Thickness Formula for Pipe

Pipe Wall Thickness Formula:

\[ t = \frac{P \times D}{2 \times S \times E} \]

Internal Pressure (P):

Outer Diameter (D):

Allowable Stress (S):

Joint Efficiency (E):

Wall Thickness (t):

1. What is the Pipe Wall Thickness Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the minimum required wall thickness of a pipe based on internal pressure, diameter, material stress limits, and joint efficiency.

Purpose: It helps engineers and designers ensure pipe systems can safely contain internal pressures without failure.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ t = \frac{P \times D}{2 \times S \times E} \]

Where:

\( t \) — Required wall thickness (meters)
\( P \) — Internal pressure (Pascals)
\( D \) — Outer diameter (meters)
\( S \) — Allowable stress (Pascals)
\( E \) — Joint efficiency factor (0-1)

Explanation: The formula calculates the minimum thickness needed to withstand hoop stress caused by internal pressure.

3. Importance of Pipe Wall Thickness Calculation

Details: Proper thickness calculation ensures safety, prevents pipe failure, optimizes material usage, and complies with engineering standards.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the internal pressure, outer diameter, allowable stress, and joint efficiency (default 1 for seamless pipes). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What units should I use?
A: Use consistent SI units: Pascals for pressure/stress, meters for dimensions. For other units, convert first.

Q2: What's a typical joint efficiency value?
A: 1.0 for seamless pipes, 0.7-0.9 for welded pipes depending on inspection level.

Q3: Does this include safety factors?
A: The allowable stress (S) should already incorporate safety factors per relevant standards.

Q4: Is this formula for thin or thick-walled pipes?
A: This is the thin-wall formula, valid when diameter/thickness > 10.

Q5: How do I account for corrosion allowance?
A: Add the expected corrosion allowance to the calculated thickness.