Optimal Pipeline Sizing Technique

Abstract

In this paper, the writers present a formula for sizing steel pipelines of optimal diameter with equally spaced, similar pumping units. The general case of an inclined pipeline with fitting is considered in the analysis. The sizing formula is based on a friction-factor formula that spans through all the flow regimes of the Moody diagram. Although the formula is implicit, the final solution is attained after a limited number of trial cycles. A simple computer program carries out design calculations and provides the optimal pipeline size as well as spacing between pumping units. Solved numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the simplicity and practicability of the proposed technique.