pressure drops

These shall be within the following limits:

Moderate Viscosity Liquids

For more viscous fluids the basic equations can still be used to assess p
though they become less accurate at higher viscosities. Viscous fluid
velocities should be approximately within following values (in m/s)

Nominal Pipe Size Velocity in pipe

(mm) =50 cP = 100 cP = 1000 cP

25 0.50 - 1.00 0.30 - 0.60 0.10 - 0.20

50 0.75 - 1.10 0.50 - 0.75 0.15 - 0.25
100 1.00 - 1.60 0.75 - 1.10 0.25 - 0.40
200 1.00 - 2.00 1.20 - 1.60 0.40 - 0.55

Low Viscosity Liquids

654307908.doc 8
 Pressure Drop Velocity
bar/100m m/s

Boiling liquids 0.01 - 0.06 0.3 -1 .2

(at equilibrium at pump
suction)*

Subcooled liquids 0.025 - 0.23 0.3 - 2.4

(22°C below bubble
point) at pump suction*

Cooling water at 0.05 - 0.23 0.3 - 2.4

pump suction

Boiling liquids (at 0.23 - 0.91 1.5 - 4.6

equilibrium) at pump
discharge

Subcooled liquids 0.23 - 0.91 1.5 - 4.6

(22°C below bubble
point) at pump
discharge

Cooling water at 0.11 - 0.45 1.5 - 4.6

pump discharge

Differential pressure - 7.6 max.

liquids (static head)

Condenser Discharge .035 - .0.1 1.5 to 3.0 max.

Boiling liquids (at
equilibrium)

Condenser Discharge .07 - 0.2 1.5 to 3.0 max.

Subcooled liquids
(22°C below bubble
point)

Steam Condensate
Based on liquid .025
volume

Size liquid lines from vessels to control valves according to the pump suction
criteria above.

* The related line size should be carefully checked to ensure that the NPSH
requirement for a particular pump is satisfied.

6.1.8 Pump Suction - Viscous Flow

In cases where the fluid viscosity is moderate to large it is often difficult to conform
with the recommended pump suction line p and have a practical line size. In such
cases of viscous flow the moat important criterion to fulfil is the provision of

654307908.doc 9
 adequate NPSH. Generally, 2 - 3m NPSH is required for pump of up to l00m 3/hr
capacity although this should be checked with Vendors for more specific calculations.
A margin of l to 2 m liquid should be added to the manufacturers required NPSH for
the purpose of pump suction line calculations.

By following the guidelines in 5.2 for viscous liquids, line pressure drops greater than
0.035 bar/100m may be encountered This is acceptable provided that:

a) NPSH is satisfactory.

b) p <= 0.5 Bar/100m

In general the vapour Pressure of the viscous fluid will have a very small effect on the
NPSH calculation and the largest contributor to NPSH losses will be suction line
pressure drop. Care must, therefore, be taken to properly assess the pipework and
fittings for pump suction calculations.

6.2 Steam, Gas and Vapour Lines

Piping allowable velocities and pressure drops shall be within the following limits:

6.2.1 Process Vapours

Pressure Drop Velocity

bar/100m m/s
-
< 50 mbar a 0.005 - 0.012
50 - 100 mbar a 0.015 - 0.02
100 - 500 mbar a 0.020 - 0.025
500 - 1000 mbar a 0.025 - 0.050
1.0 - 2.0 bar a 0.04 - 0.07
2.0 - 5.0 bar a 0.05 - 0.10
5.0 - 8.0 bar a 0.07 - 0.12
8.0 - 12.0 bar a 0.09 - 0.14
12.0 - 15.0 bar a 0.10 - 0.16
15.0 - 35.0 bar a 0.12 - 0.20 76 max.
> 35 bar a 0.15 - 0.25

6.2.2 Steam
<5 bar a 0.06 - 0.25 Maximum of 9.1 m/s
5 - 12 bar a 0.25 - 0.35 25 mm of pipe dia.
> 12 bar a 0.25 - 0.5 Between 80 mm and
150 mm diameter, 61
m/s
Short leads (steady 0.34 - 0.91 for saturated steam and
flow to equipment) 76 m/s for superheated
over 3.4 barg steam

Short leads (steady 0.11 - 0.34

flow to equipment) -
above atmospheric

Steam (vacuum) on the basis of pressure drop available

These figures are maximum pressure drops allowable when a compressor

provides pressure. Where pressure must be dissipated, greater pressure drop

654307908.doc 10
 may be allowed, providing that any control value in the circuit has sufficient
pressure drop across it to give good control, i.e., at least 30% of the particular
system pressure-drop.

