Gas Pipe Calculator BTU

Gas Pipe Sizing Formula:

Pipe Size = f(BTU/hr, Length, Pressure Drop)

Pipe Size:

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What Is Gas Pipe Sizing?

Gas pipe sizing involves determining the appropriate diameter of gas piping required to deliver adequate gas flow to appliances based on BTU requirements, pipe length, and allowable pressure drop.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses gas pipe sizing principles:

Pipe Size = f(BTU/hr, Length, Pressure Drop)

Where:

BTU/hr — Total British Thermal Units per hour required by all appliances
Length — Total equivalent length of pipe run in feet
Pressure Drop — Allowable pressure drop in inches of water column (in WC)

Explanation: The calculation determines the minimum pipe size needed to maintain adequate gas pressure and flow to all connected appliances.

3. Importance Of Proper Pipe Sizing

Details: Correct gas pipe sizing ensures appliances receive sufficient gas supply, prevents pressure drops that can cause appliance malfunction, and maintains safety by preventing excessive pressure buildup.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter total BTU/hr requirement for all appliances, total pipe length in feet, and allowable pressure drop in inches WC. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What factors affect gas pipe sizing?
A: Key factors include total BTU load, pipe length, number of fittings, gas type (natural gas or propane), and allowable pressure drop.

Q2: What is typical pressure drop for gas piping?
A: For natural gas systems, typical pressure drop is 0.3-0.5 in WC; for propane, it's usually 1.0-2.0 in WC depending on local codes.

Q3: How do I calculate equivalent length?
A: Equivalent length includes actual pipe length plus additional length for fittings (elbows, tees, valves) based on pipe diameter and fitting type.

Q4: Are there code requirements for gas pipe sizing?
A: Yes, gas pipe sizing must comply with local plumbing codes (IPC, UPC) and NFPA 54/National Fuel Gas Code requirements.

Q5: When should I consult a professional?
A: Always consult a licensed gas fitter or professional engineer for complex installations, large systems, or when in doubt about calculations.