Scans standard pipe sizes and checks each against the service velocity band and allowable pressure drop, then recommends the smallest passing NPS.
V = Q / A , A = πD²/4
ΔP/100m — Darcy–Weisbach (Haaland f)
Ve = 1.122·C / √ρ (API RP 14E)
Criteria are preliminary-design guidelines (typical refinery/petrochemical practice, Tables 5.2.1–5.3.1). Confirm against project specifications, Licensor requirements, and NPSHa for pump suction lines.
Need ε values? Pipe roughness reference →
Recommended values
- Liquid velocity: Pump suction 0.6–1.5 m/s, discharge 1–3 m/s; keep suction low to protect NPSH.
- Gas / steam: Gas 15–30 m/s, saturated steam 25–40 m/s — trade velocity against noise and ΔP.
- Erosional limit: Two-phase / high-velocity lines: check the API RP 14E C-factor (≈ 100 continuous).
- Economic ΔP: Liquid pumped lines ≈ 0.2–0.5 bar/100 m balances pipe cost vs pumping cost.
Limitations
- Screening: Velocity/erosional sizing — not a full hydraulic profile, NPSH, or surge calculation.
- Single-phase: Two-phase flow-regime mapping and slug analysis are outside this tool.
About the standards
- API RP 14E: Design and Installation of Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems.