Restriction Orifice Calculator - Find Orifice Size

Size Restriction Orifice Calculation


Identification Data

Tagname
Site
Area
Notes

Fluid Data

Fluid
State of matter
Density
Kg/m3
Molecular Weight g
Operating Temperature
C
Operating Pressure (P1)
bar
Pressure Downstream (P2)
bar
Dynamic Viscosity
cP
Ratio of Sp.Heats N/A

Pipe Data

Pipe Diameter
mm
Mass Flow Kg/s

Common Results

Pressure Drop bar Pressure Drop Ratio (DP/P1) N/A
Pressure Ratio (P2/P1) N/A Critical Pressure Ratio N/A
Reynolds (ReD) N/A Reynolds Flow Regime N/A
Contraction coefficient N/A Expansibility Factor N/A
Beta Ratio N/A Velocity in Pipe m/s
Mass Flow Kg/h Volumetric Flow m3/h

Specific Results

Orifice Diameter mm

Limits of Use

Choked Flow - The result has not yet been evaluated.
Velocity in Pipe - The result has not yet been evaluated.

How the Restriction Orifice Find Size Calculator works?

  • Instrumentation and Control.net
  • Rating: 4.7535 - 2941 reviews
All of our calculators work in a similar way. First you will find a block of information called "Identification Data". In this block we ask you to indicate the Tag, the Plant where the instrument is located and the Area. You also have the possibility to add some notes. This information will be attached to the report if you wish to provide it. It is not necessary to perform the calculation.
The next block of information is called "Fluid Data". In this block we ask you to indicate the the name of your fluid, state of matter, and other properties of your fluid. If you select gas, density is calculated based on the Pressure, Molecular Weight and Temperature properties.
The last input block is called "Pipe Data". A set of cells defining pipe data in a restriction orifice calculation includes parameters such as pipe diameter, orifice diameter and flow properties, which are used to evaluate pressure drops, flow rates, and orifice sizing accurately.
Once everything is set you must click on Calculate! button. Then, all the resulting cells will be calculated. You can press this button until your results are inline with your expectations. Once everything is correct you can export your work to an ISA S20 format spreadsheet containing all your parameters and results. To be able to obtain this file you must click on Download button.
We hope you enjoy using this calculator.

Information and Definitions

Used Equation
Formula
Dimensional Analysis
Formula
Beta Ratio The ratio of the orifice diameter to the pipe diameter, affecting flow restriction and pressure drop. It is essential in flow measurement, with specific ratios optimizing accuracy for different flow ranges.
Choked Flow Choked flow occurs when a gas flow reaches maximum velocity due to critical pressure conditions, limiting further flow increase. It's vital in gas transport systems to avoid system inefficiencies and ensure safe operation.
Common Results Refers to standard calculations and outputs in fluid mechanics, such as flow rate, pressure drop, and velocity, essential for analyzing system performance and determining if the design meets operational requirements.
Contraction Coefficient A factor representing the reduction in cross-sectional area in a flow contraction, influencing flow speed and pressure. It is used in flow calculations involving orifices and sudden changes in pipe diameter.
Critical P Ratio The critical pressure ratio is the ratio of downstream to upstream pressure at which gas flow becomes choked, meaning maximum flow rate is reached. It is essential in designing nozzles and controlling flow in compressible fluid systems.
Density Density is the mass per unit volume of a fluid, typically measured in kg/m3. It impacts fluid behavior, such as buoyancy and pressure. High-density fluids exert greater pressure in systems, influencing design parameters in piping and fluid transport applications.
Dynamic Viscosity Dynamic viscosity is a measure of a fluid's resistance to shear or flow, measured in Pascal-seconds (Pa s) or centipoise (cP). It affects how easily a fluid flows through pipes and around objects, influencing energy requirements in pumping systems.
Expansibility Factor A correction factor for compressible fluids, accounting for gas expansion in flow through orifices or nozzles. It affects accurate flow measurements and is particularly important in high-pressure systems.
Fluid Data Refers to essential information about a fluid, including properties like density, viscosity, and specific heat. This data is crucial for calculating flow rates, pressure drops, and heat transfer in systems. Fluid data helps engineers understand fluid behavior under different conditions, which aids in designing efficient systems in industries like oil, gas, and water treatment.
Limits of Use Defines the operational boundaries, like maximum pressure or temperature, for a system. Staying within these limits ensures safe, efficient operation and protects equipment from damage or failure.
Mass Flow (Kg/h) The amount of fluid mass passing through a point per hour. It is critical for measuring fluid transport, affecting system sizing, energy requirements, and overall efficiency in industrial processes.
Mass Flow (Kg/s) Mass flow in kg/s indicates fluid mass per second, important for real-time flow control and energy calculations in fast-moving fluid systems, especially in high-demand applications like power generation.
Molecular Weight Molecular weight is the mass of a molecule of a substance, measured in atomic mass units (amu). In fluid mechanics, it helps calculate the density of gases and affects the fluid's compressibility and flow characteristics, particularly for gases in dynamic systems.
Operating Pressure The pressure at which a system operates, influencing fluid density and flow rate. Higher pressures increase fluid density in gases, affecting flow calculations and system integrity. Operating pressure is crucial for safety, efficiency, and equipment durability in fluid systems.
Operating Temperature The temperature at which a fluid operates within a system, influencing its viscosity, density, and flow behavior. Higher temperatures generally decrease fluid viscosity, affecting the resistance to flow, and can also impact material compatibility and safety limits.
Orifice Diameter The diameter of an orifice or opening in a pipe, often used in flow measurement. It restricts flow, creating a pressure difference used to calculate flow rate, with smaller diameters increasing pressure drop and reducing flow.
Pipe Data Refers to the dimensions, materials, and specifications of piping systems, affecting fluid dynamics, resistance, and capacity. Pipe data is essential for designing efficient fluid transport systems and calculating parameters like flow rate and pressure drop.
Pipe Diameter Pipe diameter is the internal width of a pipe, influencing flow rate, velocity, and pressure drop. Larger diameters reduce friction and resistance, improving flow efficiency but requiring more space and higher installation costs.
Pressure Downstream Pressure downstream is the fluid pressure after passing through a restriction, like a valve or orifice. It impacts flow rate and is essential for calculating pressure drops, energy losses, and flow efficiency within pipes and fluid control systems.
Pressure Drop Pressure drop is the reduction in fluid pressure as it flows through a system, caused by friction, restrictions, or changes in elevation. It is a key factor in energy loss and pump selection in fluid systems.
Pressure Drop Ratio The ratio of pressure drop across an element to the inlet pressure. It helps assess energy losses and efficiency in a system, with high ratios indicating significant pressure loss and potential flow restrictions.
Pressure Ratio The ratio of outlet pressure to inlet pressure, used to describe pressure changes across systems. It is crucial in analyzing compressible flows, particularly in gas systems, to determine flow characteristics and efficiency.
Ratio of Sp.Heats The ratio of specific heats, or heat capacity ratio (? or kappa), is the ratio of a fluid's specific heat at constant pressure to its specific heat at constant volume. It affects compressible flow and is critical in calculations involving gases and thermodynamics.
Reynolds Flow Regime The classification of flow as laminar, transitional, or turbulent based on the Reynolds number. It affects flow behavior, pressure drop, and efficiency, guiding the design and operation of fluid systems.
Reynolds Number A dimensionless number indicating whether a fluid flow is laminar or turbulent, calculated from fluid velocity, density, viscosity, and characteristic length. It helps predict flow patterns and friction losses in pipes and channels.
Specific Results Refers to calculated values unique to a system's conditions, such as specific flow rates or pressure conditions, essential for verifying that the system operates within desired parameters for performance and safety.
State of Matter Defines the physical state of a substance: solid, liquid, or gas, determined by temperature and pressure. In fluid mechanics, the state of matter affects fluid flow, density, and viscosity. Gases are compressible, liquids nearly incompressible, and each state behaves uniquely under dynamic conditions.
Velocity in Pipe The speed of fluid movement through a pipe, influenced by pipe diameter and flow rate. It affects pressure drop, energy losses, and is crucial for sizing pipes to avoid excessive turbulence or friction.
Volumetric Flow The volume of fluid passing through a point per unit time, often in m3/h. It is used in pump sizing, system efficiency calculations, and to ensure fluid supply meets demand in various processes.

