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Piping Engineering”
A Practical Guide in Engineering Technique for Mechanical Engineering Degree/Diploma final year
student preparing for service interview. I do not claim that “Perfect Knowledge of Piping
Engineering” is the final word in Piping Engineering. I have tried my best to share the knowledge and
experience being common to more Engineers who came forward to co-operate in the field of
knowledge and pool their experience to make it better for the Mechanical Engineers whether final
year students or fresher in service or working as a junior Engineer in construction field and doing the
Piping Engineering job. It is easy to grasp the basic knowledge and principles of Piping Engineering
This book is devised and planned to be practical help and is made to be most valuable reference
book. I will feel myself proud that my efforts are rewarded, if this book contributes even to a small
group of students or fresher or working junior Engineer in acquiring and understanding of the subject.
I sincerely record my gratitude to Mr. Ram Babu Sao, experienced and versatile Mechanical Engineer
and friend of mine whose promise and unstinted labour in providing assistance to publish this book.
Otherwise this book could have not been published.
I acknowledge his contribution gratefully. I am extremely grateful to all those who have assisted me in
bringing out this edition of the book.
Mumbai Sanjay Kumar Gupta
August 2015
@ Copyright: Author-2004
CAUTION
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical including photocopy without permission in writing from the
publishers.
Disclaimer
The book “ Perfect Knowledge of Piping Engineering” is not a writer’s whole & sole product. It is
a combination of the knowledge and expertise of the author and the Data collected from different
Codes, Standards and Books, specially researched to meet the objective and to enhance the
knowledge of piping engineers. Wherever necessary, the reference of the Codes, Standards or other
Books has been given in this book. The Data in this book provides only information, knowledge,
guidance and reference to engineers and shall not permit the engineers to use these Data for designing
any piping system.
ISBN-13: 978-1511561624
ISBN-10: 1511561629
First Edition: August, 2015
Publisher: Amazon
Preface
It gives me great pleasure and sense of deep satisfaction to publish this book of “Perfect Knowledge
of Piping Engineering”. This book has proved to be a friend and guide to many Engineering Students,
Engineers, Contractors, Construction Companies and Consultants. The total practical approach of this
book explodes the math that, even the piping engineering subject is tough and difficult to understand, a
general reader or beginners willing to know about the subject, will find the content very easy and
simple to follow. The excellence of the book will be appreciated by the readers from all parts of
India and abroad after publication of the First Edition.
There is so much strife and struggle in the present time as it was never before. This is a time of ready-
made food and fast food. Nobody has time to cook the food and then eat. Only this feeling motivated
me and necessitated in publishing this book. This is compact and full of all information at one place
in a simple language.
Today the eyes of the whole of the world are fixed on India for any kind of development.
The need for development has been felt for quite some time back that this book is written on piping
work which may contain all the aspect of piping with illustrations so that complete information is
conveyed in a simple language. I am confident that this book will help to all technicians, supervisors,
and engineers in achieving his object and success in every field of piping work.
I have given the gist of Indian and international books, standards, codes, and specifications on piping
work in this book. At the same time, I have tried to make you understand about what is the piping
work. These facts & figures are collected from various books, standards, and specifications and
incorporated here in this book for the first time for reference by the common technical men. Behind
all this, there is our exhaustive study and collections. More than the study is the presentation of the
subject matter and even much more than the presentation of the subject matter is long years of
experience and association with the piping work all over India and abroad while working with M/S
Engineers India Limited, an internationally reputed engineering consultancy organization. This adds
some kind of value to the book. A systematic, consistent, and clear presentation of concepts through
explanatory notes, figures, and examples are the main aspects of this book.
While publishing this book, I have constantly kept in mind the requirements of all engineering
professionals, and the various difficulties they face while performing their job. To make the book
really useful at all levels, it has been written in an easy style and in a simple manner, so that a
professional can grasp the subject independently by referring this book. Care has been taken to make
this book as self-explanatory as possible and within the technical ability of an average professional.
In short, it is earnestly hoped that this treatise will earn the appreciation of all technical professional
all over the world.
Contents
1. Introduction 1-112
1.1 Measures & Weights Units 1-5
1.2 Conversion 5-12
1.3 Physics 12-30
1.4 Hydraulic engineering 30-36
1.5 Chemistry 36-39
1.6 Mathematics 39-57
1.7 Abbreviations 57-63
1.8 Definitions 63-102
1.9 List of Codes and Standards 102-107
1.10 List of Vendors and Manufacturers 107-111
1.11 Books Catalogues 111-112
2. Piping Materials 113-162
2.1 Materials Classification 113-127
2.2 Metallurgical Structure of Metal 127-132
2.3 Mechanical Properties 132-134
2.4 Factors Affecting Mechanical Properties 134-135
2.5 Temperature Affecting Mechanical Properties 136-137
2.6 Factors Affecting Service Feature 138-140
2.7 Elements affecting Alloy Steel 140-145
2.8 Selection of Piping Materials 146-153
2.9 Piping Materials for Specific Fluid Services 154-161
2.10 Piping Material-Identification 161-162
3. Corrosion of Piping Metal 163-186
3.1 Theory of Corrosion 163-167
3.2 Factors Affecting Corrosion 167-168
3.3 Corrosion Table 168-186
4. Piping Design 187-452
4.1 General 187-188
4.2 Design Requirements 188-191
4.3 Design Conditions 191-201
4.4 Piping Design Criteria- “Part-1” 201-363
4.4.1 “Temperature-Pressure Rating” Design Criteria 202-359
4.4.2 “Stress – Strain” Design Criteria 359-363
4.5 Piping Design Criteria-“Part-2” 363-366
4.5.1 Pressure Integrity-Design 363-364
4.5.2 Pipe Wall Thickness (tm.) 364-366
4.6 Piping Design Criteria-“Part-3 “ 366-396
4.6.1 Sizing of Liquid Line-Single phase 367-376
4.6.2 Sizing of Gas Line-Single Phase 376-377
4.6.3 Sizing of Liquid / Gas Line-Two Phase 377-384
4.6.4 Pipe Sizing in Steam System 384-396
4.7 Piping Flexibility and Supports-Design 396-406
4.8 Piping Supports-Design 406-421
4.9 Piping Joints-Design 421-423
4.10 Design Engineering and Limitations 424-427
4.11 Piping Engineering Standard-Data 427-438
4.12 Plant Layout 438-448
4.13 Design Example 1 448-452
5. Piping Components 453-528
5.1 Pipe and Tube 453-463
5.2 Pipe Fittings 463-473
5.3 Flanges 473-486
5.4 Valves 486-505
5.5 Piping other Components 505-528
6. Piping Project Management 529-542
6.1 Project Introduction 529-529
6.2 Project Management 529-531
6.3 Network Analysis Package 531-534
6.4 Scheduling Technique 534-537
6.5 Project Monitoring System 537-539
6.6 Standard Man-hour for Piping 539-542
7. Piping Assembly 543-560
7.1 Applicable Codes and Standards 544-544
7.2 Piping Fabrication and Assembly 544-560
7.2.1 Piping Cutting 445-554
7.2.2 Piping Fabrication 554-560
8. Piping Welding 561-626
8.0 Applicable Codes of Welding 561-574
8.1 Welding Symbols 574-580
8.2 Welding Joint Type 580-584
8.3 Weld Orientation 584-588
8.4 Welding Accessories 588-593
8.5 Typical Metal Welding 593-594
8.6 Welding of Dissimilar Metals 594-597
8.7 Estimation of Welding Cost 597-599
8.8 Welding Defects 600-603
8.9 Welding Distortion & Remedies 603-607
8.10 Welding Variables & Positions 607-611
8.11 Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) 612-619
8.12 Welding Procedure Qualification Records (PQR) 619-622
8.13 Welder Performance Qualifications (Certification) 622-625
8.14 WPS / PQR Qualification tests 625-626
9. Piping Inspection 627-694
9.1 General 627-627
9.2 Applicable Codes and Standards 627-630
9.3 Levels of certification 630-631
9.4 Destructive Examinations & Tests 631-632
9.5 Non-Destructive Test 632-634
9.6 N.D.T Examination Requirements 634-642
9.7 Weld Imperfections and Acceptance Limit 642-643
9.8 Inspection and Testing Instruments 643-644
9.9 Visual Inspection 644-649
9.10 Radiographic Inspection (RT) 649-669
9.11 Magnetic Particle Examination 669-672
9.12 Eddy current 672-673
9.13 Dye penetrant Test (DPT / LPT) 674-675
9.14 Ultrasonic Test (UT) 675-682
9.15 Hardness Test 682-684
9.16 Hydrostatic Test 684-690
9.17 Pneumatic Test 690-691
9.18 Hydrostatic-Pneumatic Test 691-691
9.19 Sensitive Leak Test 691-692
9.20 Gas and Bubble Solution Test 692-692
9.21 Vacuum Box Test 692-693
9.22 Alternative Leak Test 693-693
9.23 Repair of Weld 693-693
9.24 Documentation and Records 693-694
10. Piping Heat Tracing 695-702
10.1 General 695-695
10.2 Steam Tracing Applications 695-702
10.3 Inspection and Testing 702-702
11. Lined Piping 703-712
11.1 General 703-706
11.2 Plastic Lined Piping Systems 706-712
11.3 Other Lined Piping Systems 712-712
12. Jacketed Piping 713-722
12.1 General 713-719
12.2 Piping Sizing 719-720
12.3 Jacketed Piping Systems 720-720
12.4 Leak Test 720-722
13. Piping Painting 723-736
13.0 General 723-723
13.1 Painting Applicable Codes 723-724
13.2 Paint Materials 724-725
13.3 Primer Paint Materials Selection 725-726
13.4 Finish Paint Materials Selection 726-728
13.5 Painting 728-729
13.6 Surface Preparation 729-731
13.7 Paint Application 731-733
13.8 Colour Coding 733-734
13.9 Painting Inspection 734-736
14 Piping Coating & Wrapping 737-742
14.1 General 737-737
14.2 Applicable Codes and Standards 737-737
14.3 Coating & Wrapping Materials 737-739
14.4 Surface Preparation 739-740
14.5 Application 740-741
14.6 Inspection 741-742
15. Cathode Protection 743-746
16. Piping Insulation 747-762
16.0 General 747-747
16.1 Applicable Codes 747-747
16.2 Properties of Thermal Insulation 748-753
16.3 Theory of Heat Loss 753-753
16.4 Theory of Heat transfer 753-754
16.5 Insulation Materials 754-758
16.6 Application of Cold Insulation 758-760
16.7 Application of Hot Insulation 761-762
16.8 Insulation Inspection 762-762
17. Non-Metallic Piping 763-784
17.1 Plastic Piping Systems 763-771
17.2 Rubber and Elastomeric Piping Systems 771-777
17.3 Thermo Set Piping Systems 777-784
1
Introduction
1.1 Measures & Weights Units
There are different unit of measures and weights being used in the world. This chapter is intended to
guide for expressing weight and measures, their units and symbols. The list of codes and standards of
weights and measures, their units and symbols are also given here for further reference:
1) ASTM E380 : Standard for Metric Practice.
2) ASTM E268 : Standard for Metric Practice
3) NIST SP-330 : National Institute of Standards and Technology.
4) American National Metric Council : Metric Editorial Guide
5) ASME Guide S 1.1 : ASME Orientation Guide for use of SI (Metric) Units.
The International System of Units (SI) on Weights and Measures has the Base units along with the
Derived units. The “Absolute units” or Base units are seven, as given below.
Meter: The Meter is the unit of Length. The Meter is the length of the path travelled by light in
vacuum during a time interval of 1/299792458 of a second. It follows that the speed of light in
vacuum is 299792458 meters per second, i.e. 299 792 458 m/s.
Kilogram: The kilogram is the unit of Mass. It is equal to the mass of the international prototype of
the kilogram; an artefact made of platinum-iridium and is kept at the BIPM.
Second: The second is the unit of Time, precisely defined by the International Astronomical Union
based on a transition between two energy levels of an atom or a molecule, which is much more
accurate. The second is the duration of 9 192 631 770 periods of the radiation corresponding to the
transition between the two hyperfine levels of the ground state of the caesium 133 atom. This unit of
second is a very precise definition of the unit of time and is indispensable for science and technology.
Another definition of Second is the unit of time and is equal to the fraction 1/86400 of the Mean Solar
Day defined by the astronomers. But due to irregularities in the rotation of the Earth made, this
definition of Second is an unsatisfactory definition.
Ampere: Ampere is the unit for Current. The ampere is that constant current, which produce a force
equal to 2 x 10–7 Newton per meter of length between two straight parallel conductors of infinite
length and of negligible circular cross-section and placed 1 meter apart in vacuum. It follows that the
magnetic constant, 0, known as the permeability of free space, is exactly 4 x 10–7 henries per
meter, 0 = 4 x 10–7 H/m.
Temperature: The Kelvin and the degree Celsius are units of Temperature. Kelvin is the unit of
Thermodynamic Temperature, which is assigned to the temperature 273.16 K. The Kelvin is the
fraction 1/273.16 of the Thermodynamic Temperature of the triple point of water. The triple point of
water has the isotopic composition amount of substance ratios, e.g., 0.000 155 76 moles of 2H per
mole of 1H; and 0.000 379 9 mole of 17O per mole of 16O; and 0.002 005 2 mole of 18O per mole
of 16O. Thermodynamic Temperature is expressed as a symbol T, in terms of its difference from the
reference temperature T0 = 273.15 K, the ice point. This difference is called Celsius temperature,
symbol t, which is defined by the quantity equation: t = T – T0. The unit of Celsius temperature is the
degree Celsius, symbol °C, which is equal in magnitude to the Kelvin. A difference or interval of
temperature may be expressed in Kelvin or in degrees Celsius, the numerical value of the temperature
difference being the same. However, the numerical value of a Celsius temperature expressed in
degrees Celsius is related to the numerical value of the Thermodynamic Temperature expressed in
Kelvin by the relation: t/°C = T/K – 273.15.
Mole: The mole is the unit of an amount of a substance which contains as many elementary entities as
there are atoms in 0.012 kilogram of carbon 12 and its symbol is "mol". The molar mass of carbon 12
is exactly 12 grams per mole, M (12C) = 12 g/mol.
Gram-atom/Gram-molecule: "Gram-atom" and "Gram-molecule" is the Units of an amount of
chemical element or compound. These units have a direct connection with "atomic weights" and
"molecular weights", which are in fact relative masses. "Atomic weights" are referred to the atomic
weight of oxygen. Physicists separate the isotopes in a mass spectrometer and attribute the value 16 to
one of the isotopes of oxygen. Chemists attribute the same value to the mixture of isotopes 16, 17 and
18.
Candela: The candela is the unit of Luminous Intensity of Light in a given direction that emits
monochromatic radiation of frequency 540 x 1012 hertz and has a radiant intensity in the same
direction of 1/683 watt per Steradian. It follows that the spectral luminous efficacy for
monochromatic radiation of frequency of 540 x 1012 hertz is exactly 683 lumens per watt, K = 683
lm/W = 683 cd sr/W.
Derived Units: Derived units are the units formed by combining Base Units based on the algebraic
relations linking to the Base Units. The dimensions of the Derived quantities are written as products
of powers of the dimensions of the Base quantities using the equations that relate the Derived
quantities to the Base quantities.
Nautical Mile: A Nautical Mile or Sea Mile is the distance on the earth’s surface at the sea level and
corresponds to approximately one minute of arc (1/60 of a degree) of longitude on the equator of the
earth.
Knot: Knot is a unit of speed of a ship or travel of a ship per hour and is equal to one U.K. Nautical
Mile per hour. The knot is a non-SI unit accepted for use with the International System of Units (SI). It
is a speed of vessel travelling at 1 knot along a meridian travels one minute of geographic latitude in
one hour.
Parsec: The parsec (pc) is a unit of length used in astronomy. It is about 3.26 light-years, or just
under 31 trillion (3.1×1013) kilometres or about 19 trillion miles. A parsec is the distance from the
Sun to an astronomical object which has a parallax angle of one arc second and is one of the oldest
methods for astronomers to calculate the distance.
Light Year
Pent meter
Tetra meter
Giga meter
Mega meter
Hector kilometre
Kilo meter
Hector meter
Decca meter
Meter
Decimetre
Centimetre
Millimetre
Micrometer (Micron)
Nanometre
(Mill micron)
Parsec
League (UK Nautical)
Nautical mile (US)
Nautical mile (UK)
International Nautical mile
Cable Length
Cable (UK)
Furlong
Chain (Engineer)
Chain (Surveyor)
Rod / Pale / Perch
Fathom
Yard
Link (Engineer)
Link (Surveyor)
Span
Meter
Foot
Inch
Inch
Inch
Inch
Inch
Kilometre
cm
Foot
Meter
Yard
Meter
Micro-meter
Mil
Area 1 sq. cm
1 sq. in
1 sq. m
1 sq. yard
1 acre
1 sq. Mile
Volume 1 in3
1 ft3
1 fluid oz
1 Gallon
1 Litter
1 American Gallon
1 Imperial Gallon
1 American Barrel
1 Pint
1 quart
1 Kilo litter
1 Ton (British)
1 Pound (lb)
1 Kg
1 Tola
1 Gram
1 Ounce
1 Metric carat
1 Troy Ounce
1 Troy ounce
1 slug
Pressure 1 ATM
/ Stress 1 bar
1 Kg / cm2
1 lbf / in2 (psi)
1 N / mm2
1 N / mm2
1 in. Hg at 320 F
1 ton / in2
1 kg / mm2
1 ksi
1 lb/in2 (psi)
1 MN / m2
Power 1 W / in2
1 Watt
1 Btu / s
1 Btu / min.
1 Btu / h
1 erg / s
1 ft. lbf / s
1 ft. lbf / min
1 ft. lbf / h
1 hp
1 hp (Metric)
1 hp (electric)
1
(w)
Temperature 1 0C
1 0F
1 0R
Thermal 1 Btu / ft2. s. 0F
Conductivity 1 Btu / ft2. h. 0F
1 Cal / cm2. s. 0C
Thermal 1 in / in. 0C
Expansion 1 in / in. 0F
Energy 1 lb.ft.
(Impact) 1 Btu
1 kW. h
1 Cal
1 W.h
Flow Rate 1 Ft.3/h
1 ft3/min
1 gal. /h
1 gal. /min
1 ft3 / min
1 ft3 / s
1 in3 / min
Force 1 lbf
1 kip
1 kip
1 tonf
1 kgf
Force per unit 1 lbf / ft
length 1 lbf / in
Fracture 1 Ksi / in
Toughness
Heat 1 Btu / lb
content 1 Cal / g
Velocity 1 ft / h
1 ft / m
1 ft /s
1 km / h
1 mph
Velocity of 1 rev / m (rpm)
Rotation 1 rev / s
Viscosity 1 poise
1 stokes
1 ft2/s
1 in2/s
Heat Input 1 J / in
1 KJ / in
Capacity 1 ton/year
(Crude Oil) 1 Barrel/day
Birmingham Wire Gauge: The wire thickness in Gauge Number and its conversion in decimal part
of an inch are given rather than as fraction or gage. When gauge numbers is given for a wire without
reference to a system, it means that it is Birmingham Wire Gauge (BWG). Birmingham Wire Gauge is
also known as Stubs' Wire Gauge, used for drill rod and tool steel wire.
Distance Time
one foot 1.0 ns (Nanosecond)
one meter 3.3 ns (Nanosecond)
one kilometre 3.3 μs (Microsecond)
one statute mile 5.4 μs (Microsecond)
Geostationary orbit to Earth 119 ms (Millisecond)
Moon to Earth 1.3 s (Second)
Sun to Earth (1 AU) 8.3 min (Minute)
Proximal Centauri to Earth 4.24 years
Alpha Centauri to Earth 4.37 years
Nearest Galaxy to Earth 25,000 years
Across the Milky Way 100,000 years
Andromeda Galaxy to Earth 2.5 million years
Furthest Observed Galaxy to 13 billion years
Earth
1.3 Physics
Physics is a natural science, which studies the matter, its motion and behaviour of the universe
through space, time and all related concepts including energy and force and is represented by, E =
mc2
In the case of constant power P, the amount of work performed during a period of duration T is given
by:
Units of Power: The dimension of power is energy divided by time. The unit of power is the watt
(W), which is equal to one joule per second.
Horsepower: Horsepower (HP) is the name of units of measurement of power. Horsepower was
originally defined to compare the output of steam engines draft horses power.
Mechanical power: In mechanics, the work done on an object is related to the forces acting on it by
Where, F is force, Δd is the displacement of the object.
The work is equal to the force acting on an object times its displacement. A force in the same
direction as motion produces positive work, and a force in an opposing direction of motion provides
negative work, while motion perpendicular to the force yields zero work. The power output of an
engine is equal to the force it exerts multiplied by its velocity. In rotational systems, power is related
to the torque (τ) and angular velocity (ω):
or
In systems with fluid flow, power is related to pressure, p and volumetric flow rate, Q:
Where, p is pressure (in Pascal, or N/m2 in SI units), Q is volumetric flow rate (in m3/s in SI units)
Gravity: An initially stationary object which is allowed to fall freely under gravity drops a distance
which is proportional to the square of the elapsed time. Example: An image, during the first 1/20th of
a second, will drop one unit of distance (12 mm); during 2/20 of a second, it will drop 4 units (48
mm) and during 3/20 of a second, it will drop 9 units (108 mm) and so on. The force of gravity on an
object at the Earth's surface is directly proportional to the object's mass. An object that has a mass of
m will experience a force:
In free-fall, this force is unopposed and therefore the net force on the object is its weight. For objects
not in free-fall, the force of gravity is opposed by the reactions of their supports.
Newton’s Law of Gravitation: Two particles are attracted towards each other along the line
connecting them with a force whose magnitude is proportional to the product of their masses and
inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. Such as,
Assuming SI units, F is measured in Newton’s (N), m1 and m2 in kilograms (kg), r in meters (m), and
the constant G is approximately equal to 6.674×10−11 N m2 kg−2.
Centrifugal Force: Centrifugal Force acting on a concentrated mass = F,
F = (W v2) / (g R) lb or F = (W R n2)/ (2936) lb
Where, v = velocity on curve in feet per second. R = Radius of curvature in feet and W = Mass of the
body and n = Revolution per minute
Parallelogram Law of Force: If two forces acting at a point are represented in magnitude and
direction by the adjacent sides of a parallelogram, then the diagonal of the parallelogram passing
through their point of intersection represent the resultant in both magnitude and direction.
Triangle Law of Force: If a triangle with its adjacent sides equal and parallel to the forces P and Q
is drawn, (head to tail) to a suitable scale, the closing side of the triangle taken in opposite direction
represents the resultant R in magnitude and direction.
Principle of Transmissibility of a Force: The condition of equilibrium or of motion of rigid body
will remain unchanged if the point of application of a force acing on the rigid body is transmitted to
act at any other point along its line of action.
Rectangular Components of a Force:Any force (F) can be resolved into two rectangular
components along the X-axis and the Y-axis, if it makes an angle of degree with the X-axis, then,
Fx = the component of force (F) in direction of X-axis = F Cos
Fy = the component of force (F) in direction of Y-axis = F Sin .
Equilibrium: Equilibrium occurs when the resultant force acting on a point particle is zero. In other
word, the vector sum of all forces is zero. There are two kinds of equilibrium, such as, Static
equilibrium and Dynamic equilibrium.
Static equilibrium: Objects which are at rest have zero net force acting on them. The simplest case of
static equilibrium occurs when two forces are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction. Example:
An object on a level surface is pulled (attracted) downward toward the centre of the Earth by the
force of gravity. At the same time, surface forces resist the downward force with equal upward force.
The situation is one of zero net force and no acceleration.
Dynamic equilibrium: The study of the causes of motion and changes in motion is dynamics. In other
words, the study of forces and motion is dynamics.
Special relativity: In the special theory of relativity mass and energy are equivalent as can be seen
by calculating the work required to accelerate an object. It thus requires more force to accelerate it
the same amount than it did at a lower velocity.
Light: Light is electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the human eye and is responsible for the
sense of sight. Light has wavelength in a range from about 380 nanometres to about 740 nm, with a
frequency range of about 405 THz to 790 THz. In physics, the term light sometimes refers to
electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength, whether visible. Primary properties of light are
intensity, propagation direction, frequency or wavelength spectrum, and polarisation and its speed in
a vacuum is 299,792,458 metres per second (about 300,000 kilometres per second) and is one of the
fundamental constants of nature. Light, which is emitted and absorbed in tiny "packets" is called
photons, exhibits properties of both waves and particles. This property is referred to as the wave–
particle duality. The study of light is known as optics. Speed of light: The speed of light in a vacuum
is defined to be exactly 299,792,458 m/s (approximately 186,282 miles per second).
Refractive Index: The refractive index of a substance is a measure of the speed of light in that
substance. It is expressed as a ratio of the speed of light in vacuum relative to that in the considered
medium. The velocity at which light travels in vacuum is a physical constant, and is the fastest speed
at which energy or information can be transferred. However, light travels slower through any given
material. Mathematical description of the refractive index is as follows: n = c / v = velocity of light
in a vacuum / velocity of light in medium. The Refractive Index of water is 1.33. This means that light
travels in a vacuum is 1.33 times as fast as it does in water. The Refractive Index of glass is around
1.5, meaning that light in glass travels at c / 1.5 = 200,000 km/s; the refractive index of air for visible
light is about 1.0003. The light we see from stars left them many years ago.
Electricity: Electricity is a phenomena resulting from flow of electric charge. These include many
phenomena, such as lightning, static electricity, and the flow of electrical current in electrical wires,
the electromagnetic field and electromagnetic induction. Lightning is one of the most dramatic effects
of electricity. “Electricity" refers to a number of physical effects and precise termed as:
Ohm’s Law: When an electric potential V is applied across a material, a current of magnitude I
flows. In most metals, at low values of V, the current is proportional to V, according to Ohm's law:
I = V/R
Where, R is the electrical resistance. R depends on the intrinsic Resistivity r of the material and on
the geometry (length l and area A through which the current passes). R = r l / A
Electrical Resistivity: Electrical resistivity is a measure of how strongly a material opposes the
flow of electric current. A low resistivity indicates a material that readily allows the movement of
electric charge. The SI unit of electrical resistivity is the ohm metre (Ωm). It is commonly represented
by the Greek letter ρ (rho).
Electrical conductivity: Electrical conductivity or specific conductance is the reciprocal quantity,
and measures a material's ability to conduct an electric current. It is commonly represented by the
Greek letter σ (sigma), but κ (in electrical engineering).
Electric current: A movement or flow of electrically charge is known as an electric current, the
intensity of which is usually measured in amperes. Current can consist of any moving charged
particles; most commonly these are electrons, but any charge in motion constitutes a current. Ampere
is the unit of current, which is defined as that constant current, which, if maintained in each of the two
infinitely long straight parallel wires of negligible cross-section placed 1 metre apart, in vacuum,
which produce between the wires a force of 2x10-7 Newton per Mitre length., typically measured in
amperes.
Electric field: An influence produced by an electric charge on other charges in its vicinity.
Electrical power: Electric power is the rate at which electric energy is transferred by an electric
circuit. The SI unit of power is the watt. The instantaneous electrical power P delivered to a
component is given by;
Where, P (t) is the instantaneous power, measured in watts (joules per second); V(t) is the potential
difference (or voltage drop) across the component, measured in volts; I(t) is the current through it,
measured in amperes.
Magnetic Field: The magnetic field is the magnetic force on an electric current at any point in space.
In this case, the magnitude of the magnetic field is determined to be
Where, I is the magnitude of the hypothetical test current and is the length of hypothetical wire
through which the test current flows.
Heat: Heat is one of the fundamental processes of energy transfer from a high-temperature system to
a lower-temperature system due to difference in temperature between the physical entities.
Latent heat: Latent heat is the heat released or absorbed by a thermodynamic system during a change
of state that occurs without a change in temperature. Such a process may be a phase transition, such
as, the melting of ice or the boiling of water.
Specific heat: Specific heat is the amount of energy that has to be transferred to or from one unit of
mass (kilogram) or amount of substance (mole) to change the system temperature by one degree.
Specific heat is a physical property, which means that it depends on the substance under consideration
and its state as specified by its properties.
Entropy: Entropy is defined as quantities to facilitate the quantification and measurement of heat
flow through a thermodynamic boundary.
Temperature: The Units of Temperature includes Celsius, Fahrenheit, Kelvin and Rankin.
Temperature (thermodynamic temperature) is a measure of the average kinetic energy of systems
particles. Temperature is the degree of "hotness" or "coldness", a measure of the heat intensity. When
two objects of different temperatures are in contact, the warmer object becomes colder while the
colder object becomes warmer. It means that heat flows from the warmer object to the colder one. A
thermometer can help us determine how cold or how hot a substance is. Temperatures are measured
and reported in degrees Celsius (0C) or degrees Fahrenheit (0F), Kelvin (K) and Degree Rankin (R).
The Celsius and Fahrenheit scales of the temperature at which ice melts or water freezes and the
temperature, at which water boils, are used as reference points. On the Celsius scale, the freezing
point of water is defined as 0 0C, and the boiling point of water is defined as 100 0C. On the
Fahrenheit scale, the water freezes at 32 0F and the water boils at 212 0F. On the Celsius scale there
are 100 degrees between freezing point and boiling point of water, compared to 180 degrees on the
Fahrenheit scale. This means that 1 0C = 1.8 0F. Thus the following formulas are used to convert
temperature between the two scales: t 0F = 1.8 t 0C + 32 = 9/5 t 0C + 32 and T 0C = 0.56 (t 0F - 32) =
5/9 (t 0F - 32). Where, t 0C = temperature (0C) and t 0F = temperature (0F).
Kelvin (K):. On the Kelvin or the Absolute Temperature Scale the coldest temperature possible is
-273 0C, and has a value of 0 Kelvin (0 K) and is called the absolute zero. Units on the Kelvin scale
are called Kelvin's (K) and no degree symbol is used.
There are no lower temperatures than 0 K on the Kelvin or the Absolute Temperature Scale. The
Kelvin scale does not have negative numbers. A Kelvin equal in size to a Celsius unit, such as 1 K =
1 0C. To calculate a Kelvin temperature, add 273 to the Celsius temperature: t K = t 0C + 273.16.
Example: 37 0C = 37 + 273.16 = 310.16 K.
Rankin (R): In the English system the absolute temperature is in degrees Rankin (R), not in
Fahrenheit. t R = t F + 459.67. Example: 37 0F = 37 + 459.67 = 496.67 R.
Thermal conductivity: Thermal conductivity, k, is the property of a material's ability to conduct heat.
Heat transfer across materials of high thermal conductivity occurs at a faster rate than across
materials of low thermal conductivity. Materials of low thermal conductivity are used as thermal
insulation. Thermal conductivity of materials is temperature dependent. In general, materials become
more conductive to heat as the average temperature increases. The reciprocal of thermal conductivity
is thermal resistance.
Units of thermal conductivity:In the International System of Units (SI), thermal conductivity is
measured in watts per meter Kelvin {W/(m·K)}. In the imperial system of measurement thermal
conductivity is measured in Btu/(hr·ft ⋅ F). Where 1 Btu/(hr·ft ⋅ F) = 1.730735 W/(m·K). This is a
list of approximate values of thermal conductivity, k, for some common materials.
Table 2: Thermal conductivity of Materials
Thermal Resistance: The reciprocal of thermal conductivity is thermal resistance, usually measured
in Kelvin-meters per watt (K·m·W−1).
Sound: A sound is produced when the membrane of the sounding instrument vibrates. Sound is a
mechanical wave that is an oscillation of pressure transmitted through a solid, liquid, or gas,
composed of frequencies within the range of hearing and of a level sufficiently strong to be heard, or
the sensation stimulated in organs of hearing by such vibrations.
Propagation of sound: Sound is a sequence of waves of pressure that propagates through
compressible media such as air or water. (Sound can propagate through solids as well, but there are
additional modes of propagation). During propagation, waves can be reflected, refracted, or
attenuated by the medium.
Speed of sound: The speed of sound depends on the medium the waves pass through, and is a
fundamental property of the material. In general, the speed of sound is proportional to the square root
of the ratio of the elastic modulus (stiffness) of the medium to its density. Those physical properties
and the speed of sound change with ambient conditions. Example: The speed of sound in gases
depends on temperature. In 20 °C (68 °F) air at the sea level, the speed of sound is approximately
343 m/s (1,230 km/h; 767 mph) using the formula "v = (331 + 0.6 T) m/s". In fresh water, also at 20
°C, the speed of sound is approximately 1,482 m/s (5,335 km/h; 3,315 mph). In steel, the speed of
sound is about 5,960 m/s (21,460 km/h; 13,330 mph).
Acoustics: Acoustics is the interdisciplinary science that deals with the study of all mechanical
waves in gases, liquids, and solids including vibration, sound, ultrasound and infrasound. The
application of acoustics is the audio and noise control industries.
Noise: Noise is a term often used to refer to an unwanted sound. Noise is an undesirable component
that obscures a wanted signal.
Sound pressure level: Sound pressure level is the difference, in a given medium, between average
local pressure and the pressure in the sound wave. Example: 1 Pa RMS sound pressure (94 dBSPL)
in atmospheric air implies that the actual pressure in the sound wave oscillates between (1 atm
Pa) and (1 atm Pa), that is between 101323.6 and 101326.4 Pa.
Sound frequency: An audio (Sound) frequency (abbreviation: AF) or audible frequency is
characterized as a periodic vibration whose frequency is audible to the average human. It is the
property of sound that most determines pitch and is measured in hertz (Hz). The generally accepted
standard range of audible frequencies is 20 to 20,000 Hz,
Sound intensity: The term "intensity" is used exclusively for the measurement of sound in watts per
unit area. Sound intensity or acoustic intensity (I) is defined as the sound power Pac per unit area A.
The usual context is the noise measurement of sound intensity in the air at a listener's location.
Acoustic intensity: The intensity is the product of the sound pressure and the particle velocity,
; Notice that both v and I are Vectors, which means that both have a direction as well as a
magnitude.
Elasticity: Elasticity is the physical property of a material due to which it returns to its original shape
after the stress or external forces is removed.
Stress: Stress is the measures of the average force per unit area of a surface on which internal forces
act.
Yield Strength: The yield strength of a material is the stress at which a material begins to deform
plastically.
Stress–strain curve: The stress–strain curve is a graphical representation of the relationship
between stress and strain, by measuring the deformation of the sample, i.e. elongation, compression,
or distortion.
Young's modulus: The slope of the stress-strain curve at any point is called the tangent modulus. The
tangent modulus of the initial, linear portion of a stress-strain curve is called Young's modulus, also
known as the tensile modulus. It is defined as the ratio of the unit-axial stress over the unit-axial strain
in the range of stress in which Hooke's Law holds. It is a measure of the stiffness of an elastic
material
Young's modulus Units: Young's modulus is the ratio of stress to strain and so Young's modulus has
units of pressure.
(Stress (σ) is shown as a function of strain (ε). 1= True elastic limit; 2= Proportionality limit; 3=
Elastic limit and 4= Offset yield strength.)
Hooke's law: Hooke's law of elasticity states that the extension of a spring is in direct proportion
with the load applied to it as long as the load does not exceed the material's elastic limit.
Mathematically, Hooke's law states that:
Where, x is the displacement of the spring; F is the restoring force exerted; and k is a constant called
the rate or spring constant.
Strain: The relative amount of deformation is called the strain.
Altitude and Air Pressure & Specific Volume Correction Factors: The air pressure varies with
altitude. The specific volume of standard air at a certain altitude can be calculated by multiplying
with the volume correction factor below:
Air: Air is a mixture of gases, such as 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen with traces of water vapour,
carbon dioxide, argon, and various other components as given in Table:
Molar volume: Taking STP to be 101.325 kPa and 273.15 K, we can find the volume of one mole of
a gas:
For 100.000 kPa and 273.15 K, the molar volume of an ideal gas is 22.414 dm3 mol-1.
Boyle's law: Boyle’s law is relation to Kinetic Theory and Ideal Gases and states that at constant
temperature for a fixed mass, the absolute pressure and the volume of a gas are inversely
proportional. The law can also be stated in a slightly different manner, that the product of absolute
pressure and volume is always constant. The mathematical equation for Boyle's law is:
1 OR;
P or,
P V = constant P1 V1 = P2 V2 = P3 V3 = k
V
Where, p denotes the pressure of the system; V denotes the volume of the gas; k is a constant value
representative of the pressure and volume of the system and 1, 2, 3 refer to the different sets of
conditions. Examples: The Change of Pressure in a Syringe, the popping of a Balloon, increase in
size of bubbles as they rise to the surface, death of deep sea creatures due to change in pressure and
popping of ears at high altitude are the examples.
Charles's law: Charles's law states that at constant pressure, the volume of a given mass of an ideal
gas increases or decreases by the same factor as its temperature on the absolute temperature scale
(i.e. the gas expands as the temperature increases). This can be written as,
Where V is the volume of the gas; and T is the absolute temperature. The law can also be usefully
expressed as follows:
The equation shows that as absolute temperature increases, the volume of the gas increases in
proportion at a constant pressure.
Relation to the ideal gas law: French physicist Emile Clapeyron combined Charles's law with
Boyle's law to produce a single equation which would become known as the ideal gas law:
Where, t is the Celsius temperature; and p0, V0 and t0 are the pressure, volume and temperature of a
sample of gas under some standard state. The figure of 267 came directly from Gay-Lussac's work.
The modern figure would be 273.15. For any given sample of gas, p0 V0 ⁄ 267+ t0 is a constant
(Clapeyron denoted this constant R, and it is closely related to the modern gas constant); if the
pressure is also constant, the equation simplifies to
Where, P is the pressure; V is the volume; n is the amount of substance of the gas (in moles); R is the
gas constant (8.314 J·K−1mol-1) and T is the absolute temperature
Absolute Zero: Charles's law appears to imply that the volume of a gas will descend to zero at a
certain temperature (−266.66 °C according to Gay-Lussac's figures) or -273°C.
However, the "absolute zero" on the Kelvin temperature scale was originally defined in terms of the
second law of thermodynamics.
Relation to kinetic theory: Where, N is the number of molecules in the gas sample. If the pressure is
constant, the volume is directly proportional to the average kinetic energy and hence to the
temperature for any given gas sample. The kinetic theory of gases relates that the temperature being
proportional to the average kinetic energy of the gas molecules.
iii) General Gas Equation: In order to deal with all practical cases, the Boyles’ law and
Charles’ law are combined together, which give us a general gas equation as below;
P1 V1 P2 V2 P3 V3
= = = ……. = Constant
T1 T2 T3
Viscous Flow: A viscous fluid will deform continuously under a shear force, whereas an ideal fluid
doesn't deform. Both pneumatics and hydraulics are applications of fluid power. Pneumatics fluid is
an easily compressible, such as, gas or air, while hydraulic fluid is relatively incompressible liquid
media such as water or oil. Most industrial applications of pneumatic fluid pressures are about 80 to
100 pounds per square inch (550 to 690 kPa). Hydraulics applications commonly use from 1,000 to
5,000 psi (6.9 to 34 MPa) with specialized applications up to 10,000 psi (69 MPa). Hydraulic
systems use an incompressible fluid, such as oil or water, to transmit forces from one location to
another within the fluid. Most aircraft use hydraulics in the braking systems and landing gear.
Pneumatic systems use compressible fluid, such as air, in their operation. Some aircraft utilize
pneumatic systems for their brakes, landing gear and movement of flaps.
Pascal's law: Pascal's law states that when there is an increase in pressure at any point in a confined
fluid, there is an equal increase at every other point in the container. There is an increase in pressure
as the length of the column of liquid increases, due to the increased mass of the fluid above. Pascal's
law allows forces to be multiplied.
Affinity laws: The affinity laws are used in hydraulics and HVAC to express the relationship
between variables involved in pump or fan and turbine performance, such as, head, flow rate, shaft
speed, and power. In rotary implements, the affinity laws apply both to centrifugal and axial flows.
The affinity laws are useful as they allow prediction of the head discharge characteristic of a pump or
fan from a known characteristic measured at a different speed or impeller diameter.
Pipe Friction:
h f= 4 L V2 / 2 g d; Where, = 0.0056; and d = H. M. D. =Inside diameter of pipe ----(iii)
Velocity = V = 39 d Velocity = V = 55 d
S S
Inside Diameter = d =
0.2545 x 5 Q2 /g Inside Diameter = d =
0.222 x 5 Q2 /g
Where, hf is the head loss due to friction (SI units: m); L is the length of the pipe (m); D is the
hydraulic diameter of the pipe (for a pipe of circular section, this equals the internal diameter of the
pipe) (m); V is the average velocity of the fluid flow, equal to the volumetric flow rate per unit cross-
sectional wetted area (m/s); g is the local acceleration due to gravity (m/s2); f is a dimensionless
coefficient called the Darcy friction factor. It can be found from a Moody Diagram or more precisely
by solving the Colebrook Equation.
Pressure loss: The head loss hf expresses the pressure loss Δp as the height of a column of fluid,
Where ρ is the density of the fluid, the Darcy–Weisbach equation can also be written in terms of
pressure loss:
Where the pressure loss due to friction Δp (units: Pa or kg/ms2) is a function of: the ratio of the length
to diameter of the pipe, L/D; the density of the fluid, ρ (kg/m3); the mean velocity of the flow, V
(m/s), as defined above; a (dimensionless) coefficient of laminar, or turbulent flow, f.
Components of hydraulic head: A mass free falling from an elevation (in a vacuum) will reach a
speed,
When
Where, g is the acceleration When arriving at elevation z =
due to gravity. 0 or when we rearrange it as a
head.
Bernoulli’s Theorem: For a non-viscous, incompressible fluid in steady flow, the sum of pressure,
potential and kinetic energies per unit volume is constant at any point. A centrifugal pump converts the
input power to kinetic energy in the liquid by accelerating the liquid by a revolving device - an
impeller. The energy created by the pump is kinetic energy according the Bernoulli Equation. The
energy transferred to the liquid corresponds to the velocity at the edge or vane tip of the impeller. The
faster the impeller revolves or the bigger the impeller is the higher will the velocity of the liquid
energy transferred to the liquid be. This is described by the Affinity Laws.
A special form of the Euler’s equation derived along a fluid flow streamline is often called the
Bernoulli Equation:
H = h + V2 / 2g + P / W
Proton Neutron
Mass 938 MeV/c² Mass: 940 MeV/c²
Electric Charge 1.6 × 10−19 C Electric charge: 0 C
Spin 1/2 Spin: ½
Quark Quark
1 Down, 2 Up 2 Down, 1 Up
Composition composition:
Ions and Salts An ion is a charged atom or molecule that has lost or gained one or more electrons.
Positively charged cations (e.g. sodium cation Na+) and negatively charged anions (e.g. chloride
anion Cl−) can form a crystalline lattice of neutral salts (e.g. sodium chloride NaCl). The polyatomic
ions that do not split up during acid-base reactions are hydroxide (OH−) and phosphate (PO43−).
Ions in the gaseous phase are often known as plasma.
Acid and Base: An acid is a substance that produces hydronium ions when it is dissolved in water,
and a base is one that produces hydroxide ions when dissolved in water. Acids donate a positive
hydrogen ion to another substance in a chemical reaction. A base receives the hydrogen ion. An acid
is a substance which is capable of accepting a pair of electrons from another substance during the
process of bond formation, while a base can provide a pair of electrons to form a new bond.
Oxidants & Reductant: It is a concept related to the ability of atoms of various substances to lose or
gain electrons. Substances that have the ability to oxidize other substances are said to be oxidative
and are known as oxidizing agents, oxidants or oxidizers. An oxidant removes electrons from another
substance. Similarly, substances that have the ability to reduce other substances are said to be
reductive and are known as reducing agents, reductants, or reducers. A reductant transfers electrons to
another substance, and is thus oxidized itself.
Chemical Equilibrium: Chemical Equilibrium is a stage of chemical reaction when the chemical
composition of the substance remains unchanged over time.
Chemical laws: Chemical reactions are governed by certain laws, which have become fundamental
concepts in chemistry. Some of them are: Avogadro’s law; Beer-Lambert law; Boyle’s law (relating
pressure and volume); Charles’s law (relating volume and temperature); Fick’s law of diffusion; Gay-
Lussac’s law (relating pressure and temperature); Le Chatelaine’s Principle; Henry’s law; Hess’s
Law; Law of conservation of energy; Law of conservation of mass; Law of definite composition;
Law of multiple proportions and Fault’s Law.
