GAS PIPELINE HYDRAULICS

Lecture Notes : M.Tech. Pipeline Engg.

Dr. Adarsh K. Arya

|2016|

 Gas: A Substance with low density and viscosity.

a
y
It expands to fill the vessel that contains
r
the gas.
A
h
s
r
a
d
A
.
r
D
Gases are Compressible.

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Properties of Gases
1. Mass
2. Volume
3. Specific Gravity
4. Viscosity

d
6. Compressibility factor . A
r
7. Average Pressure D
Calculations
5. Average Molecular Weight

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

8. Heating Value

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MASS
Mass is the quantity of matter.
For representing units, two systems will be used :

a
y
r
A

S.I. System : System International

USCS : United States Customary Systems

Mass Unit (SI System)= Kg.

d
A
.
r kg)
(1 slug =D
14.5

h
s
ar

Mass Unit (USCS System)= Slugs, pounds

(1lb = 0.45kg)

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Standard Conditions
Standard conditions (also called base conditions) of

a
y
r
A

temperature and pressure (60F and 14.7 psia in USCS

units).

h
s
r are 15
Standard conditions in SI system
a
d
A
.
KPa.
r
D

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C & 101.325

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Volume
Volume of gas is measured in ft3 in USCS units and m3 in SI
units.

a
y
Other units for volume In USCS include thousand
r
ft (Mft
A
h
and million ft (MMft )
s
r
a
d
and thousand m (km ) and
million
m (Mm ) in SI units
A
.
r
DMillion standard cubic feet per day.
MMSCFD stands for
3

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 In USCS units : M represents a thousand.

a
y
r
In SI :
k (kilo) represents a thousand)
A
h
s
r
M refers to million.
a
d
A
.
Therefore, 500 MSCFD
in USCS units refers to 500 thousand
r
D
MM refers to million

standard cubic feet per day, whereas 15 Mm3/day means 15

million cubic meters per day in SI units.

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SPECIFIC GRAVITY

g
G
air

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

d
M
G r. A
DM 28.9625
Mg

air

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VISCOSITY

Since natural gas is a mixture of gases such as methane, ethane,

and small portion of other gases, following formula is used to

a
y
calculate the viscosity from the viscosities ofrcomponent gases:
A
h
s
r
a
d
A
.
r
D i yi M i

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Mi
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1 y1 M 1 2 y2 M 2 3 y3
y1

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a
y
r
M

...

y
A

h
s
M y M ry M
a
d
A
.
r
D
1

n n

Mn

... yn M n

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 Q.1. A natural gas mixture consists of four components C1, C2,

C3, and nC4. Their mole fractions and viscosities at a particular

a
y
r
A

temperature and pressure are indicated below, along with their

h
s
ar

molecular weights. Calculate viscosity of gas mixture.

d
A
.
r
D

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d
A
.
r
D

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h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

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Average Molecular Weight of Gas mixture

M a yi M i

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

Ma =Average Molecular Weight of Gas Mixture.

d
A
.
r
M = Molecular Weight
of
individual
gas
component.
D
yi=Mole fraction of gas component.
i

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d
A
.
r
D

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h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

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d
A
.
r
D

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h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

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COMPRESSIBILITY FACTOR
It is a measure of how much the properties of a real gas deviate
from ideal gas.

a
y
The compressibility factor is defined as the rratio of the actual
A
h
gas volume to the volume the gas s
would
occupy if it were an
r
a
ideal gas at the same temperature
and pressure.
d
A
.
r
D

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 Ideal gas law PV= nRT.

