Determine optimal pump station locations based on MAOP, elevation profile, and hydraulic gradient for liquid pipelines.
One point per line: milepost, elevation. Comma or tab separated.
Pump station spacing is determined by the available pressure differential between MAOP and minimum delivery pressure, divided by the friction loss per unit length. Elevation changes along the route also affect spacing between stations.
This calculator determines optimal pump station locations, horsepower requirements, pressure profiles, and cost estimates for liquid pipeline systems per ASME B31.4 and 49 CFR 195. It accounts for friction losses, elevation changes, and MAOP/min-suction pressure constraints.
Key factors include pipeline length, flow rate, pipe diameter, fluid properties (density and viscosity), elevation profile, MAOP limit, and required delivery pressure. Higher flow rates and longer distances require more stations.
Pump horsepower is calculated using HP = Q × ΔP / (1714 × η), where Q is flow rate in GPM, ΔP is the differential pressure across the pump in psi, and η is pump efficiency. The constant 1714 is a unit conversion factor.
Typical spacing ranges from 30 to 80 miles on flat terrain depending on pipe diameter, flow rate, and MAOP. Hilly terrain with significant elevation changes can reduce spacing to 10-30 miles between stations.