Articles Calculators Directory Catalog Knowledge Forum Projects Solutions
Sign In Register
Calculators › Breather Valve Sizing
API 2000 / ISO 4126 / Subcritical Gas

Breather Valve Sizing

Size a breather (pressure/vacuum relief) valve for atmospheric storage tanks per API 2000 / ISO 4126. Uses the subcritical (subsonic) gas flow formula with the P2/P1 pressure-ratio term — essential at low tank pressures. Formula: G = P1·√((2k/((k−1)·R·T·Z))·((P2/P1)2/k−(P2/P1)(k+1)/k)).

Open Calculator →
Standard: API 2000 / ISO 4126 | Formula: G=P1·√((2k/((k−1)RTZ))·((P2/P1)^(2/k)−(P2/P1)^((k+1)/k))); Ac=Q/(G·3.6e−3·Kdr·Kp)
Breather Valve Sizing

Why This Calculator

⚙

Subcritical Flow Formula

Includes the P2/P1 pressure-ratio term — at low tank pressures (kPa gauge) flow stays subsonic, unlike safety-valve critical formulas.

📊

Mass Flux G

G = P1·√((2k/((k−1)·R·T·Z))·((P2/P1)2/k−(P2/P1)(k+1)/k)) per ISO 4126, with R = 8314/M.

⏱

Derated Kdr = 0.65

Breather-valve discharge coefficient (between liquid 0.4 and gas 0.8 safety valves).

⚡

Overpressure Correction Kp

Kp accounts for the allowable overpressure at the set point (21% typical).

🏠

Storage Tank Service

Covers thermal inbreathing/outbreathing and liquid movement for atmospheric tanks.

🌍

Low-Pressure Regime

Set pressure in kPa gauge — far below safety-valve MPa range; pressure ratio P2/P1 close to 1.

How It Works

Enter Breathing Load

Input required relief capacity Q (kg/h) and pressures P1, P2 (kPa abs).

Set Gas Properties

Enter molecular weight M, compressibility Z, temperature T and k.

Select Coefficients

Set Kdr (0.65), Kp overpressure correction and end configuration.

Verify Orifice

Read mass flux G, required area Ac, diameter do and verified capacity W.

Who Is It For

Storage Tank EngineersProcess EngineersEnvironmental EngineersCompliance

Key Highlights

API 2000ISO 4126Subcritical FlowStorage TankLow PressureP2/P1 Term

Ready to Calculate?

Enter your parameters and get instant sizing and pass/fail results.

Open Calculator →