5.6 Maximum Velocity Limitations

To avoid noise problems for gases and vapours flowing in lines the following
maximum velocities should be considered

Pipe diameter/mm Maximum Velocity/ms-1

< 75 60
75 - 300 30
300 - 660 25
> 660 20

To avoid noise problems in liquid lines the maximum velocity should be

5 ms-1 .

To avoid the build up of static electricity in hydrocarbon/water mixtures the

fluid velocity should not exceed l m/s.

For gaseous oxygen services, the velocity must not exceed 20 m/s under any
circumstances.

6.3 Tow Phase Lines

6.3.1 Piping allowable velocities and pressure drops shall be within the
following limits

Two phase 0.91 bar/100m max. Greater than the

. entrainment velocity
but below the erosion
velocity
:
6.4 Lines Around Columns

a. Feed lines on entry to columns should be sized to meet the following criteria:

v= 122
p

Where v = fluid velocity, m/s

p = average density of mixture at flowing conditions
There should be no pipe expansions or contractions within 10 pipe diameters
of the inlet nozzle. Additionally, there should be no bends within 10 pipe
diameters of the inlet nozzle except in the vertical plane.

b. Liquid side draw-off lines should be sized using the free orifice region of
Figure 16.1. After a vertical drop of 6000 mm (19.7 ft) which is preferably
straight the line size should be swedged down to the pump suction line size.

6.5 Lines to and from Reboilers

654307908.doc 11
 a Outlet lines from columns to reboilers should be sized on 0.01 to 0.05
bar/100m with a maximum velocity of 0.9 m/s .

b. The two-phase return line should be sized using the two phase criteria under
section 6.3.
6.6 Flare and Relief Valve Outlet Lines

 Flare Headers

Flare system in large facilities require detailed analysis but for most applications
may be sized using the same criteria as for process fluids. Care should be taken not
to make flare lines too small and sonic velocities which are likely to occur at
Pressure drops in excess of 2 bar per 100m must be avoided.

 Relief Valve Outlet Lines

For API-ASME code conditions, the line must be sized such that when the valve is
relieving at full capacity, the outlet pressure does not exceed 10% of the relief
valve set pressure. If a balanced bellows valve is used up to 50% back pressure can
often be accepted, however, a conservative value of 30 % should be wed for sizing
purposes.

If other codes are used these conditions may be changed as appropriate for the
code.

6.7 Laminar Flow

Laminar Flow (Re < 2000) through straight pipe is covered by the general pressure
drop equation given above. However, for pressure drop attributes to valves and
fittings it is advisable to use another more accurate method such as the
“Two-K” method.

The 2Two-K” method involves the use of two K-values, one corresponding to R e = 1
and the other to Re =  , i.e.

 25.4 
K = K1 + K1 
 d 

Figure contains values of K1 and Kfor various fittings

The total pressure drop is then given by

v2
P = 0.00001 
2
K
for a straight length of pipe

FL
K =
d
64
where F =
Re
For pipe entrance and exit losses the following equation applies:
654307908.doc 12
 K1
K =  K
Re
where the constants are
K1 K
normal pipe entrance 160 0.5
normal pipe exit 0 1.0

7.0 PIPING DETAILS

The following piping details shall be used where applicable:

7.1 Battery limit block valves shall consist of a single gate valve with a bleed valve
upstream and downstream.

7.2 Start-up and shut-down bypass and circulation lines should be considered for each
unit. Lines that are normally used only during start ups and shut downs should be
double valued out of service. Bypass and circulation lines shall be sized for 1/2 of
normal flow.

7.3 Facilities for air feeding units before introduction of hydrocarbon (or hydrogen) feed
streams should be provided.

7.4 A sample connection should be provided at least for the following:

 All product streams leaving a unit.

 Overhead and bottom streams for fractionating columns except when columns
are in series and then only on final bottom product If a drain connection is not
available, provide valved concentration for non routine sampling.
 Streams to analysers
 Feed streams to units
 Process stream upstream and downstream of treaters.
 Chemicals before and after regeneration.
 Important recycle streams.
 Heater flue gases.
 Continuous blowdown water and stream produced from steam generators

7.5 A cooler shall be used when hot liquid samples are taken so that flashing or loss of
vapour will not occur when drawing samples. A single cooler can be used to serve
several streams. Gas samples shall be drawn into a bomb.

7.6 Recirculating samplers are the preferred type ~ These require a circulation line
across a pressure differential, such as a control valve or a pump

7.7 When sampling corrosive liquids, flush sample to an appropriate recovery sump. A
drain funnel to the appropriate sewer (oily water, chemical etc.) shall be: provided at
all sample connection points.