Modified ideal gas equation of state for real gases:

a
y
r
A

h
PV ZnRT
s
r
a
d
A
.
r
D

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 The following methods are available to calculate the

compressibility factor:
a. Standing-Katz method

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

b. Dranchuk, Purvis, and Robinson method

d
A
.
d. CNGA method (Most
commonly used )
r
D
c. AGA method

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California Natural Gas Association (CNGA) Method

d
A
.
r
D

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h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

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 Valid when, Pavg , is more than 100 psig.

a
y
r
A

For pressures less than or equal to 100 psig, Z is

approximately equal to 1.00
Where

h
s
ar

d
A
.
r
T = average
D gas temperature, R (1R=0.556 K)
Pavg = average gas pressure, psig
f

G = gas gravity (air = 1.00)

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Average Pressure Calculations

a
y
r
A

Pav

July 2014

P
2
h
i
j
s
r

Aid Pj
3 r.
Pi Pj

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Ques. The gravity of a natural gas mixture is 0.60. Calculate the

a
y
r
A
and a temperature of 70F, using the CNGA
method.
h
s
r
a
d
A
.
r
D

compressibility factor of this gas at 1200 psig average pressure

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 Gas temperature Tf = 70 + 460 = 530R

d
A
.
r
D

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h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

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HEATING VALUE

Defined as the thermal energy per unit volume of the gas.

a
y
r
A

Expressed in Btu / ft3. (1 BTU = 1055 Joules)

h
s
ar

For a gas mixture, the term gross heating value is used.

d
A
.
r
D
gases and their mole fractions using the following equation:

It is calculated based upon the heating values of the component

H m Hi M i
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Where:

a
y
r
y = mole fraction or percent of gas component
i
A
h
s
Hi = heating value of gas component,
Btu/ft
r
a
d
A
.
r
D
Hm = gross heating value of mixture, Btu/ft3
i

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Pipe sizes (NPS Chart)

Starting from 14 onwards NPS Value and external
diameter value both are same.

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

Below 14 NPS value is less than OD value .

d
A
DN is nominal diameter
in mm.
.
r
D

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d
A
.
r
D

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h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

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FLOW EQUATIONS
1. General Flow equation.
Colebrook-White equation
Modified Colebrook-White equation
AGA equation

2. Weymouth equation.

d
A
.
r
D

3. Panhandle A equation

4. Panhandle B equation
5. IGT equation
6. Spitzglass equation

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

7. Mueller equation
8. Fritzsche equation
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d
A
.
r
D

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s
ar

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y
r
A

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GENERAL FLOW EQUATION

In USCS:

Tb
Q 77.54
Pb

P P

GT
LZf
f

2
1

d
A
.
r
D

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2
2

0.5

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A
D 2.5

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GENERAL FLOW EQUATION (SI System)

Tb
Q 1.1494*10
Pb
3

P P

GT f LZf

d
A
.
r
D

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2
1

2
2

h
s
ar

0.5

a
y
r
A

D 2.5

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Transmission Factor

h
2
s
r
a
F
d
A
.
r
f
D

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y
r
A

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 In USCS

a
y
r
A

Tb P12 P22
Q 38.77 F rsh

a
P
GT
LZ
f
b d

0.5

2.5

A
.
r
D

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 In SI System

a
0.5
y
2 r 2

Tb P1 A P2
4
2.5
Q 5.747*10 F s h
*D

P
GT
LZ
a
f
b

d
A
.
r
D

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Effect of Pipe Elevations

Case -1 (Single slope )

In USCS

a
y
0.5
r
s A2
Tb P12 h
e P2
2.5
s
Q 38.77 F
D

a
P
GT
L
Z
b A d f e
.
r
D

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 In SI.

a
0.5
y
2
s r 2

P1 h A
e P2
4 Tb
2.5
Q 5.747*10 F rs
*D

a
P
GT
L
Z
f e
Adb
.
r
D

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 Where

L(e 1)rya
A
Le
h
s
s
ar
s

d
A
.
r
D

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 In USCS

H 2 H1
a
s 0.0375G
y

r
hT fA

s
r
a
d
A
.
r
D

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 H 2 H1
a
s 0.0684G
y

Tf Z A
r

s
r
a
d
A
.
r
D

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Case -2 (Multiple slopes )

In the calculation of Le it has been assumed that there

a
y
r
A

is a single slope between the upstream point 1 and the

downstream point 2.

