Steam Pipe Pressure Drop

Reference data and engineering information about steam pipe pressure drop for fluid mechanics applications.

Overview

Engineering reference data for Steam Pipe Pressure Drop in fluid mechanics.

$Re = \frac{\rho v D}{\mu}$

Ratio of inertial to viscous forces — determines flow regime.

$P + \frac{1}{2}\rho v^2 + \rho g h = \text{const}$

Conservation of energy for steady, inviscid, incompressible flow.

$A_1 v_1 = A_2 v_2$

Conservation of mass for incompressible flow.

$\Delta P = f \frac{L}{D} \frac{\rho v^2}{2}$

Pressure drop due to friction in a pipe.

For steam pressures other than 100 psi, adjust the estimated pressure drop by the corresponding factor from the table below.

For steam pressures other than 7 bar, multiply the estimated pressure drop by the corresponding factor.

Key conversions between Imperial and SI units for steam system calculations.

$1 \text{ lbs/hr} = 1.26 \times 10^{-4} \text{ kg/s}$
$1 \text{ kg/h} = 2.778 \times 10^{-4} \text{ kg/s} = 3.67 \times 10^{-2} \text{ lb/min}$

$1 \text{ psi (lb/in}^2\text{)} = 6,894.8 \text{ Pa (N/m}^2\text{)} = 0.06895 \text{ atm} = 14.50 \text{ bar}$
$1 \text{ bar} = 10^5 \text{ Pa} = 14.50 \text{ psi}$