Conservation of energy: The law of conservation of energy states that the total amount of energy in a
system remains constant over time. A consequence of this law is that energy can neither be created
nor destroyed. It can only be transformed from one state to another.
Einstein’s theory of relativity: Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity states that mass is a form of
energy and can transform one into another with the conservation of the total energy of a system to
other system of energy.
The first law of thermodynamics: Entropy is a function of a quantity of heat which shows the
possibility of conversion of that heat into work.
Conservation of mass: The law of conservation of mass states that the mass of a closed system will
remain constant over time because of a result of processes acting inside the system. The mass cannot
be created or destroyed, although it may be rearranged in space and changed into different types of
particles for any chemical process in a closed system. The mass of the reactants must be equal to the
mass of the products.
Biomass: Biomass is a renewable energy source and is a biological material from living or recently
living organisms, such as, wood, waste, hydrogen gas and alcohol fuels. Biomass is commonly plant
matter grown to generate electricity or produce heat.
1.6 Mathematics
Mathematics is the concepts of calculations of quantity, structure, space, changes and the academic
discipline that studies them. Mathematics is divided into smaller subcategories, such as, Geometry,
Trigonometry, Menstruation and Algebra.
Mathematics Constants: Log 10e= 0.434294; Log e10= 2.30259
e = Base of Natural Logarithms = 2.71828; Log 10N = Log eN x 0.4343; Log eN = Log 10N x 2.3026; I
radian = 570 17’ 45’ = 57.29580; π = 3.1416; Log eπ = 0.4972.
Sigma σ & ς: There are two forms for the small letter Sigma. The form (ς) is written at the end of a
word, called final sigma. If it occurs anywhere else, it is written like this: (σ).
Arithmetic: Arithmetic is the elementary branch and involves the study of the traditional operations of
addition, subtraction, multiplication and division with smaller values of numbers.
ALGEBRA
Algebra: Algebra is the branch of mathematics, which studies the rules of operations, relations,
constructions and concepts arising from them, including terms, polynomials, equations and algebraic
structures. An equation is a mathematical statement that asserts the equality of two expressions.
Equations consist of the expressions that have to be equal on opposite sides of an equal sign, such as,
Cubic Function: In mathematics, a cubic function is a function of the form
Where, ‘a’ is nonzero. The derivative of a cubic function is a quadratic function. The integral of a
cubic function is a quadratic function. The coefficients a, b, c, d are real numbers.
Elementary algebra: Equations involving linear or simple rational functions of a single real-valued
unknown, say x, such as can be solved using the methods of elementary algebra.
Linear equation: A linear equation is an algebraic equation in which each term is either a constant or
the product of a constant and the first power of a single variable. Linear equations can have one or
more variables. A common form of a linear equation in the two variables x and y is,
Where, x represents a variable, and a, b, and c, constants, with a ≠ 0. The constants a, b, and c, are
called respectively, the quadratic coefficient, the linear coefficient and the constant term or free term.
A quadratic equation with real or complex coefficients has two solutions, called roots. These two
solutions may or may not be distinct, and they may or may not be real. The roots are given by the
quadratic formula
Where, the symbol "±" indicates that both are solutions of the quadratic equation. Followings are the
important formulas, which is frequently being used by an engineer.
Ratio: a c
When, = ; or a x d = b x c; or
b d
a+b c+d a -b c - d
= ; = .
b d b d
Cyclic (a + b) 2 = a2 + b2 + 2 a ; (a - b) 2 = a2 + b2 - 2 a b;
Expression (a - b) 2 = a2 + b2 - 2 a b; a2 - b2 = (a + b) x (a - b).
a3 – b3 = (a - b) (a2 + b2 + a b) ;
a3 + b3 = (a + b) (a2 + b2 - a b);
(a + b) 3 = a3 + b3 + 3 a b (a + b);
(a - b) 3 = a3 - b3 - 3 a b (a - b).
GEOMETRY
Geometry: Geometry is all about shapes and their properties. Geometry can be divided into two
parts.
Plane Geometry: Plane Geometry is about flat shapes like line, plane, triangle, Quadrilateral and
circles that can be drawn on a piece of paper
Triangle: Triangles are assumed to be two-dimensional plane figures. A triangle is one of the basic
shape of Geometry or a polygon with three corners or vertices and three sides or edges which are line
segments. A triangle with vertices A, B, and C is denoted ABC. The three angles always add to
180°. A triangle that has all interior angles measuring less than 90° is an acute triangle or acute-
angled triangle. A "triangle" with an interior angle of 180° and collinear vertices is degenerate.
Triangle Shapes
Right Angle Triangle:
A right triangle has one
of its interior angles
measuring 90°. The side
opposite to the right
angle is the hypotenuse;
it is the longest side of
the right triangle. The
other two sides are
called the legs of the
triangle.
Scalene Triangle:
Scalene Triangle has no
equal sides and no equal
angles. Obtuse Triangle
has all three angles less
than 90°.
Equilateral Triangle: In
an equilateral triangle,
all sides have the same
length. In equilateral
triangle is also a regular
polygon with all angles
measuring 60°.
Isosceles Triangle:
Isosceles triangle has
two sides equal in
length and two angles
opposite to the two
sides of the same length
have same measure.
Obtuse Angle
Triangle: Obtuse Angle
Triangle has an angle
more than 90°
Oblique Triangles:
Triangles that has all
sides different and do
not have an angle that
measures 90° are called
oblique triangles.
In diagrams representing triangles above, "tick" marks are used to denote sides of equal lengths, such
as, the equilateral triangle has tick marks on all 3 sides, the isosceles on 2 sides. The scalene has
single, double, and triple tick marks, indicating that no sides are equal. Similarly, arcs on the inside
of the vertices are used to indicate equal angles. The equilateral triangle indicates all 3 angles are
equal; the isosceles shows 2 identical angles. The scalene indicates by 1, 2, and 3 arcs that no angles
are equal.
Area of Triangles: The area of a triangle can be demonstrated as half of the area of a parallelogram
which has the same base length and height. Simplest formula is:
Where b is the length of the base of the triangle, and h is the height or altitude of the triangle. The term
'base' denotes any side and 'height' denotes the length of a perpendicular from the vertex opposite the
side onto the line containing the side itself. The sides of the triangle are known as follows: The
hypotenuse is the side opposite the right angle, or defined as the longest side of a right-angled
triangle, in this case h. The opposite side is the side opposite to the angle we are interested in, in this
case a. The adjacent side is the side that is in contact with the angle we are interested in.
Heron's formula: The shape of the triangle is determined by the lengths of the sides alone. Therefore
the area can also be derived from the lengths of the sides. By Heron's formula:
Where “s” = half of the triangle's perimeter. Three other way of finding the Triangle area by Heron's
formula is:
Quadrilaterals: Quadrilateral has a four-sided two-dimensional shape. The sides are straight and the
interior angles add up is equal to 360 degrees. There are many types of quadrilateral:
Rectangle: A rectangle is a four-sided shape where every angle is a right angle (90°) and opposite
sides are parallel and of equal length.
Rhombus: A rhombus is a four-sided shape where all sides have equal length and opposite sides are
parallel and opposite angles are equal. The diagonals of a rhombus bisect each other at right angles.
The Square: A square has equal sides and every angle is a right angle (90°) and opposite sides is
parallel.
The Parallelogram: Opposite sides are parallel and equal in length, and opposite angles are equal.
Note: Squares, Rectangles and Rhombuses are all Parallelograms.
Trapezoid: A trapezoid (a trapezium) has one pair of opposite sides parallel. It is called an isosceles
trapezoid if the sides that aren't parallel are equal in length and both angles coming from a parallel
side are equal.
Circle: Circle is the set of all points on a plane that are at a fixed distance from a centre. It is a round
figure.
Radius and Diameter of a Circle: The Radius is the distance from the centre to the edge of the
circle. The Diameter is the linear distance passing through the centre between two points on the
circle, which are opposite to each other. So the Diameter is twice the Radius: Diameter = 2 × Radius.
Menstruation: Menstruation is the branch of geometry dealing with measurement of geometric
magnitudes such as length, area and volume.
Area of a Triangle: The area of a Triangle is half of the base times height. Area = ½ b × h Where, b =
base; & h = vertical height of a, b, c sides of triangle. Or,
Rectangle Parallelogram
Area = w × Area = b × h.
h, Where, Where, b = base,
w = width, h = vertical height.
h = height.
Trapezoid
Circle Area = πr2
(Trapezium)
Circumference=2πr
Area =
=πd Where, r =
½(a+b) × h,
radius, d=diameter
h = vertical
of the circle.
height.
Ellipse
Area = π a
Sector
b. Where, a
Area = ½r2θ
is longest
r = radius,
diameter
θ = angle in
and b is the
radians.
shortest
diameter.
SOLID GEOMETRY
Solid Geometry: Solid Geometry is the geometry of three-dimensional space, such as, cubes, prisms
and pyramids.
Cube: It has 6 faces. Each face has 4 edges, and is actually a square. It has 12 edges. It has 8 corner
points and at each vertex 3 edges meet. A cube is called a hexahedron because it is a polyhedron that
has 6 faces.
Cuboids: A cuboids is a box-shaped object having six flat sides and all angles are right angles. All of
its faces are rectangles. It is also a prism because it has the same cross-section along a length. In fact
it is a rectangular prism.
Prisms: A prism has the same cross section all along its length. A cross section is the shape you get
when cutting straight across an object. The cross section of this object is either a triangle or square. It
has the same cross section all along its length.
Pyramids: A pyramid is made by connecting a base to an apex. There are many types of Pyramids,
and they are named after the shape of their base.
Polyhedral and Non-Polyhedral: There are two main types of solids, "Polyhedral", and "Non-
Polyhedral". Polyhedral must have all faces flat. Non-Polyhedral does not have any surface flat.
Sphere Torus
Cylinder Cone
Square Pyramid:
Surface Area = A + 1/2 × p x l. where p =
base Perimeter and l = Slant Length of
cone.
Volume of Square Pyramid = 1/3 × A x h,
where A = [Base Area] and h = Height.
Pentagonal Pyramid: It has 6 Faces. The 5 Side Faces are Triangles. The Base is a Pentagon. It has
6 Vertices (corner points). It has 10 Edges.
Volume of Pentagonal Pyramid = 1/3 × [Base Area] × Height.
Surface of Area Pentagonal Pyramid = [Base Area] + 1/2 × Perimeter × [Side Length]. (When, all
side faces are the same).
Cylinder: It has a flat base and a flat top. The base is the same as the top, and also in-between. It has
one curved side. Because it has a curved surface it is not a polyhedron.
Surface Area of Cylinder = 2 × π × r × (r+h)
Surface Area of One End of Cylinder = π × r2
Surface Area of Side of Cylinder = 2 × π × r × h
Volume of Cylinder = multiply the area of the circle by the height of the cylinder = = π × r2 × h.
Where, Area of the circle: π × r2 and Height = h
Cone: It has a flat base. It has one curved side because it has a curved surface it is not a polyhedron.
A Cone is a Rotated Triangle. A cone is made by rotating a triangle. The triangle has to be a right-
angled triangle, and it gets rotated around one of its two short sides. The side it rotates around is the
axis of the cone.
Surface Area of Base of Cone = π × r2
Surface Area of Side of Cone = π × r × s
Surface Area of Side of Cone = π × r × √(r2 +h2)
Volume of Cone = π × r2 × (h/3)
Sphere: It is perfectly symmetrical. It has no edges or vertices (corners). It is not a polyhedron. All
points on the surface are the same distance from the centre.
Surface Area of Sphere = 4 × π × r2
Volume of Sphere = (4/3) × π × r3
Torus: It can be made by revolving a small circle along a line made by another circle. It has no edges
or vertices. It is not a polyhedron.
Surface Area of Torus = 4 × π2 × R × r
Volume of Torus = 2 × π2 × R × r2
TRIGONOMETRY
Trigonometry: Trigonometry is a branch of mathematics that studies triangles and the relationships
between their sides and the angles between sides.
The Pythagorean Theorem: Pythagorean Theorem states that in any right triangle, the square of the
length of the hypotenuse equals the sum of the squares of the lengths of the two other sides. If the
hypotenuse has length c, and the legs have lengths a and b, then the theorem states that
By the Pythagorean Theorem, the length of the hypotenuse is the length of a leg time’s √2. In a right
triangle with acute angles measuring 30 and 60 degrees, the hypotenuse is twice the length of the
shorter side, and the longer side is equal to the length of the shorter side time’s √3:
These ratios are given by the following trigonometric functions of the known angle A, where a, b and
c refer to the lengths of the sides in the accompanying figure.
In this right triangle: Sin A = a/c; Cos A = b/c; Tan A = a/b.
Sine: The sine of an angle is the ratio of the length of the opposite side to the length of the hypotenuse.
Cosine: The cosine of an angle is the ratio of the length of the adjacent side to the length of the
hypotenuse.
Tangent: The tangent of an angle is the ratio of the length of the perpendicular height (Opposite Side)
to the length of the adjacent side (Base).
Cosecant: The cosecant of an angle is the reciprocal of Sin (A), i.e. the ratio of the length of the
hypotenuse to the length of the opposite side (perpendicular height):
Secant: The secant of an angle is the reciprocal of Cos (A), i.e. the ratio of the length of the
hypotenuse to the length of the adjacent side (base):
Cotangent: The cotangent of an angle is the reciprocal of Tan (A), i.e. the ratio of the length of the
adjacent side (base) to the length of the opposite side (perpendicular height):
Right Angle Triangle Equations: In a right angle triangle where hypotenuse length is c and the length
of other two sides are a and b, then,
The hypotenuse is the side opposite to the 90 degree angle in a right triangle; it is the longest side of
the triangle, and one of the two sides adjacent to angle A. The adjacent leg is the other side that is
adjacent to angle A. The opposite side is the side that is opposite to angle A. The terms perpendicular
and base are sometimes used for the opposite and adjacent sides respectively. The reciprocals of
these functions are named the Cosecant (Cosec), Secant (Sec), and Cotangent (Cot), respectively. The
inverse functions are called the arcsine, arccosine, and arctangent, respectively. There are arithmetic
relations between these functions, which are known as trigonometric identities. The cosine, cotangent,
and cosecant are so named because they are respectively the sine, tangent, and secant of the
complementary angle abbreviated to "co-".
Calculating trigonometric functions: Trigonometric functions are among the earliest uses for
mathematical tables. Such tables are incorporated into mathematics textbooks
Applications of trigonometry: Sextants are used to measure the angle of the sun or stars with respect
to the horizon. Using trigonometry and a marine chronometer, the position of the ship can be
determined from such measurements. There are an enormous number of uses of trigonometry and
trigonometric functions. For instance, the technique of triangulation is used in astronomy to measure
the distance to nearby stars, in geography to measure distances between landmarks, and in satellite
navigation systems. The sine and cosine functions are fundamental to the theory of periodic functions
such as those that describe sound and light waves.
Angle transformation formulae:
Law of sines: The law of sines (also known as the "sine rule") for an arbitrary triangle states:
Another law involving sines can be used to calculate the area of a triangle. Given two sides and the
angle between the sides, the Area of the triangle is:
Law of cosines: The law of cosines (known as the cosine formula, or the "cos rule") is an extension
of the Pythagorean Theorem to arbitrary triangles:
or
Law of tangents: The law of tangents:
Standard identities: Triangle with sides a, b, c and respectively opposite angles A, B, C. Certain
equations involving trigonometric functions are true for all angles and are known as trigonometric
identities. Identities are those equations that hold true for any value.
Trigonometric Functions: The trigonometric functions are summarized in the following table. The
angle θ is the angle between the hypotenuse and the adjacent line – the angle at A in the accompanying
diagram.
Cos
Tan
Cot
Sec
Cosec
Function
Sin 0
Cos 1
Tan 0
Cot
Sec 1
Cosec 2
Function
Sin 1
Cos 0
Tan 1
Cot 1 0
Sec 2
Cosec 1
Law of sines: The law of Sine states that for an a triangle with sides a, b, and c and angles opposite
those sides A, B and C and R is the triangle's circum radius: then,
Law of cosines: The law of Cosine in the same triangle is an extension of the Pythagorean Theorem:
Law of tangents: The law of Tangent in the same triangle are as follow:
Trigonometrically Ratio:
If two triangles are h1 h2 h3
similar, then the ratio of = =;
any two sides of a b1 b2 h3
triangle is equal to the
ratio of corresponding
sides of the other
triangle. So
Sin A x Cosec A = Cos A x Sec A = Tan A x Cot A = 1
1 + Tan2 A = Sec2 A 1 + Cot2 A = Cosec2 A
Tan A Tan A - Tan B
+ Tan B Tan (A -B) =
Tan (A + B)
= 1 + Tan A x Tan B
1 – Tan A
x Tan B
Trigonometric Law of Cosines: In a triangle ABC, the
resultant is calculated by applying the following law of
cosines to the triangle ABC, R2 = P2 + Q2 – 2 P Q cos A
Where, A is the angle between the two forces represented
by two sides of the triangle.
2 Tan A
Sin 2A = 2 Sin A x Cos A =
1 + Tan2A
1 - Tan2A
Cos 2A = 1- 2 Sin2A =
1 + Tan2A
Cos 2A = Cos2 A - Sin2 A = 2 Cos2 A –1
2 Tan A
Tan 2A =
1 - Tan2A
TRIGONOMETRIC THEOREMS:
The measures of the interior angles of the triangle
always add up to 180 degrees.
An exterior angle of a triangle is an angle that is a
linear pair (supplementary) to an interior angle.
The measure of an exterior angle of a triangle is
equal to the sum of the measures of the two interior
angles that are not adjacent to it; this is the exterior angle
theorem.
The sum of the measures of the three exterior angles
of any triangle is 360 degrees.
The sum of the lengths of any two sides of a triangle
always exceeds the length of the third side, a principle
known as the triangle inequality.
Two triangles are said to be similar if every angle
of one triangle has the same measure as the
corresponding angle in the other triangle.
The corresponding sides of similar triangles have
lengths that are in the same proportion, and this property
is also sufficient to establish similarity.
If two corresponding internal angles of two
triangles have the same measure, the triangles are similar.
If two corresponding sides of two triangles are in
proportion, and their included angles have the same
measure, then the triangles are similar.
If three corresponding sides of two triangles are in
proportion, then the triangles are similar.
Two triangles that are congruent have exactly the
same size and shape and all pairs of corresponding
interior angles are equal in measure, and all pairs of
corresponding sides have the same length.
When two sides of a triangle have the same length
as two sides in the other triangle and the included angles
have the same measure (SAS Postulate), then these two
triangles are congruent.
When two interior angles and the included side in a
triangle have the same measure and length, respectively,
as those in the other triangle (ASA), then these two
triangles are congruent.
When each side of a triangle has the same length as
a corresponding side of the other triangle (SSS), then
these two triangles are congruent.
When two angles and a corresponding (non-
included) side in a triangle have the same measure and
length, respectively, as those in the other triangle (AAS),
then these two triangles are congruent.
When the hypotenuse and a leg in a right triangle
have the same length as those in another right triangle
(RHS), then these two triangles are congruent.
When the hypotenuse and an acute angle in one right
triangle have the same length and measure as those in the
other right triangle (AAS), these two triangles are
congruent.
C ALCULUS
Calculus: In the case of a particle travelling in a straight line, its position, x, is given by x (t) where t
is time and x(t) means that x is a function of t. The derivative of this function is equal to the
infinitesimal change in quantity, dx, per infinitesimal change in time, dt. This change in displacement
per change in time is the velocity v of the particle. By Equation it is given as:
or
Theorem of Calculus: There are two parts to the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, the first part
deals with the derivative of an anti-derivative, while the second part deals with the relationship
between anti-derivatives and definite integrals.
First part: Let, ƒ be a continuous real-valued function defined on a closed interval [a, b]. Let, F be
the function defined, for all x in [a, b], by,
Then, F is continuous on [a, b], differentiable on the open interval (a, b), and for all x in (a, b).
Second part: Let ƒ be a real-valued function defined on a closed interval [a, b] that admits an anti-
derivative g on [a, b]. That is, ƒ and g are functions such that for all x in [a, b],
Logarithm: The logarithm of a number ‘y’ with respect to base ‘b’ is the exponent to which ‘b’ has to
be raised in order to yield ‘y’. In other words, the logarithm of ‘y’ to base ‘b’ is the solution ‘x’ of the
equation: The logarithm is denoted log b y (pronounced as "the logarithm of y to base b", or
"base-b logarithm of y"). In logarithm, the base b must be a positive real number not equal to 1 and y
must be a positive number. The graph of the logarithm to base 2 crosses the x-axis (horizontal axis) at
1 and passes through the points with coordinates (2, 1), (4, 2), and (8, 3). The logarithm of a number
is the exponent by which a fixed number, the base, has to be raised to produce that number. Example:
The logarithm of 1000 to base 10 is 3, because 1000 is 10 to the power 3. 1000 = three times 10 =
103 = 10×10×10. More generally, if x = by, then y is the logarithm of x to base b, and is written
logb(x). So, log10 (1000) = 3. The logarithm relies on the fact that the logarithm of a product is the
sum of the logarithms of the factors:
The logarithm to base b = 10 is called the common logarithm and has many applications in
engineering. The base of the natural logarithm is the constant e (e = 2.718). It is widespread in pure
mathematics, and especially in calculus. The binary logarithm uses base b = 2 and is prominent in
computer science. Example 1: The decibel is a logarithmic unit quantifying sound pressure and
voltage ratios. In chemistry, pH is a logarithmic measure for the acidity of an aqueous solution.
Logarithms are common place in scientific formulas,
Example 2: log2 (16) = 4, since 4 times 2 = 2×2×2×2 = 16. Logarithms can also be negative:
Since,
Example 3: log10 (150) is approximately 2.176, which lies between 2 and 3, just as 150 lies between
102 = 100 and 103 = 1000. Finally, for any base b, logb (b) = 1 and logb (1) = 0, since b1 = b and b0 = 1,
respectively.
Particular bases: Among all choices for the base b, three are particularly common. These are b = 10,
b = e (the irrational mathematical constant = 2.71828), and b = 2. In mathematical analysis, the
logarithm to base e is widespread because of its particular analytical properties. On the other hand,
base-10 logarithms are easy to use for manual calculations in the decimal number system:
1.7 Abbreviations
< Less Than AC Air Cooled
> Greater Than AC Alternating Current
= Equal To ACI Alloy Casting Institute
≥ Greater or Equal ADI Austempered Ductile Iron
ABS Acrylonitrile- ISBL Inside Battery Limit
butadiene-styrene ISCC Inter granular Stress-
ABS American Bureau Corrosion Cracking
of Shipping It Steam Tracing Insulation
Ac 1 Temperature at IT Isothermal
which austenite Transformation
Ac 3 Temperature at ITP Inspection Test Plan
which transformation of ferrite IW Induction Welding
to austenite is completed on J Joule
heating JIS Japanese Industrial Standard
Ac cm Temperature at K Kelvin
which cementite completes KG Kilogram
solution in austenite KG/CM2 Kilogram/ Square Centimetre
Ae cm, Ae 1, Ae 3 Km Kilometre
Equilibrium Transformation SWG Stubs’ Wire Gauge/Swage Nipple
Temperatures in steels T&G Tongue & Groove
AI Instrument Air T&C Threaded & Coupled
AK Aluminium Killed T/T Tangent to
Material Tangent
Al Aluminium
AMS Aerospace
Material Specification
AP Plant Air LM Large Male
Ar 1 Temperature at which transformation to LNG Liquefied Natural Gas
Ferrite or cementite is completed on cooling LO Locked Open
Ar 3 Temperature at which transformation of LR Large Radius
austenite to ferrite begins on cooling LRL Location Reference Line
AS Alloy Steel LT Large Tongue
ATM Atmosphere LT Level Transmitter
AWG American Wire Gage LTCS Low Temperature Carbon Steel
BAS Bell & Spigot LW Lap Weld
BBE Bevel Both Ends LWN Long Welding Neck
BCC Body-Centred Cubic M&F Male & Female
BCT Body-Centred Tetragonal MAINT Maintenance
BD Blow Down MAX Maximum
BDD Dry Blow Down MC Mill Certificate
BDW Wet Blow Down Mg Mega gram
BE Bevel End MH Man Hole
BF Blind Flange MI Malleable Iron
BHN Brinell hardness number MIN
BID Brinell Indentation Diameter Minimum
BIS Bureau of Indian Standard MIV Material Issue Voucher
BL Battery Limit MK Mark
BLDG Buildings MNF Manufacturers
BLE Bevel Large Ends MOLY
BLN Blind Molybdenum
BOM Bill of Material Mpa Mega Pascal
BOP Bottom of Pipe MPH Mile per Hour
BOT.F Bottom Flat MPT Magnetic Particle Test
BS British Standards MR Material Requisition
BSE Bevel Small Ends MRR Material Receiving Report
BTL Bottom Tangent Line MS Mild Steel/Material Specification
BTU British thermal unit MS Millisecond
Butyl Butyl rubber GR-1 (IIR) MSS Manufacturers Standard Society
BV Bureau Verities MTO Material Take Off
BW Butt Weld MTR Mitre
BWG Birmingham Wire MW Man Way
Gage MWG Mu
C to F Centre to Face Gage
CA Corrosion Allowance MWP Maximum Working Pressure
CAF Compressed Asbestos Fibres N Nitrogen
CAT Catalyst NA Caustic Soda
CAT`D`Category-D service NDE Normally De-energized
CC Combined Carbon NDT Non Destructive Testing
CDA Copper Development Association Ni Nickel
CE Carbon Equivalent NIBR Non Indian Boiler Regulation
CF Chemical Feed NIL Normal Interface Level
CFM Cubic Feet per Minute NIP Nipple
CG Centre of Gravity Nitrile Butadiene-acrylonitrile
CGA Compressed Gas NLL Normal Liquid Level
Association NOM Nominal
CH Condensate High NOM.DIA. Nominal Diameter
pressure NPS Nominal Pipe Size
CH. OP. Chain Operated NPSH Net Positive Suction Head
CI Cast Iron/Corrosion Inspection NPSHa Available Net Positive Suctio
CL Condensate Low pressure NPT National Pipe Thread
CLR Crack Length Ratio N-Rubber Natural rubber
CM Condensate Medium pressure OD Outside Diameter
COL Column OFC Oxyfuel Gas cutting
CONC. Concentric OFW Oxyfuel Gas Welding
CONN Connection OS&Y Oscillate, Swing and yoke
CONT Continued/Continuation OSBL Out Sid
CP Cathodes Protection Limit
CPLG Coupling OVHD Overhead
CPVC Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride OWS Oil Water Sewer
CQ Commercial Quality OZ Ounce
Cr Chromium P&ID Piping and Instrument Diagram
CRYO Cryogenic Service Pa Pascal
CS Carbon Steel PAW Plasma Arc Welding
CSA Canadian Standards Association PE Plain End
CSC Car Sealed Closed PFA Perfluoroalkoxyalkane copolyme
CSO Car Sealed Open PFI Pipe Fabrication Institute
CSR Crack Sensitivity Ratio PG Pressure Gauge
C-to-C Centre to Centre PI Pressure Indicator
CTR Centre PLGD Plugged
CVH Condensate Very High PLNG Planning
pressure PLTF Platform
CVN Charpy V-notch PMS Piping Material Specification
d diameter PO
D Drain/Diameter Order
D&T Drill & Tap POE Plain One End
dB Decibel PP Polypropylene
DC Direct Current Ppb Parts per Billion
DCN Design Change Notice PPI Plastic Pipe Institute
DEG. CENT. Degree Centigrade PPM Parts Per Million
DEG. Degree PQR Procedure Qualification Report
DEGN. Design PRESS
DET. Detail Pressure
DF Drain PS
Funnel Support
DIA Diameter PSE Plain Small End
DIMN Dimension PSI Pounds per Square Inch
DIN Deutsche Industrie PSIG Ponds per Square Inch Gauge
Norman PSV Pressure Safety Valve
DIS Ductile Iron Society PT Pressure Transmitter
DISCH Discharge PTFE Teflon/Poly tetra fluoro ethylen
DIVN Division PVA Polyvinyl Alcohol
DNV Dat Norse Verities PVC Polly Venial Chemical
DO Dry-Out PVDC Polyvinylidene chloride
DP Differential Pressure/Duel Phase PVDF Poly vinyl difluoride
DpT Differential Pressure Transmitter PVP Poly vinyl pyrolidone
DPT Dye Penetration Test PWHT Post-Weld Heat Treatment
DC Drain Connection QA Quality Assurance
DI Ductile Iron QWB Quench Water Blow down
DWG Drawing R/L Random Length
E Young’s RAD/R Radius/Radian
Modulus RECD Received
E.Fs.W Electric Fusion Welding REF Reference
EAF Electric Arc Furnace REV
EBW Electron Beam Welding Revision
ECC Eccentric RF Raised Face
EGW Electro Gas Welding RMS Root Mean Squire
EL Elevation RPM Revolutions per Minute
ELB Elbow RSP Resistance Spot Welding
ELC Extra-Low Carbon RSW Resistance Seam welding
EOL Elbolet RTJ Ring Type Joint
EPDM Ethylene-propylene-diene S Sample Connection
EPT Ethylene-propylene terpolymer S/D Shut Down
Eq Equation SAE Society of Automotive Engineers
ERW Electric Resistance Welding SAT Saturated
ESW Electro Slag Welding SAW Submerged Arc Welding
EW Eye Wash SBR Styrene Butadiene
EXH Exhaust SC Sample Cooler
FAB Fabricated SCC Stress-
FCAW Flux-Cored Arc Cracking
Welding SCF Stress Concentration Factor
FCC Face-Centred Cubic SCH Schedule
FCO Field Change Order SCRD Screwed
FDN Foundation SDL shutdown Level
FEP Fluorethylenepropylene SERR.FIN Serrated Finish
FF Flat Face SG Sight Glass
FG Fuel Gas /Flow Glass SGS SGS Inspection Service
FH Fire Hydrant SH Spring Hanger
FI Flow Indicator SH Steam (High Pressure)
SHT Sheet
Fig Figure SI Systeme International d`Unites
FKM Fluoroelastomer SL Steam (Low Pressure)
FL Flare SM Steam (Medium Pressure)
FLD Dry Flare SMAW Shielded Metal-Arc Welding
FLG Flange SMLS Seamless
FLGD Flanged SMTS Specified Minimum Tensile
FLI Intermediate Strength
Flare SMYS Specified Minimum Yield
FLR Floor/Flare Strength
FLW Wet SO Steam Out/Slip - On
Flare SOL Sockolet
FN Ferrite Number SP Special
FO Fuel Oil SP. GR.
FQI Flow Quantity Indicator Gravity
FRP Fibre Reinforced Polyethylene SPCR Spacer
FRW Friction Welding SPEC Specification
FS Forged Steel SPWD Spiral Wound
FSD Flat Side Down SR Short Radius
FSU Flat Side Up SS Stainless Steel
Ft Foot SSC Sulphide Stress Cracking
FTG Fitting ST Steal
F-to-F Face To Face ST Steam Trap
FZ Fusion Zone STA Steam Trap Assembly
G Modulus of rigidity STAW Spray Transfer Arc Welding
Gal Gallon STD Standard
GALV Galvanized STM Steam
Gm Gram STN Station
GMAW Gas Metal Arc Welding STR Strainer
GN General Notes SV Safety Vent/Steam Vent
Gpa Giga Pascal SW Socket Weld
GPM Gallons per minute TBE Threaded Both Ends
GR Grade TC Total Carbon
Gr Graphite TE Threaded End
GTAW Gas Tungsten Arc Welding TEMP Temperature
TEMP STR Temporary Strainer
HAZ Heat Affected Zone THDD/THRD Threaded
HB Brinell hardness THK Thickness
HC Hose Connection THRU Through
HCL Hydrochloric Acid TI Temperature Indicator
HD Hold Down TIG Tungsten Inert Gas (Welding)
HDPE High-density polyethylene TIR Total
HDR Header Reading
HEX Hexagon TL Tangent Line
HH handhold TLE Threaded Large End
HIC Hydrogen Induced Cracking TOE Threaded One End
HIL High Interface Level TOL Threadolet
HK Knoop Hardness TOS Top of Sleeper /Top Of Steel
HLL High Liquid Level TSE Threaded Small End
HOD Head of Department TSO Tight Shut-Off
HOR Horizontal TYP
HP High Pressure/Horse Power Typical
HPP High Point Plinth UNI Ente Nazionale Italiano di
HR Rockwell hardness Unificazione
HS Hose Station UNS Unified Numbering System
HSE Health Safety & Environment UT Ultrasonic Testing
HSLA High-Strength Low Alloy UTS Ultimate Tensile Strength
HSS High Speed Steel V Vent/Vapour/Volt
HTLA Heat-Treatable Low Alloy VAC Vacuum
VC
HV Vickers hardness Connection
HVY Heavy VERT Vertical
Hz Hertz VF Vendor Furnished
Ia Noise Attenuation Insulation VHN Vickers Hardness Number
IBR Indian Boiler Regulations VOL Volume
Ic Cold Insulation W Watt
ID Inside Diameter WH Ware House
INCH DIA. Inch Diameter WI Work Instruction
Ie Electric Tracing Insulation WLD Weld
IFI Industrial Fasteners Institute WN Weld Neck
Ih Hot Insulation WO Wash Oil
IIW International Institute of Welding WOL Weldolet
Ij Jacketed Pipe Insulation WP Working Pressure
IM Inch Meter WPS Welding
In Inch Specification
INS Insulation/Insulated WRC Welding Research Council
INST Instrument WT Weight
INT Interface XH Extra Heavy
INV Invert XS Extra Strong
INV.LEV. Invert XXH Doub
Level Heavy
IOP Integrated Offsite Piping XXS Double Extra Strong
IS Indian Standard YR Year
Is Insulation for Safety YS Yield Strength
KN Kilo Newton Alloying Elements Symbol:
KPa Kilo Pascal Ag Silver
KSI Kilo per Square Inch Al Aluminium
Ksi Kips (1000 lbf) per square inch Au Gold
KV Kilovolt B Boron
KW Kilowatt Be Beryllium
Lb Pound C Carbon
Lbf Pound force Co Cobalt
LC Locked Close Cr Chromium
LF Large Female Cu Copper
LIL Low Interface Level Fe Iron
LJ Lap Joint Mg Magnesium
LLL Low liquid Level Mn Manganese
LLOYDS Lloyds Register of Industrial Mo Molybdenum
Service Ni Nickel
P Phosphorus
Pb Lead
S Sulphur
Si Silicon
Sn Tin
Ti Titanium
U Uranium
V Vanadium
W Tungsten
Zn Zinc
Zr Zirconium
1.8 Definitions
45 Degree Elbow: The change in direction required is 45°. A 45 degree elbow is also called a "45
bend" or "45 ell".
90 Degree Elbow: The change in direction required is 90°. A 90 degree elbow is also called a "90
bend" or "90 ell". It is a fitting which is bent in such a way to produce 90 degree change in the
direction of flow in the pipe. It used to change the direction in piping and is also sometimes called a
"quarter bend".
Acid Embrittlement: It is a form of hydrogen Embrittlement that may be induced into some metals by
acid cleaning treatment.
Aging: Aging allows the alloying elements to diffuse through the microstructure and form inter-
metallic particles, which increases the strength of the alloy. Aluminium Alloys and some Stainless
Steel are hardened by aging.
Alloy Steel: The steel with added alloying elements with distinctive properties other than carbon is
called alloy steel. The alloying elements are added in the molten metal in the cradle in steel melting
shop and alloy steel ingot is cast.
Alloying Element: Chromium, nickel, vanadium and manganese are alloying elements added in the
furnace in steel melting shop to improve the quality of piping material before ingot is cast. These
elements are called alloying elements.
Alloys: Two or more metals mixed together in molten condition are called alloys.
Annealing: Annealing consists of heating ferrous alloys beyond the upper critical temperature and
cooling very slowly, resulting in the formation of pearlite. This will produce a refined microstructure
and soften a metal for cold working, improve machine ability, or enhance properties like electrical
conductivity. The slow cooling is done to allow full precipitation of the constituents to produce a
refined and a uniform microstructure. Annealing is used to remove the hardness caused by cold
working.
Anode: The electrode at which oxidation or corrosion occurs is known as anode
Anodic Polarization: It is a reduction from the initial potential resulting from current flow effects at
or near the anode surface. Potential becomes more active (negative) because of Anodic polarization.
Polarization of anode is the decrease in the initial anode potential resulting from current flow effects
at or near the anode surface. Potential becomes more noble (more positive) because of anode
polarization.
Arc Seam Weld: A seam weld made by an arc welding process is called arc seam weld.
Arc Strike: Any inadvertent change in the contour of the finished weld or base material resulting
from an arc generated by the passage of electric energy between the surface of the finished weld or
base material and a current source is called an arc strike
Arc Stud Welding: An arc welding process in which coalescence is produced by heating with an arc
drawn between a metal studs or similar part and the other work part, until the surfaces to be joined
are properly heated, when they are brought together under pressure.
Arc Welding: It is a welding process in which heat for welding is produced to fuse the metals for
joining together with an electric arc, with or without using any filler metal.
Austenitic Steel: It is a type of stainless steel containing austenite, a solid solution of carbon in iron.
The prominent properties of austenitic steels are that it cannot be hardened by heat treatment. It can be
hardened by cold working such as hammering & rolling etc.
Automatic Welding: It is a process of welding in which operator uses equipment to carry out the
welding operation without any manual control.
Back Gouging: It is the removal of the weld metal and base metal from other side of a partially
welded joint to ensure complete penetration upon subsequent welding from that side.
Back Pressure Valve: It is similar to the safety valve with a constant back pressure so that it relieves
any excess back pressure of fluid to atmosphere or elsewhere. It opens or closes automatically
relative to the backpressure setting.
Backing Ring: A metal strip used on the backside of the root of weld to prevent weld spatters at
bottom side of butt-welded joint. It ensures the complete penetration of the welded joint at root.
Back-Step Welding: It is a welding technique to minimize the distortion at welding joint. In this
technique the joint is welded with a series of short runs in a direction opposite to the general forward
direction of welding.
Ball Valve: Ball Valve has a spherical disc (ball) with a hole/port in the centre to control the flow
through it. When the port of the valve is in line with both ends of pipe, flow will occur. When the hole
is perpendicular to the axis of the pipe, the valve is closed and flow is blocked. The handle or lever
is in line with the port position indicates the valve's open position. Ball valve’s supporting pressures
is up to 1000 bars and temperatures up to 482°F (250°C).
Barb: A barb is a fitting and used to connect flexible hoses to pipes. A barb has a male-thread at one
end to mate with the female-threaded coupling to connect with pipe. The other end of the Barb has
either a single or multiple barbed tubes having a tapered stub with ridges which is inserted into the
flexible hose to secure it. An adjustable worm driver screw clamp helps to keep the hose from
slipping off the barbed tube.
Base Metal: Two metals which are to be welded together or cut is called base metals. It is also
called parent metals.
Bead: The metal deposited by a single run of welding is called the bead of welding.
Bevel Angle: The angle formed between two bevelled edges of the two metals welded together is
called bevel angle.
Bevel End: Pipe or fitting edge is finished inclined at certain angle to the longitudinal axis of the pipe
is called bevel end
Bimetallic Corrosion: This is corrosion resulting from dissimilar metal contact; i.e., it is a galvanic
corrosion
Bleeder: It is a small valve or check valve to discharge off fluid from inside of the piping system.
Blind flanges: This is a flange without any opening cut at the centre. It is used to close or to blind the
flanged end of the pipe. Blind flanges do not have a bore and is used to shut off a piping system or
vassal opening. Its design permits easy access to vassal or piping system for inspection purpose. It
can be supplied with or without hubs at the manufacturer's option.
Block Welding: It is a technique of welding in which the full joint is welded in sections. A short
section of the joint is completely welded to the full depth before proceeding to weld the next section
in the like manner. This is continued till the joint is welded completely
Bond: This is the junction surface of the base metal and the weld metal or of the paint and any
metallic surface.
Branch: It is a tapping taken from the main line header in between inlet point and outlet point of the
piping system to tap the fluid from that point.
Brazing: Brazing is a thermal joining process of joining two pieces of the base metal with a molten
brazing filler metal; which is allowed to be drawn into a capillary gap between them. Brazing filler
metals have very high melting points, but always below the melting point of the metals being joined.
Successfully brazed joints are as strong as the parent metal pieces being joined and are strong and
ductile.
Breaking Load: This is the maximum load at which the fracture of the material takes place. In case of
small diameter wire or other material, it is very difficult to distinguish between the breaking load and
the maximum load applied before rapture, the maximum load is taken as the breaking load of the
material.
Brinell hardness Test: It is a test for determining the hardness of a material by forcing a hard ball of
specified diameter into the metal under a specified load. This hardness test provides some measure of
mechanical properties. It the comparative hardness obtained by measuring the diameter of the indent
made by a steel ball forced into the test piece under a known load.
Brittle Fracture: It is a fracture of a metal with little or no plastic deformation.
Brittleness: It is a property of a material, which leads to the propagation of a fracture without
appreciable deformation.
Butt Weld Joint: It is a weld joint of two metals joined together end to end without any overlap. On
the contrary, there is a gap of 1.2 mm, minimum between two edges at the root. Butt weld is either
bevelled or square butt weld type.
Butt Welded Pipe: Butt Welded pipe is defined as pipe having one longitudinal seam formed by
mechanical pressure to make the welded junction, the edge being furnace heated to the welding
temperature prior to welding.
Butterfly valve: Butterfly Valves stop, regulate, and allow the fluid flow easily and quickly by a 90
degree rotation of the handle. The disc impinges against a resilient liner and provides bubble
tightness with very low operating torque. Butterfly valves are limited to low-pressure, low-
temperature (200 psig, 150 0F) water service. The Butterfly valve uses a flat plate to plate to open
and close the pipe system and to control the flow of water.
Buttering: Deposition of weld layers on faces of the joint prior to groove preparation for welding. It
is done to provide a suitable transition weld deposit for the subsequent completion of the joint.
Bypass: It is a method of discharging a small quantity of fluid through a small another passage (pipe)
around a large valve without operating a large valve for operational requirement of the piping system.
Cap: It is a pipe fitting, usually used in liquid or gas pipe to cover the end of a pipe. A cap is used
like plug, except that the pipe caps screws or attaches on the male thread of a pipe or a nipple.
Carbon Electrode: It is a non-filler material electrode used in arc welding or cutting, consisting of a
carbon or graphite rod.
Carbon Equivalent: It is a figure arrived by calculating the total content of carbon with the help of
following formula, (CE=C + Mn / 6 + (Cr + Mo + V)/5 + (Ni + Cu) / 15).
Carbon Pick-up: While welding the carbon content in weld metal is increased due to fusion with
parent metal is called carbon pick-up. Due to this, the carbon content in weld is higher.
Carbon Steel: A steel having chiefly carbon as a distinctive element to control the properties of the
steel as distinguished from the other elements
Cathode Polarization: It is a reduction from the initial potential resulting from current flow effects at
or near the cathode surface. Potential becomes more active (negative) because of cathode
polarization.
Cathode Protection: It is a process of reduction or elimination of corrosion by making the metal a
cathode by means of an impressed d-c current or attachment to a sacrificial anode (usually Mg, Al, or
Zn)
Cathode: The electrode where the reduction (practically no corrosion) occurs is known as Cathode.
Caustic Embrittlement: It is a cracking as a result of the combined action of tensile stresses and
corrosion in alkaline solution.
Cavitations Corrosion: It is a corrosion damage resulting from cavitations and corrosion. Metal
corrodes; pressure develops from collapse of cavity and removes corrosion product, exposing bare
metal to repeated corrosion. Deterioration of a surface caused by cavitations (sudden formation and
collapse of cavities in a liquid)
Cavitations: Sudden formation and sudden collapse of vapour bubbles in a liquid, usually resulting
from local low pressures, as on the trailing edge of a propeller; this develops momentary high local
pressure which can mechanically destroy a portion of a surface on which the bubbles collapse.
Cementation Coating: A coating developed on a metal surface by a high temperature diffusion
process (e.g., as carbonisation, colorizing or chromizing).
Central vacuum system inlet fittings are intentionally designed with a tighter radius of curvature than
any other bends in the system. This is done to insure that if any vacuumed debris becomes stuck, it
will jam right at the inlet, where it is easiest to discover and to remove.
Chalking: It is a development of a loose, chalky, removable powder on or beneath a coating layer.
