Velocity of Fluid through Piping
  • Fluid GPM
  • Internal Area (see below)

  • Velocity

Example: What is the velocity of 10 gpm going through a 1/2" diameter schedule 40 pipe?

Formula: 0.3208 x GPM ÷ Internal Area = feet per second

Note: The outside diameter of pipe remains the same regardless of the thickness of the pipe. A heavy duty pipe has a thicker wall than a standard duty pipe, so the internal diameter of the heavy duty pipe is smaller than the internal diameter of a standard duty pipe. The wall thickness and internal diameter of pipes can be found on readily available charts.

Hydraulic steel tubing also maintains the same outside diameter regardless of wall thickness.

Hose sizes indicate the inside diameter of the plumbing. A 1/2" diameter hose has an internal diameter of 0.50 inches, regardless of the hose pressure rating.

 

Suggested Piping Sizes:
  • Pump suction lines should be sized so the fluid velocity is between 2 and 4 feet per second.
  • Oil return lines should be sized so the fluid velocity is between 10 and 15 feet per second.
  • Medium pressure supply lines should be sized so the fluid velocity is between 15 and 20 feet per second.
  • High pressure supply lines should be sized so the fluid velocity is below 30 feet per second.

This company assumes no liability for errors in data nor in safe and/or satisfactory operation of equipment designed from this information.