h
s
r of length L has a series
If, however, the pipe segment
a
d
A
.
of slopes, then werintroduce a parameter j as follows
D
for each individual pipe sub segment that constitutes
the pipe length from point 1 to point 2.
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a
y
r
A
e h 1
ji ars
d
A
s
.
i
r
D
si

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 The parameter j is calculated for each slope of each

a
y
r
A

pipe sub segment of length L1 , L2 , etc. that make up the

total length L.

h
s
ar

d
A
.
r
The equivalent length
D term L is calculated as:
e

Le j1 L1 j2 L2 e j3 L3e ...
s1

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s2

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 The terms j1, j2 , etc. for each rise or fall in the

a
y
r
A

elevations of individual pipe sub segments are

h
s
ar

calculated for the parameters s1, s2, etc. for each

d
A
.
segment, from ther pipeline inlet to the end of each
D
segment.

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VELOCITY OF GAS IN A PIPELINE

Qb
u 0.002122 2
D

d
A
.
r
D

July 2014

Pb ZT

Tb P

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s
ar

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y
r
A

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 Qb Pb ZT a
u 14.7359 2 ry
D Tbh
AP

s
r
a
d
A
.
r
D

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EROSIONAL VELOCITY
It is always tried to keep the flow rate of gas and hence the
velocity as high.

a
y
But a high velocity in pipeline leads to vibration
r
and noise.
A
h
s
In addition, higher velocities will
cause erosion of the pipe
r
a
interior over a long periodA
ofd
time.
.
r
D

The upper limit of the gas velocity is usually calculated

approximately from the following equation:

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umax

100
a
y
r

A
h

s
r

a
d
A
.
r
D

Where

umax = maximum or erosional velocity, ft/s

= gas density at flowing temperature, lb/ft3

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 Since the gas density may be expressed in terms of pressure

and temperature, using the gas law, the maximum velocity can
be rewritten as

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

d
A
.
r
D
ZRT

umax 100

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29GP
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Where
Z = compressibility factor of gas, dimensionless
R = gas constant = 10.73 ft3 psia/lb-moleR
T = gas temperature, R
G = gas gravity (air = 1.00)

d
A
.
r
D

P = gas pressure, psia.

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

Usually, an acceptable operational velocity is 50% of the above.

Remember the gas velocity is minimum at the inlet point while
maximum at the outlet of pipe.
Erosional velocity(maximum velocity) shows the minimum velocity
that must not be exceeded
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Q.1. A gas pipeline, NPS 20 with 0.500 in. wall thickness,

transports natural gas (specific gravity = 0.6) at a flow rate of 250

a
y
r
A

MMSCFD at an inlet temperature of 60F. Assuming isothermal

h
s
r
a
pipe if the inlet pressure is 1000 psig and the outlet pressure is
d
A
.
850 psig. The base pressure
and base temperature are 14.7 psia
r
D
and 60F, respectively. Assume compressibility factor Z = 1.00.
flow, calculate the velocity of gas at the inlet and outlet of the

What is the erosional velocity for this pipeline based on the above
data and a compressibility factor Z = 0.90?
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Soln.

d
A
.
r
D

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ar

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y
r
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Reynolds No.

d
A
.
r
D

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d
A
.
r
D

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ar

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y
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A

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 Laminar Flow: Re<2100

Transition Flow: 2100<Re<4100
Turbulent Flow: Re>4100

d
A
.
r
D

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s
ar

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y
r
A

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Ques.
A natural gas pipeline, NPS 20 with 0.500 in. wall thickness,

a
y
r
A
0.6 and viscosity is 0.000008 lb/ft-s. Calculate
the value of the
h
s
r
a
Reynolds number of flow. Assume the base temperature and
d
A
.
r
base pressure are 60F
D and 14.7 psia, respectively.
transports 100 MMSCFD of gas. The specific gravity of gas is

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 Pipe inside diameter = 20 2 . 0.5 = 19.0 in.