7.8 The minimum line size is 3/4”.

654307908.doc 13
 7.9 Line sizes of 1 1/4”, 2 1/2”, 3 1/2", 5", 7" and 9" shall not be used. 9.

8.0 CALCULATION PROCEDURE AND EXAMPLES

The two preliminary line sizing charts (FIGURES I and 2) are provided to give an easy fix on
the line sizes which should be selected for detailed examination.

The following examples have been detailed in a stepwise manner to illustrate the route taken
in building up a pressure drop analysis However the standard calculation sheet is ultimately
the short cut path to laying out the calculation.

Example 1

Find suitable pipe sizes for cooling water in

 Main Header - flow 360,000 kg / h

 Branch Line - flow 90,000 kg / h

Main Header
Try mid range velocity
say 3 m/s
360 x 354
Size = = 206 mm say 200 mm
3
Assume turbulent flow. From crane for 200 and 250 mm pipe at full turbulent flow F =
0.014
64.42 x 360000 2 x 0.014
p = = 0.365 bar/100m
200 5 x1
this is on the high side
try 250 mm pipe

64.42 x 360000 2 x 0.014

p = = 0.12 bar/100m
250 5 x1

Branch Line
Size lies between 100mm /150 mm
Assume full turbulence

Discretion must now be exercised:

100mm line = 1.0 bar/l00m
150mm line = .25 bar/100m

Pressure drop for 100mm line is excessive, therefore use 150mm for Branch Line.

Example 2

Find pump suction and discharge line sizes for the following information:

Fluid -Hydrocarbon mixture at bubble-point

MW - 60
Pressure - 2 bar a Suction
7 bar a Discharge
Temperature - 21 °C
654307908.doc 14
 SG - .58
Flowrate - 5500 kg/h

From Section 5.0 determine pipe size criteria as

0.025 bar per 100m for pump suction

0.5 bar per 100m for pump discharge
Suction line -p x SG = .025 x .58 = .014
From FIGURE 1 Suction Line Size = 80mm
Discharge Line lip s SG = .5 x .58 = .29
From FIGURE 1 ' Discharge Line Size = 40mm

These sizes are only Preliminary and should be checked in detail. In particular the suction line
should be checked to ensure that there is sufficient NPSH for the pump. In many cases it may
be found that the next larger size of pipe is required.

Example 3

Find the correct line size and calculate the pressure drop per 100m of line for the following
conditions:

Fluid = Ammonia Vapour

Pressure = 25 bar a
Temperature = 53°C = 326°K
= .011 cP
MW = 17
Flow = 942 kg/h (Line >50m Commercial Steel Pipe)

From Section 5.2 determine pipe size criteria as

p = .12 bar per l00m
p x P x MW 0.12 x 25x17
 = .156
T 326
From FIGURE 2 line size = 50 - 80mm
Use 80mm NB (inside diameter = 78mm)

353xW 353x 942

Re = = = 387,559
d 0.011x 78

 =.045mm =.000576
d

Moody Diagram, F = .019

From equation 5.2.2
p = 5459 FW T = 5459 x .019x 9422x 326 = .024 bar / 100m
P.d5.(MW) 785 x 25 x 17

Example 4

Calculate system pressure drop for sketch below based on conditions in Example

654307908.doc 15
 6m

2m

3m
19 m 2m

41 m
Straight length 80 m

5m
2m

From FIGURE 4

7 long radius elbows = 7xnxd = 7x.02x78 = 11 m

2 through run tees = 2xnxd = 2 x .02 x 78 = 3 m
1 globe valve = 1xnxd = 1 x .33 x 78 = 26 m
1 outlet = 1 x .08 x d = 1 x .08 x 78 = 6 m
Total equivalent length = = 126 m

Total pressure drop = 126 x 0.24 = = 0.3 bar

Example 5

Find the pressure drop for the following laminar flow system

pipe I.D. - 52 mm or 0.052 m

flow rate - 6500 kg/hour
viscosity - 400 cP
density - 1300 kg/m3
654307908.doc 16
 Discharge line components 40 m pipe
10 x 90° bends
3 x ball valves
1 x swing check valve
velocity - 0.65 n/s
354 x 6500
Reynolds No., - Re =
400 x 52
= 110
64
F =
Re
= 64/110 = 0.582

