The estimating liquid velocity in the piping offers several benefits such as optimized system performance, prevention of erosion & corrosion, and avoidance of cavitation.
In safety point of view, fluid velocity is one of critical parameters to determine the erosion and corrosive effects on the pipe material. Excessive fluid velocity can lead to the cavitation and can cause damage to the pump when apply the pump series connection or boosting concept.
Erosion Velocity
Erosion velocity refers to the fluid velocity at which erosion of the pipe material begins to occur. One common used empirical correlation is API RP 14E equation, which provides guidelines for estimating erosion velocity in hydrocarbon service.
Example
Estimate the fluid velocity in the 4-inch pipe for carrying the fluid flowrate 400 gallons/min and liquid density is 65 lb/ft3.
From the above figure shown, the result velocity is 8 ft/s which is lower than the erosion velocity at 12.4 ft/s. [100/(65^0.5)]
PROcess Safety TASK 