The base temperature = 60 + 460 = 520 R

d
A
.
r
D

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s
ar

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y
r
A

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FRICTION FACTOR
The term friction factor is a dimensionless parameter that
depends upon the Reynolds number of flow.

a
y
Two types of friction factor are commonly used
r
:
A
h
s
i) Darcy friction factor.
ii) Fanning friction factor.
r
a
d
A
Both friction factors are .co-related
by the following equation :
r
D
fD
ff
4
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 To avoid confusion, the Darcy friction factor is used and is

represented by the symbol f.

h
s
ar

Following regimes will be considered :

Laminar flow
Turbulent flow

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A
.
r
D

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y
r
A

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Laminar Flow

d
A
.
r
D

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s
ar

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y
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A

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Turbulent Flow
For turbulent flow, many empirical relationships for calculating
f have been put forth by researchers.

h
s
ar

The most popular correlations are :

d
Modified The Colebrook-White
A
.
r
D
AGA equations

i) The Colebrook-White
iii)

a
y
r
A

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ii)

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The Colebrook-White
Turbulent flow in pipes (Re > 4000) is subdivided into three
separate regions as follows:

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

1.Transition flow between smooth pipes and fully rough pipes.

d
A
.
r
D
3. Turbulent flow in fully rough pipes.
2. Turbulent flow in smooth pipes.

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Between smooth pipes & fully rough pipes, Colebrook equation

is used:

d
A
.
r
D

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s
ar

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y
r
A

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 Where
f = friction factor, dimensionless

h
s
r
D = pipe inside diameter, in.
a
d
A
.
r
Droughness, in.
e = absolute pipe

a
y
r
A

Re = Reynolds number of flow, dimensionless

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For Turbulent Flow in Smooth Pipes

d
A
.
r
D

July 2014

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s
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a
y
r
A

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Turbulent Flow in Fully Rough Pipelines

Similarly, for turbulent flow in fully rough pipes, with

a
y
r
A

Re being a large number, f depends mostly on the

h
s
ar

roughness e and, therefore, the friction factor equation

reduces to :

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A
.
r
D

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d
A
.
r
D

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s
ar

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y
r
A

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MODIFIED COLEBROOK-WHITE EQUATION

The Colebrook-White equation discussed has been in

a
y
r
A

use for many years in both liquid flow and gas flow.

h
s
rform of the Colebrookthat introduced a modified
a
d
A
.
White equation. r
D

The U.S. Bureau of Mines, in 1956, published a report

The modified version of the Colebrook-White equation

for turbulent flow is as follows:
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d
A
.
r
D

July 2014

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s
ar

a
y
r
A

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Ques.
Q. A gas pipeline, NPS 20 with 0.500 in. wall thickness, flows

a
y
r
A
0.000008 lb/ft-s. Using the modified Colebrook-White
equation,
h
s
r
a
calculate the pressure drop in a 50 mi segment of pipe, based on
d
A
.
an upstream pressureD
ofr1000 psig.
200 MMSCFD gas of specific gravity 0.6 and viscosity of

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 Assume an internal pipe roughness of 600 in. and the

a
y
r
psia, respectively. Neglect elevation
effects and use
A
h
s
60F for gas flowing temperature
and compressibility
r
a
d
A
factor Z = 0.88.
.
r
D

base temperature and base pressure of 60F and 14.73

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Sol.
Inside diameter of pipe = 20 2 . 0.5 = 19.0 in.
The base temperature = 60 + 460 = 520 R
Gas flow temperature = 60 + 460 = 520 R

d
A
.
r
D

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s
ar

a
y
r
A

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 By Successive iterations:
F=19.81
Now using Generalized flow equation,

d
A
.
r
D

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s
ar

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y
r
A

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 P2=853.23psia
= 838.5psig
Hence pressure drop in the pipeline
= 1014.73-853.23
=161.5psia.

