Burst Pressure
(CALCULATE WORKING AND BURSTING PRESSURES OF PIPES)
The formula for calculating bursting pressure is known as Barlow's formula, and is commonly used to predict or approximate the working pressures and bursting pressures of pipe.
The formula is as follows:-
P= (2 * s * t) / (OD * SF)
| P |
= |
Bursting Pressure in Psi |
| s* |
= |
UTS or Yield Strength of material concerned (Psi) |
| t |
= |
wall thickness of tube or pipe in inches |
| SF* |
= |
Safety Factor |
| OD |
= |
Outside diameter of tube or pipe in inches |
| * |
If UTS is used, this will give indication of bursting pressure. If yield strength is used, this will give indication of pressure permissable before material will begin to plastically deform. |
|
| |
| ** |
The Safety Factor (normally between 1.5 and 10) is usually specified at design stage. Omitting the safety factor will effectively give a calculation based on a factor of "1", which will predict the actual bursting pressure of the pipe with no safety allowance/factor taken into account. |