Condensate Pipe Lines - Friction Resistance Imperial Units
The table below can be used for running load. A common rule of thumb, if the start up conditions are unknown, double the running load to size condensate pipe lines.
Avoid friction resistance above 10 inches Water gauge - H2O - per 100 ft of pipe.
| Pipe Size (inch) | Mass Flow of Condensate (lb/h) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frictional Resistance - Major loss (inches H2O per 100 ft of pipe) | |||||||
| 1 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 14 | 16 | 20 | |
| 1/2 | 100 | 240 | 290 | 350 | 430 | 460 | 520 |
| 3/4 | 230 | 560 | 680 | 820 | 990 | 1000 | 1200 |
| 1 | 440 | 1070 | 1200 | 1550 | 1800 | 2000 | 2260 |
| 1 1/4 | 950 | 2300 | 2700 | 3300 | 4000 | 4300 | 4800 |
| 1 1/2 | 1400 | 3500 | 4200 | 5500 | 6100 | 6600 | 7100 |
| 2 | 2800 | 6800 | 8100 | 9900 | 11800 | 12700 | 14200 |
| 2 1/2 | 5700 | 13800 | 16500 | 20000 | 23900 | 25700 | 28900 |
| 3 | 9000 | 21500 | 25800 | 31000 | 37000 | 39800 | 44700 |
| 4 | 18600 | 44000 | 52000 | 63400 | 75500 | 81000 | 90900 |
- 1 in = 25.4 mm
Example - Sizing Condensate Pipe
For a steam distribution system with a running load of 2000 lb/h - the startup condensate load is doubled to 4000 lb/h.
Using the 10 inch H2O column - a 1 1/2 inch pipe is acceptable.
Related Topics
• Sizing of Steam and Condensate Pipes
Dimensions of steam and condensate pipe lines. Calculate pressure losses, recommended velocities, capacities and more.
• Steam and Condensate
Design of steam & condensate systems with properties, capacities, sizing of pipe lines, system configuration and more.
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