Chamfering: It is a method of pipe end preparation in an angle for groove butt-welding of the
members.
Check Valve: It is an automatic stop valve provided with a disc or ball, which operates
automatically. It allows the fluid to flow in one direction only. It does not allow the fluid to flow in
opposite direction by automatic closing the disc of the valve. It is used to prevent the backflow in the
pipeline to stop the backpressure on the pumps or compressors.
Chemical Composition: Chemical Composition is the details of content of element present in the
metal. Certain elements are objected in the piping material and its upper limit of content or presence
is specified for better selection of material.
Chloride Stress Cracking: Process streams, which contain water with chlorides over approximately
100 PPM under conditions of concentration and temperature high enough, may cause chloride stress
cracking under stress condition in susceptible materials, especially when oxygen is present and
temperature is over 140 0F. This is called Chloride stress cracking.
Choke: It is a device specially intended to restrict the flow rate of fluids.
Classification Society: It is an authoritative inspecting body, which is setting a standard for materials
and workmanship.
Close joint: When two joints are such that their edges are touching each other, are called close joints.
Coalescence: It is a process of melting and joining together into one body of the materials being
welded.
Coated Electrode: The coated electrode is a metal core wire surrounded by a thick coating applied
by extrusion, winding, or other process. The success of the welding depends on the composition of
the coating, which varies to suit the different conditions and metals.
Codes: Codes define a set of general rules or systematic procedures for Design, Fabrication,
Installation and Inspection methods, prepared in such a manner that is adopted by legal jurisdiction
and make into a law.
Cold Bending: Cold bending is the bending of pipe at atmospheric or around atmospheric
temperature below the specified phase-change temperature or transformation temperature of the
metal.
Combustible Liquids: Combustible Liquids are liquids that have flash points at or above 37.80C.
Companion flange: Flange perfectly suited in all respect to connect with another flange or valve
flange is called companion flange.
Complete fusion: While welding, when both the surfaces of parent metals to be welded together gets
melted completely and gets united, it is called complete fusion.
Composite Electrode: It is multi component filler metal electrodes in various physical forms, such
as stranded wires or tubes.
Compressed Fibre Gasket: This is a Non-Metallic Gasket, which has the ability to withstand high
compressive loads and seal the flange joint..
Compressive strength: The maximum value of stress in compression, which the material is capable
of sustaining without going to plastic phase of materials, is known as compressive strength.
Compressive stress: It is a stress, which resists any force tending to press to crush or squeeze the
body. It acts normal / perpendicular to the cross sectional plane towards the plane.
Connection types: Much of the work of installing a piping or plumbing system involves making leak
proof, reliable connections. Depending on the technology used, basic skills may be required or
specialized skills and professional licensure may be required.
Consumable Insert: The filler metal placed in the root of the weld to be completely fused with
parent metals is called the consumable insert.
Consumable: IT is an electrode or filler metal used for welding. It melts and gets mixed in parent
metals and thus is consumed in welding.
Contact Tube: It is a device, which transfers the current to the electrode continuously.
Continuous Weld: When the welding of any joint is done continuously without leaving any space in
between throughout the length is called continuous weld.
Contract: It is an agreement document between the owner and the contractor to execute the work as
per specification, code, and terms and conditions.
Controlled Cooling: Cooling from a higher temperature to a lower temperature in a predetermined
rate of cooling to avoid hardening or cracking of metal and to achieve a desire metallurgical
microstructure. This is done with covering the heated metal with insulation.
Corner joint: It is a weld joint between two members to be welded together and is located
approximately at right angle to each other.
Corrosion Fatigue Limit: The maximum cyclic stress value that a metal can withstand for a specified
number of cycles or length of time in a given corrosive environment.
Corrosion Rate: The speed with which the corrosion progresses is called Corrosion Rate. It is
expressed in the unit of “mdd” (Milligrams per square decimetre per day) for weight change or
“mpy” (mils per year) or Microns per year for thickness change.
Corrosion Resistance: Material of same group, such as carbon steel, alloy steel and stainless steel,
varies in respect of their chemicals composition and its ratio and also on their micro / macro
structures, manufacturing process, and heat treatment and inspection methods followed during
manufacturing. Different materials are used for construction of pipes and tubes. These are Carbon
Steel, Iron, Non Ferrous, Plastic, Glass, and Lined metal.
Corrosion: Corrosion is a mechanism by means of which metal and oxygen react to reach to the
equilibrium. It is a process of oxidizing of metal in presence of oxygen and moisture because moisture
increases the rate of oxidization. Corrosion is the deterioration of a metal or its properties because of
a reaction with the environment
Corrosion-Erosion: The phenomenon of a protective film of corrosion product being eroded away by
the erosive action of the process fluid, exposing fresh metal which then corrodes. The presence of
suspended particles greatly accelerates the abrasive action.
Corrosive Gas: A gas which is dissolved in water or liquid causes metal attack, usually included is
hydrogen sulphide (H2 S), Carbon dioxide (CO2), and Oxygen (O2).
Corrosive Hydrocarbon Service: It is a process stream, which contains water or Brine and carbon
dioxide (CO2), hydrogen sulphide (H2 S), Oxygen (O2) or other corrosive agents under conditions,
which cause metal loss.
Corrugated Gaskets: The Corrugated Gaskets are constant seating gaskets, which have two
components; a solid carrier ring of stainless steel and sealing elements of some compressible
material installed within two opposing channels, one channel on either side of the carrier ring. The
sealing elements are typically made from an expanded graphite, expanded poly-tetra-flouro-ethylene
(PTFE), vermiculite, suitable to the process fluid and application. The constant seating stress gaskets
provide the flange perfect sealing surfaces.
Coupling: Coupling is used to connect two pipes either by thread or by weld joint. If the size of the
pipe is not the same, the fitting may be called a reducing coupling or reducer, or an adapter.
Covered Electrode: It is a filler metal electrode consisting of a core of a bare metal wire covered
with flux materials to provide sufficient covering to the weld with inert gas during welding and a slag
covering to the weld.
Crack: It is a discontinuity in the welded metal or a fracture in weld metal. A sharp tip and high ratio
of length and width to displacement characterize it.
Cracking: Fracture of a metal in a brittle manner along a single or branched path is called cracking.
Crater: The depression left at the end of the final welding surface is called the crater.
Creep and Stress-rupture: When a load is applied to a metal at an elevated temperature over a
prolonged period of time, the metal may undergo continuous plastic deformation. It may experience a
progressive change in its dimensions. The amount of gradual deformation depends on the
composition, the process temperature and heat treatment of the material and the shape of the section.
Creep at elevated temperatures may terminate in fracture even at load considerably below the short-
time tensile strength. Such high-temperature fractures are commonly referred to as Creep or stress-
rupture failures. Long-time tests, generally under constant load, carried out to fracture are called
stress-to-rupture tests or Creep test.
Creep Strength: It is the stress which, when applied to a material at a specific elevated temperature,
will cause a specified amount of elongation. Creep strength of a material indicates the rate of
deformation of a material at elevated temperatures, under a given load, with respect to time.
Creep: It is a phase when all metals flow under stress to a sufficient high temperature i.e. a phase of
plastic flow of metals. The higher the temperature and stress, the greater is the tendency to creep i, e
to plastic flow of any metal.
Creep-test Data: The conventional creep test represents a precise measurement of the deformation
of a tensile specimen exposed under a constant load at a particular elevated temperature. The tests are
performed with very close temperature control and they are usually conducted for periods of from
1,000 to 10,000 or 20,000 hr. The elongation is read at more or less regular time intervals.
Crevice Corrosion: Localized corrosion resulting from the formation of a concentration cell in a
crevice formed between a metal and a non-metal, or between two metal surfaces is called crevice
corrosion.
Critical Humidity: A humidity level above which corrosion in air increases sharply are called
Critical Humidity.
Cross: Cross is a fitting used to branch the piping in 4-ways. A cross has one inlet and three outlets,
or vice versa. Cross fittings can generate a huge amount of stress on pipe as temperature changes,
because they are at the centre of four connection points. Cross is common in fire sprinkler systems,
but not in piping.
Current Density: It is the current per unit area, generally expressed as amps per square feet or
milliamps per square feet, or milliamps per square centimetre.
Cutting Torch: It is a device to flow acetylene gas for burning and heating the metal and then oxygen
jet at a controlled pressure is discharged to cut the metal.
Deactivation: The process of removing active constituents from a corroding medium, e.g., removal
of dissolved oxygen from water.
De-alloying: The selective corrosion (removal) of a metallic constituent from an alloy, usually in the
form of ions is called de-alloying
Deep Penetration Electrode: These are electrodes designed especially for a technique for making
joint by fusing together a considerable amount of the parent metal with the addition of comparatively
little filler metal to provide the deep penetration
Defect: Any discontinuity in the weld metal in the form of porosity, slag or crack etc. of the nature
not acceptable with reference to standard or specification is called defect.
Demineralisation: It is a process of removal of dissolved mineral matter, generally from water.
Deposited Metal: It is a process of laying down by fusion of an electrode or filler metal. Any metal
in the form of wire is melted and added to the parent metal during welding is called deposited metal.
Depth of fusion: The depth of fusion is the height or distance from the surface that fusion extends into
the parent metal during welding.
Design Conditions: The design conditions are the conditions which include the coincident pressure,
temperature, imposed end displacements, thermal expansion of the expansion joint itself and any other
possible variations of pressure and temperature, or both, above operating level for cycles during
operation. The cycles mean the start-up, shutdown and any abnormal operation.
Design Pressure: The pressure in the most severe condition of coincident internal or external
pressure at design temperature expected during operation in the pipe is called design pressure. It the
maximum allowable working pressure at the design temperature.
Design Temperature: The design temperature is the metal temperature of pipe representing in the
most severe condition of coincident pressure and temperature expected in normal operation.
Diaphragm valve: It is used for isolation as well as throttling.
Double Extra Strong: This is a designation to the weight or the thickness of pipe .It is more than the
standard thickness of the pipe.
Double Welded joint: It is a joint where the welding is done from both sides’ surfaces of the joint.
Drain Piping: Drains operate at low pressure and rely on gravity to move fluids. The Drain piping is
designed to be as smooth as possible on their interior surfaces. Drain Pipe elbows are usually long
radius to reduce flow resistance and solids deposition when the direction of flow is changed.
Ductile: It is a property of a metal, which indicate the stretching or bending capacity of the metal.
Ductility: This is the ability of a material to withstand significant plastic deformation prior to
fracture. This is measured in term of elongation in the length or reduction in the cross-sectional area
of a body during a tensile test of the specimen. It is measured as the percentage of elongation of the
fractured test sample over an initial length.
Dwell: It is a time during which the electrode rests at any point in each oscillating swing or traverse
electrode.
Edge Preparation: Edge preparation is a process of gas cutting, filling, grinding or machining of the
profile of the end of pipe to make groove for welding.
Elastic Deformation: The changes in dimension of a material upon the application of a stress within
the elastic range. The material will return to its original dimensions without any permanent
deformation after release of the elastic stress.
Elastic Limit: The greatest stress to which a material is subjected without retention of any permanent
deformation after the stress is removed is called Elastic Limit. In other word, it is the greatest stress
that a material can endure without taking up some permanent set is called elastic limit. It is the value
of the greatest stress, which a material is capable of sustaining without any permanent change in size
or dimension, and retains its original shape & size after release of the complete stress.
Elasticity: It is the property of a material, which allows it to recover its original dimensions
following deformation by a stress below its elastic limit. In other word, it is the property of a
material by virtue of which deformation caused by applied load disappears upon removal of the load.
Elbow: An elbow is a pipe fitting installed between two lengths of pipe or tubing to allow a change
of direction, usually a 90° or 45° angle or 22.5°. When the two ends differ in size, the fitting is called
a reducing elbow or reducer elbow.
Electric Current: An electric current is caused by the flow of electrons. However, the electric
current flows in a direction opposite to the flow of electrons. (This is the positive current concept.)
Electric Resistant Welded (ERW): Electric Resistance Welded pipe is defined as a pipe having one
longitudinal seam formed by electric resistance welding, electric flash welding, or electric induction
welding without the addition of extraneous metal.
Electric Welding: Electric Welding is a process of welding in which an arc is produced for
coalescence of metal. The arc is produced with the help of an electrode between the work pieces.
Electro Slag Welding: It is a welding process where coalescence of metals is produced with molten
slag which melts the filler metals and the surface of the work to be welded. The process is initiated
with an arc, which heats the slag. The arc is then extinguished and the conductive slag is maintained
in a molten condition by its resistance to electric current passing between the electrode and the work.
Electrode Negative: It is a welding process in which the electrode is connected to the negative pole
of D.C. supplies during welding.
Electrode Positive: It is a welding process where the electrode is connected to positive pole of
supply during welding.
Electrode: It is a metallic wire covered with flux. It completes welding circuit through which current
is passed between the electrode and work piece during welding. The flux coating of the electrode
burn and provide an inert gas covering and slag covering to the weld metal.
Electrolysis: The chemical changes in an electrolyte caused by an electrical current are called
Electrolysis. The use of this term to mean corrosion by stray currents is discouraged.
Electron Beam Welding: It is a welding process, which produces coalescence of metals with the
heat obtained from a concentrated beam composed primarily of high velocity electrons impinging
upon the surfaces to be welded together.
Elongation: The increase in the gauge length of the bar, during tensile test, is called the elongation. It
is measured as the percentage of the increase in the length over the original gauge length of the
specimen. In the tensile testing, the percent increase in the gage length of a specimen after fracture has
occurred is called Elongation.
Embrittlement: The severe loss of ductility of a metal is called embrittlement.
Endurance Limit: The maximum cyclic stress levels a metal can withstand without a fatigue failure
is called the Endurance Limit.
Equal Tee: When the size of the branch is same as header pipes, equal tee is used.
Erosion: Deterioration of a surface by the abrasive action of moving fluids is called the Erosion. This
is accelerated by the presence of solid particles or gas bubbles in suspension. When deterioration is
further increased by corrosion, the term Erosion-Corrosion is used.
Essential Variable: Essential variables affect the mechanical properties of the weld by change during
welding, as described in the specific variables, and are required re-qualification of the WPS.
Expansion Bellows: It is a corrugated piping device designed for absorbing expansion and
contraction.
Expansion Joint: It is piping configuration designed to absorb expansion and contraction.
Extra heavy: It is a designation used to designate any pipe, flange, end fitting suitable for a high
working pressure.
Extra Strong: It is a designation to indicate the thickness or weight per meter of a pipe or fitting.
Face: It is the exposed surface on the outside of the piece where either welding or serrated finishing
on the surface has been done for seating gasket or closures.
Fastener: A fastener is a hardware device that mechanically joins or affixes two or more objects
together. Usually the stud bolts are used with full threading and with two heavy hexagonal nuts. The
following are the type of fasteners commonly used: Stud bolt with nut; Machine bolt with nut;
Fatigue Strength: The maximum stress that can be sustained for a specific number of stresses cycles
without failure under fatigue loading is fatigue strength. Corrosive environments have deleterious
effects on fatigue life.
Fatigue: It is process leading to fracture resulting from repeated stress cycles well below the normal
tensile strength. Such failure starts as tiny cracks, which grows to cause total failure.
Ferrite Number: It is an arbitrary, standardized value designating the ferrite content of an austenitic
stainless steel weld metal.
Ferritic: It is pertaining to the body-centred cubic crystal structure (BCC) of many ferrous (Iron-
base) metals.
Ferrous: It is a material, which contains iron as one of the main constituents.
Filler Metal: The metal in the form of wire used for adding or depositing metal to the base metal
during welding is called the filler metal.
Fillet Weld: It is a weld of triangular cross section for joining two base metals placed on each other
like one’s surface to other edge or on surface to surface contact with overlap.
Film: It is a thin surface layer that may or may not be visible.
Fire Protection Device: Fire protection devices consist of monitoring safety equipments such as
flame and smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, fire alarms and enunciators.
Fittings: Fittings are used in pipe systems to connect straight pipe or tubing sections, to adapt to
different sizes or shapes, and for other purposes, such as regulating or measuring fluid flow. Many
types of fittings are used widely in piping systems.
Flame Arrester: Flame Arresters is a safety device that stops fuel combustion by extinguishing the
flame. Detonation Flame Arresters prevents propagation of detonations in gas or vapour mixtures in
piping system or a pipeline with a significant distance between the ignition sources.
Flame detectors: Flame detectors monitor and analyze incoming radiation at selected wavelengths.
Flame detectors have optical sensors working at specific spectral ranges to record the incoming
radiation at the selected wavelengths.
Flammable Gases: Flammable gases are gases that have a flash point blow 37.8 0C.
Flammable Liquids: Flammable Liquids are the liquids that have a flash point below 37.80C and a
vapour pressure not exceeding 40 pounds per square inch absolute at 37.80C.
Flange joint: When the pipes are connected together with the help of flanges welded to each pipe and
gaskets in between the flanges with the help of bolts, is called flange joint.
Flange: Flanges are generally used to connect two pips length or to pipe and valve, or valve to valve,
in-line instrument and/or connection to equipment nozzles. Flange is generally pressing tightly two
surfaces to be joined together by means of bolts. A gasket, packing, or an O-ring is always installed
between the flanges to prevent leakage
Flat Position: It is position of welding in which welding is performed from upper side of the joint
and tip of the electrode down below and face of the weld is in horizontal level below the electrode.
Fluid: A fluid is a substance, which cannot sustain a shear stress in a combination of the static
equilibrium and does not offer any resistance to the distortion of its form. The fluid yields
continuously to the tangential forces; even the force is negligible or small in nature. Generally, the
gases and the liquids, including vapour, are known as the fluids.
Flux, active: It is a flux from which some amount of elements is deposited in the weld metal.
Flux, Neutral: It is a flux, which will not cause a significant change in the weld metal composition.
Flux: It is a fusible mineral material, which is melted by the welding arc. Flux may be granular or
solid coating. Flux stabilizes the welding arc, shield all or the part of the molten weld pool from
atmosphere.
Flux-Cored Electrode: It is a composite filler metal electrode consisting of a metal tube or other
hollow configuration containing ingredients to provide such functions as shielding atmosphere,
deoxidisation, and arc stabilization and slag formation.
Forehand Welding: It is a welding technique where the welding torch or gun is directed towards the
progress of welding.
Forged Weld: It is a method of joining two base metals by heating and hammering or pressing against
each other to get united together.
Frequency: It is the completed number of cycles, which the oscillating current makes in one minute.
Friction Welding: It is a solid state welding process, which produces coalescence of materials by the
heat obtained from a mechanically induced sliding motion between rubbing surfaces. The work parts
are held together under pressure.
Fuel Gas: Hydrocarbon gases usually used with oxygen for heating, such as acetylene, natural gas,
propane, methyl acetylene etc. are called fuel gas.
Full Annealing: It is the heat treatment method where metal is heated to a temperature above
transformation range and kept for some time. Then it is cooled in controlled way so that maximum
softness of the metal is achieved.
Full Fillet Weld: It is a fillet weld whose size is equal to the thickness of the thinner member to be
welded.
Furnace Annealing: When the annealing of the product metal is done in the furnace to achieve the
maximum required properties of the metal, it is called furnace annealing.
Furnace Weld: It is a process of welding to manufacture pipe in which pipe both ends and filler
metal are kept in the furnace for melting and fusion together.
Fusion Line: In a weld, the interface between weld metal and base metal or between the base metal
parts when filler metals are not used is called fusion line.
Fusion Zone: The area of the base metals where filler metals and base metals have melted and joined
together is called the area of fusion zone.
Fusion: The melting of the base metals and filler metal or only base metals to join together are called
fusion.
Galvanic: It an effect caused by a cell; whenever dissimilar metals come in contact, it results in
electrolyte potential.
Galvanizing: This is a process in which zinc is deposited on the clean surface of iron or steel to
avoid rust. In this process, the surface is cleaned by acid and then rinsing, drying & after pouring the
cleaned and dried steel members to a tub of molten zinc.
Gas: A gas is a fluid, which tends to expand to fill completely the inside space of the container in
which it is kept. Any change in the temperature or pressure of the gas is accompanied by the change in
the volume of the gas.
Gasket: A gasket is a sealing material made to fit between two flanges of pipe. A gasket is a
mechanical seal which fills the space between two or more mating surfaces, generally to prevent
leakage from or into the joined objects while under compression.
Gasket Type: Various types of gaskets are available depending upon their construction, materials,
and features. There are many standards in gasket for flanges of pipes. The gaskets for flanges can be
divided in major 4 different categories:
Gate valve: Gate Valves have a gate or wedge that moves perpendicular to flow of the service. Stem
in the up position, the valve is open and stem in the down position, the valve is closed. The distinct
feature of a gate valve is the sealing of passages by the gate / wedge and seats.
Globe Valve: Globe Valves are two-port valves openings in the body for fluid flowing in or out
vertical to the flow stream in pipe. A Globe Valve is used for regulating flow, which consists of a
movable disk-type element and a stationary ring seat in a body. This has an opening that forms a seat
onto which a movable disc connected to a stem which is operated by screw action in manual valves.
Grain: It is a portion of a solid metal in which the atoms are arranged in an orderly pattern. The
irregular junction of two adjacent grains is known as a grain boundary
Graphitisation: It is a graphitic Corrosion. Corrosion of grey cast iron in which the metallic
constituents are converted to corrosion products, leaving the graphite flakes intact. Graphitisation is
also used in a metallurgical sense to mean the decomposition of iron carbide to form iron and
graphite.
Groove: The gap or profile of the surfaces at the end of two base metals to be welded together is
called groove.
Groove angle: The total angle included in between the two surfaces of the end of the metals to be
welded together is called groove angle.
Groove Face: The surface profile at the end of the two metals to be welded together is groove face.
Groove weld: It is a type of welding joint in which two base metals are welded together end to end
by chamfering the ends at a certain angle or keeping gap between two ends of base metals. The
standard types of groove weld are as follows: Square groove; Single-V groove; Single-bevel groove;
Single –U groove; Single-J groove; Single-Flare-Bevel groove; Single-Flare-Vee groove; Double-V
groove; Double-bevel groove; Double-U groove; Double-J groove; Double-Fare-bevel groove; and
Double-Flare-Vee groove
Geysering: It is an effect that occurs in piping handling fluids at or near their boiling temperatures.
Under this condition, due to rapid evaluation of vapour within the vertical piping causes rapid
expulsion of liquid and a pressure surge is generated that may be destructive to the piping. It may
occur in inclined piping also.
Hammer weld: While manufacturing pipes of the large diameter 20” and above, the plate is rolled
longitudinally and ends are overlapped. The longitudinal overlapped joint is heated to the fusion
temperature of the metal and hammered or pressed with power hammer to fuse together to form a
pipe.
Hard Facing: It is a process of a surfacing variation in which surfacing metal is deposited to reduce
the wear of the metal at the surface.
Hardness: Hardness is the properties of the metal, which enable them to resist indentation, scratching
and abrasion on the surface of the metal. Hardness is the resisting type of the materials property due
to which it resists indention, scratching and abrasion.
Heat Affected Zone: The portion of the base metals near weld Joints, which are not melted but got,
heated up above transformation temperature and thus mechanical properties or microstructures have
been changed by welding heat is called heat affected zone. This generally affects corrosion
behaviour.
Heat Treatment: Heat treatment is a process used to alter the physical and chemical properties of a
material. Heat treatment involves the use of heating and cooling, normally to extreme temperatures, to
achieve a desired quality of material. Heat treatment techniques include annealing, case hardening,
precipitation strengthening, tempering and quenching.
Holiday: It is a discontinuity (hole or gap) in a protective coating.
Holiday Detector: It is an instrument to detect discontinuity (hole or gap) in a protective coating.
Hook’s Law: The Hook’s law governs the relation between stress and strain of a material within its
elastic region and states that stress is proportional to strain and independent of time.
Horizontal Butt weld: It is a position of welding of pipe or plate in which the pipe axis or plate
plane is approximately horizontal or the welding is done on pipe by rotating the pipe.
Horizontal Fillet Weld: When the weld joint is approximately in horizontal plane and welding is
done in down hand position is called horizontal fillet weld.
Hot Bending: The pipe is heated up to the high temperature and bent to predetermined ratios. The
pipe is filled with sand before heating to avoid wrinkling and flatness near the bend.
Hot Shortness: Hot shortness causes insufficient ductility, which may lead to failure during hot
forming. The rupture occur during hot bending of pipe through an angle of approximately less than
22.5 deg. Hot- tensile tests confirms that the steel is hot short and does not possess sufficient or
normal ductility at the temperatures at which hot bending or hot forging of steel is generally, done.
Hot Working: The plastic deformation of metal at higher temperature so that strains hardening does
not occur. Example: The extruding or swaging of pipe around temperature 1200 F to 2000 F.
Hydraulic head: Hydraulic head is measured in a column of water using a standpipe piezometer by
measuring the height of the water surface in the tube relative to a common datum. The hydraulic head
can be used to determine a hydraulic gradient between two or more points.
Hydrogen Blistering: Hydrogen blistering is the presence of atomic hydrogen in specific contaminant
(e.g., sulphides, selenides, arsenides, antimony compounds, cyanides.). When the atomic hydrogen
enters the metal structures, non-metallic inclusions catalyse the formation of molecular hydrogen
within the metal lattice, generating tremendous internal pressures and causing splits, fissures, and
even blisters on the metal surface. The tendency to blister can be combated to some extent by using
steels of the same grain size and cleanliness as is specified for low-temperature service.
Hydrogen Disintegration: It is a deep internal crack in a metal caused by hydrogen.
Hydrogen Embrittlement: Martensitic stainless steels have a tendency to pick up hydrogen in its
structure and it results hydrogen during the melting process, from the heat-treating atmosphere, or
during chemical and electrochemical processes such as pickling and electroplating. Therefore,
precautions must be taken with martensitic stainless steels, so that they do not come in contact with
hydrogen atmospheres. Hydrogen Embrittlement is less acute in ferritic steels and unknown in
austenitic steels. Embrittlement of a metal caused by hydrogen; sometimes observed in catholically
protected steel, electroplated parts, pickled steel.
Hydrogen Induced Cracking: Hydrogen Induced Cracking occurs in hardened or otherwise highly
stressed steels, and is similar in many respects to stress corrosion cracking (SCC). However, cathode
protection aggravates the cracking. A large number of hardened steels, martensitic stainless steels,
cold-worked austenitic stainless steels, precipitation hardening stainless alloys, etc. are susceptible
to hydrogen-induced cracking. Even copper and nickel alloys and cold-worked nickel-chromium-
molybdenum alloys at high strength are susceptible, particularly in galvanic couple with a less noble
material.
Hydrogen piping: Hydrogen piping is a system of pipes used to move hydrogen. Due to issues with
hydrogen embrittlement, and corrosion, materials for hydrogen pipes must be carefully selected.
Hydrogen has an active electron, and therefore behaves somewhat like a Halogen. The problem is
compounded because hydrogen can easily migrate into the crystal structure of most metals.
Impact Strength: The amount of energy required fracturing a material under an impact load. The type
of specimen, the test conditions, and temperature affects the values and therefore it should be
specified in impact test.
Incomplete Fusion: While welding, sometimes, the filler and base metals do not melt completely and
hence the weld metal does not mix up with parent metal throughout the surface of parent metal
completely. The incomplete mixing is called incomplete fusion.
Induction Heating: It is a process of heating the pipe joint after welding for heat treatment. The
heating is done by placing induction coils around the pipe joint and passing current at high voltage
through the coil.
Induction Welding: It is a process of welding which produces coalescence of metals through the heat
obtained from resistance of the work to induced electric current, with or without the application of
pressure.
Inhibitor: A substance, which sharply reduces corrosion when, added to water, acid, or other liquid
in small amounts.
Insulation: It is the process of application of materials of bad conductor of heat on the pipe,
equipment or tanks to avoid the heat loss from the fluid contained inside it or to protect the burning of
a human.
Inter granular corrosion: The corrosion, which occurs preferentially at grain boundaries.
International Standard Atmosphere (ISA): Defined to 101.325 kPa, 15 deg C and 0% humidity.
Inter pass Temperature: This is the highest temperature in the weld joint in the section of the
previously welded base metals immediately before the next pass of weld is started.
Interrupted Welding: Sometimes the welding on carbon steel and chrome-molly alloy steel pipe is
required to be done by giving interruption in welding so that the welded area is cooled down to
required low temperature to maintain the granular structures of the metal to the requirement.
Joint geometry: The shape, size and dimensions of a weld joint in cross section are called joint
geometry.
Joint Penetration: It is the minimum depth of the groove weld extends from its face into a joint at the
root of weld.
Joint: It is the junction of the members, which are to be joined or have been joined together.
Keyhole: It is a technique of welding in which a concentrated heat source penetrates completely
through a work piece, forming a hole at the leading edge of the molten weld metal. . As the heat
source progresses, the molten metal fills in behind the hole to form the weld bead.
Knife-Line Attack (KLA): It is a form of weld decay sometimes observed on stabilized stainless
steel. The zone of attack is very narrow and very close to or in the weld.
Lap Joint flange: Lap Joint flange is again similar to a slip flange, but it has radius at the intersection
of the bore and the flange face to accommodate a lap stub end. The face on the stub end forms the
gasket face of the flange. Its applications are where sections of piping systems need to be dismantled
quickly and easily for inspection or replacement.
Lap Joint: It is a type of a flange joint where a small flange of the area of the gasket is welded to the
pipe being the same material and a carbon steel ring having holes for the bolts is sided over the pipe
for bolting connection with another item.
Lightly Coated Electrode: It is a filler metal electrode consisting of a metal wire with a light
coating applied subsequent to the drawing operation, primarily for stabilizing the arc.
Liquid: A liquid is a fluid, which occupies a definite (fixed) volume but the same shape of the
container in which it is kept. The liquid has the great resistance to the compression. There is a slight
variation in the volume with a considerable pressure applied to the liquid. This is the reason that the
liquid is frequently used for hydrostatic testing of the piping.
Long Radius (LR) Elbows: The radius is 1.5 times the pipe diameter
Low Hydrogen Electrode: Presence of hydrogen in the weld metal is one of the causes of weld
cracking. To reduce this tendency, the electrodes are available with coverings designed specially to
reduce the amount of diffusible hydrogen. These are known as low hydrogen electrode.
Low Pressure Safety Relief Valve: Pressure Safety Relief Valve is a device for relieving excess
pressure or vacuum which remains tightly closed up to the set pressure, which is lower than for
standard safety relief valves. However, the low pressure safety relief valves fulfil the equivalent
quality requirements as standard safety valves.
Machine Weld: It is a process of a weld in which the welding is performed with the help of machine
under the observation and control of the operator of the machine.
Malleable Iron: The cast iron, which is heat-treated in an oven to relieve its brittleness and to
improve its tensile strength to enable the material to stretch to an extent without breaking.
Manual Welding: It is a process of welding wherein the entire welding operation is performed and
controlled by a hand of the welder.
Mass: It is the amount of “matter” contained in a given body, and does not vary with the change in its
position on the earth’s surface. The mass of the body is measured by direct comparison with a
standard mass by using a lever balance and hence diluting the effect of gravitational force of the earth
Melt-in Welding: It is a technique of welding in which the intensity of a concentrated heat source is
so adjusted that a weld pass is produced from filler metal added to the leading edge of the molten
weld metal by a machine.
Metal Dusting: It is a unique form of high-temperature corrosion, which forms a dust-like corrosion
product and sometimes develops hemispherical pits on a susceptible metal surface.
Metal electrode: It is a filler or no filler electrode, used in arc welding or arc cutting, consisting of a
metal wire or rod that has been manufactured by any method and that is either bared or covered with a
suitable covering or coating.
Mill Length: It is the standard length of pipe manufacture and cut in the mill. The length of the pipe in
the mill is maintained to 6.0 meters or sometimes it is 10 to 12 meters.
Mill Scale: The heavy oxide layer formed during heat treatment or hot working of metals is called
mill scale. It is always referred to steel forming magnetic oxide (magnetite).
Modulus of Elasticity: It is a measure of the stiffness or rigidity of a material. It is actually the ratio
of stress to corresponding strain in the elastic region of a material, i.e. below the Proportional Limit.
It is determined by the tension or compression test. It is also called Young’s Modulus or the
Coefficient of the elasticity. This is the value of the stress where the stress-strain relationship is
changed to a curve rather than linear on the stress-strain Diagram of the material.
Modulus of Elasticity: The ratio of stress to the corresponding strain below the proportional limit is
called the modulus of elasticity.
Moralizing: It is a process of coating a surface with a layer of metal by spraying, vacuum deposition,
dipping, plasma jet or cementation etc.
Needle Valve: The needle valves are used for operating the instruments like flow meter, sample
point, pressure and temperature gage in line service because it provides very accurate throttling. It is
also, preferably, used in high pressure and high temperature line.
Net Positive Suction Head: NPSH stands for "Net Positive Suction Head". It is defined as the
suction gage reading in feet absolute taken on the suction nozzle corrected to pump centreline, minus
the vapour pressure in feet absolute corresponding to the temperature of the liquid, plus velocity head
at this point. When boiling liquids are being pumped from a closed vessel NPSH is the static liquid
head in the vessel above the pump centreline minus entrance and friction losses. Net Positive Suction
Head is the static liquid head in the vessel above the pump centreline minus entrance and friction
losses.
Nipple: It is a length of pipe less than 12 inch long, forged and both ends are prepared either
threading or finished for fillet weld. The diameter of the pipe (nipple) is less than 1.5 inch.
Noble Metal: A metal that is not very reactive, e.g., silver, gold or copper and may be found
naturally in metallic form on earth.
Nominal Pipe Size: Pipe sizes are specified by a number of national and international standards.
There are two common methods for designating pipe outside diameter (OD). One is the North
American method is called NPS (nominal Pipe Size), which is based on inches and is frequently
referred to as NB ("Nominal Bore")). Other is the European version is called DN ("Diameter
Nominal" / "Nominal Diameter") and is based on millimetres. For pipe sizes less than NPS 14 inch
(DN 350), both methods give a nominal value for the OD, which is not the same as the actual OD. For
pipe sizes of NPS 14 inch (DN 350) and greater the NPS size is the actual diameter in inches and the
DN size is equal to NPS times 25 (not 25.4) rounded to a convenient multiple of 50.
Nominal Size: The term “nominal size” denotes the approximate inside or outside diameter of pipe in
“inch” depending on the size. Nominal Size identifies the size of all pipes, which is seldom equal to
the true bore (internal diameter) of the pipe. 350 mm NB and larger pipes have outside diameter
equal to nominal pipe size.
Nonessential Variables: Nonessential variables are those in which a change may be made during
welding or in WPS without re-qualification of WPS and this change does not affect the properties of
the weld.
Non-Return Valve: It is an automatic stop valve provided with a disc which operates automatically
and alloy to flow the fluid only in one direction i.e. in the predetermined direction. It does not alloy
the fluid to flow in opposite direction by automatic closing the valve.
Normalizing: Normalizing is a process used to provide uniformity in grain size and composition of
an alloy. The ferrous alloys are heated above the upper critical temperature and held for 1 hour per
inch wall thickness and then is cooled subsequently in still air to room temperature to give harder and
stronger steel, but with less ductile for same composition.
Normal Temperature and Pressure (NTP): This is defined as 20 0C or 293.15 K or 68 0F
temperature and 1 atm or (101.325 kN/m2 or 101.325 kPa or 14.7 psia or 0 psig or 29.92 in Hg or
760 torr) pressure and Density is at 1.204 kg/m3 or (0.075 pounds per cubic foot).
Nozzle: It is usually a flange connection of a pipe with the vessel, tank or any equipment. It consists
of a short length of pipe welded to the vessel at one end and other end of the pipe is welded to the
flange.
Olets: Whenever branch connections are required in size where reducing tees are not available
and/or when the branch connections are of smaller size as compared to header size, olets are
generally used. They are Flanged Olet; Socket-Weld; Threaded Olet; Lateral & Elbow Olets; Nipple
Olet and Butt-Weld Olet.
O-Ring gaskets: Ring gaskets are also known as RTJ. They are mostly used under extremely high
pressure. They are solid rings of metal in different cross sections like oval, round, octagonal.
Sometimes they come with hole in centre for pressure equalization. These gaskets are of higher level
of metal quality than sheet gaskets and can withstand much higher temperatures and pressures. The
key downside is that a solid metal must be greatly compressed in order to become flush with the
flange head and prevent leakage.
Overhead Position Welding: It is a position of welding of pipe or plate in which welding is
performed from the underside of work piece keeping the pipe or plate joint above the welder.
Oxidation Resistance: Oxidation resistance of a material at elevated temperature is dependent on the
nature of the oxide scale, which forms on the surface of the material. If the scale is loose and porous,
the oxidation will continue and the scale becomes thicker until the complete section of metal is
oxidized. If on the other hand, the oxide scale is adherent and non-porous, the thin oxide film on the
surface will act as a protection to the underlying metal. Carbon steels have a poor oxidation
resistance. It can be improved by the addition of chromium, aluminium and silicon. On heating these
elements form sense oxide films on the surface of steels and protect the base metal against oxidation.
An addition of 5 to 8 percent chromium raises the scale resistance to 700-750 0C, a chromium content
of 15-17 percent will prevent scaling up to 950-11000C, and 25 percent chromium will prevent
scaling up to 11000C. Oxidation resistance depends upon the composition and chromium content in the
steel. It is not much affected by the structure of the steel.
Oxidation: Oxidation is a loss of electrons. When a metal goes from the metallic state to the
corroded state (opposite of reduction) there is a loss of electrons. When a metal reacts with oxygen,
sulphur, etc., to form a compound as oxide, sulphide, etc., it is oxidized.
Oxy-fuel Gas Cutting: It is a metal cutting process used to cut the metals by means of a chemical
reaction of oxygen with base metal at elevated temperatures. The necessary temperature is maintained
by means of gas flames obtained from the combustion of a specified fuel gas and oxygen.
Oxy-fuel Gas Welding: It is a welding process in which coalescence is produced by heating
materials with an oxy-fuel gas flame, with or without the use of filler metal.
Pass: It is a welding operation nomenclature .A single longitudinal progression of welding operation
along the weld length is called a pass. One pass gives one weld bead.
Passivation: It is a reduction of the anodic reaction rate of an electrode involves in electrochemical
action such as corrosion.
Patina: It is a green coating, which is slowly developed on copper and some copper alloys
consisting mainly of copper sulphates, carbonates and chlorides after long term exposure to
atmosphere.
Peaning: It is a process of mechanical working of a metal by means of a hammer blows.
Performance Qualification Record: It is a record of all the welding variables used during the
welding and the test result of the test carried out on the test coupon for each welding process used
during the welding of the test coupon. All these parameters are recorded on a paper.
Performance Qualification: It the demonstration of a welder’s or welding operator’s ability to
produce welds meeting the prescribed standards or specification.
pH Value: It is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution A value of seven is neutral; low
number is acid, large number are alkaline.
Pickle (Pickling): It is a process of removal of oxides from the surface of the weld joints or any
metals generated during welding or storing of metals. This is a kind of chemical or electrochemical
cleaning process. Pipes or metals are pickled in order to remove mill scale, oxide layers or weld
discolorations.
Pipe: Tubular products are termed as pipe. Nominal Pipe Size identifies pipe with wall thickness
defined by schedule number, API designations or weights. Non-standard pipes are specified by
nominal size and wall thickness. The principal uses for pipes are Petroleum, Petrochemical and
Chemical industries.
Piping Components: These are mechanical elements suitable for joining or assembling into a
pressure tight fluid containing piping system. Components include pipes, tubes, fittings, flanges,
gaskets, bolt-nuts, valves, expansion joints, compensators, hose pipes, traps, strainers, separators,
control valves, safety valves, blind flanges, spectacle blinds and drip rings etc.
Piping Elements: Any material or work required to plan and install a piping system is called piping
elements. Piping elements include design, specifications, materials, components, supports,
fabrication, inspection and testing etc.
Piping: It is an assembly of piping components, which is used for conveyance of fluids flow with
pressure, temperature and hazardous materials in specialized applications. Piping includes piping
components and supports but does not include supporting structures, building frame, foundations or
equipment.
Pitting and Crevice Corrosion: Pitting and crevice corrosion is covered under metallurgical, which
may occur in stainless steel piping even though the general corrosion resistance of the material is
excellent. Both result from a highly localized breakdown in the passive film, followed by
electrochemical action. The presence of chloride salts, even in minute quantities, can lead to pitting
and crevice corrosion of stainless steel, and precaution should be taken in using stainless steel for
handling solutions containing chlorides, even though if short-time corrosion tests indicate immunity to
this type of attack. Collection or accumulation of solids on surfaces is also conductive to pitting and
should be avoided. In general, the molybdenum bearing stainless steels (e.g., types of 316 and 317)
are more resistant to pitting and crevice corrosion than the non-molybdenum steels, and their added
costs are frequently justified over the latter for this reason.
Pitting Factor: It is the Depth of the deepest pit divided by the average penetration as calculated
from weight loss.
Plain End: This is used to connect or insert into the Socket end of the connecting pipe. This
represents the end length of increased diameter into which a pipe end can be fitted.
Plasticity: The plasticity of a material is the ability of a material to undergo some degree of
deformation permanently without fracture or rupture or failure.
Plug Valve: The plug valve also called cock valve, primarily, starts or stops the flow. In service, it
takes only quarter turn either to fully open or to completely close the flow, i.e. for quick shut-off. It is,
also, not used where regulation or throttling of the flow is required because accurate control is not
possible. There is very small pressure drop between the valve ends in this type of valve too. It is
used for isolation only.
Plug: A plug closes off the end of a pipe. It is similar to a cap but it fits inside the fitting it is mated
to. In a threaded iron pipe plumbing system, plugs have male threads. Some of the popular types of
plugs are: Mechanical pipe plug; Pneumatic disk pipe plug; Single size pneumatic all rubber pipe
plug; Multi-size pneumatic pipe plug; Multi-size flow-through pipe plug and High pressure pipe plug.
Plumbing: The plumbing is generally used to describe conveyance of water, gas, or liquid waste in
ordinary domestic or commercial environments.
Poisson’s Ratio: The Poisson’s Ratio is an important elastic constant, which expresses the
relationship existing between lateral strain and axial strain. The value of Poisson’s Ratio varies with
different materials.
Polarity: The direction of flow of welding during welding with respect to the electrode and the work
piece is called polarity. It is of two kinds such as “Positive Polarity” and “Negative Polarity”
Polarization: The shift in electrode potential resulting from the effects of current flow, measure with
respect to the zero-flow (reversible) potential; i.e., the counter-emf Caused by the products formed or
concentration changes in the electrolyte.
Porosity: It is a kind of defect in the weld or casting. The presence of gas pockets voids in the weld
or casting is called porosity.
Positive Polarity: It is the arrangement of direct current arc welding in which the work piece is
connected to the negative pole and the electrode is the positive pole of the welding arc. It is also
called “Reverse Polarity”.
Post Heating: It is the application of heat to a fabricated product, weld or weld subsequent to the
fabrication, welding or cutting operation to reduce the hardness of the metal or to stress relieve. The
post heating is done either by induction heating coil or in a furnace.
Post Weld Heat Treatment: It is a standard procedure of heating of the weld or the fabricated
product by the use of induction coil or in a furnace to avert or stress relieve to reduce the hardness the
detrimental effects of high temperature and severe temperature gradients inherent in welding of the
weld or the fabricated products. The heating is done to the required temperature and the temperature
is maintained minimum for two hours. Then it is cooled under the controlled rate of cooling up to the
atmospheric temperature.
Preheat temperature: It is the minimum temperature of heating of the weld joint prepared
immediately prior to the welding of the joint. In case of multiple passes welding, it is the minimum
temperature of heating in the section of the previously deposited weld metal, immediately prior to the
welding of subsequent welding.
Preheating: It is the application of heat to a weld joint or the work pieces to be welded just before
the welding. It is used to minimize the detrimental effect of high temperature and severe thermal
gradients inherent in welding.
Pressure and Vacuum Relief Valves: These are special devices that function as an end-of-line
valve to protect against pressure and vacuum. The valves are connected to a vent header to process
vapours. Pressure/Vacuum relief valves are used as inbreathing and out breathing valves and for
venting tanks and equipment when an unallowable vacuum or pressure is exceeded. These devices
are direct acting weight or spring loaded in-line valves, pallet type and is used to protect plant
equipment (tanks, vessels, process piping).
