Plant engineering calculator · Updated 17 September 2026
Steam Separator Sizing Calculator — Velocity, Area & Diameter
Screen a steam separator or line bore from steam mass flow, specific volume and target velocity. Returns volumetric flow, required free area and equivalent diameter.
Inputs
Live results
- Steam volume flow 0.41666667 m³/s
- Required free area 0.020833333 m²
- Equivalent diameter 162.8675 mm
Formula and method
A=(m×v)/(3600×V); D=sqrt(4A/π).
Worked example
At 5,000 kg/h, 0.3 m³/kg and 20 m/s, required free area is about 0.0208 m².
Engineering assumptions and limits
- Specific volume must match actual steam pressure/quality.
- Vendor pressure-drop and separation-efficiency curves remain mandatory.
Frequently asked questions
What does this Steam Separator Sizing Calculator calculate?
Screen a steam separator or line bore from steam mass flow, specific volume and target velocity. Returns volumetric flow, required free area and equivalent diameter.
Can I use this for final equipment selection?
Use it for transparent engineering screening. Final selection must be checked against vendor curves, operating envelopes, applicable standards and site measurements.
Why are intermediate results shown?
They expose unit conversions and governing loads so unrealistic assumptions are easier to catch.