July 2014

d
A
.
r
D

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s
ar

a
y
r
A

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American Gas Association (AGA) Equation

In 1964 and 1965, the American Gas Association (AGA)

a
y
r
transmission factor for gas pipelines to beA
used in the General
h
s
r
a
Flow equation.
d
A
.
r
This is sometimes D
referred to as the AGA NB-13 method.

published a report on the method for calculating the

First, F is calculated for the rough pipe law (referred to as the

fully turbulent zone).
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 Next, F is calculated based on the smooth pipe law (referred to

as the partially turbulent zone).

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

Finally, the smaller of the two values of the transmission factor

d
A
.
r
D

is used in the General Flow Equation for pressure drop

calculation.

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 For the fully turbulent zone, AGA recommends using the

a
y
r
A

following Von Karman rough pipe flow equation.

d
A
.
r
D

July 2014

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s
ar

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 For the partially turbulent zone, F is calculated from the following equations

a
y
r
A

using the Reynolds number, a parameter Df known as the pipe drag factor,
and the Von Karman smooth pipe transmission factor Ft:

d
A
.
r
D

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s
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 The pipe drag factor Df is a parameter that takes into account the

a
y
r
A

number of bends, fittings, etc. Its value ranges from 0.90 to 0.99.

h
s
ar

The Bend index is the sum of all the angles and bends in the pipe
segment, divided by the total length of the pipe section under
consideration

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A
.
r
D

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d
A
.
r
D

July 2014

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s
ar

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y
r
A

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Ques.
Using the AGA method, calculate the transmission factor and

a
y
r
0.500 in. wall thickness. The flow rate isA
200 MMSCFD, gas
h
s
r
a
gravity = 0.6, and viscosity = 0.000008 lb/ft-sec. The absolute
d
A
.
pipe roughness is D
700r in. Assume a bend index of 60, base
friction factor for gas flow in a bare steel NPS 20 pipeline with

pressure of 14.73 psia, and base temperature of 60F.

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 Sol.
Inside diameter of pipe = 20 2 . 0.5 = 19.0 in.
The base temperature = 60 + 460 = 520R

d
A
.
r
D

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

Next, calculate the two transmission factors.

The fully turbulent transmission factor is:

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2014
PES
2016

 For partially turbulent zone,

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

Solving this equation by trial and error, we get Ft = 22.13.

d
A
.
r
D

For a bend index of 60, the drag factor Df is 0.96.

Therefore, for the partially turbulent flow zone, the transmission factor
is:

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Aug
2014
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2016

 From the above two values of F, using the smaller number, we

get the AGA transmission factor as
F = 20.01

a
y
r
A

h
s
Therefore, the corresponding friction
factor f is found
r
a
d
A
.
r
D

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Aug
2014
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2016

Ques.

Using the AGA method, calculate the transmission factor and friction factor
for gas flow in a DN 500 pipeline with 12 mm wall thickness. The flow rate

a
y
r
A

is 6 Mm3/day, gas gravity = 0.6, and viscosity = 0.00012 Poise. The absolute

h
s
ar

pipe roughness is 0.02 mm. Assume a bend index of 60, base pressure of

d
A
.
r
D

101 kPa, and base temperature of 15C. For a 60 km pipe length, calculate
the upstream pressure needed to hold a downstream pressure of 5 MPa
(absolute). Assume flow temperature = 20C and compressibility factor Z =
0.85. Neglect elevation effects. (DN 500= 500mm)

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2016

Sol.

d
A
.
r
D

July 2014

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

Aug
2014
PES
2016

d
A
.
r
D

July 2014

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

Aug
2014
PES
2016

d
A
.
r
D

July 2014

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

Aug
2014
PES
2016

d
A
.
r
D

July 2014

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

Aug
2014
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2016

WEYMOUTH EQUATION
Gas flows in pipelines with diameters of 15 inches or below are

a
y
r
A

better modeled by the Weymouth Equation.

