Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard Document: C-300-2001-011

Page 1 of 2
Version - Date Prepared Approved Department Project i Concept
0 1-05/22/01 JJB ABE 350 N/ A
Title Type
Pipeline Velocity Limits YS

1. Objective
The following parameters for pipeline velocity limits are being provided to insure
consistency of all fluid calculations related piping systems.

2. Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the SF1 engineer to insure that the maximum pipeline velocities
stated herein are not violated.

3. Cross References
Standard Specifications For Merchant Ship Construction (Maritime Administration)
COM-72-11469
ABS Rules For Building And Classing Steel Vessels 2000, Part 4
C-300-2000-009 SF1 Responsibility

4. Process Description
Except for the specified fi-ee-streamvelocity limits specified below, velocity in pipes shall
be based on the following criteria:

Minimum required inlet pressures of machinery, equipment and components under

maximum required flow conditions
Inlet velocity limitations of machinery, equipment and components

The following specified system free-stream maximum velocity limits shall not be exceeded:

Freshwater Systems - 4.6 rnls (15 fps) maximum in constantly running water systems

Bilge System - For bilge piping velocity, see ABS 41614.5.3.2.

Seawater and or Brine Systems - Seawater and or brine velocity, in fps, shall not
exceed ID, where D is the actual inside diameter of the pipe in inches. However, in
no case shall the velocity exceed 3.7 d s (12 fps). The velocity of seawater and or
brine at inlet nozzles of and within tubular heat exchanger units shall not exceed 1.9
m/s (6 fps).

Fuel / Diesel Oil Svstem - 4.6 rnls (15 fps) maximum for shipboard operations
(suction, discharge and transfer). However, for "Taking On" and "Unloading"
operations the maximum allowable velocity shall be 7.6 m/s (25 fps).

Lube Oil Systems - Lube oil piping shall be limited to 1.2 d s (4 fps) in suction
piping and 4.6 d s (15 fps) maximum in discharge piping.
 Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard Document: C-300-2001-011
Page 2 of 2
Version - Date Prepared Approved Department Project 1 Concept
0 1-05122101 JJB ABE 350 NIA

Cargo Oil System - "Taking On" and "Unloading" operations the maximum
allowable velocity shall be 9.2 m/s (30 fps).

Condensate System - Discharge 4.6 m/s (15 fps). Suction 1.2 m/s (4 fps).

Boiler Feed System - Discharge 3 m/s (10 fps). Suction 1.2 m/s (4 fps).

Miscellaneous Steam Service (saturated) - 50 m/s (165 fps)

Miscellaneous Steam Service (wet) - 35.5 m/s (1 16.5 fps)

Compressed Air System - Low pressure, less than 10 bar, 30 mls (98.5 fps). High
pressure, 10 bar or more, 15 m/s (49.5 Wmin)