Piping design is responsible work that must be performed carefully to ensure cost efficient but safe execution. Using a plant design software can help to avoid unnecessary rework and costly mistakes.
Pipes are subject to thermal stresses, which cause expansion or contraction of the piping and its supports. This displacement can cause settlement strain on connected equipment and other structures.
Requirements
Pipework, also known as piping systems, convey liquids and gases to locations where they are required. It is vital that they are correctly designed to ensure their integrity with adherence to a number of considerations and principles. This includes ensuring the correct materials are used, with all parts and components being fit for purpose. It is also important to adhere to national standards with respect to the manufacture of pipes and other piping components.
Piping design is a complex process and requires the expertise of a qualified mechanical engineer with practical experience in plant layout and equipment arrangement as well as piping systems. An understanding of the specific requirements associated with industrial, refinery, petrochemical and power-generating plants is essential.
The piping system must be properly designed to ensure that it can support the operating and maintenance loads, including thermal expansion and vibration, as well as other static and dynamic stresses. It is also necessary to ensure that the piping system can be accessed for inspection and repair.
Piping should usually be arranged such that the distance between two anchor points is minimised. This allows for a shorter length of piping to be run and therefore lower costs. It is also recommended that conservative supports are included in piping systems near heavy items such as valves and strainers to minimize nozzle loading.
Materials
Pipes can be constructed from a wide variety of materials. Nonmetallic piping can be made from wood, fiberglass, glass, concrete and plastic. Metal piping is commonly composed of steel, but may be also created from a variety of iron or other metals such as copper and brass. Metallic piping is often designed to withstand high pressures and temperatures, so its construction must be appropriate for the service conditions.
Nonmetallic pipes are commonly used for low-pressure applications such as gravity flow water, sewage and air, or for drainage systems. Concrete and ceramic pipes are typically made from nonmetallic material. Metal pipes that must meet strict standards of chemistry, design and manufacture are typically constructed from steel. The most common process for manufacturing metallic piping is centrifugal casting of hot alloyed metal.
Metal piping is also manufactured from other materials such as copper, stainless steel and ductile iron. For low-temperature environments, copper is preferred because it withstands corrosion and does not expand or contract when heated.
Other types of piping include polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). PVC is the most common plumbing pipe material because it can withstand high temperatures and resists damage from chemicals. PVDF is a highly durable material that can be used in chemical processing and electronic manufacturing. Plumbing pipes can be joined with fittings and valves, and supported by hangers or supports.
Design
Piping is the branch of engineering that deals with the efficient transport of fluid. It involves the construction of a network of pipes and is essential to any industry. There are four main types of piping: plumbing, civil, industrial, and transportation. Each has its own specialized characteristics and requires different design considerations.
For example, a pipe system for transportation purposes must be designed to handle high levels of pressure. This will require a larger diameter and thicker wall than a plumbing pipe. The design must also be able to withstand seismic loading.
Another important factor in pipe design is the layout. This must be arranged to clear equipment and structural elements, as well as avoid pockets. The design must also take into account ergonomic considerations. Pipes should be arranged to ensure that tools, valves and controls are easily accessible, and that they can accommodate maintenance activities.
While there are no formal guidelines for piping design, the lack of precedent both poses challenges and grants a measure of freedom. For example, artisan pipe makers are exploring the use of alternative materials as accents, experimenting with shapes and developing an artistic language for pipes. This newfound flexibility has resulted in a variety of pipes that are both functional and beautiful. These new shapes are often based on classic English designs.
Installation
The installation of piping systems requires a lot of attention to detail. This includes the use of pipes of the correct size and the proper installation techniques. It also involves the correct positioning of the pipes and a numbering system for easy identification. Local supports, such as saddles and anchors, must be provided to ensure stability. It is important to ensure that all piping is free of any obstructions and that there are no pockets where water, gases or other fluids can collect.
Piping systems are used in buildings for air circulation, in petroleum distillation and paper pulping plants, as well as in industrial plants. They are also used for transportation of materials over long distances. The pipe sizes vary from small bore pipes for plumbing to large diameter pipes for industrial and transportation purposes. Piping designers are responsible for the design, construction and layout of a piping system. They must have a strong understanding of computer-aided drafting and be knowledgeable of the various pipe types.
Piping systems are a network of pipes that connect equipment, instruments, and other facilities within a plant. They are an integral part of any production unit, as they convey utilities and fuels to the equipments and provide water and heat to the processes. Pipes are generally made of materials like steel, copper, cast iron and plastic. They are usually insulated for protection from external factors such as cold temperatures.