Pressure: The pressure is defined as a force per unit area. The value of the atmospheric pressure is
taken as 1.033 kg/cm2 or 1.01 bars absolute at sea level. All the pressure gauges read the difference
between the actual pressure in any system and the atmospheric pressure. There are two measures of
the pressure, such as;
Gauge Pressure: The reading of the pressure gauge is known as “Gauge Pressure”.
Absolute Pressure: The actual pressure is known as the “Absolute Pressure”.
Absolute Pressure = Gauge Pressure + Atmospheric Pressure.
Pressure and Temperature Ratings: Temperature and Pressure are the two important factors
determining the safe and effective working of any industrial pipe fitting. The range of temperature and
pressure depends on the final application, the material being used etc. There are various standards
that are laid down in reference to the temperature and pressure parameters. These are as follows:
Pressure Relief Valve: The pressure relief valve or pressure safety valve is used in the operating
line system to prevent the line over pressurized by releasing the pressure of the line through pop-up of
spring loaded valve-seat or ball. Thus, it protects the piping system or the connected equipments from
failure.
Prime Coat: The first coat of paint applied to inhibit corrosion or improve adherence of the next coat
is called prime coat.
Proof Strength: This is the tensile stress at which there is a plastic deformation or a permanent set
or an elongation of 0.0005” in overall dimension of the body while testing the material in testing
machine. It is considered for design of the bolts. The load required producing a permanent setting in
the material or an elongation of 0.0005” in overall length, under axial stress in a tensile testing
machine, is called the proof strength.
Proportional Limit: The maximum stress at which the material or body is capable of sustaining the
force without deformation from its original shape is called the proportional limit. It is also said that a
material maintains a perfectly uniform rate of strain to stress within the Proportional Limit.
Purging: The displacement of any fluid or air from inside of the pipe or underneath and around the
welding joint of the pipe by an inert gas, natural gas or any suitable media to clean the inside of pipe
or to avoid oxidation or contamination of the pipe or weld material is called purging.
Quenching: Quenching is a process of heating the metal above the upper critical temperature and then
cooling very quickly in water, oil or brine at atmospheric Temperature. In ferrous alloys, quenching is
most often done to produce a martensite transformation to produce a harder metal, while non-ferrous
alloys will usually become softer than normal.
Ratings: Ratings are the maximum allowable gage pressures at the corresponding temperature shown
in the rating table.
Recommended Practice: Good Engineering Practices but which are optional for which procedure
documents are prepared by a professional group or committee.
Reducer: A reducer allows for a change in pipe size to meet hydraulic flow requirements of the
system, or to adapt to existing piping of a different size. Reducers are usually concentric but eccentric
reducers are used when required to maintain the same top- or bottom-of-pipe level.
Reduction: It is the gain of electrons, when copper is electroplated on steel from a copper sulphate
solution (opposite of oxidation).
Reinforcement of Weld: It is the weld metal on the face or root of the groove weld in excess of the
metal surface. This is done for the specified weld size and to provide extra strength at the weld joint.
Relative Humidity: The ratio of the amount of moisture in the air compared to what it could hold if
saturated at the temperature involved.
Relief Valve: (Pressure Safety Valve): It is a spring loaded valve arranged and set to provide an
automatic release or blow off the excess pressure in the piping system. This is a device to safe guard
the piping system from unwanted excess pressure damage.
Residual Stress: Stress present in the material, which is free from external forces, is called residual
stress. These stresses may be due to some prior mechanical deformation, phase transformation, or to
no uniform cooling.
Resilience: Resilience is the ability of material to resist the wear and tear due to continuous rubbing
of the material with other materials. It plays very important role in resisting erosion, abrasion and
scratching of the material’s surfaces. Resilience is the capacity of a material to absorb energy
elastically and the energy stored is given off exactly as in a spring when the load is removed.
Resistance Spot Welding: It is a kind of resistance welding which produce coalescence at the facing
surface in one spot by the heat obtained from the resistance to the electric current through the work
parts held together under pressure by electrodes. Primarily the size and contour of the electrodes limit
the size and shape of the individually formed welds.
Resistance Stud Welding: It is a resistance welding process wherein coalescence is produced by the
heat obtained from resistance to electric current at the interface between the stud and the work piece,
until the surfaces to be joined are properly heated, when they are brought together under pressure.
Resistance Welding: It is a kind of welding process in which coalescence is produced by the heat
obtained from resistance of the work to the flow of electric current in a circuit of which the work is a
part, and by the application of pressure.
Retainers: The metallic or non-metallic, consumable or no consumable material (Excluding gas),
which is used to contain or shape the molten weld metal, is called retainer.
Reverse Polarity: It is an arrangement of direct current arc welding where the work piece is
connected to negative pole and the electrode to the positive pole.
Reynolds Number: The Reynolds number is a dimensionless group used in fluid mechanics
calculations. It is expressed as the product of density, velocity and diameter divided by the viscosity
of the fluid.
Ring Joint Gaskets: Ring Joint Gaskets are used with Ring Type Joint (RTJ) flanges. A very high
surface stress is developed between an RTJ gasket and the flange groove when RTJ is bolted up in a
flange. This leads to plastic deformation of this gasket. Thus, the hardness of the gasket is kept less
than the hardness of the groove to achieve coining i.e. bringing two metal surfaces of different
hardness so tightly together that the softer surface deforms to match harder surface exactly in shape
and finish.
Rockwell Hardness Test: It is a common test for determining the hardness of a material based on the
depth of penetration of a shaped indenture under a specified load.
Root Edge: It is a root face in which the width of face is zero.
Root Face: The vertical height of the portion of groove weld face at the root of the joint is called
root face.
Root Opening: The minimum gap of separation at the bottom of the weld joint of two base metals is
called root opening.
Root Penetration: The depth by which a weld metal extends into the base metals at the root of a joint
as measured at the centre line of root cross section is called root penetration.
Root: The bottom portion of the groove weld joint where the two base metals are very near to each
other and where the first pass of welding of the joint is done is called root.
Run: It the portion of the welding done continuously throughout the length of the work pieces in a
single pass.
Rusting: It is the corrosion of iron or iron-base alloy to form a reddish brown product of hydrated
ferric oxide.
Sacrificial Protection: It is a process of reduction or protection of corrosion of a metal in an
electrolyte by galvanic ally coupling it to a more anodic metal.
Scaling: It is high-temperature corrosion resulting in formation of thick corrosion product layers or
deposition of in soluble materials on metal surface, usually inside water boilers or heat exchanger
tube.
Schedule Number: The schedule number indicates approximate value of the expression 1000 x P/S
where P is the service pressure and S is the allowable stress, both expressed in pounds per square
inch.
Seal weld: It is a thin weld on the threaded joints or between stitches welded joints of structure
primarily to obtain leak proof joint or to avoid corrosion of inside surfaces of the members.
Seam Weld: It is a continuous weld made between two members in edge to edge contact or upon two
overlapping members.
Seamless Pipe: Pipe manufactured by piercing and rolling solid billets or by cupping from a plate is
called seamless pipe. It is a wrought steel tubular product made without a welded seam.
Season Cracking: It is a cracking caused by the combined action of corrosion and internal tensile
stresses; it is usually applied to the stress corrosion cracking of brass.
Semi Automatic Welding: This is an arc welding process with equipment where the equipment
controls only the filler metal feed. The advance of the welding is controlled manually
Shear Strength: This is the greatest shear stress at which the material is good enough to sustain the
force without plastic deformation of the body. It is calculated by dividing the greatest load applied
during the shear or tortional test of the material to rapture it by the original cross sectional area (area
before application of the test load) of the body.
Shear Stress: It is a stress, which resists any force tending to slide one part of the body across
another layer of the same body. It acts tangentially / parallel to the plane of the body. Shear Stress is
the maximum value of stress in shear, which a material is capable to sustain without going to plastic
phase of material.
Sheet gaskets: Sheet gaskets are simple; they are cut to size either with bolt holes or without holes
for standard sizes with various thickness and material suitable to media and temperature pressure of
pipeline. This is Non-Metallic Gaskets. Non-Metallic Gaskets are used with flat face or raised face
flanges This leads to a very crude, fast and cheap gasket, such as compressed asbestos, a fibrous
material such as graphite.
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW): It is an arc welding process in which coalescence is
produced by heating with an electric arc between a covered metal electrode and the work piece. The
shielding is obtained from decomposition of the electrode covering and filling is obtained from the
consumable electrode.
Short Radius (SR) Elbows: The radius is 1.0 times the pipe diameter
Shot Blasting: It is a mechanical removal of metal oxides and scale from the metal surfaces by the
abrasive impingement of small steel pellets.
Size of Weld: For groove weld, it is the depth of the Groove joint plus the thickness of penetration at
root. For fillet weld, it is the leg length of the largest isosceles right triangle, which can be inscribed
within the fillet weld cross section.
Skelp: It is a piece of plate prepared by forming and bending and ready for making a butt-welded
pipe.
Slag Inclusion: It is a weld defect. While welding a non-metallic solid material (slag) are entrapped
in the weld metal or between weld metal and parent metal.
S.I. Units: The 11th General conference of Weights and Measures has recommended a unified and
systematically constituted system of fundamental and derived units for international use. This system
of units is now being used in all most all countries including India. In S.I. Units system, the
fundamental unit of length, mass and time are Meter, Kilogram and Second respectively. But there is a
slight variation in the derived units. India has adopted S.I. Units for all purposes. The international
meter, kilogram and second is defined here below:
Slip-On flanges: Slip On flanges are slipped over the pipe and then welded from both inside and
outside to provide sufficient strength and prevent leakage. This flange is used instead of weld necks
by many users because of its lower cost and also the fact that it requires less accuracy when cutting
pipe to length.
Slushing Compound: Non-drying oil, grease, or wax is known as slushing compound, which is
applied on the metal surface to protect from temporary corrosion.
Socket Weld Flanges: Socket Weld Flanges are similar to a slip on flanges in outline, but the bore is
counter-bored to accept pipe. The diameter of the remaining bore is same as the inside diameter of
the pipe. A fillet weld around the hub of the flange attaches the flange to the pipe. An optional interval
weld may be applied in high stress applications. Its biggest use is in high pressure system such as
hydraulic and steam lines.
Socket Weld: It is a fillet weld of two base metals placed on each other with an overlapped position.
Soldering: Soldering is a process of connecting two parts together with the help of chemical flux
application to the inner sleeve of a joint, and the pipe is inserted and with the use of open flames for
heating joints. The joint is then heated using a propane torch or Gas torch, solder is applied to the
heated joint, and the melted solder is drawn into the joint by capillary action as the flux vaporizes. A
degree of skill is needed to make soldered joints.
Solvent welding: A solvent is applied to PVC, CPVC, ABS, or other plastic piping, to partially
dissolve and fuse the adjacent surfaces of piping and fitting. Solvent welding is usually used with a
sleeve-type joint, to connect pipe and fittings made of the same (or closely compatible) material.
Solvents typically used for plastics are usually toxic, may be carcinogenic, and may also be
flammable, requiring adequate ventilation.
Spatter Loss: It is the difference in weight between the amount of electrode consumed and amounts
of weld deposited. It is a loss of electrode metal during welding due to spatter.
Spatter: It is the metal particles expelled and spread over the surface during the arc and gas-welding
.IT does not form a part of the weld.
Specific Heat: The specific heat of a substance is broadly defined as the amount of heat required to
raise the temperature of one unit mass of that substance water through 10 temperatures.
Specific gravity: Specific gravity is the ratio of the weight of any volume to the weight of an equal
volume of some other substance taken as a standard at stated temperatures. For solids or liquids, the
standard is usually water, and for gasses the standard is air or hydrogen.
Specification: Few Companies also develop their own Specifications and Guides in order to have
consistency in the documentation while executing the job at site by different engineers. These cover
various engineering methods, which are considered good practices, with specific recommendations
or requirements noted down from the Code and Standards. Codes and Standards, besides being
regulations, might also be considered as design aids since they provide guidance from experts.
Specimen: It is a sample of the welded piece for a specific test to be carried out on it. The specimen
may be a bend test, tension test, impact test, chemical analysis, macro test, hardness test, radiography
test etc.
Spilling: It is the separation of a surface caused by thermal or mechanical stresses (e.g., cooling,
bending etc.)
Spiral welded Pipe: It is a pipe manufactured by coiling a plate into a helix and fusion welding of the
overlapped or abutted edges.
Spiral-Wound Gaskets: Spiral-Wound Gaskets are made with stainless steel outer and inner rings
and a centre filled with spirally wound stainless steel tape wound together with graphite and Teflon,
formed in V shape. Spiral-Wound Gaskets are used with raised face flanges. Spiral wound gaskets
are also used in high pressure pipelines. Internal pressure acts upon the faces of the V, forcing the
gasket to seal against the flange faces. These gaskets have proven to be reliable in most applications,
and allow lower clamping forces than solid gaskets, albeit with a higher cost.
Spot Weld: It is a weld made between or upon overlapping members in which coalescence is
produced on spots of the facing surfaces. The weld cross section is approximately circular.
Squire Groove Weld: It is a groove weld in which the edges of the pipe or plate is not chamfered but
remain as plain end. The squire groove weld is generally done on piping or plate of wall thickness
not greater than 3.5 mm.
Stabilized Steel: It is a stainless steel, which has been alloys with a carbide- forming element (e.g.,
Cb, Ti, or Ta) which makes it less or not susceptible to carbide precipitation
Stainless Steel: It is alloy steel having unusual corrosion resistance properties due to having
elements like Chromium and Nickel in greater percentage.
Standard Weight: It is a schedule of weights of pipes to be used by different users
Standards: It is a document having standard dimensions of piping components approved by the
competent authority for use by the different users. Standard Documents are prepared by a Professional
group or Committee in a proper Engineering Practices that are believed to be good and contain
mandatory requirement.
Standard Ambient Temperature and Pressure (SATP): This refers to temperature at 25 deg C
(298.15 K) and pressure of 101 kPa.
Standard Temperature and Pressure (STP): This is commonly used to define standard conditions
for temperature and pressure. These are important for the measurements and documentation of
chemical and physical processes.
Static Head: Static head is the vertical distance between the free level of the source of supply and
the point of free discharge, or to the level of the free surface of the discharged liquid.
Stress Corrosion Cracking: It is an anodic process, electrochemical in nature. There is a thin film of
electrolyte on the metal surface and that both anodic and cathode area exists on the surface covered
by the liquid film. A very thin oxide film form almost instantaneously on the surface of all metals
exposed to moisture. This oxide-covered surface is much less chemically active than a bare or
unveiled surface, and it will be the cathode in an electrolyte. Stress corrosion cracking has been
commonly observed under the following conditions:
a. When repeated dripping of water takes place on one area of hot stainless steel.
b. When migration of water takes place through porous lagging on a steel surface and concentrates
salts at that surface.
c. A crevice in a heat transfer surface is in ideal hot spot for stress corrosion cracking.
Stiffness: The resistance of a material to elastic deformation or deflection is called “Stiffness” or
“Rigidity”.
Stop Valve: It is a Non-return or check valve.
Straight Polarity: It is the arrangement of direct current arc welding leads in which the work is
connected to the positive pole and the electrode to the negative pole of the welding arc.
Strain: Strain is the behaviour of the material due to which there is a change in size, shape and
dimension of the body due to any external force acting on it. Strain is a non-dimensional quantity but
its unit of measurement is length per unit of length e.g. centimetre per centimetre. The material
subjected to a load may deform, yield or break, depending upon the magnitude of the load, nature of
material and its cross-sectional dimension. The resultant deformation expressed as a fractional
change in dimension due to all the elementary inter-atomic forces or internal resistances, is called
Strain. It is a measured of a change in dimensions of a material when loaded compared to its original
size or shape. Linear strain would be the change in length of a part compared to its original length. It
is usually expressed as a percentage.
Strainers: Strainers are placed in-line with process piping to remove large solid contaminants from
the flow. Strainers filter particles and contaminants from fluids. They provide a high degree of
resistance to corrosive substances such as acids and solvents and other toxic fluids. Strainers can be
cleaned and reused.
Strength: The “Strength” of a material is its capacity to withstand destruction under the action of
external loads. It is the ability of a material to withstand stress without failure. The strength of a
material is defined using the following properties, such as modulus of elasticity; yield strength, and
ultimate tensile strength.
Stress analysis: Stress analysis is method where process piping and power piping are typically
checked by Pipe Stress Engineers to verify that the routing, nozzle loads, hangers, and supports are
properly placed and selected such that allowable pipe stress is not exceeded under different situation
such as sustain, operating or hydro test as per the ASME or any other legislative code and local
government standards. It is necessary to evaluate the mechanical behaviour of the piping under
regular loads (internal pressure and thermal stresses) as well under occasional and intermittent
loading cases such as earthquake, high wind or special vibration, and water hammer. This evaluation
is usually performed with the assistance of a specialized pipe stress analysis computer program.
Stress Corrosion: The corrosion caused by tensile stress is called stress corrosion.
Stress Relieving: It is the uniform heating of a fabricated or welded product to a sufficiently high
temperature below the critical range, holding, and cooling at the controlled rate of cooling to
atmosphere temperature. It is done to relieve the major portion of residual stresses during welding,
cold or hot bending, or cutting operation etc.
Stress relieving: Stress relieving is done to remove or to reduce the internal stresses created in a
metal during cold working, such as welding. The stresses are caused in a number of ways, ranging
from cold working to non-uniform cooling. Stress relieving is usually accomplished by heating a
metal below the lower critical temperature and then cooling uniformly but slowly.
Stress: It is behaviour of the material due to which it tends to resist any external force acting on it. It
is the intensity of internal force or component of forces acting at a point in a place in the body. It is
expressed in force per unit area of cross section of the body in that place. There are different types of
stress e.g. tensile stress, compressive stress, and shear stress and torsion stress. Load or force per
unit area of the cross section through which the load is acting is called stress.
String Bead: It is a type of weld bead made by moving the electrode in a direction essentially
parallel to the axis of the bead. There is no appreciable transverse oscillation of the electrode during
welding.
Stud Welding: It is a procedure to join two base metals with the help of joining a metal stud to a
work piece. Arc, resistance, friction or other suitable method with or without external gas shielding
accomplishes the welding.
Submerged Arc Welded (SAW) Pipe: Submerged Arc Welded pipe is defined as pipe having one
longitudinal seam formed by submerged arc welding.
Submerged Arc Welding: It is an arc-welding process in which coalescence is produced by heating
with an electric arc between a bare metal electrode and the work piece. A blanket of granular fusible
material poured on the work piece shields the welding.
Suction head: Suction head (sometimes called head of suction) exists when the pressure measured at
the suction nozzle and corrected to the centreline of the pump is above atmospheric pressure. Static
suction head is the vertical distance from the free level of the source of supply to centreline of pump.
Dynamic suction head is the vertical distance from the source of supply, when pumping at required
capacity, to centreline of pump, minus velocity head, entrance, friction, but not minus internal pump
losses. Dynamic suction head, as determined on test, is the reading of a gage connected to suction
nozzle of pump, minus vertical distance from centre of gage to centre line of pump. Suction head, after
deducting the various losses, many be a negative quantity, in which case a condition equivalent to
suction lift will prevail.
Suction Lift: Suction lift exists when the suction measured at the pump nozzle and corrected to the
centreline of the pump is below atmospheric pressure. Static suction lift is the vertical distance from
the free level of the source of supply to centreline of pump. Dynamic suction lift is the vertical
distance from the source of supply when pumping at required capacity, to centreline of pump, plus
velocity head, entrance and friction loss, but not including internal pump losses, where static suction
head exists but where the losses exceed the static suction head the dynamic suction lift is the sum of
the velocity head, entrance, friction, minus the static suction head, but not including internal pump
losses. Dynamic suction lift as determined on test is the reading of the mercury column connected to
suction nozzle of pump, plus vertical distance between point of attachment of mercury column to
centreline of pump, plus bead of water resting on mercury column, if any.
Sulphide Stress Cracking: It is a Hydrogen-induced cracking of a metal in an environment containing
hydrogen sulphide. Process stream containing water and hydrogen sulphide may cause sulphide stress
cracking of susceptible materials. This phenomenon is affected by a complex interaction of
parameters including metal chemical composition and hardness, heat treatment, microstructure, pH,
hydrogen sulphide concentration, stress and temperature.
Surfacing: It is a process of depositing layers of material to another surface by welding, brazing or
thermal spraying to obtain desired properties or dimensions.
Swage Nipples: A short stub of pipe usually threaded steel, brass, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride
(CPVC) or copper; occasionally just bare copper. A nipple is defined as being a short stub of pipe
which has a male pipe thread at each end, for connecting two other fittings. Nipples are commonly
used for plumbing and hoses, and second as valves for funnels and pipes
Swaging: It is a method of reducing the end of the pipe with rotating dies, which are pressed
intermittently against the pipe end.
Tack Weld: It is a small length of weld made to hold two parts of a weld in proper alignment till the
final weld is made.
Tee: Tee is the most common pipe fittings. It is used to either combine or split a fluid flow. It is a
type of pipe fitting which is T-shaped having two outlets, at 90° to the connection to the main line. It
is a short piece of pipe with a lateral outlet.
Tee Joint: It is the joining two members located approximately at right angles to each other in a form
of tee with the help of welding.
Temperature: The temperature is defined as the degree of hotness or the level of heat intensity of a
body. A hot body is said to be at higher temperature and the cold body is said to be at lower
temperature. The thermometer in the scale of “Centigrade or Celsius” and “Fahrenheit” measures the
temperature.
Tempering: It is a process of heating normalized or quench-hardened steel to a temperature below
the transformation temperature (the lower critical temperature, (400 to 1105 ˚F or 205 to 595 ˚C) and
cooling at the desired rate up to a specific temperature, which is above the martensite start
temperature, and then holding it there until pure bainite can form or internal stresses can be relieved
to impart some toughen or the atmospheric temperature. It is also called stress relieving.
Tensile strength: The maximum value of stress in tension, which a material is capable to sustain
before start of plastic phase of material is known as tensile strength. This is the greatest tensile stress
at which the material is good enough to sustain the force without plastic deformation of the body. It is
calculated by dividing the greatest load applied during the tensile test of the material to rapture it by
the original cross sectional area (area before application of the test load) of the body.
Tensile Stress: It is a stress, which resists any force tending to pull a body apart. It acts normal /
perpendicular to the cross sectional plane out ward direction. Thus, in the design of piping, it is
necessary to know the effects of the three independent variables, such as, stress, time and temperature
on the plastic properties and fracture strength of the materials from which the piping to be
constructed. Such information is obtained from creep tests.
Test Coupon: It is a piece of sample of plate; pipe or tube either fillet welded or butt-welded
material for procedure or performance qualification testing.
Test Specimen: It is a sample piece of any material for specific test such as bend test, tension test,
impact test, chemical analysis, macro test, or radiography test etc.
Thermal Capacity: The thermal capacity of a substance is defined as the amount of heat required to
raise the temperature of whole mass of the substance through 10 temperatures.
Thermal conductivity: The thermal conductivity is defined as the rate of heat transfer from the higher
gradient to the lower gradient in unit area of the surface, one degree of temperature difference and
through one unit of thickness in unit time.
Threaded Joint: Pipes are threaded at the end and are connected together with the help of coupling is
called the threaded joint.
Threaded pipe: Steel pipe is often joined using threaded connections, where tapered threads are cut
into the end of the tubing segment, sealant is applied in the form of thread sealing compound or thread
seal tape (PTFE or Teflon tape), and it is then threaded into a corresponding threaded fitting using a
pipe wrench.
Throat of Fillet Weld: It is the perpendicular distance from the root of the fillet weld to the
hypotenuse of the largest right triangle that can be inscribed within the fillet weld cross section.
Toe of Weld: It is the junction between the face of the weld and the base metal.
Tortional Stress: It is a kind of shear stress, which resists any force tending to twist the body. It acts
along the circular path of the cross section of the body in the plane of cross section.
TOTAL DYNAMIC HEAD: Total dynamic head is the vertical distance between source of supply and
point of discharge when pumping at required capacity, plus velocity head friction, entrance and exit
losses. Total dynamic head as determined on test where suction lift exists, is the reading of the
mercury column connected to the suction nozzle of the pump, plus reading of a pressure gage
connected to discharge nozzle of pump, plus vertical distance between point of attachment of mercury
column and centre of gage, plus excess, if any, of velocity head of discharge over velocity head of
suction, as measured at points where the instruments are attached, plus head of water resting on
mercury column, if any. Total dynamic head, as determined on tests where suction head exists, is the
reading of the gage attached to the discharge nozzle of pump, minus the reading of a gage connected to
the suction nozzle of pump, plus or minus vertical distance between centres of gages (depending upon
whether suction gage is below or above discharge gage), plus excess, if any, of the velocity head of
discharge over velocity head of suction as measured at points where instruments are attached. Total
dynamic discharge head is the total dynamic head minus dynamic suction lift, of plus dynamic suction
head.
Toughness: The ability of a material to absorb energy and deform plastically before fracturing is
called Toughness. Toughness is a measure of the amount of energy a material can absorb before actual
fracture or failure takes place. The ability of any material to resist the external shock or impact, or to
withstand the repeated and reversing nature of stress, or to absorb the energy developed due to
overstressing of the material beyond the elastic limit is called toughness of the material. This property
of the material is very much desirable in piping because of the nature of piping requirement to absorb
the shock due to water hammer and similar form of surge. This is measure by the impact testing of the
material I the laboratory. The toughness of a material is dependent upon both strength and ductility.
Traps: The traps are used in the steam line to discharge the condensate from the steam in steam piping
without allowing steam to escape from the line.
Trepanning: It is the removal of a small portion of weld of pipe or plate welded together for
evaluation of weld and base metal soundness. This operation is generally performed with a whole
saw.
Tube: Tubular products are termed as tube. Tube is specified by outside diameter and wall thickness,
expressed in inch or in mm. The principal uses for tube are in heat exchangers, instrument lines, and
inter-connections on equipments such as compressors, boilers, and refrigerators.
Tubing: The tubing is used for lighter-weight piping, especially types that are flexible enough to be
supplied in coiled form.
Tungsten electrode: It is a tungsten wire, other than the filler metal and consumable, used in an inert
gas arc welding process.
Turbnizing: It is a process of mechanically removal of scales from the inside of pipe by means of air-
driven centrifugal rotating cleaners. This operation is performed on steel pipe bends after hot bending
to remove loose scales and sand.
Ultimate Strength: The maximum stress that a material can sustain is called the Ultimate Strength.
Under Bead Crack: It is a crack in the heat-affected zone or in previously welded weld metal
Paralleling the underside contour of the deposited weld bead and usually not extending to the surface.
Undercut: It is the unfilled groove made by the melting of base metal adjacent to the toe of a weld.
Underground piping: Underground piping systems for drainage, or disposal of storm water or
groundwater, use gravity flow at low pressure, often with entrained solids. Piping fittings used for
these systems shall be designed to be as smooth as possible on their interior surfaces. When high peak
flow volumes are involved, the design and construction of these systems are closely inter-related to
sewer design.
Unequal Tee: When the branch size is less than that of header size, reduced tee is used. Most
common are tees with the same inlet and outlet sizes. Some of the industrial tees are Straight Tee,
Reducing Tee, Double Branch Tee, Double Branch Reducing Tee, Conical Tee, Double Branch
Conical Tee, Bullhead Tee, Conical Reducing Tee, Double Branch Conical Reducing Tee, Tangential
Tee, and Double Branch Tangential Tee.
Union: A union is similar to a coupling, except it is designed to allow quick and convenient
disconnection of pipes for maintenance or fixture replacement. A union provides a simple transition,
allowing easy connection or disconnection at any future time. A standard union pipe is made in three
parts consisting of a nut, a female end, and a male end. When the female and male ends are joined, the
nuts then provide the necessary pressure to seal the joint. Since the mating ends of the union are
interchangeable, changing of a valve or other device can be achieved with a minimum loss of time.
Pipe unions are essentially a type of flange connector, as discussed further below.
Units: The measurement of physical quantities is one of the most important operations in engineering.
Every quantity is measured in terms of some arbitrary, but internationally accepted units. There are
four systems of Units, which are internationally accepted and commonly used. These are as follow:
C.G.S. Units: In C.G.S. Units system, the fundamental unit of length, mass and time are
Centimetre, Gram and Second respectively. The C.G.S. units are known as “Absolute Units” or
“Physicists’ Units”.
F.P.S. Units: In F.P.S. Units system, the fundamental unit of length, mass and time are
Foot, Pound and Second respectively.
M.K.S. Units: In M.K.S. Units system, the fundamental unit of length, mass and time are
Meter, Kilogram and Second respectively. The M.K.S. units are known as “Engineers’ Units”.
India has adopted M.K.S Units for all purposes.
Upper Transformation: It is the temperature at which transformation of the ferrite to austenite is
completed during heating.
Vacuum Systems Piping: Vacuum Systems are very thinner and lighter construction since the weight
of the materials conveyed through the system is much less. Vacuum system shall be designed to be as
smooth as possible on their interior surfaces. The fittings may be "belled" or expanded slightly in
diameter, or otherwise shaped to accommodate insertion of pipe without forming a sharp interior
ridge and by eliminating internal ridges, burrs, sharp turns, or other obstructions to smooth flow that
might cause build-up of material into pipe blockages.
Valves: Valve is equipment designed to stop or regulate flow of any fluid (liquid, gas, condensate,
stem, slurry etc.) in its path. Valves are categorized depending on their applications like isolation,
throttling and non-return. It is installed in the piping system based on its requirement. Various types of
valves are available depending upon the type of construction as follows:
Velocity Head: The velocity head (sometimes called "head due to velocity") of water moving with a
given velocity, is the equivalent head through which it would have to fall to acquire the same
velocity: or the head necessary merely to accelerate the water. Knowing the velocity, we can readily
figure the velocity head from the simple formula:
Vertical Position: It is a welding position in which the axis of the pipe is vertical with the welding
being performed in the horizontal position .The pipe may or may not be rotated during welding.
Viscosity: Viscosity is the internal friction of a liquid tending to reduce flow. Viscosity is the internal
friction of a liquid tending to reduce flow. Viscosity is ascertained by an instrument termed a
Viscosimeter, of which there are several makes, viz. Saybolt Universal; Tangliabue; Engler (used
chiefly in Continental countries); Redwood (used in British Isles and Colonies). In the United States
the Saybolt and Tangliabue instruments are in general use Viscosity is expressed as the number of
seconds required for a definite volume of fluid under a arbitrary head to flow through a standardized
aperture at constant temperature.
Voids: It is a term generally applied to indicate the defects in paint, or welds.
Water Equivalent: The water equivalent of a substance is defined as the quantity of water, which
requires the same amount of heat required to raise the temperature of whole substance through 10
temperatures.
Water Hammer: Whenever the discharge valve at the delivery end is suddenly closed or the running
pump is closed due to power failure in a pipeline supplying water to a long distance point, the
moving column of water is brought to a stop at the valve or a vacuum is created at the pump end of the
line. Then the kinetic energy, equal to 1/2 MV2, contained in the column of water must be brought to
the equilibrium stage. Hence to maintain the equilibrium the column of water compresses back and the
pressure rises near the valve. From higher pressure point to the lower pressure point water rushes
and acts upon the pipe wall and gives a hammer effect on the pipe repeatedly till equilibrium is
reached. This hammer effect is called Water Hammer.
Weave Bead: It is a type of a welding technology in which welding is done with oscillation of the
electrode transverse to the axis of the weld. It is called a weave bead welding.
Weight: It is the amount of pull, which the earth exerts upon a given body and it varies with the
distance of the body from the centre of the earth. Thus the weight of the body varies with its position
on the earth surface and thus, it is a force.
Weld ability: It is the ability of the metals to get welded under the specific condition of welding
parameters.
Weld Bead: It is the weld metal deposited during welding.
Weld Decay: It is a term applied to areas adjacent to welds of a certain alloys, which have been
subjected to inter-granular corrosion because of metallurgical changes in the alloys.
Weld Metal Area: It is the area of the weld metal as measured on the cross section of a weld.
Weld Metal: It is the portion of the weld, which is melted during welding either by melting of the
electrode, filler wire, base metal or both.
Weld Neck Flanges: Weld Neck Flanges are designed to be joined to a piping system by butt
welding. They are expensive because of its long neck, but are preferred for high stresses to the pipe,
reducing stress applications. The neck, or hub, transmits stress concentration at the base of the flange.
The gradual transition of thickness from the base of the hub to the wall thickness at the butt weld
provides important reinforcement of the flange. Turbulence and erosion are reduced due to the
matching bore size of the pipe and flange.
Welded Joint: It is a localized union of two or more members produced by the application of a
welding process. Welder: He is a man who is capable of performing a manual or semiautomatic
welding operation.
Welder Qualification: This is the acceptance test determining the ability of a welder to make a
satisfactory weld of the metals in the specified position of welding as per requirement of the codes.
Welding Accessories: These are the tools, machines or other items used to achieve the weld, such as
Electrode holder, Flexible power cable, Leather hand gloves, apron, Wire brush, chisel, hammer,
Electrode holder etc.
Welding current: The current, which flows through the electrical welding circuit during the making
of the weld is called welding current.
Welding Fit-up: It is a process of gas cutting, grinding, cleaning, and joining the two members to be
welded together with tack welds after alignment and maintaining the welding joint design correctly.
Welding Generator: It is the electrical current generator, which generates the D.C. power for
welding.
Welding Gloves: Welding gloves are specialized, highly-protective hand wear worn during material
joining (welding) applications. They protect the welder's hands from high heat, molten metal, and
flame while allowing for manual dexterity and movement of the fingers. Most welding gloves are
made of heavy, thermally-insulating materials such as canvas, cotton, leather, metal and metal mesh,
or wool.
Welding Machine: The electrical or mechanical equipment used for welding is called welding
machine.
Welding Operator: He is a man who operates the welding machine.
Welding Procedure qualification: It is a written qualified welding procedure with all of the
essential, nonessential and supplementary essential variables, prepared to provide direction to the
welder or welding operator for making production welds to codes requirements.
Welding Procedure: It is a detailed document of methods and practices involved in the production of
a weld, which includes the joint design, filler metals used, specification of metals to be welded,
thickness of members and other parameters as per code requirements.
Welding Process: It is a type of method of welding in, which describes how to produce the
coalescence of the two members to be welded together.
Welding Rod: It is a rod or wire, consumable or no consumable, used for welding of the metals.
Welding Sequence: It is the order or process of making a weld of the metals.
Welding: Welding is a process where the material of the pipe or tube is itself partially melted in a
carefully controlled manner to get the metals directly fused together.
Wrought Iron: It is a refined iron in plastic state in a pudding furnace in which 3 percent of slag
irregularities and 0.5 percent of carbon are mixed together with pure iron and other elements.
Yield Point: This is the point of the first value of stress, in the stress-strain diagram, less than the
maximum stress, at which the strain increase without any increase in the value of the stress. In other
word, this is the point of the first value of stress at which the material cease offering resistance to a
force and starts flowing in a permanent set without a noticeable increase in load. The value of the
maximum first stress in a material having less unique yielding phenomenon than the maximum
attainable stress at which any increase in strain occurs without any increase in the stress value.
Yield stress: It is a value of the stress at which the material exhibits a permanent change in shape,
size or dimension. The maximum stress at which the body exhibits a specified (limited) deviation
from its original form or shape is called the Yield Stress.
1.9 List of Codes and Standards
Committees of leading engineering societies and standardization groups prepare various Codes and
Standards, applicable to Design, fabrication and welding of piping systems. These are, generally,
written with authenticity to establish the minimum requirements of quality and safety. Its main
objective is to have Standardization and Safety. Periodic review of the standards by the committee is
done and these are revised to incorporate the modified features based on the research and feedback
from industry. Codes and Standards are essential Documents for Design, Engineering, Construction,
Inspection and proper selection of Material of Piping Systems. It reduces cost, confusion and
inconvenience. It is, hence, necessary that the latest editions of the codes and standards be referred
for the design.
American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI): These specify the material by its Chemical and Physical
properties. ANSI Standards can identify the material when specific model of manufacture of the
element is not specified.
American National Standards Institute (ANSI): The American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
is a private non-profit organization that oversees the development of voluntary consensus standards
for products, services, processes, systems, and personnel in the United States. ANSI has five founding
Engineering Societies, such as, American Institute of Electrical Engineers (AIEE); American Society
of Mechanical Engineers (ASME); American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE); American Institute
of Mining Engineers (AIME); and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). All
Dimension Standards are covered under ANSI. The American National Standards Institute's standards
used in the design of the Piping Systems are:
ANSI A13.1 : Scheme for the Identification of Piping Systems
ANSI A58.1 : Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other -
Structures
ANSI B31.1 : Code for Power project piping
ANSI B31.2 : Industrial Gas and Fuel Gas Piping
ANSI B31.3 : Code for petroleum refinery piping
ANSI B31.4 : Code for Liquid petroleum transportation piping
system
ANSI B31.5 : Refrigeration Piping.
ANSI B31.6 : Chemical Industry Process Piping
ANSI B31.8 : Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems.
ANSI B 31.9 : Building Services Piping
ANSI B 31.11 : Slurry Transportation Piping System
ANSI B 31.G : Manual for determining the remaining strength of
corroded piping – a Supplement to ANSI B31
American Petroleum Institute (API): API produces standards, recommended practices,
specifications, codes and technical publications, reports. Different API standards promote the use of
safe, interchangeable equipment and operations through the use of proven, sound engineering
practices and are listed as below:
API RP14E: Recommended practice for offshore piping.
API RP14C: Recommended practices for concerning required Safety
devices for process components.
API RP520: Recommended practice for design and installation of
Pressure Relieving Systems in Refineries, Part-I and Part-II.
API RP521: Guide for Pressure Relief and Depressurising System.
API 1102: Recommended practice for liquid petroleum cross-country
pipeline, rail roads and highways
API 1104: Specification for welding of cross-country pipeline and related
facilities.
API 1105: Bulletin on construction practices for oil and its producer’s
pipelines
API 1107: Recommended practice for maintenance of welding of
pipelines
American Society for Mechanical Engineers (ASME): ASME has adapted most of ANSI and
ASTM Standards. This code covers piping connected to Boilers (Section I) to Pressures Vessels
(section VIII), and to Nuclear Power Plant Components (Section-xi), which is frequently used by
piping engineers and are listed below:
SECTION-I; Rule for construction of Power Boiler
SECTION-II; Material
Part A Ferrous Material Specifications
Part B Nonferrous Material Specifications
Part C Specifications for Welding Rods, Electrodes and Filler Metals
Part D Properties
SECTION-III: General Requirements for Nuclear Vessels: Division 1
and
Division 2.
SECTION IV: Rules for Construction of Heating Boilers
SECTION V: Non-destructive Examination
SECTION VI: Recommended Rules for the Care and Operation Heating
Boilers
SECTION VII: Recommended Guidelines for the Care of Power Boilers
SECTION VIII: Unfired Pressure Vessels: Rules for Construction of
Pressure
Vessels
Division 1 Rules for Construction of High Pressure Vessel
Division 2 Alternative Rules
Division 3 Alternative Rules for Construction of High Pressure Vessel
SECTION IX: Qualification Standard for Welding and Brazing
Procedure,
Welders, Brazers and Operators Qualifications
SECTION X: Fibre-Reinforced Plastic Pressure Vessels
SECTION XI: Rules for In-service Inspection of Nuclear Power Plant
Components
American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM): All Material Standards are covered under
ASTM, which consists of 16 sections on definitions and classifications of Materials of Construction
and Test methods. Most of the ASTM Standards are adapted by ASME and are specified in ASME
Section II. ASME Section II covers the various materials such as plates, castings, Pipe and tubes. The
specification number has an Alphabetical prefix, "A" for ferrous and "B" for non-ferrous materials
and so on. ASTM also specifies standard practice for numbering metal and alloys as Unified
Numbering System. Unified Numbering System (UNS) establishes 18 series numbers of metals and
alloys. Each UNS number consists of a single letter prefix followed by 5 digits. In most cases the
alphabet is suggestive of the family of the metal identified.
American Welding Society (AWS): These standards provide information on the welding
fundamentals; weld design, welder's training qualifications, testing and inspection of the welds and
guidance on the application and use of welds.
American Water Works Association (AWWA): These standards refer to the piping elements
required for low-pressure water services. These are less stringent than other standards. Valves and
Flanges required for large diameter water pipelines are covered under this standard and are referred
rarely by piping engineers.
British Standard (BS): British Standard may be substitutes for American Standards.
Deutsches Institut für Normung e.V. (DIN): This is a German Institute for Standardization. German
Institute for Standardization is the German national organization for standardization and is that
country's ISO member body. DIN is a Registered German Association (e.V.).
Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS): This specifies the standards used for industrial activities in
Japan. The standardization process is coordinated by Japanese Industrial Standards Committee and
published through Japanese Standards Association.
Expansion Joint Manufacturers Association (EJMA): It is the Authority on Expansion Joints. The
EJMA Standards are the authority on the proper selection and application of metallic bellows type
expansion joints for safe and reliable piping and vessel installation. EJMA Standards is intended to
provide users with a basic understanding of expansion joints and Heat Exchangers. It will also assist
the user in communicating design requirements to the manufacturers and to properly install and
maintain the expansion joint in service.
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS): Bureau of Indian Standards has so far not developed an Indian
Standard for the design of Piping Systems. Indian Standards do not cover dimensions and material
specifications under the same standard number. There are no groupings based on branch of
engineering. So in India, we adopt only the American Standards.
Indian Boilers & Regulation (IBR): This is an Indian Standard for design, fabrication and erection
and Inspection of Boiler Piping.
Manufacturers Standardization Society-Standard Practices (MSS-SP): It is Manufacturers
Standardization Society. It develops Standard Practices of Valves and Fitting. These are published as
advisory standards and are widely followed by manufacturers.
National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE): NACE International is a professional
organization for the corrosion control industry. NACE International is involved in every industry and
area of corrosion prevention and control, from chemical processing and water systems, to
transportation and infrastructure protection. NACE's main focus of activities includes cathode
protection, coatings for industry and material selection for specific chemical resistance. NACE
standards specify the pipe materials for sour and corrosive services of industries and these material
grades are associated with ASME Sec. 2A standards also.
NACE: Sulphide Stress Corrosion Cracking Resistant Metallic
Material for oil field (MR-01-75) Equipment
NACE: Testing of Metals for Resistance to Sulphide Stress
Cracking at ambient (MR-01-77) Temperature
NACE RP-0286: Electrical Isolation of Catholically Protected Pipelines
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): This is Code, Standard and Recommended Practice
for proper design of the Fire piping system. These Standards and specifications are very authentic and
are frequently being used in piping industries for different purposes. It is, hence, necessary that the
latest editions of the Codes and Standards shall be referred for the design.
NFPA 70 : National Electric Code
National Fire Code Volume 6 : Sprinklers, Fire Pumps, and Water Tank.
National Fire Code Volume 8 : Portable and Manual Fire Control Equipment.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO): International Organization for
Standardization develops International Standards on a variety of subjects and many ISO standards are
published every year. The full range of technical fields can be seen from the listing International
Standards.
European Committee for Standardization (CEN): The European Committee for Standardization
(CEN) is a business facilitator in Europe, removing trade barriers for European industry and
consumers. CEN is a major provider of European Standards and Technical Specifications.
Canadian Standards Association (CSA): The Canadian Standards Association is an association
serving business, industry, government and consumers in Canada and the global marketplace. They
work in Canada and around the world to develop standards that address real needs, such as enhancing
public safety and health and advancing the quality of life and helping to preserve the environment.
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE): SAE International is a global association of engineers and
technical experts in the aerospace, automotive and commercial-vehicle industries.
United States Military Standard (A-A): A United States Defence Standard, often called a military
standard, "MIL-STD", "MIL-SPEC", or "MilSpecs", is used to help achieve standardization
objectives by the U.S. Department of Defence. Standardization is beneficial in achieving
interoperability; ensuring products meet certain requirements, commonality, reliability, total cost of
ownership, compatibility with logistics systems, and similar defence-related objectives.
1.10 VENDORS AND M ANUFACTURER
PIPES :
Ameron International, Marubeni, Japan.
Geldermalsen, Netherlands. Mitsui, Japan
Anderson Hydraulics, NIPPON Steel, Japan
Aberdeen, UK, NKK, Japan
British Steel Tubes & NSC, Japan.
Pipes, Northamptonshire, UK. Sidereca, Argentina
British Steel Tubular Sumitomo
Supply Services, Corporation, Japan.