In USCS units:

h
s
ar

d
A
.
r
D T P

e
P
b
Q 433.5 E

P
GT
L
Z
f e
b
2
1

July 2014

2
2

0.5

*D

2.667

Aug
2014
PES
2016

d
A
.
r
D

July 2014

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

Aug
2014
PES
2016

 In SI units:

a
y
r
T P eAP
Q 3.7435*10 E sh

rGT L Z
P
d
a

A
.
r
D
3

July 2014

2
1

2
2

0.5

*D

2.667

Aug
2014
PES
2016

d
A
.
r
D

July 2014

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

Aug
2014
PES
2016

PANHANDLE A EQUATION
Incorporates an efficiency factor instead of pipe friction.

a
y
r
A

Panhandle A is best suited for 12-48 inch diameter pipelines at

h
s
ar

pressures between 800 psia to 1500 psia.

d
A
.
r
D
USCS units as follows:

The general form of the Panhandle A equation is expressed in

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Aug
2014
PES
2016

d
A
.
r
D

July 2014

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

Aug
2014
PES
2016

 In SI system

d
A
.
r
D

July 2014

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

Aug
2014
PES
2016

Ques.2
Using the Panhandle A equation, calculate the outlet pressure in

a
y
r
A
miles long. The gas flow rate is 100 MMSCFD
at an inlet
h
s
r
a
pressure of 1000 psia. The gas gravity = 0.6 and viscosity =
d
A
.
0.000008 lb/ft-sec.Dr

a natural gas pipeline, NPS 16 with 0.250 in. wall thickness, 15

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 The average gas temperature is 80F. Assume base pressure =

14.73 psia and base temperature = 60F. For compressibility

a
y
r
A

factor Z, use the CNGA method. Assume pipeline efficiency of

h
s
ar

0.92.

d
A
.
r
(Accuracy to be maintained
D for downstream pressure= 0.5 psia
As first approximation use a downstream pressure of 800psia

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Aug
2014
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2016

d
A
.
r
D

July 2014

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

Aug
2014
PES
2016

d
A
.
r
D

July 2014

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

Aug
2014
PES
2016

d
A
.
r
D

July 2014

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

Aug
2014
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2016

d
A
.
r
D

July 2014

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

Aug
2014
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2016

PANHANDLE B EQUATION
The Panhandle B equation, also known as the revised Panhandle equation, is
used in large diameter, high pressure transmission lines.

a
y
r
A

In fully turbulent flow, it is found to be accurate for values of Reynolds

h
s
ar

number in the range of 4 to 40 million.

d
A
.
r
D

Panhandle B is most often used for pipes with a diameter of 36 inches or

larger, and pressures above 1000 psia.

This equation in USCS units is as follows:

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2016

d
A
.
r
D

July 2014

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

Aug
2014
PES
2016

d
A
.
r
D

July 2014

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

Aug
2014
PES
2016

Ques.3
Using the Panhandle B equation, calculate the outlet pressure in

a
y
r
A
miles long. The gas flow rate is 100 MMSCFD
at 1000 psia
h
s
r
a
inlet pressure. The gas gravity = 0.6 and viscosity = 0.000008
d
A
.
r
lb/ft-sec. The average
D gas temperature is 80F. Assume base
a natural gas pipeline, NPS 16 with 0.250 in. wall thickness, 15

pressure = 14.73 psia and base temperature = 60F. The

compressibility factor Z = 0.90 and pipeline efficiency is 0.92
July 2014

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2014
PES
2016

d
A
.
r
D

July 2014

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

Aug
2014
PES
2016

COMPARISON OF FLOW EQUATIONS

Considering a pipeline 100 mi long, NPS 16 with 0.250 in. wall

a
y
r
A

thickness, operating at a flow rate of 100 MMSCFD.

h
s
ar

The gas flowing temperature is 80F.

