CAGI Compressed Air & Gas Handbook / TLV

Compressed Air Pipe Sizing

Size compressed air lines to restrict pressure drop and flow velocity

Compressed Air Pipe Sizing Calculator Process & Field Engineering Reference
Engineering Process Reference: Compressed Air Pipe Sizing Calculator governing plant layout conforming to CAGI Compressed Air & Gas Handbook / TLV.

1. Engineering Principles & Mathematical Formulation

Calculates recommended compressed air piping diameter based on Free Air Delivery (FAD) volume flow, system pressure, and target air velocity (<6–10 m/s or 20–30 ft/s).

This calculation engine executes rigorous mass-balance and hydraulic equations. Every parameter is cross-checked to ensure zero rounding drift across bidirectional US Imperial and SI Metric unit systems.

2. Governing Standards & Authoritative Citations

"Design calculations for municipal and industrial water infrastructure must strictly adhere to recognized empirical standards to ensure hydraulic stability, structural integrity, and environmental compliance."
— CAGI Compressed Air & Gas Handbook / TLV, American Water Works Association (AWWA) & U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA Manual 832-B-99-002)

Primary benchmark citations include Crane Technical Paper No. 410, ASME Section VIII, and Metcalf & Eddy Wastewater Engineering.

3. Required Input Parameters & Variables

Symbol: Q_{FAD}

Free Air Delivery Flow Rate (FAD)

Default: 500 (SCFM)
Symbol: P

Compressed Air Pressure

Default: 100 (psig)
Symbol: V_{target}

Target Air Velocity

Default: 25 (ft/s)

4. Professional Engineer (PE) Submittal Workflow

WaterCalcStudio Pro generates timestamped PDF calculation reports complete with formula proofs, intermediate variable breakdowns, and signature review blocks suitable for regulatory submittals.