Northamptonshire, UK. Thyssen Stahlunion,
Dalamine, Italy, Fax: GmbH (Germany)
0031 345 574903 Vallource &
Itochu, Japan. Mannesmann, Germany
Kawasaki Steel, Japan
Mannesmann Rohren
Works, Germany.
FLANGE:
Anderson Hydraulics, Melesi, Italy
Aberdeen, UK. Metal Forging, India
Ani Aurora PLC, MGI, France
Yorkshire, UK. Nicola Galperi,
Austin Stround, U.K. Italy.
BG Technomarine System Paramount Forging,
Ltd, UK. India
BSL Tubes et Raccords Punjab steeal, India
sa, France. Schulz Export, W.
Corposider, Italy. Germany.
Echjay Industries Ltd., Sumitomo, Japan
India. Technofine, India
Galperti, Itali
London Forged Fittings,
UK.
FITTINGS :
Anderson Hydraulics, IHF, India
Aberdeen, UK. Mega, spa. Italy
Ani Aurora PLC, Schulz Export, GmbH
Yorkshire, UK. Germany,
BG Technomarine System Trauvey & Cauvin,
Ltd, UK. France.
British Steel Tubular Nichimen, Japan
Supply Services, Pipeline
Northamptonshire, UK International, U.K.
BSL Tubes et Raccords Raccordi Forgaiti,
sa, France. Italy
Corposider, Italy. Schulz Germany,
Fittinox, Italy UK.
Gam Raccordi, Italy Sumitomo, Japan
Igwara, India Techno Forged, U.K.
Corposider spa, Italy. Benken, Japan
VALVES :
Akay, Hubly KTM, JAPAN
ANDERSON G REENWOOD , L&T AUDCO,
UK. MADRAS
Anderson Hydraulics, LB Bentley Ltd.
Aberdeen, UK. Gloucester shire, UK.
Ani Aurora PLC, MAPEGAZ,
Yorkshire, UK. FRANCE
B.D.K Marketing, Hubly OMB, ITALY.
Babcock Flow Controls RONA,
Balon Corporation T K VALVES,
BALON, USA ABUDHABI.
Bately Valvve Co Ltd, OMB SPA, ITALI
West Yorkshire, UK. OMS SALERI,
BI Thornton Ltd., ITALY
Yorkshire, UK. ORION, ITALI
Bifold Co PERAIR, ITAALI
(Manufacturing) Ltd, PETROL VALVES,
Manchester, UK. ITALI
Blakeborough Control PRECISION
V.aves, Yorkshire UK. ENGG.,NASIK
Breda Energia-Sesto PROCEEP,
Industria, Milano, ITALY. AHMEDABAD
BVUK Ltd, Leicester, ROBERT CORT, UK
UK. RONA VALVES,
FLOW CONTROL, BELGIUM
CANADA SAKHI ENGRS,
GROOVE ITALIA, SPA MUMBAI
GROVE, ITALY T.K. VALVES,
KITZ, JAPAN ABUDABI
VALVINOX
VITAS, ITALI
WALTHER WEIR,
SPAIN
ZUMOX, MUMBAI
GASKET:
ACORN SEALS LTD, Madras Industrial
DALGETY BAY , UK. Products,
Advanced Products (Seals MOORSIDE, UK
& Gasket), UK. SEVAL, ITALI
IGP LTD.
N UTS & BOLTS :
BEA, ITALI OME, ITALI
BOLT MASTER (I) LTD., SANDEEP ENGG.
INDIA INDIA
HARDWIN FASTENERS SYNDICATE
ENGG. INDIA
I NSULATION M ATERIAL:
AARON SEALS, Cambridge shire UK.
Anderson Hydraulics, Aberdeen, UK.
ARMSTRONG INSULATION PRODUCTS, UK.
BRITISH STEEL TUBULAR SUPPLY SERVICES , NORTHAMPTONSHIRE, UK
FLAME ARRESTOR:
BSL TUBES ET RACCORDS SA, Cedex, France,
H OSE:
AARON SEALS, Huntington, Cambridge shire UK.,
Anderson Hydraulics, Aberdeen, UK.
BAND-IT CO LTD, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, UK.,
NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING:
ABBOT GROUP PLC, ABERDEEN UK.,
ACIERIES HACHETTE & DRIOUT, Saint-Dizzier, France.,
AEA SONOMATIC, Aberdeen UK.,
AGFA GEVAERT INDIA LTD., Marine Lines, Mumbai,
BG TECNOMARINE SYSTEM LTD, Arbroath, UK,
BHABHA ATOMIC RESEARCH CENTER, Trombay, Mumbai
BLUE STAR LTD, Prabhadevi, Mumbai-400025
C.Z. INSTRUMENTS INDIA LTD., Sir V. Thakeray Marg, Mumbai-400020
H EAT TREATMENT:
ABBOT GROUP PLC, Aberdeen UK.,
ACIERIES HACHETTE & DRIOUT, Saint-Dizzier, France.
Industrial Marine & oil field Service, Ambal Doshi Marg, Mumai-400023
Mathbin Scientifics, 301/10-A, Ranjit Nagar Complex, New Delhi-110 008
Metallurgical Services, Ghatkopar, Mumbai-400 086, TEL: 585241
NDT Appliances Pvt. Ltd., 59, Suren Sarkar Road, Calcutta-700 010
Pioneer Equipment Co. Pvt. Ltd., 432, Padra Road, Broda-390 005
Pradeep Metal Treatment Chemical Pvt. Ltd., Wagle Estate Thane-400 604
Relsonics, Khatani Textile Industries Compound, Kurla, Mumbai.
SGS India Pvt. Ltd., SGS House, Nauroji Furdosji Road, Colaba, Mumbai-400039
Southern Dynamics, Ramaswami Street, Manady, Madras-600 001
Test Equipment, 102,Chittaranjan Park, New Delhi-110 019
Vibtronics Pvt. Ltd., Nasyani Estate, Halav Bridge, Kurla, Mumbai-400 070
X-ray Associates Mfg. Co., 124, S.V. Road, Jogeshwari, Mumbai-400 060
X-Ray Engg. Co. (P) Ltd., Off Vidyanagari Marg,, Kalina, Mumbai-400 098
Iron
(3) Alloy Steel: Alloy steels are defined as a carbon steels to which one or more alloying elements
are added to get some beneficial property of the alloy steel. The commonly added alloying elements
are chromium nickel, manganese, molybdenum, silicon, vanadium, tungsten, copper, aluminium and
boron. Alloy steels possess the improved properties over carbon steels due to presence of the
alloying element. Alloy steels can have higher hardness, strength, and toughness as compared to plain
Carbon Steels. Alloy steels can have higher hardened ability, which plays significant role in heat
treatment. Alloy steels have higher temper ability and they retain cheer hardness and strength at
elevated temperatures (deep strength) as compared to carbon steels. Alloy steels possess high
hardness (red hardness) of temperature up to 600 0C due to the presence of alloy carbides. Alloy
steels have higher corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance. Different alloying elements have
different functions to perform when added to steel. Therefore, alloy steels containing different
alloying elements are used for different applications. Alloy Steel is used for its strong resistance to
certain corrosive chemicals and higher service temperature. Alloy Steel, more commonly, prescribed
are ASTM A335, Gr. P5, P9, P11, and P22 and are used for applications above 315 0C. Corrosion
resistances are the same for Alloy Steel and Carbon Steel. As the alloy content increases, the heat
treatment plays an important effect on microstructure and mechanical properties. However, the effect
of cooling rate (method of cooling) in heat treatment varies significantly on the hardness &
microstructure of the materials.
(4) Stainless Steel (Nickel and Nickel Alloys): Stainless steel is the product of steel alloyed with
chromium and to a lesser extent nickel. Other elements such as molybdenum, copper, manganese and
silicon are included in different proportions as part of the alloy for various steel types. Chromium is
the primary additive that makes steel “stainless”. Stainless steels containing higher amounts of
chromium and nickel provide good scaling, oxidation and corrosion resistance at high temperatures.
Nickel is used for its strong resistance to certain corrosive chemicals. Nickel-base alloys have high
strength and corrosion resistance at temperatures up to 750 0C. Typical alloys of this group are
Nichrome, Kanthol, Hastelloy, and Inconel. In addition to creep strength, high nickel-chromium alloys
possess excellent thermal shock resistance and high electrical resistance.
The most common types of stainless steel used for liquid process applications are A 304, A 304L, A
312 and A 316. Stainless steel is not totally corrosion resistant as chemicals such as sodium bi-
sulphide, ferric chloride, ozone, and hydrochloric acid attack stainless steel successfully. The
formation of chromium carbide along the grain boundaries leads to instability and is known as inter-
granular carbide precipitation. Whenever common Austenitic Stainless Steels are exposed to a higher
temperature range from 900 0F to 15000 F, the carbon tends to defuse to the grain boundaries and
combine with chromium to form chromium carbide particles. Precipitation of chromium carbide
particles at the grain boundaries reduces the resistance of the stainless steel to certain corrosion
substance and hence it got corroded at the grain boundaries known as inter-granular corrosion. This
process of chromium carbide formation is applicable to the heat-affected zone of the welds due to
tremendous heat developed during welding. Some type of Stainless Steel such, as A 301 & A 302 are
more susceptible to inter-granular corrosion than A 304 because they have 0.15% maximum carbon.
A 304 have 0.08% maximum carbon. Inter-granular corrosion is slightly restarted by increasing the
percentage composition of chromium or molybdenum content as in case of A 309, A 310 & A 316.
Inter-granular corrosion may be prevented by adding columbium, columbium and tantalum as in case
of A 318, A 347 & A 348 and also by adding titanium as in case of A 321. Suitable annealing heat
treatment between 18500 F and 20500 F and quenching in water or water spray after the final
fabrication of the piping components may also prevent inter-granular corrosion. Stainless steel with
0.03 percent maximum carbon content is called extra low carbon grade stainless steels but the rate of
chromium carbide formation is very slow and amount is in decimal. However the mechanical
properties of all these stainless steel are not impaired due to chromium carbide precipitation. To
avoid inter-granular corrosion, some precautions shall be taken during welding so that much heat is
not developed and weld is cooled very fast. The theory is achieved by (1) use of small diameter
electrode (2) use of low welding current (3) by stringer-bead welding (not weaving welding) (4) use
of chill bars in the fixtures for welding (5) Immediate fast cooling of the weld by blowing air or
spraying water (6) by using extra-low carbon content grade electrodes or filler (i.e., 0.03% maximum
carbon content). Stainless steels are most versatile materials used for piping. The greatest advantage
of stainless steel over plain carbon steel and alloy steels is that it provides high resistance to
corrosion in most of the environments and fluid service.
The corrosion resistance of stainless steel is derived from the presence of oxide films on the surface.
These oxide films are very thin, stable, and continuous to be attacked by the corrosion. The most
important constituent of this film is Chromium oxide (Cr2 O3), which is obtained from the Chromium
element present in the alloy more than 12%. Corrosion resistance of stainless steel increases with
increase in the Chromium content. Nickel present in stainless steel improves ductility and impact
strength. Nickel also increases the corrosion resistance against Neutral chloride solution and weak
oxidizing acids. Nickel may be added up to 20% to stainless steel. Molybdenum present in stainless
steel improves their resistance to sulphuric, sulphurous, and organic acids. It also increases corrosion
resistance to halogen salts and resistance to pitting to salt water. Manganese content up to 1 to 2 % in
stainless steel is beneficial to increase the hot workability. Carbon is kept low in stainless steel and
does not exceed 0.2%.
Types of Stainless Steels: Various alloying elements such as Chromium and Nickel determine the
structure of stainless steel. Based on the structures of stainless steel, it is differentiated in three types
as below:
(1) Ferritic Stainless Steel: Ferritic stainless steel contains Chromium between 12 to 14% and
Carbon between 0.08 to 0.2%. The structure of this steel is of ferritic phase, which cannot be
hardened by heat treatment. High chromium ferritic stainless steel has high corrosion and scaling
resistance. They are widely used as furnace parts. AISI 430 group of stainless steel is ferritic
stainless steel. This type of steel is consumed maximum in the industry.
(2) Martensitic Stainless steels: Martensitic stainless steels contain Chromium 12 to 14% and
Carbon 0.1 to 1.2%. The microstructure of the martensitic stainless steel is hard-martensitic phase
after hardening. The most common martensitic stainless steel of this group is A 410, 416 and 403.
Stainless steel containing 12 to 14% Chromium and 0.3% carbon are widely used for table cutlery,
tools and equipment. Stainless steel containing carbon more than 0.2% and Chromium between 16 to
18% is used as springs, ball bearings, valves and instruments under high temperature service and
corrosive condition.
(3) Austenitic Stainless Steel: Austenitic stainless steels contain Chromium 16 to 24% and Nickel
between 8 to 22% Carbon less than 0.2%. The most common Austenitic stainless steel of this group is
A 303F, 304,304L, 302, 316, 321, 347, 348, and 403. Stainless steel containing 18% Chromium, 8%
Nickel and 0.2% carbon are widely used in piping in the industry. In 18/8 stainless steel carbons
content vary according to the requirements and are classified accordingly as below:
(4) Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel: Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steels possesses
very high strength at room temperature as well as at 540 0 C. High strength is obtained due to
precipitation of copper, Aluminium, Nitrogen and Columbium by a suitable heat treatment. These
steels are used as a material of skins, nibs, bulkheads, and other structural components in aircraft and
missile industries.
Advantage of Stainless Steel: Stainless Steels are widely used due to their high corrosion
resistance wide range of mechanical properties such as high hardness, high strength, good fatigue-
strength, excellent notch-sensitivity, and high ductility. Some of the properties are described below:
Forming: Stainless steels have very high forming characteristic.
Welding: The welding of stainless steel is more difficult as compared to other steels because of
possible reaction of Chromium with carbon and oxygen at welding temperature. Oxy-acetylene gas
welding is not advisable for stainless steels because of the above reaction. Tungsten-Inert Gas
welding or suitable electrode welding is used for welding of stainless steels.
Plasma or Electron Beam welding is suitable for fully ferritic high chromium stainless steels.
Oxidation Resistance: In oxidizing atmosphere, chromium of stainless steel is exposed to the oxygen
and gets oxidized to form Cr2 O3. This process depletes chromium and hence higher amount of
chromium is required to maintain this film.
Cryogenic-Temperature Behaviour: It has been seen that many metals, which are ductile at room
temperature, fail by brittleness at low temperature. Austenitic stainless steels are most suitable for
use at low temperature (cryogenic Temperature) up to –2500 C. Type A 304, 304 L, 310 and 347
grades are most suitable.
Corrosion Resistance: Stainless steel develops a film of Chromium Oxide on its surface due to
reaction of chromium with oxygen. Also the passivity of the chromium oxide film increases with the
addition of Nickel to the Iron. Chromium alloy addition of nickel increases the resistance of
corrosion in presence of Neutral chloride solution and weak oxidizing acids. Corrosion resistance
to chemical attack can be considerably increases by addition of 2 to 4 % Molybdenum. It also
increases the corrosion resistance against the Organic Acids and vapours and also to Halogen
Compounds. The different grades of stainless steels possess different corrosion resistance in different
media as given in the Table:
C-Austenitic
(5) Aluminium Alloys: Aluminium piping resists corrosion well by forming a protective aluminium
oxide film. It is very resistant to sulphur compounds and most organics, including halogen organic
compounds. Aluminium is highly ductile, but has relatively low strength. Its high strength-to-weight
ratio results in the extensive use of aluminium alloys. Alloy 6063 is most widely used due to cost,
good corrosion resistance, and mechanical properties. Alloys 3003 and 5052 are best used for
extremely low temperatures. Alloy 5052 has the best corrosion resistance for slightly alkaline
solutions. Aluminium should not, however, directly contact concrete because alkalis in the concrete
will attack the aluminium. Aluminium has poor resistance to contaminants such as chloride.
Aluminium piping is not compatible with most inorganic acids, bases, and salts beyond a pH range of
approximately 4 to 9. In addition, nearly all dry acids, alcohols, and phenols near their boiling points
can cause excessive aluminium corrosion.
(7) Monel: Monel, a nickel-copper alloy, combines high strength with high ductility as well as
excellent general corrosion resistance. It is specified particularly when seawater or high temperatures
may accompany industrial chemicals. It must not be exposed to sulphur or molten metal’s when it is
hot. Monel is provided either seamless or welded. Seamless, cold-worked pipe is made in pursuant
to ASTM B 165 and ASTM B 829. Welded Monel, intended for general corrosive service, is
manufactured in accordance with ASTM B 725 and ASTM B 775, and is readily available in nominal
pipe sizes 6 mm (1/8 in.) to 750 mm (30 in.), dimensioned as schedules 5S, 10S, and 40S. The pipe
material conditioning, either annealed or stress relieved should be specified.
(8) Inconel: Inconel, a nickel-chromium-iron alloy, is noted for having high temperature strength,
while maintaining excellent corrosion resistance. Similar to all the nickel and nickel alloy piping
systems, Inconel pipe can be provided either seamless or welded. Seamless Inconel pipe is available
in nominal pipe sizes 8 mm (1/4 in.) to 150 mm (6 in.), dimensioned to schedule 5, 10, 40, or 80. It is
manufactured pursuant to ASTM B 167 and ASTM B 829. The material conditioning should be
specified; hot-worked, hot worked annealed or cold-worked annealed. The conditioning determines
tensile strength; for example, the tensile strength of a 150 mm (6 in.) seamless Inconel pipe is 515
MPa (75,000 psi) for hot-worked and hot-worked annealed tempering and is 550 MPa (80,000 psi)
for cold-worked annealed tempering. Welded Inconel pipe, intended for general corrosive and heat
resisting applications, is produced in accordance with ASTM B 517 and ASTM B 775.
Manufacturers will have to be contacted to confirm available sizes and schedules.
(9) Cupronickel: Cupronickel (Copper Alloy) is very ductile and malleable metal and does not
corrode easily in normal wet/dry environments. Being a noble metal, it does not normally displace
hydrogen from a solution containing hydrogen ions. However, copper corrodes rapidly when exposed
to oxidizing agents such as chlorine, ozone, hydrogen sulphide, nitric acid, and chromic acid. It is
very susceptible to galvanic action, and this demands that padded pipe hangers are used and that
attention is paid to contact with dissimilar metals. Seamless copper pipe is made pursuant to ASME
B 42. Various alloys and tempers may be selected. The copper alloys vary based upon the oxygen and
phosphorus contents, and temper is selected based on required tensile strength. It is available in
nominal pipe sizes range from 6 mm (1/8 in.) to 300 mm (12 in.), in three wall thickness: light,
regular, and extra strong.
(10) Cobalt-base Alloys (Stellite): Cobalt–base alloys containing chromium, nickel, molybdenum
and tungsten have excellent high temperature strength, corrosion resistance and red hardness. Typical
alloys of this group are Stellite 21 (Vitallium), Stellite 31 (X-40). Super Alloys such as S-816 and 73
J are precipitation-hardening alloys and contain columbium and tantalum additions.
(11) Lined Steel Pipe: Lined carbon steel pipe with a material able to withstand chemical attack are
used to carry corrosive fluids. Full length of lined pipes with flanges, fittings, elbows, and tees etc,
are available readily. Lining like rubber can be applied after fabricating the pipe, but pipe is often
pre-lined. Lining of various rubbers, plastics, metals and vitreous material is available. Lining is
made from Plastics like Polypropylene, Polyethylene, Poly-butylenes, Poly-vinyl chloride, Acryl
nitride Butadiene Styrene, Poly-olefins, and Polyesters. Carbon Steel pipe coated with zinc, by
immersion into molten zinc, i.e. hot-dip galvanized is used for conveying drinking water, instrument
air and various other fluids. Rubber and Basalt lining is often used to handle abrasive fluids.
(12) Plastic Pipes: Polymers are organic substances and is derived of carbon and hydrogen. They are
also known as plastic. They are light in weight and are soft as compared to metals. They possess high
corrosion resistance and can be moulded in to various forms or shapes by the application of heat and
pressure.
These are used for transporting actively corrosive fluids, and are especially useful for handling
corrosive or hazardous gases and dilute mineral acids. Plastics are used in three ways as all plastic
pipe, as filled plastic materials (Glass fibre reinforced, carbon filled, etc.), and as lining or coating
material. Plastic pipe is made from Polypropylene, Polyethylene, Poly butylenes, Poly vinyl chloride,
Acryl nitride, Butadiene Styrene, Cellulose Acetate-butyrate, Polyolefin, and Polyesters. Pipe made
from Polyester and Epoxy resins is frequently glass fibre reinforced (FRP) and commercial product
of this type has good resistance to wear and chemical attack.
(13) Ceramics: Ceramic is defined as calcinations of one of metal with a non-metallic element.
Hence metal sulphide, metal carbides, metal nitrides, and metal borides, metal silicates are
considered as ceramics.
(14) Ceramics Alloys (Cremates): It has been found that ceramic materials such as pure Alumna,
Beryllium, and Zirconium have better high temperature strength characteristics than metals at
temperatures above 1000 0C. But they have poor thermal conductivity and shock resistance. The poor
thermal conductivity of ceramics can be improved in newly developed materials called cremate.
Cremates are combinations of refractory, metals and ceramics in a ductile matrix.
(15) Refractory -base Alloys: Refractory alloys containing molybdenum, tungsten, chromium have
good creep resistance at temperature above 800 0C. Their use is limited due to their excessive
brittleness at room temperature.
(16) Glass: Generally, Borosilicate glass is used for pipes and fittings. All glass piping is used for
its chemical resistance, cleanliness and transparency. Glass pipe is not subject to crazing, often found
in glass-lined pipes and vessels subjected to repeated thermal stresses. Pipes, fittings and hardware
are available both for process piping and for drainage. Process lines of 25, 40, 50, 80, 100 and 150
mm NB are readily available, with 200 Deg C as the maximum operating temperature. The pressure
range are up to 4 kg / sq. cm. for 25 to 80 mm NB, 3.5 kg / sq. cm. for 100 mm NB and 2.5 kg / sq.
cm. for 150 mm NB.
2.2 Metallurgical Structure of Metals
The atom of metal in solid state is orderly arranged in space lattice structures. There are fourteen
possible types of space lattice structures found in metals, but three space lattice structures are of
primary useful which are available in piping materials. These are:
BCC: Body centred cubic space lattice.
FCC: Face centred cubic space lattice.
HCP: Hexagonal close packed space lattice.
Few metals like Iron, Titanium, Cobalt and Tin differ in all these space lattice structures. When these
metals are heated at above specific temperature, they change from one type of lattice structure to
another type of lattice structure. Similarly, they change their lattice structure when they are cooled
below specific temperature. This behaviour is the main reason for the importance of heat treatment of
the metals. By heat treatment many variety of the properties are achieved.
Similarly, adding of the foreign “atoms” (Alloying elements) to a pure metal also has various effects.
They occupy an interstitial position by locating themselves in between existing atom of the lattice.
Sometimes they replace the atom of the pure metal in the lattice structure. Thus the minute percentage
of any added elements produce major changes in the mechanical, physical and metallurgical
properties of the metal. This is the main reason of alloying of any metal for piping. BCC space lattice
contains two atoms per cell, FCC space lattice contains four atoms per cell and HCP space lattice
contains two atoms per unit cell. Other atoms surround each atom of the crystal structure and all the
atoms have identical surroundings. The number of nearest surrounding neighbours of any atom is
called the “Coordination number”. More closely packed atoms in the lattice will have higher
coordination number. This number varies with the type of the crystal structure as mentioned below:
Micro Structure: The metal is composed of the atoms. The orderly arrangement of the atoms of a
material in the solid state is called the structure of the material. The appearance of the structure of a
material under microscope is called microstructure. Microstructure examination of material is done to
reveal the structural defects or impurities of a large area. The method requires polishing and chemical
etching of the surfaces to be examined.
Equilibrium Diagram: The atoms of the same element or different elements combine to form crystals.
The crystal can be of different phases such as solid phase, liquid phase or vapour phase, depending
upon the pressure and temperature. A chart, a map or a diagram known as “Equilibrium Diagram”
represents the existence of these different phases in an alloy system. It is also called phase diagram or
a constitution diagram. Thus an equilibrium diagram is a representation of the existence or changes of
various phases in an alloy system, with changing temperature and composition. Pressure is assumed
to be constant of one atmospheric value. There are many equilibrium diagram illustrated for different
materials. But the most commonly used diagram is the "iron carbon" diagram which gives the heating
and cooling rate and absorption temperature for heat treatment of alloy steel for piping. It also shows
the presence of many phase and micro constituents such as ferrite, austenite, pearlite and ledebrite.
At room temperature, the iron atoms are arranged in BCC (Body Centred Cubic) lattice and are called
“alpha iron arrangement”. It is the purest form of iron containing only 0.006 % carbon. It is called
“Ferrite”. It is magnetic, soft and ductile. It can go extensive cold working. When temperature reaches
at 7270 C, pure iron transforms from BCC to FCC (Face Centred Cubic) lattice, which is known as
“gamma iron”. It is called “austenite”. It is non-magnetic but it is also soft and ductile. The
temperature at which alpha iron changes to gamma iron is known as the “Transformation” or “critical
point” or “Critical temperature”. This is called lower critical temperature. The A3 (lower critical)
temperature varies from 7270 C to 9120 C depending upon the carbon content. At temperature 13900 C,
the FCC lattice structure changes back to BCC arrangement and called “Delta ferrite”. Such changes
are called allotropic modification.
The addition of carbon in the material lowers the A3 transformation temperature. Until the carbon
content reaches to 0.85 %, when alpha iron (ferrite) transforms austenite, the iron carbides (F3C) go
into the solution. It is a magnetic phase at room temperature. It is called cementite phase. It contains
6.67 % of carbon. It is extremely hard and brittle phase. It becomes paramagnetic at 2900 C. This
transformation is called A1 transformation. This transformation is reversible. However, there is a log
in attaining the equilibrium condition transformation temperature while heating and cooling. On
heating the transformation starts at AC1 and is completed at AC3point. While on cooling the
transformation starts at Ar3 critical point and is completed at Ar1 point. When austenite phase is
cooled slowly below 7270 C pearlite phase is obtained. It is a mixture of ferrite and cementite.
Pearlite contains 88.5% ferrite and 11.5 % cementite. Pearlite has a variable hardness from 20 Rc to
30 Rc. When liquid alloy containing 4.3 % carbon is cooled below 11480 C, ledebarite is obtained.
There are three important phase transformation temperatures.
A1, Ae1, A3 & Ae3 mean equilibrium temperature.
AC1, AC3 & Aecm means heating and rising temperature.
Ar1 & Ar3 means cooling (decreasing) temperature.
Increasing in carbon content of alloy increases the amount of pearlite present. When we see with
microscope, the pearlite looks black, ferrite looks white and cementite looks white too when etched
with Nitric Acid. However, the presence of cementite can be identified by a special etching
technique, which etches cementite black and pearlite white.
In pipe fabrication, hot forming on piping shall be done between A1 & A3 point. Normalizing must be
done above the AC3 temperatures. Stress relieving or tempering shall be done below the AC1
temperature.
Transition Temperature: The temperature range, which influences the transition phase of steel, is
known as Transition Temperature. These are elaborated below:
a) Effect of composition on transition Temperature: Carbon and nitrogen are considered the most
important elements, which raise the Transition Temperature of the steels. Oxygen and phosphorus in
quantity greater than tolerable and silicon quantity greater than required for oxidation also raise the
Transition Temperature of the steels. Generally, most conditions made to steel raise the transition
temperature. Nickel in general and under certain condition manganese lower the transition
temperature.
b) Effect of workmanship & procedure for fabrication on transition Temperature: By limiting the
extent of surface defect of under out, porosity and by controlling welding i.e., by faster rate of
electrode travel reached the width of heat affected zone, the transition temperature can be reduced.
Transition temperature tends to rise, as the heat-affected zone becomes wide. Similarly preheat and
inter pass temperature during welding also effect transition temperature.
c) Effect of Grain size on transition Temperature: The transition temperature will be lower if the
ferrite grain size is smaller. And if the steel is rolled at low final rolling temperature, solely as if
cold rolled, and cooled at high rate of cooling the ferrite grain size will be smaller and so the
transition temper will be low. Aluminium and Silicon addition during final deoxidisation also
provide fine (small) grain.
d) Effect of straining on Transition Temperature: Cold deformation and straining generally raises
the transition temperature of steel.
e) Effect of Creep to Piping Design: The allowable stress value to use for a given material at a
given temperature is given by the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code under which the piping is
to be built. The subcommittee on Stress Allowance for ferrous materials of the ASME-BPV Code
Committee establishes the values for designed stresses for steels. This subcommittee collects all
variable data and establishes tables of maximum allowable design stress value.
At temperatures below the creep range, allowable stress values are established at the lowest value of
stress obtained from, using 25 per cent of the specified minimum ultimate strength at room
temperature, or 25 per cent of the minimum expected ultimate strength at temperature, or 62½ per cent
of the minimum expected yield strength for 0.2 per cent offset, at temperature. For bolting material,
the stress values are based on 20 per cent of the minimum tensile strength, or 25 per cent of the yield
strength for 0.2 per cent offset, whichever is lower? It is recognized that bolts are always expected to
function at stresses above the design value as distinguished from other parts.
TABLE: MINIMUM IMPACT- TESTING TEMPERATURES FOR VARIOUS LOW- TEMPERATURE STEELS
Material Grade Temperature min.
F.
Carbon steel 1 -50
3½ Ni-steel 3 -150
Cr-Cu-Ni- 4 -150
steel
4 ½ Ni steel 5 -150
Low temperature limitations for various piping materials are given in above table.
Low alloy steel (A333 Gr 1&3) shall be used at temperature below -20 C. They should have at
least 15 ft. lb. impact value in V-Charpy impact test.
Austenitic stainless steel (A312 Gr 304 & 316 etc.) shall be used for low temperature provided as
shown in the above table.
2.3 Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties generally tend to change with the change in metallurgical characteristics.
Thus to obtain desired mechanical properties in metal, sometimes metallurgical characteristics is to
be changed by changing the microstructures by accomplishing operations like heat treatment, hot
working, cold reduction or expansion. Mechanical properties are very important in selecting the
materials for any purpose. However other physical properties such as workability, weld ability,
toughness, modulus of elasticity, creep strength, coefficient of expansion, hot shortness and others
have an important bearing on selection of piping materials. The mechanical properties of the
materials are hardness, tensile strength; yield strength and elongation, wear toughness, resilience,
young’s modules, brittleness, fatigue strength, modulus of elasticity and creep strength in general.
(ii) Notches: The sudden brittle failure is generally ascribed to notch sensitivity of steel at the
operating temperatures to which it was exposed. They may consist of minute surface of subsurface
cracks, surface laps or scabs, visible scratches, abrupt shape changes such as sharp corners, tool
marks, grooves from drawing dies, edges, etc., or fabrication defects, such as from arc strikes or
similar causes.
The condition is accentuated as the thickness of the steel increases. Notches also are stress raisers.
The greater the sharpness of the notch, the greater will be the degree of restraint, the more severe will
be the stresses as to both, tri-axially and magnitude and the higher will be the transition temperature.
The fact of notches of varying severity on the brittle behaviour is tested with Charpy test specimens.
In other words, steel, which contains extremely severe notches, will fail in a brittle manner at higher
ambient temperatures than if less severe notches were present.
(iii) Dissimilar metals: When dissimilar metals are welded together, the significant metallurgical
effect takes place known as (1) Dilution of weld metal and (2) Diffusion across the dissimilar metals
joint as a result of heat treatment or of high temperature service condition at a temperature exceeding
8000 F. Dilution is the mixing of molten filler metal with base metals. The amount of dilution varies
with the different welding process & welding conditions. The undesirable effect of this dilution may
be minimized by careful selection of electrode, preheat and post heat treatment. Diffusion is the
process of movement or migration of atoms of dissimilar metals at the joint across the bond. In steels
of dissimilar metals, the carbon atoms migrate across the bond. This is called carbon migration and
depends on time and temperature. Below 8000 F, the carbon migration is not effective over after a
long service. But above 8500 F, the carbon migration is effective after 5 to 10 years. The
Embrittlement may become significant at 5500 F in one year. It would be very effective to produce
some degree of Embrittlement at 12000 F. The time factor may be reduced to days. So in general, the
use of carbon steels is limited to service below 7500 F and use of carbon molybdenum steels is
limited to service below 8000 F.
The carbon migration depends on the degree of dissimilarity i.e., increases with the increase of
alloying element percentage. More precisely the carbon atoms migrate towards the steel containing
the stronger carbide forming elements or the greater quantity of them.
2.5 Temperature Affecting Mechanical
Properties
(i) Low Temperature: Steel is generally considered to be a ductile material. When it is overloaded,
it usually gives warning by bulging, stretching, bending, or necking before rupturing. However, steels
sometimes rupture without prior evidence of distress. This is due to brittleness of steel at low
temperature. Brittle failure is accompanied by little plastic information and the energy required to
propagate the fracture is quite low. Under such conditions, steel shatters like glass. This extreme
behaviour generally occurs only at low temperatures. The three conditions, which propagate this
tendency for steel to behave in a brittle fashion, are;
1) High stress concentrations i.e. notches, nicks, scratches, internal
flaws or sharp changes in geometry.
2) High rate of straining.
3) Low temperature.
The transition temperature for any steel is the temperature above, which the steel behaves in a ductile
manner and below which it behaves in a brittle manner. Steel with a high transition temperature is
more likely to behave in a brittle manner during fabrication or in service. It follows that steel with a
low transition temperature is more likely to behave in a ductile manner and therefore, steels with low
transition temperatures are generally preferred for service involving severe stress concentrations,
impact loading and low temperatures or combinations of the three.
Metallurgical factors, such as deoxidisation, chemical composition, rolling, forging or extruding and
heat treatment influence the transition temperature of steel. In carbon-steel piping materials, under the
worst conditions, the transition temperature may be above 93 C or, under the best conditions,
below minus 93 C Steels treated in accordance with most favourable deoxidisation practice are
those which are fully killed. In pipe steels deoxidisation is generally accomplished with sufficient
silicon to provide about 0.10 to 0.20 percent of silicon in the steel. Carbon influences unfavourably
the transition temperature. The upper limit in plain carbon steels is accepted as about 0.25 percent
and in low alloy steels as about 0.20 percent or even lower. Nickel lowers appreciably the transition
temperature of carbon steel. Austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel and some high-nickel steel
show no transition at temperatures lower than minus 163 C. Steels, which have been fully
annealed, are in the poorest condition to resist Embrittlement. Normalizing offers improvement.
Frequently further benefit is derived from tempering or stress relieving after welding. The
conventional static tensile and bend test do not differentiate between steels of varying susceptibilities
to brittle behaviour. This is because they measure the mechanical properties of steel under the
particular conditions and not its behaviour in an actual structure as influenced by many factors as
design, workmanship, surface notches, and welding quality and stress distribution. The determination
of the temperature at which steel becomes susceptible to brittle failure under certain conditions is
based on the three testing categories, such as, Impact energy; Notch ductility and Fracture appearance
Under this test, the transition temperature is obtained. These are the only value which assures the steel
which shows the low transition temperature is less likely to behave in a brittle manner that the steel
showing high transition temperature.
(ii) High Temperature:
a) Tensile Strength: While selecting piping materials for higher temperature service, mechanical &
physical properties of material must be considered. The important mechanical properties are tensile
strength, proportional limit, thermal fatigue (shock resistance), mechanical fatigue, tortional elastic
limit, toughness etc. The tensile strength of some pipe materials tends to increase with respect to
corresponding value at ambient temperature for a few hundred degrees. After further rise in
temperature, tensile strength falls of rapidly. Many materials show a continuous decrease in strength
with increase in temperature.
b) Ductility: Ductility of material is also of great importance. For 5 diameters hot bending radius, the
piping materials should exhibit a ductility of at least 20% over a temperature range of which hot
bending is done. For the extrusion of outlets or swaging of reducing ends, a ductility of 25 to 30% is
desirable at the forming temperature.
Less ductility leads to failure of the piping product during hot forming.
c) Creep Strength: The heat treatment generally improves the creep and stress-to-rupture properties
of steels and alloy steels at more elevated temperatures.
d) Composition: Composition of the material is the most important variable, which affects the high
temperature strength of the materials. But all elements do not help in getting higher strength. Similarly,
certain quantity of the alloying element helps in getting good strength. The correctness of element and
its quantity is highly important because the excessive temperature may affect the grain growth causing
coarsening. The cold or hot working on the material tends to break up the original grains and produce
refinement, particularly, under effect of high temperature.
2.6 Factors affecting Service
Features
Piping in operation fails by cracking, corrosion or sometimes by combination of the two due to the
following reasons:
a) Non-Flexibility: While designing, provision of insufficient flexibility leads to cracking
failure of steam line or any hotline. While in shut down, if gets cooled and contract and during
operation it gets heated up and expands. This thermal contraction and expansion in the line lead to
service failure if sufficient flexibility in all direction is not provided.
b) Notches: When heavy wall with higher thickness is designed and welded with a pipe
of light wall thickness, a sharp corner or sudden change in section occurs in the line. Also in
socket weld design a sudden change in section occurs in the line. In case of design of
reinforcement pads or rings where the weld does not blend gradually into the piping wall, a
sudden change in section occurs. The sudden change in sections or thickness work as a notch at
that location and cracking take place due to thermal or mechanical figure.
c) Weld Defect: The location of shop weld joint and field weld joints with respect to
accessibility for NDT inspection to find out the defects and space to attend the repair, if any. If the
defects exist, it affects service features. Sometimes the wrong design of type of weld such as butt
weld with groove angle or socket weld or slip-on weld joint is also the cause of system failure by
crack.
d) Material: The selection of material based on their use with upper temperature, lower
temperature and transition temperature is also reason for cracking in the heat-affected zone near
the weld due to graphitization.
e) Weld Metals:Improper selection of the weld filter metal or electrode, specially, when
temperature exceeds 800 F, has caused the crack across the interface zone of the weld metal and
base metal.
f) Base-Metal Defects: Mechanical defects such as laminations. Laps, scabs & tears, if
it is perpendicular to the pipe surface or diagonal to the pipe surface, acts as a very critical
notches and cause cracking failure near the weld joints.
g) Hardness (Metallurgical notches): The hardness of steel varies with its chemical
composition variation & heat treatment of the steel. When the difference in hardness value exceeds
70 to 100 points Brinnel in thermal & mechanical fatigue condition then the junction point or line
between two different hardness materials behave like a notch and a crack takes place. This is
known as metallurgical notches. For example:
Alloying elements: Any alloying element, when added to steel, performs different effect depending
upon their characteristic and amount. Some alloying element effects are described below:
Carbon: Carbon is responsible for the required hardness and strength in the steel. Accordingly this
grade of material gives good and desirable response to heat treatment and more tensile strength at
elevated temperature and hence mostly used in steam services.
Chromium: Chromium is one of the important alloying elements being added to piping material to
enhance the inbuilt properties of the material such as alloy steel or stainless steels. The combination
of iron and chromium form a continuous series of solid solutions. A small amount of chromium
lowers Ac3 point of steel where as larger percentage of chromium raises Ac3point. It also lowers the
austenite to Delta-ferrite transformation temperature. When an alloy containing 11 to 12 % of
chromium is heated, the ferrite begins to transform to austenite at about 815 C. This continues with
increasing temperature till alloy is fully austenite. On the other hand, the alloy with 18 percent of
chromium is not subject to these phase transformations and hence remains in its ferrite structure.
Hence the alloy with 18 percent chromium cannot be hardened when quenched from elevated
temperature. Chromium also increases the desired properties of steels or has the following effects,
such as, Increases harden ability; It forms carbides having high hardness and wear resistance; It
provides strength, wear and oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures; It provides corrosion
resistance if added in higher amount and it provides heat resistance to alloy. This characteristic of
Iron-Chromium alloy has resulted in two types of major groups of stainless steels, such as, a)
Martensite stainless steel; b) Ferrite stainless steel.
Nickel: Nickel is the second important alloying elements being added to piping material to enhance
the inbuilt properties of the material such as alloy steel or stainless steels. The combination of iron
and nickel form a continuous series of austenite range. The addition of Nickel to alloy steel (0.1
percent carbon with 18 percent chromium) progressively extends the austenite range until the alloy
becomes completely austenitic even at room temperature. This property of Nickel has resulted in the
development of very important group of austenitic stainless steel. It has the following property when
added in alloy.
Nickel dissolves in Ferrite and increases hardness, strength, and toughness without sacrificing the
ductility. It is added up to 5% for the parts subjected to high static and impact stresses in service,
such as, It increases harden ability of steel; It increases impact resistance of steel at very low
temperature. Hence it is added to a low temperature steel pipe service. Higher amount of Nickel (8
percent or more) is added to increase corrosion resistance of high Chromium steels. Nickel steels are
used in large engineering structures such as armour plates, highly stressed bridge members, shafts etc.
Nickel gives higher mechanical properties after annealing and normalizing. Therefore these steels are
used for large forging & castings, which cannot be reacting, while quenched.
Manganese: Manganese is present to provide a minimum harden ability and strength after working.
Manganese tends to shift the curve to the left in carbon steel. It also has the properties, such as, it
dissolves in ferrite and increases hardness and strength; it increases harden ability to a great extent; it
takes care of Sulphur present in the steel by forming manganese-sulphide if it is added in the quantity
3 to 8 times that of sulphur in the steel; it is added to free cutting steels up to a maximum limit of 1.6
percent; and it is added about 12 to 14 percent in steel to produce an extremely tough, wear resistant.
Manganese is one of the least expensive alloying elements and is always present in steels.
Molybdenum: Molybdenum acts as a ferrite stabilizer. It tends to shift the curve to the right along
which the chromium Nickel alloy steel becomes fully austenitic. It also has the properties, such as, it
increases the harden ability to a greater extent; it forms carbides having high red hardness and wear
resistant; it enhances the effects of other alloying elements such as chromium, Nickel & Manganese
when added 0.15 to 0.30 percent of molybdenum to steel; it eliminates the temper brittleness in steel;
it resists softening of steel during tempering and heating; it acts as a grain growth inhibitor when steel
is heated to high temperature and it is an expensive alloying element and plays a great importance in
high-speed steels. It is also added to carbonizing steels and heat resisting steels.
Silicon: Silicon acts as stabilizer in ferrite steel. It tends to shift the curve to right along which the
Chromium Nickel alloy steel becomes fully austenitic. Silicon is present only when steel is dioxide. It
has some more properties, which are described here. Silicon dissolves in ferrite increasing strength
and hardness without lowering the ductility. It is added as a deoxidizer during casting of ingots. It
forms SiO2 with Oxygen present in steels with a quantity of silicon between 0.1 to 0.3 percent.
Silicon between 0.3 to 0.5 percent is added for soundness of castings. It increases the permeability of
steels and reduces iron losses in electrical use. Hence it is added up to 5 percent in magnetic
materials to be used in electrical such as transformers, motors, and generators. Silicon is present in
almost all steels; it is important alloying element for transformer, motor and generator steels and
generator steels and also springs steels, chiselled steels & punch steels to increase their toughness.
Vanadium: Vanadium inhibits grain growth when steel is heated at high temperatures. It increases the
harden ability of steels. Vanadium is strong carbide former. Vanadium carbides possess highest
hardness and wear resistance. Vanadium improves fatigue resistance and generally used in tool steels
& carburizing steels.
Tungsten: Tungsten performs similar function as molybdenum but it is an expensive alloying element.
Generally it is not used for alloying.
Sulphur: Sulphur phosphorus is present as unwanted impurities. Sulphur is always present in steel as
inclusions of iron sulphide (FeS) and as manganese sulphide (MnS. In piping material, sulphur is
undesirable element and hence it is removed by open hearth and electric furnace method of steel
production. Maximum sulphur presence is limited up to 0.04 percent is pipe material. Sulphur is
added up to 0.33 percent as on alloying element in certain free cutting steels to increase the machine
ability. Sulphur content in steel is undesirable because it has a strong tendency to form films and fine
particles at the grain boundaries. Iron sulphide (FeS) inclusion softens the steels and may melt at
lower temperature. Sometimes it melts at lower temperature. Sometimes it causes disintegration by
cracking in the rods or under the hammer. It is called ‘hot shortness’ or ‘Hot Embrittlement’.
