Typical pipe flow velocities: water, oil, compressed air and steam
Typical velocity ranges to pre-size pump discharge and suction lines, gravity flow, oils, compressed air and saturated steam, in m/s and ft/s.
These ranges are a starting point for pre-sizing. Too low a velocity increases the diameter and the cost; too high increases pressure drop, noise, erosion and the risk of water hammer.
| Service | Typical range (m/s) | Typical range (ft/s) |
|---|---|---|
| Water: pump discharge | 1 – 3 | 3.28 – 9.84 |
| Water: pump suction | 0.5 – 1.5 | 1.64 – 4.92 |
| Water: gravity flow | 0.5 – 1 | 1.64 – 3.28 |
| Oils and viscous liquids | 0.5 – 1.5 | 1.64 – 4.92 |
| Compressed air: main line | 6 – 10 | 19.7 – 32.8 |
| Saturated steam | 15 – 35 | 49.2 – 115 |
| Own range | NaN – NaN | NaN – NaN |
Usual ranges from the technical literature, not limits from a standard. The criteria of the project, the client or the equipment manufacturer prevail.
Values calculated from the reference functions; they do not replace measurement or a calibration certificate.