Straight pipe

FL 40
K = = 0.582 x = 447.69
di 0.052
90° Bends

 K1  25.4 
K = 10  + K1 + 
 Re  52 

From Figure 7 K1 = 800, K = 0.25

 800  25.4 
K = 10  + 0.25 1 +  = 76.45
 110  52 

Ball Valves

 K1  25.4 
K = 3 + K1 + 
 Re  d 

From Figure 7 K1 = 500, K = 0.15

 500  25.4 
K = 3 + 0.15 1 +  = 14.31
 110  52 

Swing Check Valve

 K1  25.4 
K =  + K1 + 
 Re  d 

From Figure 7 K1 = 1500, K = 1.5

654307908.doc 17
  1500  25.4 
K = 3 + 1.5 1 +  = 15.87
 110  52 

The sum of K values K = 447.69 + 76.45 + 14.31 + 15.87 = 554.32

0.00001 x 1300 x 0.652

Hence the total pressure Drop P = x 554.3 =
2
= 1.52 bar

Pipe Fittings and Equivalent Length Tables

The equivalent length of pipe for various types of fittings is given in the following table as a function
of pipe diameter.

LE = Equivalent length of pipe (m) = n . d

where
n = number of diameters /1000
d = pipe diameter in mm

90° Elbows and Bends

Type R/d n

short radius bend 1.0 0.03

long radius bend 1.5 0.02
Bend 1.0 0.0165
Bend 1.5 0.0135
Bend 2.0 0.012
Bend 3.0 0.012
Bend 4.0 0.0135
Bend 5.0 0.016
Bend 6.0 0.018

45° Elbows and Bends

Divide values for 90 ° bends by 2

180 ° Bends

Multiply values for 90 ° bends by 2

Mitre Bends

654307908.doc 18
45 ° 1 cut 0.015
60 ° 1 cut 0.03
90 ° 1 cut 0.06
90 ° 2 cut 0.02
90 ° 3 cut 0.015

Tees

Through run Tee 0.02

Through branch Tee 0.06

Valves

Type n

Gate 0.007
Globe 0.333
Angle .167
Swing Check .08 3
Butterfly Ball .04
Ball .01
Cock .02
3 Way Cock (straight through) .'05

1 Way Cock (through branch) .15

Inlets and Outlets (Horizontal or Vertical)

.08

.06

654307908.doc 19
 .04

.02

The above is a convenient way of calculating equivalent pipe lengths. In some cases the relevant n
value may not be available in the above table. Vendors literature often expresses fitting resistances
(Crane Manual) in terms of equivalent K values. To convert 'K' values to 'n' values the following
equation may be used:

K = F x n x 1000

Where F = Friction Factor from FIGURE 3.

For example the 'K' value for a Globe Stop Check value b 400.Ft

Where Ft friction factor for complete turbulence = F in this guideline

For this case Ft = 0.018 for 80mm pipe

hence K = 400 x 0.018 = 7.2

Assuming we have a 80mm bore pipe with complete turbulent we get F~0.018 and thus

n = K = 7.2 = 0.4
1000F 1000 x 0.018

Pipe fittings for the “Tow - K” method for Laminar flow

Fitting Type K1 K
Standard (R/D = 1), screwed 800 0.40
Standard (R/D = 1), Flanged/welded 800 0.25
Long Radius (R/D - 1.5), all types 800 0.20
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 90° Mitered elbows : 1 weld (90° angle) 1000 1.15
(R/D =1.5 ) : 2 Weld (45° angles) 800 0.35
: 3 Weld (30° angles) 800 0.3
: 4 Weld (22 ½ ° angles) 800 0.27
: 5 Weld (18° angles) 800 0.25
Elbows Standard (R/D = 1), all types 500 0.20
Long Radius (R/D = 1.5), all types 500 0.15
45° Mitered , 1 weld, 45° angle 500 0.25
Mitered, 2 weld, 22 ½° angles 500 0.15
Standard (R/D = 1), screwed 1000 0.60
180° Standard (R/D = 1), Flanged/welded 1000 0.35
Long Radius (R/D - 1.5), all types 1000 0.30
Used Standard (R/D = 1), screwed 500 0.70
as Long Radius, screwed 800 0.40
elbows Standard, Flanged/welded 800 0.80
Tees Stub-in type branch 1000 1.00
run- Screwed 200 0.10
Through Flanged or welded 150 0.50
tee Stub- in type branch 100 0.00
Gate Full line size,  = 1.0 300 0.1
Ball Reduced Trim,  = 0.9 500 0.15
plug Reduced Trim,  = 0.8 1000 0.25
Globe Standard, 1500 4.00
Valves Globe angle or Y-type 1000 2.00
Diaphragm dsm type 1000 2.00
Butterfly 800 0.25
Lift 2000 10.00
Check Swing 1500 1.50
tilting disk 1000 0.50

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