Phosphorus: Like sulphur, phosphorus is also always present in steels as an inclusion. It is desirable
alloying element and its amount is controlled maximum up to 0.05% by open hearth or Electric
furnace method. Phosphorus dissolves in ferrite increasing strength hardness and improving the
resistance to corrosion. It is added to improve the machine ability to certain grade of free cutting
steels to 0.12 percent. On the other hand it is an undesirable element because it has tendency to
segregate in steels and is responsible for brittleness in steels, which is called ‘‘Cold-Shortness‘’.
Cold-shortness is the reduction in impact strength at low temperature.
Titanium: Titanium is strongest carbide former. Titanium is used to fix carbon in stainless steels and
thus prevents the precipitation of chromium carbides.
Copper: Copper increases atmospheric corrosion hardening resistance when added to steels between
0.01 to 0.4 percent. 0.6 percent copper is used for precipitation.
Aluminium: Aluminium is added to the steels between 0.01 to 0.06 percent during solid fabrication
of castings to get Fine grained steels. 1 to 3 percent of aluminium is found in nitriding steels to form
aluminium nitride.
Boron: It increases harden ability to the great extent even it is added between 0.001 to 0.005 percent.
It is used as inoculators to obtain fine grain size. Boron is added to the surface of steel during case
hardening treatment called ‘‘boriding’’
Lead: Lead is not desirable alloying element for steel. But sometime it is added maximum up to 0.35
percent to improve machine ability of steels. It is the cheapest element. However, the important
functions of all the above alloying elements are summarized here below in table.
Effects on Alloy Steel: Alloy steel is defined as carbon steel to which one or more elements as
described above are added to get some beneficial effects as required by piping specifications. Due to
presence of alloying elements, the alloy steels are best piping materials to be used at higher
temperature as well as at lower temperature. Alloying elements can affect the carbon steel
constituent, characteristics, & behaviour in many ways. Some of the major effects of alloying
elements are 1) strengthening of ferrite 2) formation of special carbides and compounds 3) shifting of
critical temperatures and compositions and 4) lowering of the critical cooling rate. Their effects are
described in detail below:
Strengthening of Ferrite: The alloying elements are soluble in ferrite to a certain extent. When it is
dissolved in Ferrite, it increases hardness and strength due to formation of solid solution. Silicon,
Manganese and Nickel have a greater influence on harness and strength.
Formation of Carbides: The alloying elements combine with carbon in steel and result in the
formation of alloy carbides. These alloy carbides are hard and brittle. It provides resistance to
softening at elevated temperatures. Chromium and vanadium carbides have maximum hardness and
wear resistance.
Shifting of critical temperatures and compositions: The alloying elements sometimes lower or
raise the transformation temperatures of steel. Nickel and Manganese lower the temperature of
austenite formation, while other elements raise the austenite formation temperature. Also, most of the
alloying elements shift the eutectoids composition to lower carbon values.
Lowering of critical cooling Rate: Most of the alloying elements shift the Isothermal Transformation
Temperature (ITT) curve to the right hand side and hence result in decreasing the critical cooling rate
required for the formation of complete marten site. This is a very useful effect and increases the
harden ability of alloy steels. These elements are Mn; Cr; Ni & Molybdenum. Understanding the
characteristics of these alloying elements phase relation is very important in forming and working of
the piping materials.
The presence of some ferrite in the microstructure increases significantly the tensile and yields
strength of the material. However the material with over 10 percent Ferrite may develop crack when
it is severely hot worked e.g. hot extrusion of outlets, in capping or in swaging operation.
A fully austenitic material, the structure is more susceptible to cracking. This is true with stainless
steel grade A 347 and A 348 type.
2.8 Selection of Piping Materials
The materials that are used for manufacturing pipes include: Carbon Steel (CS); Alloy Steel, Low
Temperature Service Carbon Steel (LTCS); Stainless Steel (SS); Non Ferrous Metals like Inconel,
Incoloy, Cupro-nickel and Non Metallic like GRE, PVC, HDPE, and Tempered Glass. The remaining
materials are evaluated for advantages and disadvantages such as material costs, fabrication and
installation costs; support system complexity; compatibility to handle thermal cycling; and cathode
protection requirements. The highest ranked material of construction is then selected accordingly. The
design proceeds with pipe sizing, pressure integrity calculations, and stress analyses. If the selected
piping material does not meet those requirements, then the second ranked material is not used. Most
failures of process piping systems occur at or within interconnect points, i.e. weld joint, flanges,
valves, fittings. It is, therefore, vital to select interconnecting piping, equipment and other materials
that are compatible with each other and the expected environment. Each material has its inherent
properties and its use in pressure piping is subject to the qualification of (i) requirements, (ii)
limitations and (iii) working conditions. Pipes and piping components are used in various plants such
as power plant, refinery, petrochemicals, chemical plant, paper mills, gas transmission and nuclear
plant to handle various fluids of different toxic nature. Pipes and piping component’s material varies
accordingly. Basically carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, aluminium alloy, cupro-nickel, nickel
alloys, Monel, Hastelloy, tantalum, N – resist, HDPE, FEP or lined pipes and piping components are
used in piping work of above plants.
Ball valves and plug valves can be used on any line up to a maximum temperature 200
0
C due to soft (Teflon) seat.
Carbon steel pipe and piping components are permitted for prolonged use up to 426 0C.
It is not permitted for prolonged use above 426 0C because the carbide phase of carbon steel
may be converted to graphite.
Low Alloy Steels (C-1/2 Mo) is not permitted for prolonged exposure above 450 0C
because of carbide phase of carbon Molybdenum Steel may be converted to graphite. However,
it should not be used above 537 0C.
Any grade of steel material carrying hydrogen or hydrogen with hydrocarbons (A
flammable, toxic/non-toxic but no lethal) have the limitation for use up to maximum temperature
limit 260 0C and a maximum pressure limit of 5.60 Kg/cm2 due to hydrogen cracking and
sulphide stress cracking. When materials are exposed to wet hydrogen sulphide, further
deterioration (Sulphidation) in the presence of hydrogen sulphide at temperature above 260 0C
takes place.
ASTM A335 grades, such as P11, P12, and P22, Alloy Steel piping, components are not
permitted to be used for prolonged above 593 0C due to susceptibility of grain boundary attack.
This material should be normalized and tempered condition.
All Austenitic Stainless Steels grade A312, TP 304, TP 316, and TP 321 are not
permitted for prolonged use above 537 0C due to susceptibility to inter granular corrosion of
Austenitic Stainless Steels. However, a stabilized and high carbon (0.04% or higher) grade,
Austenitic stainless steels are permitted for use above up to 537 0C up to 871 0C such as TP
304H, TP 316H, TP 321H, TP 347H, and TP 348H. However, Austenitic Stainless Steels A312
grade TP 304L, TP 316L are not permitted for prolonged use above 426 0C.
Nickel and nickel base alloy steels, not containing chromium, piping components are not
permitted for use above 316 0C due to the grain boundary attack susceptibility in presence of
sulphur.
Aluminium and Aluminium Alloy pipes and piping components are not permitted for use
above due to inter granular attack and low melting point.
Pipes and piping components of other materials, which are given below, are not
permitted for use above the temperature as mentioned against each material:
a) Titanium and Titanium Alloys maximum 3160 C.
b) Zirconium and Zirconium Alloys maximum 3160 C.
c) Tantalum maximum 2990 C.
(iii) Material’s Condition:
Ductile, Cast, wrought irons, Malleable irons or Nodular irons, as a general rule, are not used for
piping and piping components in refinery or petrochemicals plant for toxic, hydrocarbons and
flammable service. Cast irons are not permitted for use in piping for volatile, flammable, toxic or
refrigerant services.
(a) Ductile Irons: Ductile irons, such as ASTM A571 are not used for pressure containing parts at a
temperature below –290C and above 3400C, except austenitic ductile irons. Austenitic ductile irons
are used at a temperature below –290C down up to a temperature of Impact Test temperature but not
below –1960C.
(b) Cast Irons: Cast irons are not used in any pressure underground piping or in above ground, non-
pressure piping for hydrocarbons, and toxic or flammable fluid service. Cast irons are not used above
1490C and not at gage pressure above 150 psi (1030 kpa). In other location and category “D” fluid
service, it can be used up to 400 psi (2760 kpa).
(c) Malleable Irons: Malleable irons are not used in any fluid service at a temperature below –290C
or above 3430C. It is not used in hydrocarbon, toxic or flammable fluid service above 1490C or at a
gauge pressure above 400 psi (2760 kpa).
(d) Carbon Steel: ASTM A-53 grade pipe does not have specific limits on carbon content. It is used
for low pressure piping work. API 5L grades pipes have closer control over the carbon content and
hence produce more identical microstructures. So, it is used for high pressure, but at low temperature
range piping work. ASTM A 106 grade pipes have closer control over carbon content, i.e. between
0.18 % to 0.25%) and also contain silicon, which produce a more identical microstructures. So, it is
used for high pressure and high temperature range of piping like steam line.
(e) Stainless Steels: The possibility of stress corrosion cracking of austenitic stainless steels
exposed to media such as chlorides and other halides either internally or externally, the latter can
result from improper selection or application of thermal insulation. The susceptibility to inter-
granular corrosion of austenitic stainless steels sensitised by exposure to temperatures between
427 C and 871 C (800 F and 1600 F); as an example, stress corrosion cracking of
sensitised metal at room temperature by polyphonic acid (reaction of utilizable sulphur compound,
water and air); stabilized or low carbon grades may provide improved resistance (see NACF RP
0170). The susceptibility to inter-crystalline attack of Austenitic stainless steels on contact with
liquid metals (including aluminium, antimony, bismuth, cadmium, gallium, lead, magnesium, tin, and
zinc) or their compounds. The brittleness of ferritic stainless steels at room temperature after service
at temperature above 371 C (700 F). Piping which is operated continuously or intermittently at a
temperature above 8000 F and also exposed to corrosive environment, are generally made of
stabilized stainless steel grade 321, 347 and 348.
(f) Alloys Steel:The susceptibility to grain boundary attack of nickel and nickel base alloys not
containing chromium when exposed to small quantities of sulphur at temperatures above 316 C
(600 F). The susceptibility to grain boundary attack of nickel base alloys containing chromium at
temperatures above 593 C (1100 F) under reducing conditions and above 760 C (1400 F)
under oxidizing conditions. The possibility of stress corrosion cracking of nickel-copper Alloy 400 in
hydrofluoric acid vapour in the presence of air, if the alloy is highly stressed (including residual
stresses from forming or welding).
(g) Aluminium Alloys:The compatibility with aluminium of thread compounds used in aluminium
threaded joints to prevent seizing and galling. The possibility of corrosion from concrete, mortar,
lime, plasters or other alkaline materials used in buildings or structures. The susceptibility of Alloy
Nos. 5083, 5086, 5154 and 5456 to exfoliation or inter-granular attack; and the upper temperature
limit 66 C (150 F) shown in Appendix A to avoid such deterioration. The possibility of fire
hazard zone or in flammable services due to their low melting point.
(h) Copper Alloys: The possibility of dezincification of brass alloys; The susceptibility to stress-
corrosion cracking of copper-based alloys exposed to fluids such as ammonia or ammonium
compounds; The possibility of unstable acetylates formation when exposed to acetylene. The
possibility of fire hazard zone or in flammable services due to their low melting point.
(i) Titanium Alloys: The possibility of deterioration of titanium and its alloys above 316 C
(600 F).
(j) Zirconium Alloys: The possibility of deterioration of zirconium or zirconium alloys above
316 C (600 F).
(k) Tantalum Alloys: The possibility of reactivity of tantalum with all gases except the inert gases,
below 299 C, the possibility of embrittlement of tantalum by nascent (monatomic) hydrogen (but
not molecular hydrogen) nascent hydrogen is produced by galvanic action or as a product of
corrosion by certain chemicals.
(l) Welded Pipe: Furnace Welded, Furnace Butt-Welded, Special Welded and Fusion welded ferrous
pipes made to ASTM A134, A1339, A120 and API 5LX are not permitted for hydrocarbons,
flammable and Toxic fluid service in refineries and petrochemicals. Butt-Welded Carbon Steels or
wrought Irons are not permitted for use in refrigerant liquid service of any service.
(m) Acid Bessemer Process Steels Pipe: Pipe made of Acid Bessemer process steels are not
permitted for use in piping work. Steel pipes made by open-hearth, electric furnace and basic-oxygen
process are used in piping work.
(n) Lead and Tin Alloy Pipe: Lead and Tin and their alloys are not used in flammable, hydrocarbon
& toxic fluid service.
(o) High Silicon Iron Pipe: High Silicon Irons (14.5% Si) is not permitted in flammable, toxic or
hydrocarbon fluid service.
(p) Low Allowable Stress Pipe: The listed materials, in the Allowable Stress List of ANSI B31.3,
are not permitted for use at the design temperature higher than the maximum temperature for which
stress value is shown or marked with double bar (II) symbols adjacent to it. Similarly, the materials
are not permitted for use at a design temperature lower than the temperature for which the stress value
is shown or marked with a double bar (II) symbols.
(iv) Cost Factor Considerations
Selection of materials has to be done on a compromise between the cost and the required properties
of the materials. Designer always recommend Stainless steel in place of other steels because of
corrosion resistance. The Relative Cost of various materials is given in the Table below which shows
those Carbon Steels are about 5 to 10 times cheaper than the stainless steels.
Table: Relative Cost of Various Materials
Selection of Materials Exercise 1: Assume a recovered material process line that handles nearly
100% ethyl benzene at 1.20 Pa (174 psig) and 250C (770F) is required to be installed above ground.
Solution: The piping material is selected as follows:
Step 1: Above ground handling of a flammable liquid by thermoplastic piping is not allowed by
ASME B31.3.
Step 2: Review of the Fluid/Material Corrosion Table Book for ethyl benzene at 250C (770F)
indicates that aluminium, Hastelloy C, Monel, TP316 stainless steel, reinforced furan resin Thermoset
and FEP lined pipe are acceptable for use.
Step 3: Reinforced furan resin piping is available to a system pressure rating of 689 kPa (100 psig).
Therefore, this material is eliminated from consideration. The remainders of the materials have
available system pressure ratings and material allowable stresses greater than the design pressure.
Step 4: FEP lined piping is not readily available commercially. Since other material options exist,
FEP lined piping is eliminated from consideration.
Step 5: The site-specific environmental conditions are now evaluated to determine whether any of
the remaining materials out of aluminium, Hastelloy C, Monel or TP316 stainless steel should be
eliminated prior to ranking. The material is then selected based on site-specific considerations and
cost.
(v) Code Restrictions
Pipe dimensions should be in accordance with ANSI B36.10, IS 3589 and IS 1239 for
Wrought Steel and Wrought Iron pipe. It should be as per ANSI B36.19 for Stainless Steel pipe.
Pipe manufactured by Acid Bessemer process should not be used. The pipe
manufactured by Open Hearth, Electric Furnace or Basic Oxygen process should be used in
piping work.
Any pipe material subjected to stress due to pressure should confirm to API,
ASME/ANSI B31.3, Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code or IBR. The listed materials only should
be used.
The materials should not be used until the test certificate, having physical properties,
chemical compositions and heat treatment or impact test and other requirements are reviewed
and found in conformation with as required by the specifications.
Pipes made of steels manufactured by Acid Bessemer process are not used.
All austenitic stainless steel pipes should be solution-annealed condition. It should be
tested for inter-granular corrosion test as per A262, Practice “B”. The corrosion rate should not
exceed 40-mils/ year.
All pipes going to be used in Low Temperature Cryogenic Service (LTCS) should be
impact tested at a temperature - 450C, -1010C, and -1960C for Carbon Steels, 3-0.5 Nickel Steel
and all Austenitic Stainless Steel respectively.
IBR Inspector should certify all IBR piping materials before use. The carbon Equivalent
of all materials should be 0.25%.
All pipes should be hydrostatically tested in the mill and should accompany by
hydrostatic test certificate. IS 1239, IS 3589, API 5L Gr B, A106 Gr B are recommended.
All pipes to be used in “IBR”, “CRYO” and “NACE” services should be painted
longitudinally throughout the length of pipe in Red, Light Purple Brown and Canary Yellow strip
respectively for easy identification during fabrication, erection and assembly. The paint should
not contain Zinc, Lead, Copper metal or metallic salts as they cause corrosion attack on heating.
(vi) Piping materials:
a) Carbon Steel Pipe: API 5L, Grade A or B, seamless; API 5L, Grade A or B, SAW, straight seam,
where Ej 0.95; API 5L, Grade X 42, Seamless; API 5L, Grade X 46, Seamless; API 5L, Grade X
52, seamless; API 5L, Grade X 56, Seamless; API 5L, Grade X 60, Seamless; ASTM A 53,
Seamless; ASTM A 106, Seamless; ASTM A 333, Seamless
ASTM A 369; ASTM A 381, where Ej 0.90; ASTM A 524; ASTM A 671, where Ej 0.90;
ASTM A 672, where Ej 0.90; and ASTM A 691, where Ej 0.90.
b) Alloy Steel Pipe:ASTM A 333, seamless; ASTM A 335, Seamless; ASTM A 369; ASTM A 426,
where Ej 0.90; ASTM A 671, where Ej 0.90; ASTM A 672, where Ej 0.90; and ASTM A
691, where Ej 0.90.
c) Stainless Steel pipe: ASTM A 268, seamless; ASTM A 312, seamless; ASTM A 358, where
Ej 0.90; ASTM A 376; ASTM A 430; and ASTM A 451, where Ej 0.90.
d) Copper and Copper Alloy pipe: ASTM B 42; and ASTM B 466.
e) Nickel and Nickel Alloy pipe: ASTM B 161; ASTM B 165; ASTM B 167; and ASTM B 407.
f) Aluminium Alloy Pipe: ASTM B 210, Tempers O and H112; and ASTM B 241, Tempers O and
H112.
2.9 Piping Materials for Specific
Fluid Services
Types of Services: As per ANSI B 31.3, the fluid services have been classified in five different
categories for sake of safe operation based on design conditions, design criteria, design consideration
& design limitations. However, practically, the different fluid services are as mentioned below:
( I ) UTI LI TI ES S ERVI CE: COMMERCIAL CARBON STEEL PIPE SUCH AS IS 1239 IS COMMONLY USED IN
UTILITY SERVICE. T HE STEEL PIPE WHICH IS OF A TYPE OR GRADE NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR HYDROCARBON
SERVICE, SOME DEFINITE MARKING SYSTEM SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED TO PREVENT SUCH PIPE FROM
ACCIDENTALLY BEING USED IN HYDROCARBON SERVICE. O NE WAY TO ACCOMPLISH THIS WOULD BE TO
HAVE ALL SUCH PIPE GALVANIZED OR PAINTED IN STRIP TO FULL LENGTH OF PIPE.
(ii) Category-D fluid: The fluid which design pressure is 150 psi or less with design temperature
between –29ºC and 166ºC and do not damage to the human tissue or otherwise on exposure.
Category-D Fluid is non-toxic and non-flammable. Piping is designed as per ANSI B 31.3, chapter I
to VI for metallic and chapter vii for non-metallic and lined piping. The following carbon steel pipe
can be used. ASTM A 53 GR F, ASTM A734 made from other than ASTM A 215 plate, API 5L GR B
(Furnace Butt-welded), ASTM A 211 and ASTM A134 made from other than ASTM A285 plate.
(iii) Category-M Fluid: The fluid service which operating pressure is not high. It is flammable or
non-flammable, but toxic. It causes, by leakage to a very small quantity of the fluid, irreversible harm
to the human on a single exposure. It cannot be designed under code or under chapter VII sufficiently
to protect personnel from exposure to a very small quantity of the fluid in environment. Category-M
fluid service piping is designed by chapter VIII rules of ANSI B 31.3. Sufficient safeguarding shall be
provided to the piping for category-M fluid service. Category-M fluid service piping shall not be
designed or used under severe cyclic conditions and high-pressure piping. Category-M fluid service
piping shall be avoided with dynamic effects such as impact caused by external or internal conditions
(e.g., change in flow rate, hydraulic shock, and liquid or solid slugging, flushing and geysering) and
also vibrations, which may arise from pressure pulsation, resonance in compressor or wind loads.
ASTM A 134 and ASTM A 139 pipe shall not be used. Fittings confirming to MSS SP-43 and
proprietary “Type C” lap-joint stub end butt-welding fittings shall not be used in category-M fluid
service. Creased or corrugated bends shall not be used. Threaded or sockets welding outlet branch
connections are not permitted to be used. Flat closures (blanks) shall not be used. Valves having
threaded bonnet joints shall not be used. Valve bonnet or cover plate closures shall be flanged,
secured by at least four bolts with proper gaskets to stop the stem leakage to the environment. Single-
welded slip-on flanges, Expanded joint flanges, Lap joint flanges and threaded flanges shall not be
used. Socket welded joints greater than 1 ½” size shall not be used. Expansion joints shall not be
used.
(iv) Normal fluid service:This is a fluid, which is not at high pressure but whose design pressure or
design temperature is not limited to 150 psi or between –29 C to 166 C respectively. This is
toxic or non-toxic, flammable and damage to the human tissue on exposure or irreversible damage on
single exposure. It is designed and constructed per chapter I to VI for metallic piping, per chapter VII
for non-metallic and lined piping to sufficiently protect personnel from exposure to very small
quantities of the fluid in the environment. Any pipe and piping components listed in codes &
specifications may be used in “Normal Fluid Service”. Unlisted piping component material may be
used only after qualifying the design conditions and criteria and other design parameters.
(v) Severe Cyclic Condition Fluid service: The fluids, which do not have very high pressure but
toxic, non-flammable and produce a serious irreversible harm on a single and very small quantity
exposure. Fluid comes under “Category-M fluid” but can be designed and constructed in severe
cyclic conditions to prevent occurrence of it as per Chapter VIII rule, is called severe cyclic
condition fluids. This fluid service cannot be designed on experience, service conditions & location
involved, as per base code or chapter VII sufficiently to protect personnel from exposure to very
small quantities of the fluid in the environment. The following pipe may be used under severe cyclic
condition fluid service.
(vi) High Pressure Fluid service: High pressure is considered to be pressure in excess of that
allowed by the ASME B16.5 PN 20 (class 2500) rating for the specified design temperature and
material group. Non-metallic or metallic lined piping components are not permitted for use in high
pressure piping category. There is no provision for category-M fluid service in high-pressure piping.
The design of High Pressure piping should be done as per following considerations:
Mitre bend shall not be used in high-pressure piping.
Pipe to pipe cut & welded branch connections shall not be used in high-pressure piping.
All welded pipes or cast-forged fittings shall have joint quality or cast quality factor not less than
1.0.
(vii) Steam Tracing (NIBR): Certain process lines, tanks, vessels, are required to be heated up
constantly to prevent the fluid passing through the lines, stored tank or vessel from freezing. Heating
keeps the temperature high enough for free flows of fluid and proper pumping ability. Heating is done
with the help of steam tracing or electrical tracing. Steam tracing is done by running one, two, or three
lines parallel along the process line at equal distance on periphery of the lines and touching the line
or inside the tank or vessels to be heated up. Process lines shall be indicated to be traced in the line
list system. Steam supplies for tracing are obtained from process steam lines or independent steam
supplies line, exhaust bleed steam or from other continuous source of steam supply lines. Steam
supply shall be always available even if other unit or steam lines are under shutdown or out of
operation. Minimum steam pressure for tracing shall be 1.5 kg / cm2 and maximum steam pressure
shall be 3.5 kg / cm2. The minimum steam temperature shall be the saturation temperature at the given
pressure. The size of steam supply header shall be 3” Dia. (80 mm) Maximum for header and ½” Dia.
for steam tracing line, running along the process line. The number of tracers along the process lines
for heating shall be as per design calculation by the designer. However, under normal condition of
heating the number of tracers lines shall be mentioned below:
The useful length of tracer line in a single run at a steam pressure of 3.5 Kg /cm2 shall be maximum as
mentioned below:
Material Test Requirement Sour Service: The manufacturer should carry out all the following test
duly witnessed by Third party inspection agency and shall conform to the requirement given in
following table:
Chemical compositions as given in table below.
Mechanical properties such as UTS & ratio of Yield to Tensile Strength and following should be
acceptable.
UTS = 77000 PSI (max.)
Ratio of Yield to Tensile Strength should not exceed 0.8.
Hardness should be maximum RC 22 or 248 HVs or 237 BHN for each heat.
Longitudinal weld seam should be 100% radiographic. Repair welds should not be permitted of
any size. All valves casting should be 100% radiograph and acceptance limit should be as per
B16.34, Annexure-B.
Seamless pipe for Sour Service: Maximum sulphur and phosphorus content should be 0.01% and
0.02% respectively. If the sulphur and Phosphorus content is more than the above limit specified, the
HIC testing should be carried out on pipe where the content exceeds the above value.
Welded pipe for Sour Service: HIC should be compulsorily carried out for each welded pipe
irrespective of sulphur and phosphorus content value. The acceptance criteria should be as follows:
i. CSR =< 0.00%
ii. CLR =< 10.00%
SSC Test for Sour Service: SSC test is not required, but when the sulphur and phosphorous contents
exceeds 0.020% and 0.010 % (for seamless) or 0.003% (for welded) respectively then SSC test
should be compulsorily carried out for acceptance of the pipe for every heat. Similarly, when UTS is
greater than 77000 psi (54 Kg/mm2), SSC test is compulsorily for acceptance of the pipe for every
heat. The acceptance criteria should be as follows:
AT 72% of SMYS,” Time to failure”, should not be less than 720 hrs.
Corrosion Tests for Sour Service: The corrosion tests should be carried out compulsorily for the
material.
Table: Chemical Composition of Materials for Sour Service
Sl.no Item C Mn Si P Ni S Pcm CE
% % % % % %
% %
1 Pipe 0.23 1.35 0.10 .02 0.2 0.010 0.21 0.40
to SMLS
0.25 0.003
Weld
2 Fitting 0.23 1.35 0.10 .02 0.2 0.10 0.25 0.40
to SMLS
0.35 0.003
Weld
3 Flange 0.23 1.35 0.10 .02 0.2 0.01 0.25 0.40
to
0.35
4 Valve 0.23% 1.35 0.10 .02 0.2 0.01 0.25 0.4
to
0.35
5 Soft 0.24 1.35 0.35 .02 .24 0.01 - -
iron
Ring
gasket
(xiii) Cryogenic Service: The Cryogenic Service has been defined for proper piping design handling
the material at cold temperature. The temperature level, for a cryogenic fluid service, starts at –100 0
F to absolute zero, i.e. –459.7 0 F. There are many factors being encountered while handling the
cryogenic fluid because they are cold. The cryogenic fluids include the liquefied gases like oxygen,
nitrogen, helium, methane, and carbon dioxide, Argon and to make certain metals super conductive.
Cryogenic fluids are used to cool any product to produce physical changes i.e. to liquefy gases and to
manufacture gases such as Oxygen, Nitrogen, Helium and Methane and to make certain metal super
conductive. Cryogenic system handles following fluids at low temperature. It absorbs heat from
outside source and tends to vaporize or saturated vapour gets superheated. This increases the
pressure in the vessel. Cryogenic fluids are very limited, such as, Acetylene; Air and Argon. In
general, the following table shows the materials commonly used in low temperature Cryogenic
service:
Temperature Range, 0F Material
0 to –20 Carbon Steel ASTM A333 Gr.3, Gr. 6, API 5L Gr.B
-20 to –50 Carbon Steel (Aluminium Killed), ASTM A333 Gr.6
-50 to –150 Alloy Steels, ASTM A333 Gr.3
-150 to –320 Alloy Steels or Non-Ferrous, ASTM A312 Gr.TP304
Below –320 Non-Ferrous, ASTM A312 Gr.TP304
2.10 Pipe Material Identification
Pipes in exposed areas and in accessible pipe spaces shall be provided with colour band and titles
adjacent to all valves at not more than 12 m (40 ft) spacing on straight pipe runs, adjacent to
directional changes, and on both sides where pipes pass through wall or floors. Piping Material
identification is specified based on CEGS 09900, which provides additional details and should be a
part of the contract documents. Table 3-6 is a summary of the requirements
(CORROSION TABLE)
Fluid service Corrosion Resistance: Excellent (E), Good (G),
Satisfactory (S) & Unsatisfactory (U)/ up to max. Limit
of Temp. 0C
Carbon Stainless Stainless Aluminium Monel
Steel/ Steel Steel
Alloy Grade 304, Grade 316
Steel 347
Acetylene G/204 E/204 -- E/180 --
Air G/ 65 -- -- -- --
Ammonia E/204 G/249 E/293 E/82 --
(Anhydrous)
Ammonia -- -- -- -- G/260
Chloride (Sat.)
Ammonia Gas E/38 E/94 E/94 S/26 U
Ammonium U E/58 E/58 U G/95
Phosphate
Asphalt G/15 G/116 G/293 E/15 --
Bear G/28 E/93 E/149 E/149 E/149
Benzene, G/60 G/106 G/193 E/149 E/94
Benzyl
Benzene U G/100 -- U G100
Sulphur-
ric Acid (10%)
DO (100%) -- G/100 G/82 U G/100
Bleach U U; Hastelloy- U U U
(12.5%) C/C
Active E/65
Chlorine
Blood U E/293 E/293 E/293 E/293
Borax G/93 E/65 E/204 U E/30
Boric Acid U G/204 G/204 E/38 G/95
Bromine Gas U U U G/15 E/49
(DRY)
Bromine -- -- U G/95 --
Liquid
Butadiene G/85 G/85 G/204 G/40 --
Butane E/175 G/82 G/149 G/82 E/82
Butyl Alcohol G/93 G/93 E/204 E/40;G/40- E/93
95
Butyl Ether E/15 -- E/15 E/15 --
Butyl Phenol -- G/200 E/200 G/26 G/95
Butylenes G/26 G/82 G/204 G/40 E/26
(Butadiene)
Butyric Acid U G/75 G/204 G/82 G/95
(WET) U U U G/26 U
20% U U U U U
Calcium G/93 E/95 E/95 S/26 G/93
Carbonate
Calcium G/60 -- G/95 G/38 G/175
Chloride
(SAT.)
Calcium Oxide -- G/30 -- G/30 G/30
Camphor -- E/30 E/95 E/30 E/95
Cane Sugar G/75 G/30 G/175 E/95 E/30
Liquid
Carbon G/95 G/95 G/293 E/293 E/293
Dioxide
(DRY)
Carbon G/293 E/293 E/293 E/293 E/293
Monoxide
Castor Oil G/49 -- E/75 G/95 E/82
Caustic Potash U (50%) G/104 G/71 U --
Chloramines U -- -- -- U
(Dilute)
Chlorine gas G/93 U G/204 G/95 E/95
(DRY)
Chlorine G/26 G/40 G/49 -- G/65
Liquid
Chlorine Water U U U G/26 U
(SAT)
Chloroform U E/95 E/30,G/30- -- E/95
95
Citric Acid U G/26 G/204 G/15,S/15- G/26
(Concentrate) 170
Citric Acid U E/65 E/93 E/65 G/65
(5%)
Coconut Oil S/38 G/38 G/38 G/38 G/38
Coffee U G/95 G/95 -- E/38
Coke oven Gas G/38 G/38 G/38 G/38 G/38
Copper U G/95 G/204 U S/30
Sulphate
Corn Oil G/75 -- G/175 G/75 G/40
Cotton Seed G/75 G/30 G/75 G/75 E/15
Oil
Crude oil G/38 E/95 E/95 E/38 E/40
Cyclohaxane G/82 G/38 G/204 G/82 G/82
Cyclohexanol G/26 G/26 G/26 U G/26
DO (WET) S/75 G/95 G/93 E/75 E/204
DO (10%) U G/93 E/204 G/15, G/82
S/30-170
DO (15%) U E/60,G/60- E/95 G/54-95 G/65-95
95
Detergent G/26 G/82 G/175 G/38 --
Detergent -- G/82 E/82 -- --
Solution
Dichloroethane G/38 G/95 G/204 G/40 E/93
(Ethylene
Dichloride)
Diesel Fuel G/93 E/30 E/30 E/30 --
Dimethyl Ether -- G/95 G/95 -- G/95
Dimethylamine -- G/116 -- -- --
Dioxin G/38 G/95 G/95 G/175 G/95
Dipentane -- -- G/60 -- --
Diphenyl G/204 G/95 G/95 G/71 G/95
Diphenyl G/15 G/26 G/26 G/15 G/65
Oxide
Esters -- -- G/204 -- --
(general)
Ethane G/93 -- E/26 G/95 --
Ethers G/93 E/93 E/93 G/30 G/30
(general)
Ethylene
Ethylene G/65 G/95 G/95 G/95 G/95
Chloride
Ethylene G/26 G/26 G/204 G/26 --
Diamine
Ethylene G/38 G/95 G/170 E/38 G/95
Glycol
Ethylene Oxide G/204 G/95 G/204 E/95 G/26
Fatty Acid U G/138 E/204 E/204 E/204
Ferric U U U U; U;
Chloride Titanium Tantalum
E/149 E/149
Ferric Nitrate U -- G/65 -- U
(SAT)
Ferric Sulphate U G/26 E/93 U; G/26
NI-Resist
G/230
Fish Oil G/65 G/65 G/65 -- G/65
Flue Gas G/65 G/65 G/65 -- G/65
Fluorine Gas S/15 E/204; E/216 E/204 E/293
(DRY) G/204-240 G/204-240
Fluorine Gas U U; Hastelloy- U U U;
(MOIST.) C/C-270
E/293
Freon F –11 U G/30; G/204 G/26 E/204;
& F-12, F-22 Bronze
G/210
Freon F-21 -- --; -- --; --
& F-113 Copper G/65 Bronze
G/65
Fruit Juice U G/38 G/170 G/170 E/38
Fuel Gas
Fuel Oil G/93 G/120 G/70 G/60 G/82
Gas (Natural) G/38 G/38 G/175 G/38 G/38
Gas G/40 G/38 G/38 G/38 E/38
(Manufactured) Bronze
G/175
Gasoline G/38 G/30 G/30 G/38 G/38;
(Leaded) NI-Resist
E/204
Gasoline G/38 G/130 G/93 G/95 G/38
(Refined)
Gasoline G/175 G/26 G/26 U U
(Sour)
Gasoline G/175 G/26 G/26 G/95 G/38
(Unleaded)
Gelatin U G/65 G/165 G/82 G/165
Gin -- G/93 G/93 -- --
Glaubar’s Salt -- -- G/26 -- --
Glycerine G/40 E/130 E/95 G/149 E/95
Glycolic Acid U G/95 G/175 G/26 E/175
Glycol G/26 G/38 G/26 G/26 G/38
Green Liquor G/204 -- -- -- --
Heptanes G/175 G/120 G/180 G/26 G/93
Hexane G/175 G/116 G/116 G/26 G/38
Hydrochloric U U; U U; G/26
Acid (Dilute) Tantalum/149 Hastelloy-
B/B-2
G/93
Hydrochloric U U; U U G/20
Acid 20% Tantalum
E/149
Hydrochloric U U; U U U
Acid 50% Tantalum
E/149
Hydrochloric U U; Tantalum U U U
Acid Fume E/38
Hydrofluoric U U U U E/204
Acid (Dilute)
DO 50% U U U U G/71-
204
Mercuric U U G/175 U U
Chloride
Mercury G/293 E/293 E/293 U G/293
Methane G/293 E/293 E/293 E/93 E/95
Methanol
Methyl Acetate S/65 G/104 G/104 G/26 E/26
Methyl G/65 E/26 G/65 E/26 G/65
Acetone
Methyl G/95 G/120 G/175 G/65 G/95
Alcohol
Methyl Amine E/26 G/50 G/65 G/26 U
Methyl S/26 G/30 -- -- --
Chloroform
Milk G/71 E/95 E/175 E/93 S/30
Mineral Oil G/38 E/30 G/175 G/75 E/38
Molasses G/38 E/95 E/175 G/26 G/38
Motor Oil G/120 G/120 G/120 -- E/30
Naphtha G/30 G/120 G/95 G/82 G/49
Naphthalene G/82 E/204 E/204 G/95 G/95
Nickel U G/95 G/95 U G/95
Chloride
Nickel Salt U Hastelloy- G/26 U --
C/C 276
G/149
Nitric Acid U E/95 E/95 U U
5%
DO 50% U E26, G/26- E/30,G/30- U U
93 93
DO 100% U E/26 E/40 E/30 U
DO Fumes U E/50 E/50 E/50 U
Nitrogen E/15 E/293 E/293 G/30 --
Octane G/65 G/65 G/65 G/65 G/65
Oil and Fats G/65 G/65 G/120 G/65 --
Oleic Acid G/26 G/140 E/140 G/26 G204
Olive Oil G/65 G/65 G/65 E/26 E65
Oxalic Acid U U G/175 S90 G/95
5%
DO 50% U U G/175 S/85 G/65
DO (SAT) U U U G/26,S/26- G/30
50
Oxygen G/65 G/30 G/175 G/26 G/26
Oxygen Gas -- Tantalum- -- -- --
E/149
Ozone S/40 G/38 G/175 G/40 G/38
Paraffin G/38 G/130 G/130 G/130 G/65
Peanut Oil -- Bronze G/65 -- --
G/175
Pentane G/65 G/65 G/65 G/65 G/65
Petrolatum S/38 G/38 G/171 G/49 G/38
Petroleum Oil - G/26 G/26 G/30 G/30
(Refined)
Petroleum Oil -- Tantalum G/26 G/30 U
(Sour) E/149
Phenol G/95 E/293 E/293 E/65 E/293
(Carbolic
Acid)
Phosphoric -- E/85 E/95 U E/15
Acid (5%)
DO (10%) U E/85 E/85; S/38 S/15
S/85-95
DO (25-50%) U U/65; G/65- G/93 U S/26
85
Phosphorus -- E/49 E/49 G/30 E/49
Polyvinyl -- E/82 E/82 -- --
Acetate
Potassium U G/26 G/65 -- U
Bisulphate
Potassium G/95 E/95 E/95 U G/95
Carbonate
50%
Potassium G/95 E/95 E/175 U G/95
Chloride
(30%)
Potassium G/95 G/95 E/175 U E/65
Cyanide (30%)
Sulfonated -- Hastelloy -- -- --
Detergent C/C-276
E/55
Sulphur U E/293 E/293 E/293 E/85,
G/85-
195
Sulphur U G/95; G/40 S/30 S/30
Chloride Nickel-
E/293
Sulphur -- Tantalum- -- -- --
Dichloride G/30
Sulphur Oxide E/55, G/293 G/293 G/149 G/82
DRY G/55-
293
DO (WET) U U G/293 U U
Sulphuric Acid U U; Hastelloy U U S/26
10% G/G-3 G/120
Sulphuric Acid U U; Incolloy U U S/26
30% 825
G/110
Sulphuric Acid U U; Hastelloy U U G/30
50% B/B-2 E/110
Sulphuric Acid U U; U U G/30
70% Tantalum-
G/149
Sulphuric Acid S/38 S/30; G/95 U U
98% Hastelloy
B/B-2 G/95
Sulphuric Acid G/40 G/26 G/95 U U
100%
Sulphuric -- E/30 E/30 E/30 U
Acid (Fumes)
Tannic Acid U G/95 G/95 U G/95
Tanning Liquor -- G/50 G/50 E/26 --
Tar G/93 GGG/93 G/93 G/93 G/93
Tartaric Acid -- E/204 E/204 -- --
Tin Chloride -- U; Hastelloy G/65 -- --
C/C276
G/110
Toluene E/175 E/95 E/175 E/95 E/95
(Toluol)
Tomato Juice S/40 G/30 G/120 G/40 G/30
Transformer G/26 G/30 30 G/26 G/30
Oil
Trim Ethyl -- -- -- -- --
Propane
Turpentine G/26 E/93 E/93 G/82 E/40
Urea 50% G/30 G/95 G/95 G/95 G/26
Uric Acid -- E/30 E/30 U E/30
(Conc.)
Urine G/38 E/38 E/38 -- --
Vegetable Oil G/71 G/95 G/95 G/71 G/72
Water G/65 G/95 G/95 G/95 G/95
Following is the lists of the typical items contained on a P & ID, which is: Mechanical Equipment,
Names, and Numbers; all Valves and Identification; Instrumentation and Designations; All Process
Piping, Sizes, and Identification; Miscellaneous Appurtenances including Lines, Reducers and
Increasers, Vents, Drains, Special Fittings, Sampling; Direction of Flow; Class Change;
Interconnections; and Control Inputs/Outputs and Interlocks. This figure depicts a very small and
simplified P & ID:
4.3 Design Conditions
Design conditions for specific process applications should consider pressure, temperature, and fluid
service. The Design Conditions include the following, in general but not limited. After the piping
system’s functions, drawings, service conditions, and materials of construction the next step is to
finalize the system operational pressures and temperatures. Engineers may consider more conditions
or factors as per relevant Standard Design Codes and his experience, if any, than the listed below:
2 S E (tm + A)
Pmax =
Do x 2 y (tm + A)
Where: Pmax = maximum allowable pressure, MPa (psig); S = code allowable stress, MPa (psi); E
= joint efficiency; tm = pipe wall thickness, mm (in); A = corrosion allowance, mm (in); Do =
outside diameter of pipe, mm (in); y = temperature-based coefficient, see ASME B31.1, for cast iron,
non-ferrous metals, and for ferric steels, austenitic steels and Ni alloys less than 4820C (9000F), y = -
0.4.
(k) The design pressure is also arrived on the basis of the following considerations:
(i) The minimum positive design pressure shall be normally 3.5 kg/cm2.
(ii) The discharge piping of a centrifugal pump, not protected by safety valve, should be designed for
1.2 times the max. Pump Differential plus the max. Suction Pressure of the pump.
FW =CW1 x VW 2 x CD x Do
Where: FW = design wind load per projected pipe length, N/m (lb/ft); VW = design wind speed, m/s
(miles/hr); CD = drag coefficient, dimension less; Do = pipe (and insulation) outside diameter, mm
(in); CW1 = constant, 2.543 x 10-6 (N/m) / [mm (m/s)]; (2.13 x 10-4 (lb/ft) / [in (mile/hr)]).
The drag coefficient is obtained from ASCE 7 and is a function of the Reynolds Number, R, of the
wind flow across the projected pipe.
Re = CW2 x VW xDo
Where: Re = Reynolds Number; VW = design wind speed, m/s (miles/hr); Do = pipe (and insulation)
outside diameter, mm (in); CW2 = constant, 6.87 s/mm-m (780 hr/in-mile).
(iii) Earthquake effects: Piping shall be designed and analyzed for earthquake induced horizontal
forces stress analysis per method described in ASCE-7 or the uniform building code.
(iv) Vibration effects: Piping may be designed and analyzed for excessive and harmful vibration
effects caused due to pressure pulsation, resonance in compressor and wind load. Piping connected to
compressors or other rotating equipment shall be carried out with vibration stress analysis and
accordingly it should be routed and supported.
(v) Discharge reaction: When a fluid is let down or discharged in piping, a reaction proportionate to
the discharge pressure, velocity & quantity of fluid is developed in piping. So, a discharge or
letdown piping shall be stress analyzed for discharge reaction and accordingly support and loop shall
be designed.
WxH
FE =
kPa
Where: FE = earth load, kPa (psi); W = soil weight, kg/m3 (lb/ft3); typically 1,922 kg/m3 (120 lb/ft3); H
= height of cover, m (ft); a = conversion factor, 102 kg/m2/kPa (144 lb/ft2 /psi).
d. Occasional Weight/Loads: Occasional loads are those loads that act on the system on an
intermittent basis. Examples of occasional loads are those placed on the system from the hydrostatic
leak test, seismic loads, and other dynamic loads. Dynamic loads are those from forces acting on the
system, such as forces caused by water hammer and the energy released by a pressure relief device.
Another type of occasional load is caused by the expansion of the piping system material. An example
of an expansion load is the thermal expansion of pipe against a restraint due to a change in
temperature.
e. Snow and ice loads: Snow and ice loads are live loads acting on a piping system. For most heavy
snow climates, a minimum snow load of 1.2 kPa (25 psf) is used in the design. In some cases, local
climate and topography dictate a larger load. This is determined from ANSI A58.1, local codes or by
research and analysis of other data. Snow loads can be ignored for locations where the maximum
snow is insignificant. Ice build-up may result from the environment, or from operating conditions. The
snow loads determined using ANSI A58.1 methods assume horizontal or sloping flat surfaces rather
than rounded pipe. Assuming that snow lying on a pipe will take the approximate shape of an
equilateral triangle with the base equal to the pipe diameter, the snow load is calculated with the
following formula.