d
A
.
r
D
pressure was calculated using the different flow equations

With the upstream pressure fixed at 1400 psig, the downstream

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2014
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2016

d
A
.
r
D

July 2014

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

Aug
2014
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2016

INSTITUTE OF GAS TECHNOLOGY (IGT) EQUATION

d
A
.
r
D

July 2014

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

Aug
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2016

d
A
.
r
D

July 2014

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

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2016

d
A
.
r
D

July 2014

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

Aug
2014
PES
2016

 Q1. Using the IGT equation, calculate the flow rate in a natural

a
y
r
The inlet and outlet pressure are 1000A
psig and 800 psig,
h
s
r
a
respectively. The gas gravity = 0.6 and viscosity = 0.000008
d
A
.
r
lb/ft-s. The average
gas
D temperature is 80F, base pressure =
gas pipeline, NPS 16 with 0.250 in. wall thickness, 15 mi long.

14.7 psia, and base temperature = 60F. The compressibility

factor Z = 0.90, and the pipeline efficiency is 0.95.
July 2014

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2014
PES
2016

SOL.
Inside diameter of pipe = 16 2 . 0.25 = 15.5 in.
The pressures given are in psig, and they must be converted to
absolute pressures.
P1 = 1000 + 14.7 = 1014.7 psia
P2 = 800 + 14.7 = 814.7 psia

d
A
.
r
D
T = 80 + 460 = 540R
Tb = 60 + 460 = 520R

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

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PES
2016

 Substituting in IGT Equation:

d
A
.
r
D

July 2014

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

Aug
2014
PES
2016

SPITZGLASS EQUATION
Used in fuel gas piping calculations

a
y
r
One equation is for low pressure (less than
or
equal to 1 psig)
A
h
s
and another is for high pressure (more
than 1 psig).
r
a
d
A
.
r
D
There are two versions of the Spitzglass equation.

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2014
PES
2016

 The low-pressure (less than or equal to 1 psig) version of the

Spitzglass equation in USCS units is

d
A
.
r
D

July 2014

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

Aug
2014
PES
2016

d
A
.
r
D

July 2014

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

Aug
2014
PES
2016

 The low-pressure (less than or equal to 6.9 kPa) version of the

Spitzglass equation in SI units is

d
A
.
r
D

July 2014

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

Aug
2014
PES
2016

d
A
.
r
D

July 2014

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

Aug
2014
PES
2016

d
A
.
r
D

July 2014

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

Aug
2014
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2016

d
A
.
r
D

July 2014

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

Aug
2014
PES
2016

 Q.1. Calculate the fuel gas capacity of an NPS 6 pipe, with an

a
y
r
A
ft. The flowing temperature of fuel gas is
60F, and the inlet
h
s
r
a
pressure is 1.0 psig. In the pipeline the pressure decreases to
d
A
.
0.0252 psig and D
the rspecific gravity of gas = 0.6. Assume
inside diameter of 6.065 in. and a total equivalent length of 180

pipeline efficiency E = 1.0 and compressibility factor Z = 1.0.

The base pressure and base temperature are 14.7 psia and 60F,
July 2014
respectively.

Aug
2014
PES
2016

Base Temperature=60+460=5200R
Gas Temperature= 520 R
Pressure Drop=1-0.025=0.9747psi.

d
A
.
r
D

July 2014

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

Aug
2014
PES
2016

MUELLER EQUATION

d
A
.
r
D

July 2014

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

Aug
2014
PES
2016

d
A
.
r
D

July 2014

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

Aug
2014
PES
2016

d
A
.
r
D

July 2014

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

Aug
2014
PES
2016

FRITZSCHE EQUATION

d
A
.
r
D

July 2014

h
s
ar

a
y
r
A

Aug
2014
PES
2016

Conclusion
Highest pressure drop is predicted by the Weymouth equation

a
y
r
A

and the lowest pressure drop is predicted by the Panhandle B

equation.

h
s
ar

d
A
.
r
D drop is the Weymouth equation and the
the highest pressure

In other words the most conservative flow equation that predicts

least conservative flow equation is Panhandle B.

July 2014

Aug
2014
PES
2016