7 Sizing

7.4.3

Gases and Vapors - Critical Flow

A=

TZ
W
C K b K c K d P1 M

(Eq. 7.4.3-1)

A=

1
V TZM
6.32 CK b K c K d P1

(Eq. 7.4.3-2)

A=

1
V TZG
1.175 CK b K c K d P1

(Eq. 7.4.3-3)

The correction factor due to the back pressure K b for the preliminary sizing is given in Fig. 7.4.3-1

Figure 7.4.3-1: Back pressure correction factor for gases and vapors K b from API RP 520, Page 37
520

500

480

460

Coefficient C

440

420

400

380

360

340

320

300
1

1,2

1,4

1,6

1,8

2,2

2,4

2,6

2,8

3,2

3,4

3,6

3,8

4,2

4,4

4,6

4,8

Isentropic Exponent k [-]

Figure 7.4.3-2: Coefficient C in function of the specific heat ratio from API RP 520, Page 44.
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edition:

13.04.2010

7.4-4

7 Sizing
In alternative to Fig. 7.4.3-1 the coefficient C can be calculated from Eq. 7.4.3-4
k +1

2 k 1
C = 520 k

k +1

LWN 754.00

edition:

13.04.2010

Unit:

lbm lbmol R
lb f hr

(Eq. 7.4.3-4)

7.4-5