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Average Pressure Calculator

Pipeline Average Pressure per ASME B31.8

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Average Pressure Calculator
Computes average pipeline pressure using arithmetic, logarithmic, and integral averaging methods. Essential for accurate flow calculations in compressible gas systems per GPSA methodology.

Location 1 Conditions

psig
ft above sea level

Location 2 Conditions

psig
ft above sea level

Calculation Method

Hydraulic average preferred for gas pipelines
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Formulas

Arithmetic Average:
Pavg = (P₁ + Pā‚‚) / 2

Hydraulic Average:
Pavg = (2/3) Ɨ [P₁ + Pā‚‚ - (P₁×Pā‚‚)/(P₁+Pā‚‚)]

Atmospheric Pressure (AGA):
Patm = 14.696 Ɨ (1 - 6.8753Ɨ10⁻⁶ Ɨ h)5.2561
where h = elevation in feet

Standards & References

  • GPSA Engineering Data Book
    14th Edition
  • ASME B31.8
    Gas Transmission Piping Systems
  • U.S. Standard Atmosphere
    1976 Model
  • API 14.3
    Orifice Metering of Natural Gas

Important Notes

  • Arithmetic Average: Simple linear average suitable for liquid flow or low pressure drop gas flow (<10% change)
  • Hydraulic Average: Accounts for non-linear pressure-flow relationship in gas pipelines. More accurate for compressible flow with significant pressure drop. Standard method per GPSA.
  • Atmospheric Pressure: AGA method calculates from elevation using barometric formula (valid <36,000 ft). For critical applications, use site-specific atmospheric data.
  • Pressure Relationships: Absolute Pressure = Gauge Pressure + Atmospheric Pressure. Calculations use absolute pressures to ensure accuracy.
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