BASIC FLEXIBILITY COURSE

PAGE 1 OF 91
MARCH 1995

COURSE

“BASIC PIPING FLEXIBILITY”

FOR DESIGNERS

INDEX

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Chapter 2 - Examples

Chapter 3 - Tables

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 BASIC FLEXIBILITY COURSE
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MARCH 1995

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

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 BASIC FLEXIBILITY COURSE
PAGE 3 OF 91
MARCH 1995

INTRODUCTION

A. Purpose of the course

This course is especially written to enable the designer to recognize the problems arising
during the design of piping systems and solve them using simple rule of thumb methods
taking into account the and rules and in close cooperation with the Stress group.

Problems in connection with the following will be dealt with:

a. supporting of dead weight and wind load.

b. thermal expansion of pipelines.

Note:

This course deals with the problems which arise as a result of the combined effect of thermal
expansion and dead weight of the pipe. As the examples will show, the first step is usually to
check the line for adequate supporting ensuring that the dead weight stresses are within the
limits. The second step is to analyse the line for flexibility:

a. To keep the pipe stresses within the allowable limits.

b. To prevent excessive forces and moments on connecting equipment.

Treatment of the problems will be illustrated in a number of different examples, in which

several points will show up repeatedly. The pipeline is assumed to be in the layout stage at
the time of the design using the flow diagrams and in some cases before the plot plan has
had final approval. The intention is to arrive at a good and economical layout applying
simplified calculation methods.

Reference shall be made to the sources of information as much as possible.

B. General Information

The following is a short summary of the work involved when designing a pipeline system.

The Piping system is designed, calculated and drawn in the Piping group.
The Stress group assists in the design and performs the more complicated calculations.

For the design of a piping system a variety of data is required:

a. Flow diagrams, line lists, etc.

b. An approved plot plan, on which the equipment has been located as economical as
possible.
c. A model, when available.
d. Design Standards and Specs. Adherence to standard methods results in a uniform design.
Deviating from the standards usually proves to be expensive.

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