This tool works in two ways: it finds the steam velocity in a given pipe or calculates the steam flow rate that the pipe can carry at a given speed. It is a practical method for evaluating the capacity of an existing line.
Formula
A = π·d²/4 pipe internal cross-section, ρ steam density (IAPWS-IF97).
Example
In the DN80 pipe (inner diameter 82.5 mm), the velocity of 2,000 kg/h of steam at a pressure of 8 bar(g) is 22.3 m/s; the volumetric flow rate is 429 m³/h, and the steam density is 4.66 kg/m³. The same pipe carries approximately 2,242 kg/h of steam at a speed of 25 m/s.
Pipe inner diameters are taken from DIN 2448 / EN 10220 seamless steel pipe and ASME B36.10 Schedule 40/80 tables. Steam properties are calculated with IAPWS-IF97, viscosity by IAPWS-2008; the coefficient of friction is found by the Swamee-Jain formula, an explicit approximation of the Colebrook equation.
To evaluate your steam system as a whole, you can take a look at our steam boiler guide and get a free quote for your project.