WS = ½ n Do SL
Where: n = conversion factor, 10-3m/mm (0.083 ft/in); WS = design snow load acting on the piping,
N/m (lb/ft); Do = pipe (and insulation) outside diameter, mm (in); SL = snow load, Pa (lb/ft).
Ice loading information does not exist in data bases like snow loading. Unless local or regional data
suggests otherwise, a reasonable assumption of 50 to 75 mm (2 to 3 in) maximum ice accumulation is
used to calculate an ice loading.
f. Seismic loads: Seismic loads induced by earthquake activity are live/dynamic loads. These loads
are transient in nature. Seismic loads may influence piping systems. Seismic zones for most
geographical locations can be found in relevant Code, American Water Works Association (AWWA)
D110, AWWA D103, and Seismic Protection for Mechanical Electrical Equipment. ASME B31.3-
Chemical Plant and Petroleum Refinery Piping require that the piping be designed for earthquake
induced horizontal forces using the methods of ASCE 7 or the Uniform Building Code. Hydraulic
loads are by their nature transient loads caused by an active influence on a piping system. Examples
of dynamic loads inherent to piping systems are pressure surges such as those caused by pump starts
and stops, valve actuation, water hammer, and by the energy discharged by a pressure relief valve.
Examples of hydraulic loads causing pressure transients and the effect upon the design are provided
in relevant Code. Vibration in a piping system is caused by the impact of fluctuating force or pressure
acting on the system. Mechanical equipment such as pumps can cause vibrations. Typically the low to
moderate level of periodic excitation caused by pumps do not result in damaging vibration. The
potential for damage occurs when the pressure pulses or periodic forces equate with the natural
resonant frequencies of the piping system. Relevant Code for Noise and Vibration Control provides
design recommendations for vibration control, particularly vibration isolation for motor-pump
assemblies. In addition, relevant Code recommends the following vibration isolation for piping
systems:
For connections to rotating or vibrating equipment, the first three supports nearest the
vibrating equipment should have a static deflection equal to ½ of that required for the
equipment; the remaining pipe supports should have a static deflection of 5 to 12.5 mm (0.2 to
0.49 in);
Provide a minimum 25 mm (1 in) clearance for a wall penetration, support the pipe on
both sides of the penetration to prevent the pipe from resting on the wall, and seal the penetration
with a suitable compound (fire- stop system, if required);
Use neoprene isolators in series with steel spring isolators;
Always include a neoprene washer or grommet with ceiling hangers; and
Inspect hanger rods during installation to ensure that they are not touching the side of the
isolator housings. Flexible pipe connections should have a length of 6 to 10 reinforced
elastomeric piping. Tie-rods are not used to bolt the two end flanges together.
g. Live loads: Live loads can result from the effects of vehicular traffic and are referred to as wheel
loads. Above loads are only addressed during the design of buried piping. In general, wheel loads are
insignificant when buried at “shallow” depths. The term shallow is defined based upon both site-
specific conditions and the piping material. “However, as a rule, live loads diminish rapidly for
laying depths greater than about four feet for highways and ten feet for railroads.” Wheel loads are
calculated using information in AASHTO H20 and guidance for specific materials such as AWWA
C150 (ductile-iron and metallic), AWWA C900 (PVC) and AWWA C950 (FRP). For example, wheel
loads for rigid metallic piping over an effective length of 0.91 m (3 ft) can be calculated using the
following formula.
CRPF
FW =
b Do
Where: F W = wheel load, kPa (psi); C = surface load factor, see AWWA C150, Table 10.6 M/10.6; R
= reduction factor for a AASHTO H20 truck on an unpaved or flexible paved road, see AWWA C150,
Table 10.4M/10.4; P = wheel weight, kg (lb); typically 7,257 kg (16,000 lb); F = impact factor;
typically 1.5; b = conversion factor, 0.031 kg/m/kPa (12 lb/ft/psi); and Do = pipe outside diameter,
mm (in).
Temperature Rating: In practice, the material temperature is taken as the same of the fluid
temperature. For any Rating Temperature below –290C, the Pressure is not greater than the pressure
shown at –290C. The primary consideration in establishing the temperature rating is to ascertain the
adequate wall thickness of the pipe, flange and flanged fittings to sustain the stresses due to pressure
and other loading at different rating classes.
Pressure Rating: The pressure rating is the safe working or operating maximum pressure in the line
with respect to the Working Temperature. It is available in different Codes and Standards based on
the Materials’ Stress-Strain Characteristics.
Flange Rating: The Temperature-Pressure Ratings for flange are established by ASME B16.5 on the
basis of prime factor of hydro testing of the flanged fittings to the bursting and by providing a factor of
safety of 3.0 at the rated working pressure and ambient temperature. ASME/ANSI B16.5 Society
establishes the temperature-pressure ratings, given in the tabular form, for all materials at different
flange ratings by using Formula as,
S. N. Service Pressure
Rating Class
1 Non- Corrosive Hydrocarbons and 150 lb ANSI
Glycol
2 Non- Corrosive Hydrocarbons and 300 lb ANSI
Glycol
3 Non- Corrosive Hydrocarbons and 400 lb ANSI
Glycol
4 Non- Corrosive Hydrocarbons and 600 lb ANSI
Glycol
5 Non- Corrosive Hydrocarbons and 900 lb ANSI
Glycol
6 Non- Corrosive Hydrocarbons and 1500 lb ANSI
Glycol
7 Non- Corrosive Hydrocarbons and 2500 lb ANSI
Glycol
8 Air 150 lb ANSI
9 Water 150 lb ANSI
10 Steam and Steam Condensate 150 lb to 600
lb ANSI
11 Drains and Sewers 150 lb ANSI
12 Flare and Industrial Waste 150 lb ANSI
Notes:
R.F = Raised Face;
CAF = Compressed Asbestos Gasket;
# = Ponds;
SPWD = Spiral Wound Gasket;
R.T.J = Ring Type Joint;
125 AARH = means 125 to 200 AARH Serrated Finish
250 AARH = means 250 to 500 AARH Serrated Finish
63 AARH = means 32 to 63 AARH Serrated Finish
All flanges should conform to the following Codes:
Flanges should be in accordance with the following codes: Flange’s threads should confirm to ANSI
B2.1 unless otherwise it is specified; 150# to 2500# Class up to 24” NB should be as per ANSI
B16.5; 150# to 2500# Class 26” NB and larger should be as per API 605; Above 2500# Class it
should be as per API Std. 6A. Flange Face should be serrated finish (Concentric or Spiral) to 250 to
500 AARH as per MSS-SP-6 unless otherwise specified. Smooth Finish Face should be serrated
finish up to 125 AARH only.
Weld Neck flanges should be manufactured to suit the pipe bore and thickness.
Hardness of the flange face for Ring Joint Type Gasket: The minimum Brinnell Hardness of the
flange face for Ring Joint Type gasket should be, such as, for Carbon Steel = 120; 1% to 5% Cr Steel
= 150; Stainless Steel type 304, 316, 347 = 180 and Stainless Steel type 304L, 316L = 180.
Temperature-Pressure Rating:
The allowable working pressures for Pipe are calculated from the stress values and relevant
Formulae as detailed in ASME B31.3. Pressure - Temperature Ratings chart is derived from ASME
B31.3 to provide a general comparative guide to working pressures for different pipe wall
thicknesses. The Temperature-Pressure Chart is reproduced here as a general guide only. It has not
been updated to reflect any subsequent changes to ASME B31.3. It is not intended as a
recommendation of allowable working pressures for calculation exact working pressures, people
should refer to ASME B31.3, as well as any other relevant piping codes or industry regulations. The
ASME Code for Pressure Piping including allowable stress values (SE) for metal temperatures up to
595°C for Carbon Steel Pipe, but cautions that conversion of carbides to graphite (graphitization)
may occur in Carbon Steel Pipes after prolonged exposures to temperatures over 425°C. For this
reason, with temperatures above 425°C it is recommended that Alloy Steel Pipes should be used.
Allowable Stress values (SE) used in tabulated calculations is those approved for piping systems
which come under Section B31.3 of the code. The Pressure/Temperature Chart lists maximum
allowable pressure ratings for Seamless Carbon Steel Pipe Grade B, with plain ends, at temperatures
up to 425°C. Pressure-Temperature Ratings show the maximum allowable working pressures at the
temperatures from -20 0F to the maximum allowable temperature for the materials. They are
established by the stress calculations utilizing the minimum wall thickness and the maximum
allowable stress of the materials at specified temperatures. The maximum allowable stress for any
kind of Pipe and piping component material always decreases as the temperature increases. The
maximum allowable working pressure of any kind of Pipe and piping component material always
decreases as the temperature increases, as shown in the Pressure-Temperature Rating Tables.
American National Standard Institute Maximum allowable non-shock pressure (psig) and temperature
ratings for steel pipe flanges and flanged fittings according the American National Standard ANSI
B16.5 - 1988.
Step 1: Determine the maximum operating pressure and temperature.
Step 2: Refer to the pressure rating table for the piping material group, and starting from the class
150 lb, go at the Pressure-Temperature rating that is the next highest above the maximum operating
Pressure-Temperature Rating of the fluid.
Step 3: Proceed through the table columns on the selected temperature row until a pressure rating is
reached that exceeds the maximum operating Temperature.
Step 4: The column label at which the maximum operating pressure is exceeded at a temperature
equal to or above the maximum operating temperature is the required Temperature at which the
suitable Pipe, Flange and Fittings and Valve materials and their Schedule/Thickness are given.
Several organizations and associations have published specifications that provide materials and
dimensional information as well as pressure specifications at different temperatures. For
convenience, relevant portions of the American National Standard Institute B 16.34 -1996, Pressure
Temperature Ratings are reproduced below:
-196 -- -- -- -- -- --
-80 -- -- -- -- -- --
-45 -- -- -- -- -- --
-196 -- -- 19.30 -- --
-45 -- -- -- -- -- --
600 -- -- -- -- --
650 -- -- -- -- --
FIG: TEMPERATURE-PRESSURE RATING GRAPH
-80 -- -- -- -- -- --
-45 -- -- -- -- -- --
600 -- -- -- -- --
650 -- --
FIG: TEMPERATURE-PRESSURE RATING GRAPH
-80 -- -- -- -- -- --
-45 -- -- -- -- -- --
600 -- -- -- -- --
65 -- -- -- -- --
0
FIG: TEMPERATURE-PRESSURE RATING GRAPH
TEMPERATURE-PRESSURE RATING:
RATING FOR PIPE 900#
(Pressure in Kg/cm2)
650 -- -- -- 41.00
FIG: TEMPERATURE-PRESSURE RATING GRAPH
750
815
650 -- -- -- 94.8
700 48.13
750 26.70
815 14.00
FIG: TEMPERATURE-PRESSURE RATING GRAPH
700 -- -- -- -- -- --
750 -- -- -- -- -- --
815 -- -- -- -- -- --
700 -- -- -- 80.46
750 -- -- -- 44.27
815 -- -- -- 24.24
FIG: TEMPERATURE-PRESSURE RATING GRAPH
P IPE S PECIFICATION
Piping Materials Specification: Piping Material Specification is prepared in the form of a table in
which, “Temperature-Pressure Rating” (Piping Class) is the main governing parameter. The Detail
Engineering and Design of the piping is done with the help of “Piping Material Class”, and
“Temperature-Pressure Rating” and “Piping Materials Specification”. Piping materials have been
categorized in different groups called “Piping Material Class” with respect to Flange Ratings and
Materials as mentioned below.
Nomenclature for “Piping Class” is fixed with three X, such as: XXX
1st X : It indicates the rating of the piping system, such as,
1st letter “A” indicate the Flange Rating = 150 #
1st letter “B” indicate the Flange Rating = 300 #
1st letter “C” indicate the Flange Rating = 400 #
1st letter “D” indicate the Flange Rating = 600 #
1st letter “E” indicate the Flange Rating = 900 #
1st letter “F” indicate the Flange Rating = 1500 #
1st letter “G” indicate the Flange Rating = 2500 #
2nd X : It represents some times single digit or sometimes double digits, which indicate the
material of the piping system, such as:
If it is single digit like 1, it indicates normal grade of material.
If it is single digit like 2, it indicates IBR grade of material.
If it is single digit like 3, it indicates commercial grade of material.
If it is single digit like 4, it indicates Low Temperature grade of material.
If it is double digit like 10, 11, 12, etc., it indicates superior grade material with conditions, in main
group.
If it is double digit like 30, 31, 32, etc., it indicates superior grade material with conditions, in main
group.
If it is double digit like 40, 41, 42, etc., it indicates superior grade material with conditions, in main
group.
3rd X : It indicates the main material of the piping system, such as:
A indicates Carbon Steel
B indicates C-½ MO Alloy steel (P1)
C indicates 1Cr-½ Mo Low Alloy steel (P11, P12)
D indicates 1¼ Cr-3/4 Mo Alloy Steel (P11, P22)
E indicates 2¼ Cr-1.0 Mo Alloy Steel (P22)
F indicates 5 Cr-½ Mo Alloy Steel (P5)
G indicates 9 Cr-1 Mo Alloy Steel (P9)
H indicates 3.5 NI Alloy Steel (A333 Gr 3)
K indicates Austenitic Stainless Steel, type 304, 304H, and 304L.
L indicates Aluminium & Alloy
M indicates Martensitic Stainless Steel type 316, 316H, 321, 321H,347.
N indicates Ferrite Stainless Steel type 316L.
P indicates Nickel & Alloy
R indicates PVC
T indicates Cast Iron and Silicon Iron
W indicates Cupro-Nickel
Y indicates Carbon Steel (Rubber Lined)
Z indicates HDPF
Example: Suppose “A1A” is a “Piping Class”. The following is the interpretations:
Solution: The first letter “A” of the piping class indicates that it is 150# Flange Rating. The second
digit “1” of the piping class indicates that it is normal grade of steel, i.e. API 5L Gr.B The third letter
“A” of the piping class indicates that it is carbon steel i.e. API 5L Gr.B So, for “A1A” piping class,
the pipe material is API 5L, GR B and Rating is 150#.
Piping Material Specification is a summarized and properly compiled document put in a tabular form
in which pipe and piping components’ designed detail are listed according to its “Piping Class” or
“Temperature-Pressure Rating” combinations for process piping and utility piping. These
combinations make a big volume of Piping Material Specification, which is not possible to
accommodate in a book. We have given few tables of Piping Material Specification as an example.
All the information about pipe and other matching piping components like flanges, fittings are taken
from various Codes and Standards and are made available in this book such as materials, their types,
end finish, ratings, dimensions, manufacturing standards, corrosion allowance, joining detail, branch-
connection, vent & drain connections, temperature gauge connection, pressure gauge connections.
Based on the fluid service and a range of temperature-pressure combination, a set of complete
information about pipe and piping components are given in such a way that you can complete the
piping design properly as per requirement of the code. As mechanical engineers, we have to refer so
many books, standards, codes and specifications to design a piping system for handling a various
fluid services and at various Temperature-Pressure Ratings. We can find out suitable all information
about pipe, flanges, valves, fittings, gaskets, studs and nuts and other piping connections such as
vents, drains, temperature gauges, pressure gauge or branch connections at one place. All the above
information is arranged in Piping Material Specification as per “Piping Class” and “Flange Rating”.
Sometimes, we do not have sufficient time to go through all the above Codes and Standards. Codes
and Standards are, sometimes, not available at one place to refer the same. We have to spend huge
money and a lot of time to collect or buy the relevant documents or to engage a consultant for
designing a small quantity of piping work.
Looking into the above difficulties, we have collected and put here at one place a lot of relevant
information on the basis of vast study and reference of many books, codes standards and
specifications. You may refer the same at one place and design or does modification work of piping
system. We have tried to put as much as the information such as, type of materials, corrosion
resistance of material, limitations on use of materials etc. and how to select the suitable material. It is
also mentioned the different piping components such as pipes, flanges, fittings, valves, gaskets, studs
& nuts and their materials, uses, limitations and their selection.
Depending on various service conditions and different Temperature-Pressure working conditions,
selection and utilization of piping components with particular pipe, changes. To have a proper and
well-designed piping network, as per requirement of the codes, standards and specifications, it is
necessary to identify the different services, different conditions of temperature, pressure, corrosion
resistance, erosion effects and various other affecting factors.
Fluid Service: Non-Corrosive Hydrocarbon Process (l/v/g), Kerosene, LPG (gas/oil), Fuel Oil/Gas,
Crude Oil, Heavy Naphtha, Wash Water, Demulsified Solution, Ammonia Solution, Corrosion
Inhibitor, Steam &Condensate (N-IBR).
Note: Soft-seated ball and Plug Valves can be used up to 200 0C. Pipe fabricated Reducer are
permitted.
Fluid Service: Highly Corrosive Sour Service (NACE), Flammable, Non-Lethal, Toxic, Sour Water,
Sour Flare, Caustic (Stress Relieved), etc.
Fluid Service: Hydrogen and Hydrogen bearing Hydrocarbon, Flammable, Toxic but Nonlethal.
GLOBE
0.5” 1.5” 800# BS 5352 ASTM 13% CR
A105
2.0” 8.0” 150# BS 1873 A216 GR 13% CR
WCB
CHECK
0.5” 1.5” 800# BS 5352 ASTM 13% CR
A105
2.0” 24.0” 150# BS 1868 A216 GR 13% CR
BALL WCB
0.5” 24.0” 150# BS 5351 A216 GR 13% CR
WCB
7 STUDS - - - B18.2 A193 GR
B7
NUT - - - B18.2 A194 GR
2H
8 GASKET 0.5” 24.0” 5MM API 601 SPWD,SS (TFL- filled)
RING 304
9 0.5” 1.50” 800# MNF STD ASTM SS 304
STRAINER A105
PERM 2.0” 14.0” PIPE SCH MNF STD A234 GR SS 304
WPB
16.0” 24.0” PIPE SCH MNF STD A234 GR SS 304
WPBW
PIPE JOINT & AUXILIARY BRANCH CONNECTIONS
CONNECTION
ITEM SIZE DESCRIPTION RUN PIPE BRANCH BRANCH
PIPE TYPE
MAINT ALL FLANGED 0.5” 1.5” 0.5” 1.5” SW, TEE,
JOINT but keep 3000#
minimum
PIPE 1.5”& below SW, CPLG, 2.0” 24.0” 0.5” 1.5” SW, Half
JOINT 2.0”& above 3000# BUTT Coupling,
WELD 3000#,
DRAIN On line<2” SW CPLG except
3000# 0.75” 2”X1.5”
pipe where Tee is
used
On line>1.5” 2.0” 10.0” Pipe-to-Pipe
VENTS On line<2” SW CPLG connection
3000# 0.75” except equal
pipe size branch
connection
where Equal
Tee is used.
On line>1.5” 12.0” 24.0” Pipe-to-Pipe
connection
with
PRESS 0.75” PIPE SW, SCH 80 reinforcement
CONN NIPPLE pad except
equal size
TEMP 1.5” PIPE 200 FLG, Tapping on branch
CONN. mm long line 4.0” pipe connection
(min) ere Equal Tee
is used.
Note: All weld joint should be Post Weld Heat treated. All valve & Strainer Casting should be
100% Radiographic. Velocity of the fluid should be limited to 6.0 m/s.
Fluid Service: LP Steam, Boiler Feed Water and Superheated LP Steam (IBR).
EFSW
2 FLANGE 0.5” 1.5” 150# B 16.5 ASTM A105
2.0” 24.0” 150# B 16.5 ASTM A105
3 BLIND 0.5” 24.0” 150# B 16.5 ASTM A105
FLANGE
4 SPACER 0.5” 16.0” 150# API 590 ASTM A105
OR FIG-8 18.0” 24.0” 150# API 590 ASTM A105
SPCR
5 FITTING 0.5” 1.5” 3000# B16.11 ASTM A105
ALL 2.0” 14.0” PIPE SCH B16.9 ASTM A234 GR
WPB
16.0” 24.0” PIPE SCH B16.9 ASTM A234 GR
WPBW
Fluid Service: Mild to Moderate Corrosive Hydrocarbon, flammable, nonlethal, Fuel Gas, Valv
Residue, BIM Reactor Effluents.
PIPING CLASS PIPING MATERIAL ANSI RATING CORROSION
A1D SPECIFICATION 150# ALLOWANCE:
1.5 MM
SN ITEM DIA. SCH./ Face DIMN. STD. MATERIAL
RANGE Rating Finish
1 PIPE 0.5” 1.5” SCH - B36.10 A335 GR P11
SMLS 80
2.0” 6.0” SCH - B36.10 A335 GR P11
40
EFSW 8.0” 14.0” SCH - B36.10 A335 GR P11
20
16.0” 24.0” 7.92 B36.10 A691 GR 1.25C
MM CL42
SPCR
5 FITTING 0.5” 1.5” 3000# R=1.5D B16.11 ASTM A350 GR LF3
ALL 2.0” 14.0” PIPE B16.9 ASTM A420 GR
SCH WPL3
16.0” 24.0” PIPE B16.9 ASTM A420 GR
SCH WPL3W
6 VALVE BODY TRIM
GATE 0.5” 1.5” 800# - API 602 A350 Stellited
GR LF3
2.0” 24.0” 150# 125 SF API 600 A352 Stellited
GR LC3
GLOBE 0.5” 1.5” 800# - BS 5352 A350 Stellited
GR LF3
2.0” 8.0” 150# 125 SF BS 1873 A352 Stellited
GR LC3
0.5” 1.5” 800# - BS 5352 A350 Stellited
CHECK GR LF3
2.0” 24.0” 150# 125 SF BS 1868 A352 Stellited
GR LC3
7 STUDS - - - - B18.2 A320
GR L7
NUTS - - - - B18.2 A194
GR 4
8 GASKET 0.5” 24.0” 5 MM - B16.21 SPWD, SS304, CAF, I&O
RING Ring
PIPE 1.5”& SW, CPLG, 3000# 2.0” 24” 0.5” 1.5” SW, Half
JOINT below BUTT WELD Coupling,
2.0”& 3000#, except
above 2”X1.5” where
DRAIN On line SW CPLG 3000# Tee is used
< 2” 0.75” pipe, Globe,
On line 2.0” 10.0” Pipe-to-Pipe
> 1.5” connection
VENTS On line SW CPLG 3000# except equal size
< 2” 0.75” pipe, Globe, branch
connection
where Equal Tee
is used.
On line 12” 24.0” Pipe-to-Pipe
> 1.5” connection with
PRESS 0.75” SW, SCH 80 reinforcement
CONN PIPE NIPPLE, Globe pad except equal
TEMP 1.5” FLG, Tapping on size branch
CONN PIPE line 4.0” pipe connection
200 mm (min) where Equal Tee
long is used.
GATE
GATE
0.5” 1.5” 800# - API A182 GR Stellited
602 F304
2.0” 24.0” 150# 125 SF API A351 GR Stellited
GLOBE 600 CF8
0.5” 1.5” 800# - BS A182 GR Stellited
5352 F304
2.0” 8.0” 150# 125 SF BS A351 GR Stellited
CHECK 1873 CF8
0.5” 1.5” 800# - BS A182 GR Stellited
5352 F304
2.0” 24.0” 150# 125 SF BS A351 GR Stellited
1868 CF8
7 STUDS - - - - B18.2 A320
GRB8CL2
NUTS - - - - B18.2 A194 GR
8
8 GASKET 0.5” 24.0” 5 MM - B16.21 SPWD, SS304, CAF,
RING I & O Ring
9 STRAINER 0.5” 1.50” 800# Y MNF A182 GR SS 304
PERM TYPE STD F304
2.0” 14.0” PIPE SCH T MNF A403 GR SS 304
TYPE STD WP304
Fluid Service: Non-Corrosive Hydrocarbon Process (l/v/g), Kerosene, LPG (gas/oil), Fuel
Oil/Gas, Crude Oil, Heavy Naphtha, Wash Water, Demulsified Solution, Ammonia Solution,
Corrosion Inhibitor, Steam &Condensate (N-IBR).
B1A
SN ITEM DIAMETER SCH./ FACE DIMN. MATERIAL
RANGE Rating FINISH STD.
1 PIPE 0.5” 1.5” SCH 80 - B36.10 API 5L GR B
2.0” 6.0” SCH 40 - B36.10 API 5L GR B
8.0” 18.0” SCH 40 - B36.10 API 5L GR B
20.0” 24.0” 7.92MM B36.10 API 5L GR B
2 FLANGE 0.5” 1.5” 300# 125 SF B 16.5 ASTM A105
2.0” 24.0” 300# 125 SF B 16.5 ASTM A105
3 BLIND 0.5” 24.0” 300# 125 SF B 16.5 ASTM A105
FLANGE
4 SPACER 0.5” 16.0” 300# 125 SF API 590 ASTM A105
SPCR 18.0” 24.0” 300# 125 SF API 590 ASTM A105
5 FITTING 0.5” 1.5” 3000# R = B16.11 ASTM A105
ALL 2.0” 14.0” PIPE 1.5D B16.9 ASTM A234 GR WPB
SCH
16.0” 24.0” PIPE B16.9 ASTM A234 GR
SCH WPBW
Fluid Service: Medium Pressure Steam (IBR), Boiler Feed Water (IBR)
DRAINS On SW CPLG
line<2” 3000# 0.75”
On pipe, Globe, 2.0” 24” Pipe-to-Pipe
line>1.5” connection with
VENTS On SW CPLG reinforcement
line<2” 3000# 0.75” pad except equal
On pipe, Globe, size branch
line>1.5” connection
PRESS 0.75” SW, SCH 80 where Equal Tee
CONN PIPE NIPPLE, Globe is used.
TEMP 1.5” FLG, Tapping on
CONN PIPE 200 line 4.0” pipe
mm long (min)
Fluid Service: Non-corrosive Medium pressure & Low Temperature Hydrocarbon (Liquid or
Vapour)
GATE
0.5” 1.5” 800# - API 602 A350 Stellited
GR
LF3
GLOBE 2.0” 24.0” 300# 125 SF API 600 A352 Stellited
GR
LC3
0.5” 1.5” 800# - BS 5352 A350 Stellited
GR
CHECK LF3
2.0” 8.0” 300# 125 SF BS 1873 A352 Stellited
GR
LC3
0.5” 1.5” 800# - BS 5352 A350 Stellited
GR
LF3
2.0” 24.0” 300# 125 SF BS 1868 A352 Stellited
GR
LC3
7 STUDS - - - - B18.2 A320
GR L7
NUTS - - - - B18.2 A194
GR 4
8 GASKET 0.5” 24.0” 5 MM - B16.21 SPWD, SS304,
RING CAF, I & O ring
9 STRAINER 0.5” 1.50” 800# Y TYPE MNF A350 GR SS
PERM STD LF3 304
2.0” 14.0” PIPE T TYPE MNF ASTM SS
SCH STD A420 GR 304
WPL3
16.0” 24.0” PIPE T TYPE MNF ASTM SS
SCH STD A420 GR 304
WPL3W
PIPE JOINT & AUXILIARY BRANCH CONNECTIONS
CONNECTION
ITEM SIZE DESCRIPTION RUN BRANCH PIPE BRANCH
PIPE CONNECTION
TYPE
MAINT ALL FLANGED 0.5” 1.5” 0.5” 1.5” SW, TEE, 3000#
JOINT but keep
minimum
PIPE 1.5”& below SW, CPLG, 2.0” 24” 0.5” 1.5” SW, Half
JOINT 2.0”& above 3000# BUTT Coupling, 3000#,
WELD except 2”X1.5”
DRAIN On line SW CPLG where Tee is used
<2” 3000# 0.75”
pipe, Globe,
On line>1.5” 2.0” 24.0” Pipe-to-Pipe
VENTS On line<2” SW CPLG connection with
On line>1.5” 3000# 0.75” reinforcement pad
pipe, Globe, except equal size
PRESS 0.75” PIPE SW, SCH 80 branch connection
CONN NIPPLE, Globe where Equal Tee
is used.
TEMP 1.5” PIPE 200 FLG, Tapping on
CONN mm long line 4.0” pipe
(min)
Fluid Service: Medium Pressure Pure Process (liquid or Vapour), Mild corrosive
hydrocarbon Flammable, Non-flammable & lethal’ DM Water, Polished water, chemicals
and High Pressure Fuel Gas
PIPING PIPING MATERIAL ANSI CORROSION
CLASS SPECIFICATION RATING ALLOWANCE:
B1K 300# NIL
SN ITEM DIAMETER SCH./ Rating Face DIMN. MATERIAL
RANGE Finish STD.
1 PIPE 0.5” 1.5” SCH 40S - B36.10 A312 GR TP304
2.0” 4.0” SCH 10S - B36.10 A312 GR TP304
6.0” 8.0” 6.35MM - B36.10 A312 GR TP304
10.0” 12” 7.92MM - B36.10 A358 GR TP304
CL1
14.0” 24” 11.1MM - B36.10 A358 GR TP304
CL1
2 FLANGE 0.5” 1.5” 300# 125 SF B 16.5 A182 GR F304
2.0” 24” 300# 125 SF B 16.5 A182 GR F304
3 BLIND 0.5” 24” 300# 125 SF B 16.5 A182 GR F304
FLANGE
GATE
0.5” 1.5” 800# - API A182 Stellited
602 GR F304
GLOBE
PIPE 1.5”& SW, CPLG, 2.0” 24” 0.5” 1.5” SW, Half
JOINT below 3000# BUTT Coupling,
2.0”& above WELD 3000#, except
DRAIN On line<2” SW CPLG 2”X1.5” where
3000# 0.75” Tee is used
pipe, Globe,
Fluid Service: Non-Corrosive Hydrocarbon Process (l/v/g), Kerosene, LPG (gas/oil), Fuel
Oil/Gas, Crude Oil, Heavy Naphtha, Wash Water, Demulsified Solution, Steam &Condensate
(N-IBR).
PIPING PIPING MATERIAL ANSI CORROSION
CLASS SPECIFICATION RATING ALLOWANCE:
D1A 600# 1.5 MM
SN ITEM DIAMETER SCH./ FACE DIMN. MATERIAL
RANGE Rating FINISH STD.
1 PIPE 0.5” 1.5” SCH 80 - B36.10 API 5L GR B
SMLS 2.0” 6.0” SCH 80 - B36.10 API 5L GR B
8.0” 10.0” SCH 60 - B36.10 API 5L GR B
12.0” 14.0” SCH XS - B36.10 API 5L GR B
16.0” 18.0” 14.0MM B36.10 A672
GRC70CL12
EFSW
2 FLANGE 0.5” 1.5” 600# 125 SF B 16.5 ASTM A105
CHECK
7 STUDS - - - - B18.2
A193 GR B7
NUTS - - - - B18.2
A194 GR 2H
8 GASKET 0.5” 24.0” 5 MM - API 601
SPWD, SS304 (CAF)
9 STRAINER 0.5” 1.50” 800# Y MNF STD
ASTM SS 304
TYPE
A105
2.0” 14.0” PIPE MNF STD T
A234 SS 304
SCH TYPE
GR
WPB
16.0” 24.0” PIPE T MNF STD A234 SS 304
SCH TYPE GR
WPBW
PIPE JOINT & AUXILIARY BRANCH CONNECTIONS
CONNECTION
ITEM SIZE DESCRIPTION RUN PIPE BRANCH BRANCH
PIPE CONNECTIO
TYPE
MAINT ALL FLANGED 0.5” 1.5” 0.5” 1.5” SW, TEE, 3000
JOINT but keep
minimum
PIPE 1.5”& below SW, CPLG, 2.0” 24” 0.5” 1.5” SW, Ha
JOINT 2.0”& above 3000# BUTT Coupling,
WELD 3000#, exce
DRAIN On line <2” SW CPLG 2”X1.5” whe
3000# 0.75” Tee is used
On line>1.5” pipe, Globe, 2.0” 24” Pipe-to-Pipe
VENTS On line<2” SW CPLG connection wi
On line>1.5” 3000# 0.75” reinforcement
pipe, Globe, pad except equ
PRESS 0.75” PIPE SW, SCH 80 size branc
CONN NIPPLE, Globe connection
where Equal Te
TEMP 1.5” PIPE 200 FLG, Tapping on
is used.
CONN mm long line 4.0” pipe
(min)
GATE
Fluid Service: Non-corrosive Medium Pressure & High Temperature Hydrocarbon (Liquid or
Vapour), Medium corrosive Hydrocarbon (Liquid or Vapour)
PIPING PIPING MATERIAL ANSI RATING CORROSION
CLASS SPECIFICATION 600# ALLOWANCE:
D2K NIL
GLOBE
Fluid Service: High Pressure & High Temperature Non-corrosive Hydrocarbon (Liquid or Vapour)
PIPING PIPING MATERIAL ANSI RATING CORROSION
CLASS SPECIFICATION 1500# ALLOWANCE:
F2D MM
SN ITEM DIAMETER SCH./ Rating FACE DIMN. STD. MATERIAL
RANGE FINISH
1 PIPE 0.5” 1.5” SCH 160 - B36.10 A335 GR P11
SMLS 2.0” 14.0” SCH 160 - B36.10 A335 GR P11
16.0” 20.0” SCH 160 - B36.10 A691 GR 1.25
CL42
EFSW
2 FLANGE 0.5” 1.5” 1500# 63 SF B 16.5 ASTM A182 GRF11
2.0” 24.0” 1500# 63 SF B 16.5 ASTM A182 GRF11
3 BLIND 0.5” 24.0” 1500# 63 SF B 16.5 ASTM A182 GRF11
FLANGE
4 FIG-8 0.5” 8.0” 1500# 63 SF API 590 ASTM A182 GRF11
10.0” 24.0” 1500# 63 SF API 590 ASTM A182 GRF11
SPACER
5 FITTING 0.5” 1.5” PIPE SCH R=1.5D B16.11 ASTM A182 GRF11
2.0” 14.0” PIPE SCH B16.9 ASTM A234
WP11CL1
16.0” 20.0” PIPE SCH B16.9 ASTM A234
WP11CL1
6 VALVE BODY TRIM
GATE
GLOBE 2.0” 20.0” PIPE SCH API 600 A217 GR WC6 Stellited
CHECK
Fluid Service: High Pressure & High Temperature medium corrosive Hydrocarbon (Liquid or
Vapour)
VALVE DESIGN
Operating block valves shall be in accordance with the applicable P & ID and applicable
specifications.
A) Unless otherwise noted block valve in suction side of the pumps and
compressors shall be of the line size regardless of pump or compressor nozzle size.
B) Check and block valves in discharge side of pumps and compressors can be
one size smaller, than line size, but never less than pump and compressor nozzle size.
C) Generally all control valve sizes and there by pass and bleed valves are in
accordance with the applicable P & Ids.
D) Generally the primary block valves only are shown on P & Ids. For
instrument connections to Process & Utility lines, vessels and equipment, instrument data sheets
shall indicate the details of the valve requirements.
E) Vent valves at high points & drains at low point shall be shown on the piping
isometrics for line size 2” NB and above. For line size 1 ½” NB and below shall be decided in the
field in accordance with the specification.
F) Valves requiring gear operation shall be indicated on the applicable P & IDs.
G) Gate valve shall be provided with pressure equalizing by-passes and globe
type by-pass valves when the flow diagram indicates that a differential pressure approximately
equal to the pressure rating of the valve at the operating temperature may exist across the closed
valves.
Self-Contained Automatic Valves
Self-contained automatic valves are used for pressure- reducing stations. The valve body itself is
normally a globe-type valve. It is normally diaphragm actuated and hydraulically operated. The
valves are capable of maintaining constant downstream pressure regardless of the fluctuations in the
flow or upstream pressure by internal hydraulic controllers.
Parts of the Valve: Body: Valve body is connected to pipe, fittings or vessels by their body ends,
which may be flanged, screwed, butt or socket welding, or finished for hose, sleeve coupling.
Jacketed valves are also available.
Disc, Seat and Port: These components are directly used for stopping and regulating the flow. The
moving part directly affecting the flow is termed as disc, regardless of its shape. The non-moving part
is termed as the seat. The port is the maximum internal opening for flow when the valve is fully open.
Discs may be actuated by conveyed fluid or be moved by stem having a linear, rotary or helical
movement. The stem can be moved manually or be driven hydraulically, pneumatically or electrically,
under remote or automatic control, or mechanically by weighted lever, springs etc.
Stem: Stems are screwed. There are two types of screwed stems, the rising stem and non-rising stem.
These are moved by hand-lever or hand-wheel. Rising Stem is provided, generally, for gate and globe
valves. These are made either with inside screw (IS) or outside screw (OS). The OS type has a yoke
on the bonnet and the assembly is referred to as Outside Screw and Yoke (OS& Y type). The hand-
wheel can either rise with the stem, or the stem can rise through the hand wheel. Non-rising stem is
provided in Gate valves. The hand wheel and the stem are in the same position, level-wise, whether
the valve is open or closed. The screw is inside the bonnet and in contact with conveyed fluid.
Depending on the size of the required valve and availabilities, selection of stem type can be based on
(1) Whether it is undesirable for the conveyed fluid to be in contact with the thread bearing surface,
(2) Whether an exposed screw is liable to be damaged by abrasive atmospheric dust or (3) Whether it
is necessary to see whether the valve is open or closed. Most of the other valves have a simple rotary
stem. Rotary, Ball, Plug, and Butterfly valves have a rotary stem that is moved by a permanent lever,
or tool applied to a square boss at the end of the stem.
Bonnet: There are three basic types of bonnets, such as: screwed (including union), bolted and
breech lock. A screwed bonnet may occasionally stick and turn when a valve is opened or closed.
Although sticking is less of a problem with the union type bonnet, valves with screwed bonnets are
best reserved for services presenting no hazard to personnel. Union bonnets are more suitable for
small valves requiring frequent dismantling than the simple screwed type. The bolted bonnet has
largely displaced screwed and union bonnet valves in hydrocarbon applications. A U-bolt or clamp
type bonnet is offered on some small gate valves for moderate pressures, to facilitate frequent
cleaning and inspection. The pressure seal is a variation of bolted bonnet used for high-pressure
valves, usually combined with OS & Y type construction. It makes use of line pressure to tighten and
seal an internal metal ring or gasket against the body. A critical factor for valves used for process
chemicals is the lubrication of the stem. Care needs to be taken for selection of packing, gland design
and choice of lubricant. As an option the bonnet may include a Lantern Ring, which serves two
purposes, either to act as a collection point to drain off any hazardous seepages, or as a point where
lubricant can be injected. The breech lock is a heavier infrequently used and more expensive
construction, also for high pressure use, and involves seal welding of the bonnet with the body.
Seal: In most stems operated valves, irrespective of the stem has rotary or linear movement; packing
or seals are used between stem and bonnet or body. If high vacuum or corrosive, flammable or toxic
fluid is to be handled, the disc or stem may be sealed by metal bellows, or by a flexible diaphragm. A
gasket is used as seal between a bolted bonnet and valve body. Flanged valves use gaskets to seal
against the line flanges. Butterfly valves may extend the resilient seat to also serve as line gaskets.
The pressure-seal bonnet joint utilizes the pressure of conveyed fluids to tighten the seal.
Type of Valve Operator: Operator is a device that opens or closes a valve. Different Types of Valve
Operator are available as given below.
Manual Operator: Manual operator is used where automatic control is not required. These valves
may still result in good throttling control manually, if control is necessary. Gate, globe, and stop check
valves are often supplied with hand wheel operators. Ball and butterfly valves are supplied with
hand levers. Manual operators can be supplied with direct mount chain wheels or extensions to
actuate valves in hard-to-reach locations, i.e. at height. Manual operators are much less expensive
than automatic operators.
Hand Lever: It is used to actuate the stems of small butterfly, ball, plug valves, and cocks. Wrench
operation is used for cocks and small plug valves.
Hand Wheel: It is the most common means of rotating the stem on the majority of popular smaller
valves such as gate, globe and diaphragm. Hammer blow or impact hand wheels offer additional
operating torque for gate and globe valves than normal hand wheels.
Chain: It is used where a hand wheel would be out of reach for the operation. The stem is fitted with
a chain wheel or wrench for lever operated valves and loop of the chain is brought down within
reach of the operator, i.e. one meter of working floor level.
Gear: These are used to reduce the operating torque. For manual operation, it consists of a hand
wheel operated gear train actuating the valve stem. Generally, gear operators should be considered
for valves of 350 mm NB and larger up to 300#, 200 mm NB and larger up to 600#, 150 mm NB and
larger up to 1500# and 100 mm NB and larger for higher ratings.
POWERED O PERATORS : FOLLOWINGS ARE THE POWER OPERATIONS PROVIDED ON THE VALVES :
a. Electric Geared Motor: Geared Motor rotates the valve stem. This is useful for operating large
size valves in remote areas. Electrical operators only require electrical power to the motors and
electrical input signal from the controller in order to be positioned. Electrical operators are usually
self-contained and operate within either a weatherproof or an explosion-proof casing.
b. Solenoid: These can be used for fast acting check valves, and with on/off valves in light-duty
instrumentation applications.
c. Pneumatic and Hydraulic: These may be used where flammable vapour is likely to be present. A
pneumatic operator can be a spring and diaphragm type or a pneumatic piston. Spring and diaphragm
operators are pneumatically operated using low-pressure air supplied from a controller position or
other source. The different type of operators include direct acting, in which increasing air pressure
pushes down the diaphragm and extends the actuator stem; reverse acting, in which increasing air
pressure pushes up the diaphragm and retracts the actuator stem; and direct acting for rotary valves.
Pneumatic operators are simple, dependable, and economical. Moulded diaphragms can be used to
provide linear performance and increase travel. The sizes of the operators are dictated by the output
thrust required and available air pressure supply. Pneumatic piston operators are operated using high-
pressure air. The air pressure can be up to 1.03 MPa (150 psig), often eliminating the need for a
pressure regulator that is required on a diaphragm actuator. The best design for piston actuators is
double acting. This allows for the maximum force in both directions on the piston. Piston actuators
can be supplied with accessories that will position the valve in the event of loss of air supply. While
these pneumatic operators are also available for rotary shaft valves, electrical operators tend to be
more common on the rotary valves. They are of following forms:
- Cylinder with double acting piston driven by air, water, oil or other liquid, which usually actuates
the stem directly.
- Air motor, which actuates the stem through gearing. These motors are commonly piston and cylinder
radial type.
- A double acting vane with limited rotary movement in a sector casing, actuating the stem directly.
- Squeeze type. In addition, the amount of valve leakage is determined based on acceptability to
process and design requirements. Control valve seats are classified in accordance with ANSI/FCI
70-2 for leakage. These classifications are summarized in Tables below.
I ---
II 0.5% of rated capacity
III 0.1% of rated capacity
IV 0.01% of rated capacity
V 5 x 10-12 m3 /s of water per mm of seat diameter
per bar differential (0.0005 ml/min per inch of
seat diameter per psi differential)
VI Not to exceed amounts shown in Table 10-6
(based on seat diameter) of ANSI/FCI 70-2
Source: ANSI/FCI 70-2
51 (2) 0.45
64 (2½) 0.60
76 (3) 0.90
102 (4) 1.70
152 (6) 4.00
203 (8) 6.75
Source: ANSI/FCI 70-2
Packing: Most valves use packing boxes with the packing retained and adjusted by flange and stud
bolts. Several packing materials are available for use, depending upon the application.
End Connections: The common end connections for installing valves in pipe include screwed pipe
threads, bolted flanges with gasket, welded connections, and flangeless (or wafer) valve bodies.
Screwed end connections are typically used with small-bore valves. Threads are normally specified
as tapered female National Pipe Thread (NPT). This end connection is limited to valves below 50
mm (2 in) and smaller but is not recommended for elevated temperature service. This connection is
also used in low maintenance or non-critical applications.
Flanged end valves are easily removed from piping and, with proper flange specifications, are
suitable for use through the range of most valve working pressures. Flanges are used on all valve
sizes 50 mm (2 in) and larger. The most common types of flanged end connections are flat faced,
raised faced, and the ring joint. Flat-faced flanges are typically used in low pressure, cast iron, or
brass valves and have the advantage of minimizing flange stresses. Raised faced flanges can be used
for high pressure and temperature applications and are normally as per standard ANSI Class 150#
and above on all steel and alloy steel bodies. The ring-type joint flange is typically used at extremely
high pressures of up to 103 MPa (15,000 psig) and also at high temperatures. This type of flange is
furnished only on steel and alloy valve bodies when specified.
Welding ends on valves have the advantage of being leak tight at all pressures and temperatures;
however, welding end valves are very difficult to remove for maintenance and/or repairs and hence,
the uses are limited to very high pressure and temperature. Welding ends are manufactured in butt
weld style.
