Calculating Pipeline Thickness

The velocity of liquid in a pipe should ideally be between 1 and 3 metres per second. Outside these limits the pipe is of incorrect diameter.

The theoretical basis for the thickness of a pipe can be ascertained by doing a hypothetical slice down the middle of the pipe, and doing a force balance on the system along that plane; the pressure in the pipe is trying to make the pipe burst, and the strength of the materials is trying to stop it from bursting - if it is thick enough, that is.

First you should decide the following things :

the material of the pipe

the temperature of the fluid

the allwable stress of the material selected based on the temperature refer ASME books

diamter of the pipe based on the flow velocity.

apply in the following formula strees ( hoop stres )-

s = pd/2t

p=pressure = ksi

d= diameter in inches

stress = ksi

t- inches

t = pd/2s

you will get the thickness of the pipe. refer ASME - SECTION 31.1 for more details. Different industry use different formula than this, depnding on many varying factors.

i hope my answer will guide you to solve your problem. Good luck