Basic formula for pipe weight
The weight calculation of pipelines is a crucial step in engineering design, and its accuracy will directly affect the safety and cost control of the entire structure.
Empty tube weight calculation
The general formula for empty tube weight (WpWp) is:
Wp=π4×ρm×(do2−di2)Wp=4π×ρm×(do2−di2)
Parameter Description
do: Pipe outer diameter (unit: meter)
di: Pipe inner diameter (related to wall thickness tt, di=do−2tdi=do−2t)
ρm: Material density (steel density is usually 7850 kg/m³)
Example:
The weight per meter of an empty steel pipe with an outer diameter of 0.3 meters and a wall thickness of 0.01 meters is:
Wp=0.785×7850×(0.32−0.282)≈68.5 kg/mWp=0.785×7850×(0.32−0.282)≈68.5kg/m
Additional weight of liquid-filled pipes
When the pipe is filled with liquid, the weight of the liquid (WlWl) needs to be added:
Wl=ρl×Ai (where Ai=πdi2/4 is the cross-sectional area of the pipe)Wl=ρl×Ai (where Ai=πdi2/4 is the cross-sectional area of the pipe)
Key influence: Liquid density (ρlρl) is proportional to the square of the inner diameter of the pipe. For example, water (ρl=1000 kg/m3ρl=1000kg/m3) is 25% heavier than oil (ρl≈800 kg/m3ρl≈800kg/m3) at the same inner diameter.
Three core factors affecting pipeline weight
Material density differences
The density of different materials changes the weight significantly:
|
Material Type |
Density (kg/m³) |
Applicable scenarios |
|
Carbon Steel |
7850 |
Conventional pressure pipe |
|
Stainless steel |
7930 |
Corrosive environment |
|
PVC |
1380 |
Low pressure water supply and drainage system |
Sensitivity of geometric parameters
Outer diameter effect: When the outer diameter increases by 10%, the weight increases by about 21.
Wall thickness optimization: Thin-walled tubes (such as t/do<0.1t/do<0.1) can reduce weight by more than 30%, but the compressive strength needs to be checked.
Environmental and operational loads
Take the ultra-high pressure gas well pipeline as an example (pressure>100 MPa), additional calculations are required:
Axial force : The bending moment at the packer may cause deformation of the pipe string, which needs to be analyzed through a mechanical model (such as the three-moment equation).
Thermal stress : The expansion/contraction caused by temperature changes (ΔL=αLΔTΔL=αLΔT) affects the support structure design.
FAQs：
1: How can I quickly calculate the weight of a hollow steel pipe per meter?
Weight (kg/m) = (outer diameter 2 − inner diameter 2) × 0.02466Weight (kg/m) = (outer diameter 2 − inner diameter 2) × 0.02466
2: What are the unit conversions that need to be paid attention to in international standards?
Density: 1 kg/m³ = 0.0624 lb/ft³
Pressure: 1 MPa = 145 psi
Length: 1 meter = 39.37 inches