Restriction Orifice Find Size Calculator References

1 International Organization of Standards (ISO 5167-1). 2003. Measurement of fluid flow by means of pressure differential devices inserted in circular cross-section conduits running full - Part 1: General principles and requirements.
2 International Organization of Standards (ISO 5167-2) 2003. Measurement of fluid flow by means of pressure differential devices inserted in circular cross-section conduits running full -- Part 2: Orifice plates.
3 American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). 2001. Measurement of fluid flow using small bore precision orifice meters. ASME MFC-14M-2001.
4 U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, 2001 revised, 1997 third edition, Water Measurement Manual.
5 Michael Reader-Harris (2015) Orifice Plates and Venturi Tubes.
6 Miller, R. W., Flow Measurement Handbook, 3rd ed., McGraw-Hill, New York, 1996.
7 American Gas Association, AGA Gas Measurement Manual, American Gas Association, New York.
8 Wikipedia
9 Corrosionpedia
10 Orifice Plates and Venturi Tubes (2015) - Michael Reader-Harris
11 EMERSON Fundamentals of Orifice Meter Measurement
12 Search Data Center

Another calculators or articles that may interest you ...

1 Absolute Viscosity of Common Gases, is a table that represents the absolute viscosity of some common fluids and its evolution against temperature.
2 Density of Common Liquids, a useful table that represents the density of some common liquids and their temperature.
3 Molecular Weight Common Fluids Table, an easy reference table for molecular weight data.
4 Orifice Plate Calculator-Find Orifice Size is a useful tool to calculate the size of an orifice plate.
5 Orifice Plate Installation Guidelines is a necessary set of rules if you need to install an Orifice Plate.
6 Pressure Measurement, a comprehensive guide to pressure measurement principles and techniques.
7 Don't forget to visit this Thermal Expansion Coefficient Table.
8 Here is a complete table with the molecular weight of common gases, including air, steam, and natural gas, and its formula Molecular Weight of Common Gases.
9 How to convert actual flow to normal flow? How to convert standard cubic meter to normal cubic meter? How does actual to normal flow conversion work? If you want to answer these questions don't forget to read Difference between Actual, Standard, and Normal Flows.
10 In Flow Rate Calculator you can calculate the volumetric flow rate of any liquid or gas through a specific pipe diameter and download results.
11 Read an easy explanation about the difference between the distinct types of pressure in "What's the difference between Absolute, Gauge, and Differential Pressure?".
12 This is a table of specific heats' ratio for common gases: Heat Capacity Ratio of Common Fluids.
13 What is pressure compensation, and why is temperature compensation required? In this article are all the answers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1 How to size a restriction orifice plate?
A1 Sizing a restriction orifice plate involves determining the required pressure drop and flow rate for the application. Based on these parameters, the orifice diameter can be calculated to achieve the desired performance. Accurate sizing is crucial, as it directly impacts flow control efficiency and the protection of downstream equipment.
Q2 How does a restriction orifice work?
A2 A restriction orifice works by reducing the cross-sectional area available for fluid or gas flow, which creates a pressure drop. The velocity of the flow increases as it passes through the orifice, reducing downstream pressure. This controlled pressure loss is used to manage flow characteristics and achieve desired operational conditions.
Q3 How to design restriction orifice?
A3 Designing a restriction orifice requires understanding the process requirements, including pressure, temperature, flow rate, and the characteristics of the fluid. Engineers select the appropriate orifice size, material, and configuration based on these factors, ensuring compatibility with the system's needs and compliance with safety standards.
Q4 How to calculate restriction orifice plate thickness?
A4 To calculate restriction orifice plate thickness, engineers consider factors like operating pressure, temperature, material strength, and the pipe diameter. The thickness must be sufficient to withstand stress without deforming, ensuring that it maintains its integrity under operating conditions. Thicker plates are used in high-pressure systems for durability.
Q5 How to calculate restriction orifice size?
A5 Calculating restriction orifice size involves using flow parameters such as the desired flow rate, allowable pressure drop, and fluid characteristics. Based on these inputs, the orifice diameter is determined to ensure that the plate provides the required restriction. Accurate calculations are vital for effective and safe flow control.
Q6 How to size restriction orifice?
A6 Sizing a restriction orifice involves determining the orifice diameter that matches the process requirements, such as flow rate and pressure drop. This process includes analyzing the fluid's properties, system constraints, and required flow conditions to ensure the orifice is neither too restrictive nor too loose for efficient flow management.
Q7 How restriction orifice plate works?
A7 A restriction orifice plate works by limiting the flow area within the piping, which creates a pressure drop as fluid passes through the reduced space. This pressure drop is used to control the flow rate and downstream pressure, providing engineers with a straightforward way to manage fluid conditions in various industrial processes.