Massflow rate from Pressure, Temperature, and Value placement

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating mass flow rate in a pipeline for natural gas, focusing on the relationships between pressure, temperature, and valve positioning. Participants explore various equations and concepts related to fluid dynamics, including the Mach number and the specific gas constant.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants clarify that M refers to the Mach number, which is the ratio of the fluid's speed to the speed of sound in that fluid.
  • There is uncertainty about how to determine the velocity of the gas, with some suggesting it may relate to pressure differences (ΔP).
  • One participant questions the use of the universal gas constant R, suggesting it should be the specific gas constant for methane instead.
  • Participants discuss the need for user inputs such as temperature, pressure, and differential pressure (DP) for the simulation.
  • There is a proposal to calculate mass flow rate using a specific equation involving volumetric flow and other parameters, with a focus on how valve positioning affects flow.
  • Some participants express confusion about the physical system being modeled and the necessary inputs for accurate calculations.
  • A participant mentions the use of sensors for measuring volumetric flow, indicating a potential method for improving the simulation.
  • There is a clarification regarding terminology, distinguishing between 'value' and 'valve' in the context of the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for specific inputs and the importance of understanding the relationships between pressure, temperature, and flow. However, multiple competing views exist regarding the correct application of equations and the role of different parameters, leaving the discussion unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential misunderstandings about the specific gas constant, the definition of Mach number, and the relationship between velocity and pressure differences. The discussion also highlights the need for clarity on the physical setup of the simulation.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in fluid dynamics, gas flow simulations, and those developing computational models for natural gas systems.

btb4198
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so this is what i know:
m=ρ*V*A
ρ = 0.669 ρ (kg/m3) for Methane (gas) I think...
A = flow area = ( D^2/pi) units are m^2 I think for a pipe I really think this is wrong
V = M * sqrt (gam * R * T)
R = Universal Gas Constant = 8314 J/kmol-K.
T = temperature
gam = K = 1.304 for Methane I think
M= I do not understand what M is?

where does DP come in at ? do you need DP?
and where does Pressure come in at?
if you have Value Placement 40 % open how will that change Mass flow?

what other information do I need?
I am writing a simulator in C#
I am simulating natural gas in a pipe line from a well
 
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M is the Mach number. It is the ratio of the speed of a fluid to the speed of sound in that same fluid.

If you know the internal diameter of a pipe (D), then the area A = (pi/4)*D^2
 
How to do solve for M?
 
It's not clear from the OP how your simulation will work, i.e., what sort of inputs will you be using to determine the properties of the methane flowing from the well. Do you know the flow rate out of the well? Its temperature, pressure, ...?
 
User input

so the user can enter temperature or Pressure or DP or anything else needed...
 
M is going to depend on the velocity of the gas and its temperature.
 
so how do you determine the velocity of the gas ?
does that have something to do with dp / ΔP?
 
First, in your equation, [itex]R[/itex] is not the universal gas constant, but the specific gas constant for the gas at hand.

Also, why are you having trouble trying to calculate your velocity? You have it as something you are solving for up top with the equation listed if you give it a certain Mach number. Otherwise, to calculate it without knowing the Mach number a priori (in which case there is no reason seemingly for you to have Mach number even listed up top there), then you need to give us more information on what you are actually trying to solve, or rather the physical system it pertains to.

Perhaps start by telling us what variables you want to have as user inputs and what values you are hoping to get out in return.
 
ok

Temperature, Pressure, and DP are user inputs

It will be Natural gas going into a flow meter ...
a orifice

also there is a value at the end of the pipe
the value open from 0% to 100%

0% is close and means no flow

what is a good size for a value?
 
  • #10
I just learned that there are sensors that can tell you = Volumetric flow...
so I am going to use this equation:
Mass flow rate = ((m *P)/(nRT))*QX;
which Given:
Q = 200 cm3
/min
m = 28.0134 g in 1 mole of N2
n = 1 mole
P = 1 atm
R = 82.1 (cm3 • 1 atm)/(mole • °K)
T = 273.15 °K(0 °C)
ok now
I think I will multiply Mass flow rate but the output of the value .
to mass flow rate * 0 = 0 and that is when the value is close
and Mass flow rate * 100 is when it is fully open..

do you think would be a good simulation of gas coming out of a value to in a tank ?
or is there a better way I should do it ?

also I would still like to know how to solve from V with only Temperature, Pressure I know it has something to do with Bernoulli's principle
 
  • #11
'value' = a quantity, a number
'valve' = a mechanical device to regulate the flow of a fluid
 
  • #12
yeah I know...
sorry it was a typo
 
  • #13
Q = 200 cc/min is not even a breeze to a flea.
 

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