Condensate Pipes Sizes

Reference data and engineering information about condensate pipes sizes for piping systems applications.

condensatepipessizes

Overview

Engineering reference data for Condensate Pipes Sizes in piping systems.

Key Formulas

Continuity

$A_1 v_1 = A_2 v_2$

Mass conservation in pipe flow.

Pressure Drop

$\Delta P = f \frac{L}{D} \frac{\rho v^2}{2}$

Darcy-Weisbach equation.

Pipe Area

$A = \frac{\pi D^2}{4}$

Cross-sectional area of a pipe.

Variables

Symbol	Description	Unit
$D$	Pipe diameter	m
$v$	Flow velocity	m/s
$\Delta P$	Pressure drop	Pa
$f$	Friction factor	—

When sizing condensate return lines in steam distribution systems, remember that the maximum condensate flow occurs during plant startup when pipes and equipment are being heated. A key rule of thumb:

The condensate load used to design condensate pipe lines should be twice the maximum production load to account for startup conditions and condensate surge.

Condensate Flow Capacity by Pipe Size

24 rows

Condensate flow capacity (kg/h) for steel pipes at various pressure losses
Pressure Loss(Pa/m)	Pressure Loss(mbar/m)	15(kg/h)	20(kg/h)	25(kg/h)	32(kg/h)	40(kg/h)	50(kg/h)	65(kg/h)	80(kg/h)
28	0.28	90	209	380	865	1320	2554	5194	8079
29	0.29	92	214	400	878	1340	2590	5271	8196
30	0.3	93	218	403	890	1361	2631	5348	8314
33	0.33	97	226	414	930	1420	2744	5579	8677
39	0.39	107	249	469	1028	1565	3025	6142	9526
40	0.4	108	253	476	1040	1583	3062	6214	9639
43	0.43	113	263	496	1079	1646	3180	6454	10024
45	0.45	116	270	508	1107	1687	3261	6618	10297
50	0.5	123	286	538	1172	1787	3447	6949	10859
55	0.55	130	302	569	1238	1887	3638	7380	11476
60	0.6	136	317	596	1299	1978	3817	7742	12044
70	0.7	149	345	650	1413	2152	4168	8408	13064
80	0.8	160	370	695	1510	2300	4427	8972	13925
90	0.9	170	395	740	1606	2449	4717	9548	14787
100	1	180	418	785	1701	2590	4990	10115	15649
120	1.2	199	462	867	1880	2860	5502	11113	17282
140	1.4	216	502	939	2037	3103	5965	12066	18688
160	1.6	234	541	1011	2195	3340	6409	12973	20049
180	1.8	249	576	1075	2331	3547	6808	13744	21319
200	2	265	611	1143	2472	3760	7221	14560	22589
250	2.5	295	679	1270	2749	4173	8010	16193	25039
300	3	328	757	1414	3055	4641	8900	17956	27803
350	3.5	358	825	1541	3328	5054	9707	19550	30237
400	4	383	883	1646	3554	5398	10342	20866	32274

Source: engineeringtoolbox.com

Note: Pipe sizes shown are nominal bore in mm. Inch equivalents: 15mm (1/2"), 20mm (3/4"), 25mm (1"), 32mm (1 1/4"), 40mm (1 1/2"), 50mm (2"), 65mm (2 1/2"), 80mm (3").

Condensate Pipes Sizes

Overview

Key Formulas

Continuity

Pressure Drop

Pipe Area

Variables

Design Considerations

Condensate Flow Capacity by Pipe Size

Equipment Outlet Pipe Sizing

Interactive Charts

Condesate Pipe LInes - Flow and Pressure Loss

References