Flangeless valve bodies are also called wafer-style valve bodies. This body style is common to
rotary shaft control valves such as butterfly valves and ball valves. Flangeless bodies are clamped
between two pipeline flanges by long through-bolts. One of the advantages of a wafer-style body is
that it has a very short face-to-face body length.
00C
Table: Type and application of Valve Packing
Type Application
PTFE Resistant to most chemicals.
Requires extremely smooth stem finish
to seal properly.
Will leak if stem or packing is damaged.
Laminated/Filament Impervious to most liquids and
Graphite radiation.
Can be used at high temperatures, up to
6500C (1,2000F).
Produces high stem friction.
Semi-Metallic Used for high pressures and
0 0
temperatures, up to 480 C (900 F).
Fibreglass Good for general use.
Used with process temperatures up to
2880C (5500F).
Ferritic steel stems require additive to
inhibit pitting.
Kevlar and Good for general use.
Graphite Used with process temperatures up to
2880C (5500F).
Corrosion inhibitor is included to avoid
stem corrosion.
Source: Compiled by SAIC, 1998
Valve Supports: Specific pipe material design recommendations are followed when designing
supports for valves. In general, one hanger or other support should be specified for each side of a
valve, that is, along the two pipe sections immediately adjacent to the valve. The weight of the valve
is included in the calculation of the maximum span of supports.
Valve Schedule: This Valve Schedule can provide useful data. For design purposes, contract
drawings include a valve schedule. Following Table presents a valve schedule that is included in the
drawings for process piping design. This valve operator schedule is used when additional
information, beyond that shown on a valve schedule, is required.
VALVE S PECIFICATIONS
MAX
Material PIPING
TEMP
CLASS
0C
Seat Rising
Body
Bonnet (Forge/ Wedge Disc Renewable /
(Forge/ Stem Rising
Cast) (Solid/ Flex) Non-
Cast)
Renewable
A1A, A2A,
A105 A3A, A5A,
A216 A105 A216 13%CR A7A, A10A
GR 13% CR Steel 13% CR Steel 400ºC B1A, B2A,
GR WCB Steel
WCB B5A, B7A,
B10A, J3A
A105 A105 A216 SS SS SS A12A,
A216 GR 304/ SS 304/ SS 304/ SS 400ºC
A13A
GR WCB 304L 304L 304L
WCB
A105 A105 A216 Stellite Stellite
A216 13%CR D1A,
GR 400ºC
GR Steel D2A
WCB
WCB
A105 A105 A216 Stellite Stellite
A216 13%CR
GR 400ºC F1A, F2A
GR Steel
WCB
WCB
A182
F304L A182F
SS SS SS
A351 304L A351 540ºC A10K
304L 304L 304L
GR GRCF8
CF8
A182
F304 A182F SS A182F304 SS A182F304 SS
A1K,
A351 304 A351 540ºC A13K,
304 304 304
GR GRCF8 B1K, B13K
CF8
A182 Stellite Stellite
F304 A182F SS
A351 304 A351 540ºC F1K
304
GR GRCF8
CF8
A105 A105 A216 13%CR 13%CR Steel 13%CR Steel
A216 Steel A20A,
GR 200ºC
GR B20A
WCB
WCB
A105 A105 A216
A9A,
A216 SS SS SS
GR 200ºC A19A,
GR 304 304 304
WCB B9A, B19A
WCB
A350 Stellite Stellite
A350 SS A4A, A40A,
GRLF2
A352 GRLF2 A352 304 -45ºC B4A, B40A
GRLCB GRLCB
A350 A350 Stellite Stellite
GRLF3 SS A1H, A10H,
GRLF3 A352 -80ºC
A352 304 B1H, B10H
GRLC3
GRLC3
A182 A182 Stellite Stellite
F304 SS A2K, A20K,
F304 A351 -196ºC
A351 304 B2K, B20K
GRCF8
GRCF8
A182 13%CR Stellite Stellite
F11 A182 F11 A217 Steel
GR A1D, A2D,
A217 550ºC
B1D, D2D
GR WC6
WC6
A182 13%CR Stellite Stellite
F11 A182 Steel
A217 F11 A217 550ºC F1D, F2D
GR GR WCB
WCB
A182 Stellite Stellite
F22 A182F22 A217 13%CR
A217 560ºC G2E
GR WC9 Steel
GR
WC9
A182 A182F316H
F316H A351 SS SS SS
A351 685ºC A13K, B13K
GR 316H 316H 316H
GR
CF8M
CF8M
1) Rating; Ends; Manufacturing Standards; Dimension Standards; End Thickness & others, if any,
should be done as per piping class of piping material specifications.
2) Valve body and Valve seat testing should be done as per "API 598" OR, IBR at the following test
pressure.
3) Valve should be provided with Gear as per Table.
4) Valve for IBR SERVICE, the carbon content in valve body should not exceed 0.25% and should
be certified by IBR authority in "Form IIIC" certificate and should be painted Red for identification
5) All Valves should be "0.S & Y" in construction.
6) All Valves in cold service should be provided with extended Bonnet as per BS 6364 and 100%
body should be radiographic by X-Ray.
Hydro test Pressure Hydro test Pressure Pneumatic
Pneumatic Test
Test
Rating Pressure Rating
Body Body Seat Pressure
Seat (psig) (psig)
(psig) (psig) (psig) (psig)
800# *3000 2175 80 900# 3250 2375 80
150# 425 310 80 1500# 5400 3950 ----
300# 1100 805 80 2500# 9000 6570 ----
400# 1450 1060 80 3000# 4500 4050 ----
600# 2175 1590 80
MAX
Material PIPING
TEMP
CLASS
0C
Seat Rising
Body
Bonnet (Forge/ Stem Wedge Disc Renewable /
(Forge/
Cast) Rising (Solid/ Flex) Non-
Cast)
Renewable
A1A,
A2A,
A3A,
A5A,
A105 A7A,
A216 A105 A216 13%CR A10A
13% CR Steel 13% CR Steel 400ºC
GR GR WCB Steel B1A,
WCB B2A,
B5A,
B7A,
B10A,
J3A
A105 A105 A216 SS SS
SS
A216 A12A,
GR 304/ SS 304/ SS 304/ SS 400ºC
GR A13A
WCB 304L 304L 304L
WCB
A105 A105 A216 Stellite Stellite
A216 GR 13%CR D1A,
Steel 400ºC
GR WCB D2A
WCB
A105 A105 A216 Stellite Stellite
A216 13%CR
GR 400ºC F1A, F2A
GR Steel
WCB
WCB
A182
F304L A182F
SS SS SS
A351 304L A351 540ºC A10K
304L 304L 304L
GR GRCF8
CF8
A182
A182F A1K,
F304 A182F304 SS
SS A182F304 SS A13K,
A351 304 A351 540ºC
304 304 304 B1K,
GR GRCF8
B13K
CF8
A182 Stellite Stellite
F304 A182F
SS
A351 304 A351 540ºC
304 F1K
GR GRCF8
CF8
1) Rating; Ends; Manufacturing Standards; Dimension Standards; End Thickness & others, if any,
should be done as per piping class of piping material specifications.
2) Valve body and Valve seat testing should be done as per "API 598" OR, IBR at the following
test pressure
3) Valve should be provided with Gear as per Table in the book
4) Valve for IBR SERVICE, the carbon content in valve body should not exceed 0.25% and
should be certified by IBR authority in "Form IIIC" certificate and should be painted Red for
identification
5) All Valves should be "0.S & Y" in construction.
6) All Valves in cold service should be provided with extended Bonnet as per BS 6364 and
100% body should be radiographic by X-Ray.
Hydro test Pressure Pneumatic Test Hydro test Pressure Pneumatic
Pressure Rating Test
Rating
(psig) Pressure
Body Seat (psig) Body Seat (psig)
(psig) (psig) (psig)
3000 2175 80 900# 3250
800# * 2375 80
A105
A105 SS SS SS
A216
A216GR 304/ SS 304/ SS 304/ SS 400ºC A12A, A13A
GR
WCB 304L 304L 304L
WCB
A105 Stellite Stellite
A105
A216 13%CR
A216 400ºC D1A, D2A
GR Steel
GR WCB
WCB
A105 Stellite Stellite
A105
A216 13%CR
A216 GR 400ºC F1A, F2A
GR Steel
WCB
WCB
A182 A182
F304L F304L
SS 304L SS 304L SS 304L 540ºC A10K
A351 A351
GRCF8 GRCF8
A182 A182
F304 F304 A182F304 A182F304 A1K, A13K,
SS 304 540ºC
A351 A351 SS 304 SS 304 B1K, B13K
GRCF8 GRCF8
A182 A182 Stellite Stellite
F304 F304
A351 A351 SS 304 540ºC F1K
GRCF8 GRCF8
A105 A105 13%CR 13%CR 13%CR
A216 A216 Steel Steel Steel
200ºC A20A, B20A
GR GR
WCB WCB
A105 A105
A216 A216 SS SS SS A9A, A19A,
200ºC
GR GR 304 304 304 B9A, B19A
WCB WCB
A350 A350 Stellite Stellite
GRLF2 GRLF2 SS A4A, A40A,
-45ºC
A352 A352 304 B4A, B40A
GrLCB GrLCB
A350 A350 Stellite Stellite
GRLF3 GRLF3 SS A1H, A10H,
-80ºC
A352 A352 304 B1H, B10H
GrLC3 GrLC3
A182 A182 Stellite Stellite
GR GR
SS A2K, A20K,
F304 F304 -196ºC
304 B2K, B20K
A351 A351
GRCF8 GRCF8
A182 A182 13%CR Stellite Stellite
GRF11 GRF11 Steel A1D, A2D,
550ºC
A217 A217 B1D, D2D
GrWC6 GrWC6
A182 A182 13%CR Stellite Stellite
GRF11 GRF11 Steel
550ºC F1D, F2D
A217 A217
GrWCB GrWCB
A182 A182 Stellite Stellite
GRF22 GRF22 13%CR
A217 A217 Steel 560ºC G2E
GrWC9 GrWC9
A182 A182
GR GR
SS SS SS
F316H F316H
316H 316H 316H 685ºC A13K, B13K
A351 A351
Gr Gr
CF8M CF8M
A182 A182
F304 F304 A182F304 A182F304 A1K, A13K,
SS 304 540ºC
A351 A351 SS 304 SS 304 B1K, B13K
GRCF8 GRCF8
A182 A182 Stellite Stellite
F304 F304
SS 304 540ºC F1K
A351 A351
GRCF8 GRCF8
A105 A105 13%CR 13%CR 13%CR
A216 A216 Steel Steel Steel
200ºC A20A, B20A
GR GR
WCB WCB
A105 A105
A216 A216 SS SS SS A9A, A19A,
200ºC
GR GR 304 304 304 B9A, B19A
WCB WCB
A350 A350 Stellite Stellite
GRLF2 GRLF2 SS A4A, A40A,
-45ºC
A352 A352 304 B4A, B40A
GrLCB GrLCB
A350 A350 Stellite Stellite
GRLF3 GRLF3 SS A1H, A10H,
A352 A352 304 -80ºC B1H, B10H
GrLC3 GrLC3
Hydrotest Hydrotest
Pressure Pressure
Rating Pneumatic Test Pneumatic
Rating Test
Pressure
Seat Body Seat Pressure
Body (psi)
Stellite A2K,
A20K,
A182F304 A182 B2K,
A351GR F304 A351 SS304 -196ºC B20K,
CF8 GRCF8 D2K,
D20K
13%CR Stellite A1D,
A182F11 A182 Steel A2D,
A217Gr B1D,
F11 A217 550ºC
D2D
WC6 GrWC6 F1D,
F2D
A182F11 A182 13%CR Stellite
A217Gr Steel F1D,
F11 A217 550ºC
F2D
WC6 GrWC6
Proportional Limit (Hooke's Law): The linear relation between elongation and the axial force is
called Hooke's Law, which states that, within the proportional limit, the stress is directly proportional
to strain or;
The constant of proportionality is called the Modulus of Elasticity or Young's Modulus and is
equal to the slope of the stress-strain diagram from O to P.
Then, .
Most metals have deformations that are proportional with the imposed loads over a range of loads.
Stress is proportional to load and strain is proportional to deformation and expressed by the Hooke's
law like, E = stress / strain = (Fn / A) / (dl / lo); Where, E = Young's modulus (N/m2) (lb/in2, psi).
Modulus of Elasticity or Young's Modulus are commonly used for metals and metal alloys and
expressed in terms 106 lbf/in2, N/m2 or Pa. Tensile modulus are often used for plastics and expressed
in terms 105 lbf/in2 or GPa.
Stress: Stress is the ratio of applied force F and cross section A, defined as "force per area".
Strain: Strain is defined as "deformation of a solid due to stress" and can be expressed as
ε = dl / lo = σ / E;
Where, dl = change of length (m, in); lo = initial length (m, in); ε = unit less measure of engineering
strain; E =Young’s Modulus (Modulus of Elasticity) (Pa, psi).
The Ratings are the maximum allowable non-shock working gauge pressure at the temperature shown
in the Rating Tables at certain interval of temperature. Intermediate Temperature–Pressure Rating can
be obtained by a linear graph drawn between the two pressures and corresponding two temperatures.
Working Stress, Allowable Stress, and Factor of Safety: Working stress is defined as the actual
stress of a material under a given loading. The maximum safe stress that a material can carry is
termed as the allowable stress. The allowable stress should be limited to values not exceeding the
proportional limit. However, since proportional limit is difficult to determine accurately, the
allowable tress is taken as either the yield point or ultimate strength divided by a factor of safety. The
ratio of this strength (ultimate or yield strength) to allowable strength is called the factor of safety.
Direct Stress or Normal Stress: Stress normal to the plane is usually denoted "normal stress" and
can be expressed as,
Where, σ = normal stress ((Pa) N/m2, psi); Fn = normal component force (N, lbf; A = area (m2, in2)
Shear Stress: Stress parallel to the plane is usually denoted "shear stress" and can be expressed as
τ = Fp / A ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (2)
Where, τ = shear stress ((Pa) N/m2, psi); Fp = parallel component force (N, lbf); A = area (m2, in2)
(i) Straight pipe under external pressure: After the allowable stress has been established for the
application, the minimum pipe wall thickness required for pressure integrity is determined. For
straight metallic pipe, this determination can be made using the requirements of ASME B31.3 Sec.
304 or other applicable codes. The determination of the minimum pipe wall thickness using the
ASME B31.3 procedure is described below (see code for additional information). The procedure
and following example described for the determination of minimum wall thickness using codes other
than ASME B31.3 are similar and typically follow the same overall approach. Wall thickness and
stiffening of the pipe under external pressure is designed in accordance with the boiler & pressure
vessel code, section VIII, division I, UG-28 to UG-30.
The required thickness of straight pipe is determined in accordance with the following equation:
After determining the thickness of piping as per pressure and stress criteria, some allowances for
thickness shall be added for corrosion, erosion and threads depth or groove depth. Also the wall
thickness shall be increased to prevent overstressed damaged collapse or buckling due to super
imposed loads from supports, Ice formation, backfill or other miscellaneous causes.
Allowances include thickness due to joining methods, corrosion/erosion, and unusual external loads.
Some methods of joining pipe sections result in the reduction of wall thickness. Joining methods that
will require this allowance include threading, grooving, and swaging. Anticipated thinning of the
material due to effects of corrosion or mechanical wear over the design service life of the pipe may
occur for some applications. Finally, site-specific conditions may require additional strength to
account for external operating loads, i.e. thickness allowance for mechanical strength due to external
loads. The stress associated with these loads should be considered in conjunction with the stress
associated with the pressure integrity of the pipe. The greatest wall thickness requirement, based on
either pressure integrity or external loading, will govern the final wall thickness specified. Paragraph
3-4 details stress analyses. Using information on liquid characteristics, the amount of corrosion and
erosion allowance necessary for various materials of construction can be determined to ensure
reasonable service life.
(ii) Straight Pipe Wall under internal pressure: Most of the piping components, now days, are
designed based on Pressure-Temperature ratings. However, knowledge of designing the piping in
case of any special material, in special conditions, the piping components’ thickness can be designed
as mentioned above. These formulas are given here for designing the piping components’ thickness
and for general information and knowledge of fresh Engineers. The overall formula used by ASME
B31.3 for pressure design minimum thickness determination (t) is:
P Do Where: P = design pressure, MPa
t (psi); Do = outside diameter of the
= pipe, mm (in); S = allowable stress,
2 (SEPy) MPa (psi), see Table A-1 from ASME
B31.3,
and, E = weld joint efficiency or quality factor, y = dimensionless constant which varies with
temperature, determined as follows: For t < Do /6, see table 304.1.1 from ASME B31.3 for values of
y; For t > Do /6 or P/SE > 0.385, then a special consideration of failure theory, fatigue and thermal
stress may be required. ASME B31.3.
The pipe wall thickness required for a particular piping service is primarily a function of internal
operating pressure and temperature. The standards under which ASTM A106 and API 5L seamless
line pipe are manufactured permit a variation in wall thickness of 12-½ % below nominal wall
thickness. It is usually desirable to include a minimum corrosion/mechanical strength allowance of
0.050 inches (1.27 mm) for carbon steel piping. A calculated corrosion allowance should be used
after prediction of corrosion rate.
For t <D/6; the pipe thickness with internal pressure shall not be less than that calculated by
following formula:
Other Following Equations also can be used for calculation of Pipe Wall Thickness Required for
a Particular Piping:
Where, P =Internal Design Pressure in gauge. For t > D/6 or P/SE > 0.385, the calculation of
thickness need special consideration, i.e. theory of failure, effect of fatigue and thermal stress.
PD P (d + 2c)
t D (SE - t =
= P) 2[SE
2 t= - P (1 - y)]
SE
[1- ]
2 (SE +
P)
Limitations: Small diameter, thin wall pipe is subject to failure from vibration or corrosion. In
hydrocarbon service, the following should be met minimum, such as, pipe nipples ¾ inch diameter or
smaller should be schedule 160 minimum; All pipe 3-inch diameter or smaller should be schedule 80
minimum. Completely threaded nipples should not be used.
However, the velocity should not exceed 15 feet/second at maximum flow rates, to minimize flashing
ahead of the control valve. If, practical, flow velocity should not be less than 3 feet/second to keep
the line swept clean of sand and other solids. At this flow velocity, the overall pressure drop in the
piping will usually be small. Most of the pressure drop in liquid lines between two pressure vessels
will occur in the liquid dump valve and/or choke. Flow velocity in liquid lines may be calculated
using the following derived equation:
Where: V1 = average
liquid flow velocity, feet/second;
Q1 = Liquid flow rate,
barrels/day; d1 = pipe inside
diameter, inches.
V1 =
0.012 Q1
d12
(ii) Pressure Drop Condition: Pressure drop, or head loss, is caused by friction between the pipe
wall and the fluid, and by minor losses such as flow obstructions, changes in direction, and changes
in flow area. In general, the pressure drops in pump suction lines shall be held below 4.5 kPa/100 m;
and below 7.9 kPa/100 m in the case of liquid below the boiling point.
Pressure drop (psi per 100 feet of flow length) for single phase liquid lines may be calculated using
the following (Fanning) equation:
The friction factor, f, is a function of the Reynolds number and the surface roughness of the pipe. The
modified Moody diagram may be used to determine the friction factor once the Reynolds number may
be determined by the following equation:
Pressure has dimensions of energy per unit volume. Therefore, the pressure drop between two points
must be proportional to (1/2) ρ V2, which has the same dimensions as it resembles the expression for
the kinetic energy per unit volume. We also know that pressure must be proportional to the length of
the pipe between the two points L as the pressure drop per unit length is a constant. To turn the
relationship into a proportionality coefficient of dimensionless quantity we can divide by the
hydraulic diameter of the pipe, D, which is also constant along the pipe? Therefore,
In fluid dynamics, the Darcy–Weisbach equation relates the head loss or pressure loss due to friction
along a given length of pipe to the average velocity of the fluid flow. The Darcy–Weisbach equation
contains a dimensionless friction factor, known as the Darcy friction factor. The Darcy friction factor
is four times the Fanning friction factor, with which it should not be confused. Head loss is calculated
with:
g = the local acceleration due to gravity (m/s2); f = a dimensionless coefficient called the Darcy
friction factor. Determination of pressure drop in a line should include the effect of valves and
fittings. Manufacturer’s data or an equivalent length given may be used. A common method for
calculating pressure drop is the Darcy-Weisbach equation.
The head loss ‘hf’ expresses the pressure loss Δp as the height of a column of fluid, and is calculated
as,
(iii) Hydraulic head: In fluid dynamics, head is a concept that relates the energy in an incompressible
fluid to the height of an equivalent static column of that fluid. Head is expressed in units of height such
as meters or feet. The static head of a pump is the maximum height (pressure) it can deliver. The
capability of the pump can be read from its Q-H curve (flow vs. height). Head is equal to the fluid's
energy per unit weight. Head is useful in specifying centrifugal pumps because their pumping
characteristics tend to be independent of the fluid's density. There are four types of head used to
calculate the total head in and out of a pump: Velocity head is due to the bulk motion of a fluid
(kinetic energy); Elevation head is due to the fluid's weight, the gravitational force acting on a column
of fluid; Pressure head is due to the static pressure, the internal molecular motion of a fluid that exerts
a force on its container; Resistance head (or friction head or Head Loss) is due to the frictional forces
acting against a fluid's motion by the container. A mass free falling from an elevation (in a vacuum)
will reach a speed,
When
Where, g is the acceleration due When arriving at elevation
to gravity. z = 0 or when we
rearrange it as a head.
The term is called the velocity head, expressed as a length measurement. In a flowing fluid, it
represents the energy of the fluid due to its bulk motion. The total hydraulic head of a fluid is
composed of pressure head and elevation head. The pressure head is the equivalent gauge pressure of
a column of water at the base of the piezometer, and the elevation head is the relative potential energy
in terms of an elevation. The head equation, a simplified form of the Bernoulli Principle for
incompressible fluids, can be expressed as:
Where, h is the hydraulic head (Length in m or ft), also known as the piezometric head; ψ is the
pressure head, in terms of the elevation difference of the water column relative to the piezometer
bottom (Length in m or ft), and z is the elevation at the piezometer bottom (Length in m or ft).
Method-2: In hydraulic engineering applications, it is often desirable to express the head loss in
terms of volumetric flow rate in the pipe. For this, it is necessary to substitute the following into the
original head loss form of the Darcy–Weisbach equation
Method-3: For the general case of an arbitrarily-full pipe, the value of Aw will not be immediately
known, being an implicit function of pipe slope, cross-sectional shape, flow rate and other variables.
If, however, the pipe is assumed to be full flowing and of circular cross-section, as is common in
practical scenarios, then
Where, D is the
diameter of the
pipe.
Where, v = velocity (ft/s); q = volume flow (US gal. /min); d = pipe inside diameter (inches).
v = 1.274 q / d2 ------- (2) in SI units,
Where, v = velocity (m/s), q = volume flow (m3/s), d = pipe inside diameter (m)
Volume of discharge: For streamline flow through a smooth-walled circular pipe, the volume of
liquid being discharged can be expressed with the Poiseulle's formula:
V = π p r4 / 8 η l ------- (1)
Where, V = discharge volume flow (m3/s); p = pressure difference between ends of pipe (N/m2, Pa); r
= internal radius of pipe (m); l = length of pipe (m) and η = viscosity of fluid.
Pump Piping: A centrifugal pump converts the input power to kinetic energy in the liquid by
accelerating the liquid by a revolving device - an impeller. The most common type is the volute
pump. Fluid enters the pump through the eye of the impeller which rotates at high speed. The fluid is
accelerated radially outward from the pump chasing. A vacuum is created at the impellers eye that
continuously draws more fluid into the pump. The energy created by the pump is kinetic energy
according the Bernoulli Equation. The energy transferred to the liquid corresponds to the velocity at
the edge or vane tip of the impeller. The faster the impeller revolves or the bigger the impeller is, the
higher will the velocity of the liquid energy transferred to the liquid be. This is described by the
Affinity Laws.
A catastrophic failure of a centrifugal pump can occur if the liquid within the pump casing is allowed
to vaporize. To prevent flashing due to overheating of the fluid, a flow must be maintained through the
pump to keep the liquid below saturation temperature. If a temperature rise of 15 0F is accepted in the
casing - minimum flow through a centrifugal pump can be calculated as
Where, q = minimum flow rate (gpm); PBHP = power input (BHP); cp = specific heat capacity (Btu/lb
0
F) and SG = specific gravity of the fluid.
Bernoulli Equation): For a non-viscous, incompressible fluid in steady flow, the sum of pressure,
potential and kinetic energies per unit volume is constant at any point. A special form of the Euler’s
equation derived along a fluid flow streamline is often called the Bernoulli Equation:
Where, v = flow
speed; p =
pressure; ρ =
density; g =
gravity; h = height
&
h = h1 – h2
Pressure and Head: If the discharge of a centrifugal pump is pointed straight up into the air the fluid
will pumped to a certain height or head is called the shut off head. This maximum head is mainly
determined by the outside diameter of the pump's impeller and the speed of the rotating shaft. The
head will change as the capacity of the pump is altered.
The kinetic energy of a liquid coming out of an impeller is obstructed by creating a resistance in the
flow. The first resistance is created by the pump casing which catches the liquid and slows it down.
When the liquid slows down the kinetic energy is converted to pressure energy. It is the resistance to
the pump's flow that is read on a pressure gauge attached to the discharge line. A pump does not
create pressure, it only creates flow. Pressure is a measurement of the resistance to flow.
In Newtonian fluids (non-viscous liquids like water or gasoline) the term head is used to measure the
kinetic energy which a pump creates. Head is a measurement of the height of the liquid column the
pump creates from the kinetic energy the pump gives to the liquid.
The main reason for using head instead of pressure to measure a centrifugal pumps energy is that the
pressure from a pump will change if the specific gravity (weight) of the liquid changes, but not the
head.
Different Types of Pump Head: Total Static Head is total head when the pump is not running.
Dynamic Head is total head when the pump is running. Static Suction Head is the head on the suction
side, with pump off, if the head is higher than the pump impeller. Static Suction Lift is the head on the
suction side, with pump off, if the head is lower than the pump impeller. Static Discharge Head is the
head on discharge side of pump with the pump off. Dynamic Suction Head/Lift is the head on suction
side of pump with pump on. Dynamic Discharge Head is head on discharge side of pump with pump
on. The head is measured in either feet or meters and can be converted to common units for pressure
as psi or bar. It is important to understand that the pump will pump all fluids to the same height if the
shaft is turning at the same rpm. The only difference between the fluids is the amount of power it takes
to get the shaft to the proper rpm. The higher the specific gravity of the fluid the more power is
required. Centrifugal Pumps are "constant head machines", since pressure is a function of head and
density. The head is constant, even if the density changes. The head of a pump in metric units can be
expressed in metric units as:
Where, h = total head developed (m); p2 = pressure at outlet (N/m2); p1 = pressure at inlet (N/ m2); ρ
= density (kg/m3); g = acceleration of gravity (9.81) m/s2; v 2 = velocity at the outlet (m/s).
The Hazen-Williams formula is empirically derived and is limited to use with fluids that have a
kinematics viscosity of approximately 1.12 x 10-6 m2 /s (1.22 x 10-5 ft /s), which corresponds to
water at 15.6 0C (60 0F), and for turbulent flow. Deviations from these conditions can lead to
significant error. The Hazen-Williams coefficient, C, is independent of the Reynolds number. Values
of C for various pipe materials are taken from the reference book.
Full Pipe Flow: The Chezy-Manning Equation is occasionally applied to full pipe flow. The use of
this equation requires turbulent flow and an accurate estimate of the Manning factor, n, which varies
by material and increases with increasing pipe size. The reference book provides values of n for
various pipe materials. The Chezy-Manning equation is:
Pump Suction Line: Reciprocating, rotary and centrifugal pump suction piping systems should be
designed so the available Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH) at the pump inlet flange exceeds the
pump required NPSH. Additionally, provisions should be made in reciprocating pump suction piping
to minimize pulsation. Satisfactory pump operation requires that essentially no vapour be flashed
from the liquid as it enters the pump casing or cylinder. Eccentric Reducer with topside in straight
line is used to avoid vapour flashing.
In a centrifugal or rotary pump, the liquid pressure at the suction flange must be high enough to
overcome the pressure drop between the flange and the entrance to the impeller vane (or rotor) and
maintain the pressure on the liquid above its vapour pressure. Otherwise, cavitations will occur. In a
reciprocating unit, the pressure at the suction flange must meet the same requirement; but the pump
required NPSH is typically higher than for a centrifugal pump because of pressure drop across the
valves and pressure drop caused by pulsation in the flow. Similarly, the available NPSH supplied to
the pump suction must account for the acceleration in the suction piping caused by the pulsating flow,
as well as the friction, velocity and static head.
The necessary available pressure differential over the pumped fluid vapour pressure may be defined
as Net Positive Suction Head available (NPSHa). It is the total head in feet absolute determined at
the suction nozzle, less the vapour pressure of the liquid in feet absolute. Available NPSH for most
pump applications may be calculated using following equation.
NPSHa = h p - h vpa + h st - h f - h vh - ha
Where: h p = absolute pressure head due to pressure, atmospheric or otherwise, on surface of liquid
going to suction, feet of liquid; h vpa = the absolute vapour pressure of the liquid at suction
temperature, feet of liquid; h st = static head, positive or negative, due to liquid level above or below
datum line, i.e. Centreline of pump in feet of liquid; h f = friction head, or head loss including
entrance and exit losses due to flowing friction in the suction piping, (feet of liquid).
V12
hvh = velocity head = (feet of liquid.)
2g
And, C = empirical constant for the type of pump = 0.200 for simplex double acting = 0.200 for
duplex single acting = 0.115 for duplex double acting = 0.066 for triplex single or double acting =
0.040 for quintuples single or double acting = 0.028 for septuplet single or double acting; and K = A
factor representing the reciprocal of the fraction of the theoretical acceleration head which must be
provided to avoid a noticeable disturbance in the suction piping = 1.4 for liquid with almost no
compressibility (deareated water) = 1.5 for amine, glycol, water = 2.0 for most hydrocarbons = 2.5
for relatively compressible liquid (hot oil or ethane); and g = gravitational constant (usually 32.2
feet/second 2). Following table be used to determine preliminary suction and discharge line sizes:
Compressor Lines: Reciprocating and centrifugal compressor piping should be sized to minimize
pulsation, vibration and noise. The selection of allowable velocities requires an engineering study
for each specific application.
Very Low Pressure Lines: Pressure drop calculations may be necessary in very low operating
pressure systems. The following equation (Spitzglass) may be used for operating pressures less than
1 psig.
4.6.3 Sizing of Liquid / Gas Line-
Two Phase
Erosional Velocity: Flow lines or process headers and other lines transporting gas and liquid in two-
phase flow should be sized primarily on the basis of flow velocity. Flow velocity should be kept at
least below fluid Erosional velocity. If solids (sand) production is anticipated, fluid velocities
should be reduced accordingly.
The Velocity above which erosion may occur can be determined by the following empirical equation:
C Ve = fluidErosional velocity,
Ve feet/second;C = empirical constant =
= 125 for intermittent service = 100 for
continuous service; and Pm =
(Pm) gas/liquid mixture density at flowing
pressure and temperature, lbs/ ft3
The density of the gas / liquid mixture may be calculated using the following derived equation.
Minimum Velocity: If possible, the minimum velocity in two-phase lines should be about 10 feet per
second to minimize slugging of separation equipment. This is particularly important in long lines
with elevation changes.
Pressure Drop: The pressure drop in a two-phase steel piping system may be estimated using the
following equation, which was developed from Fanning’s fluid flow equation using an average
friction factor of 0.0038. This equation is limited to a total pressure drop of 10% of inlet pressure to
minimize the error resulting from assuming pm constant:
–6
Where, P = Pressure drop, psi / 6.9 x 10
100 feet; d1 = pipe inside diameter, W2
inches; pm = gas /liquid density at P =
flowing pressure and temperature, d15 pm
lbs/ft3 ( calculate as shown in
equation above); W = total liquid
plus vapour rate, lbs/hr.
W = 3180 Qg Sg + 14.6 Q1 S1
Where: Qg = gas flow rate, million cubic feet/day (14.7 psia and 60 0 F); Sg = gas specific gravity
(air = 1); Q1 = liquid flow rate, barrels /day; S1 = liquid specific gravity (water = 1)
2 P1P2
Pave = Average Gas Pressure = — { P1 + P2 - ——— }
3 P1 + P2
In vapour systems, the use of rule of thumb or approximate sizing methods can lead to critical flow
and subsequent vibration and whistling. With two-phase systems, improper sizing can lead to slug
flow with its well known vibration and pressure pulsations.
With both vapour and two-phase systems, approximate calculations often neglect the importance of
momentum on total pressure drop; the result being that, pressure drop available for controllability, is
reduced; and rigorous calculations to determine pressure drop involving trial and error should be
performed by computers. The problem is further complicated when a diameter is to be found which
will produce a specified pressure drop or outlet velocity for a given flow. In this situation additional
trial and error is required to determine the proper diameter. The design problem as described above
is correctly defined as line sizing. In general an evaluation of the total system equivalent length must
be made based on fittings, valves, and straight line in the system. In addition, fitting and valve losses
are not constant, but are functions of diameter. A preliminary line sizes must often be selected before
an accurate knowledge of the system equivalent length is available, spool check calculations are
required before final specifications for prime movers can be written on final diameter, chosen.
Water Flow: The pressure loss for water flow shall be calculated by Hazen- Williams’s formula.
The Hazen-William’s relationship is one of the most accurate formulas for calculation pressure loss
in water line (see Appendix C for Hazen-William’s constant C). For the design of new water
pipelines, constant "C" is taken as "100".
The Hazen-s formula is as follows:
100 Qw 1.85
hf = 2.25 x 104 Le {--------- }1.85 x {---------- }
C d 4.865
Where, C = Hazen-Williams constant; d = Inside diameter of pipe, in (mm); hf = Head loss due to
friction, in (mm); Le = Equivalent length of pipe, in (m); and Qw = Vapour flow rate, in (m³/h).
Pump Suction Lines: Allowable pressure drops is determined by formula:
Where: ΔP is friction loss in piping to pump inlet, in (kpa); S is relative density (Water = 1); H is
height from datum to pump centre, in (m) (the term "Datum" refers to the bottom tangent line in the
case of vertical vessels and to the bottom level in the case of horizontal vessels); NPSHR is net
positive suction head required, in (m); α(alpha) is 0.305 m (1 ft) for liquid at boiling point and
0.2134 m for liquid below boiling point; P1 is pressure working on suction liquid surface (kPa); Pv =
vapour pressure of liquid at suction temperature (kPa).
In cases where permanent strainers are to be provided a minimum pressure drop of 3.45 kPa (0.5 psi)
shall be added in the case o f dirty service. No addition is required in the case of clean service. The
equivalent length to be used for pressure drop calculations shall be assumed to be 46 m (150 ft).
Cooling Water: Cooling water discharge headers are usually sized with unit pressure losses in
decimals of 7 kPa (1 psi). An economical comparison is justified with large diameter piping, where
most of the pump pressure is used for pipe and equipment resistance. Of course, piping costs increase
with diameter while utility costs decrease. Between alternate designs the best size can be determined
by adding the total cost of utilities over the period of capital payout to the capital cost of each
installation. The lowest over-all figure will give the most economical solution.
Amine solution: The following limitations should be considered.
For carbon steel pipe: Velocity for Liquid = 3 m/s; Velocity for Vapour-liquid = 30 m/s; Velocity for
stainless steel pipe, Liquid = 9 m/s; and Velocity for Vapour-liquid = 36 m/s
Ammonium bisulphate (NH3-H2S-H2O) solution: Aqueous solutions of ammonium bisulphate
produced in the effluent line of hydro-cracking, hydro-treating processes often cause rapid erosion-
corrosion of carbon steel pipes, especially for nozzles, bend, tees, reducer and air cooler tube inlet
parts after water injection points. Care must be taken not to exceed the highest fluid velocity in pipe
tubes.
Gravity flow: i) Side cut draw-off: In cases where no controller is provided for the liquid level in
the liquid draw-off tray, the flow velocity in the first 3 meters of the vertical line shall be less than
0.762 m/s. This value is intended for vapour-liquid separation based on the particle diameter 200
micrometers (1000 micron = 1 mm) in cases where the operating pressure is high or the difference
between the vapour and liquid densities is small:
The line size shall be also checked that the control valve size may not become larger than the line
size.
Steam condensate lines: This is a line from heat exchanger to steam trap or control valve. The
pressure drop in this line shall be smaller than 11.3 kPa/100 m (0.1kg/cm2/100 m) and shall be
checked that no condensate may vaporize therein.
ii) Line from steam trap or control valve to following vessel - Steam condensate return lines must be
sized to avoid excessive pressure loss. Part of the hot condensate flashes into steam when it is
discharged into the condensate return system.
Flare headers: Flare headers shall be designed so that the maximum allowable velocity does not
exceed 50 percent of critical velocity, a figure mostly practiced by design companies.
The total pressure drop in the distribution system is a result of friction in pipe (pt ),
Where, pt = total pressure drop in the system (Pa (N/m2)); pmajor = pressure loss in pipes due to
friction (Pa (N/m2)); pminor = pressure loss in fittings (Pa (N/m2)).
Friction - Major Loss: The pressure loss due to friction in a low-pressure steam distribution system
can be expressed as:
pmajor = pa l pa = pipe friction resistance per unit length of
pipe (Pa/m (N/m2/m))
l = length of pipe (ft, m)
As a rule, the total pressure drop is about 5 -10 % of initial pressure per 100 m pipe.
Recommended Velocities in Steam Systems: The steam velocities in steam distribution systems
should be within certain limits to avoid excessive wear and tear of the pipe and as given, such as,
Exhaust steam - 20 to 30 m/s; Saturated steam - 30 to 40 m/s; Superheated steam - 40 to 60 m/s;
Saturated Steam - high pressure - 25 to 40 m/s; Saturated Steam - high pressure - 30 to 40 m/s;
Saturated Steam - high pressure - < 50; and Saturated Steam - high pressure - < 25.
Selection of Steam Pipes (kg/h)-Size: Steam is a compressible gas where the mass flow capacity of
the pipelines depends on the steam pressure. The following Table gives the suitable size of steam
pipes, where pressure is in bar, velocity in m/s and capacity in kg/h. A speed of 25 m/s is in general
sufficient for saturated steam applications.
Fig: Manifold with Control Vale
Branch connections: When the branch line size is equal size or greater than one half of nominal size
of run pipe, branch connections in welded lines should be butt weld straight tees or reducing tees. If
the branch line is 2-inch nominal pipe size or larger, but less than 1.5 times of the nominal run size,
“weldolet” may be used. Branch lines 1 ½ inch nominal pipe size and smaller should be connected to
runs size 1 ½ inch nominal and smaller, with socket weld tees. It shall be connected to run size 2 inch
nominal and larger with “Sockolet” or equivalent or socket weld couplings. Stub-in connection
should, generally, not be used. The disadvantages of a non-reinforced stub-in connection are
numerous. Sharp changes in section and direction and junction introduce severe stress intensification.
Reinforcement using a pad or a saddle improves the situation somewhat. However, the finished
connection is difficult to examine for welding and other defects. The stress-intensifying defect makes
sub-ins connection a poor choice for critical services for those with severe cyclic operating
conditions and loading. If, stub-in connections are necessary, the use of full encirclement saddles is
recommended. Branch connection in screwed piping systems should be made using straight tees and
swage reducers, or reduced outlet tees. All screwed piping systems should be isolated from welded
piping systems by block valves.
Fig: Heat Exchanger Piping
Fire Water systems: Fire water systems should be constructed of carbon steel pipe. Accessibility
during a fire should be considered when locating fire hose stations and/or turrets. In the
determination of required flow rates, consideration should be given to the surface area, location of
the equipment and to the maximum number of discharge nozzles, which could be in use
simultaneously. See NFPA. (National Fire Code, Volumes 6 and 8)
Fig: Column and Towers Piping
Potable water systems: Threaded and coupled galvanized steel pipe and bronze valves should
generally be used in potable water service. Copper pipe may be used within the confines of
buildings. Toxic joint compounds should be avoided. If water makers are used, consideration should
be given to potential contamination of the water from heating sources. When potable water is
supplied to other facilities such as engine jacket water makeup, etc., care should be exercised to
prevent contamination from backflow.
Sewage Systems: Interior sewage piping, such as in living quarters areas, should be carbon steel,
cast iron pipe with Babbitt, or lead sealed joints or PVC properly supported. Exterior piping may be
carbon steel, cast iron, fibreglass or PVC (when properly supported and protected from sunlight). All
piping should be well supported and have a minimum slope of 1/8 inch per foot. Down pipes in the
living quarters, etc. should be a minimum of 2-inch nominal diameter and all other piping a minimum
of 4-inch nominal diameter. The system should be designed with adequate clean-out provisions.
Discharge lines from sewage treatment plants should terminate near water level and contain readily
accessible sampling connections. Care should be exercised in locating vents.
Heating Fluid and Glycol Systems: The paramount safety consideration in the design of heating fluid
systems is containment of the fluid for personnel protection and fire prevention. All piping, valves
and fittings should be in accordance with API RP14E and ANSI B31.3 except that flanges for other
than low pressure steam and hot water systems should be a minimum of ANSI 300 lb to minimize
leakage. Piping should be designed for thermal expansion and thermal insulation.
If the process side of a shell and tube heat exchanger has a higher operating pressure than the design
pressure of the heating fluid side, a relief device must protect the heating fluid side. The location of
the relief device depends on the actual design of the system. If possible, the relief device should be
located on the expansion (surge) tank, which will serve as a separator. A relief device may also be
required at the heat exchanger. Consideration should also be given to tube failure in heat exchangers
where the operating pressure of the heating fluid system exceeds the test pressure of the process
system. The effect of mixing hot fluids with cold fluids should be considered when determining how
to dispose of the discharge of a relief device on a heat exchanger. A separate scrubber may be
required heating systems (except hot water or steam) should preferably be pneumatically tested. If
hydrostatically tested, provisions should be made for removal of all water from the system before
placing in service. Additionally, any water remaining after draining should be removed at start-up, by
slowly bringing the system to 212 0 F and venting the generated steam. Care should be taken to ensure
that each branch of the system has circulation during this period.
The exhaust stream from a glycol Reboiler contains steam and hydrocarbon vapours. Caution should
be exercised in the design of Reboiler exhaust piping to prevent backpressure, ignition and
condensation problems.
Fig: Centrifugal Pump Piping
Pressure Relief and Disposal Systems: Pressure relief and disposal systems are required to prevent
over pressure of process components and to dispose of the relieved product in a safe manner. Some
possible causes of over pressure are downstream blockage, up-stream control valve malfunction, and
external fire.
The commonly used safety relief devices are the conventional spring loaded relief valve, the
balanced bellows spring loaded relief valve, the pilot operated relief valve, the pressure- vacuum
relief valve and the rupture disc. For a complete description, operation, sizing, pressure setting and
application guide, see ASME Section VIII, API RP 520 Part I, API RP 521 and API RP 14C.
Relief devices in gas or vapour service should normally be connected to either the vessel vapour
space or the outlet piping. They should be located upstream of wire mesh mist extractors. Liquid
relief devices should be located below the normal liquid level.
If vessels with the same operating pressure are in series, a relief device set at the lowest design
pressure in the system may be installed on the first vessel. If any remaining vessel can be isolated, a
relief device sized for fire or thermal expansion is required. Relief devices should be located so they
cannot be isolated from any part of the system being protected.
Relief Device Piping: If a spring-loaded relief valve is used, it may have a full opening block or
check valve upstream plus an external test port for testing and calibrating. If not, it will be necessary
to remove the valve for testing. If a pilot operated relief valve is used, the upstream valve is not
required for testing purposes.
Should the relief device have to be removed, process systems connected to a common relief header
must be shut down. Alternatively, a full opening block or check valve may be installed downstream
of relief devices if connecting to a common relief header. All block valves installed either upstream
or downstream of relief devices should be equipped with locking devices and operated in accordance
with ASME Section VIII, Appendix M.
Piping on the exhaust side of relief devices should be designed to minimize stress on the device. The
piping should also be designed to withstand the maximum backpressure to which it could be
subjected. API Spec 526 covers the allowable working pressure of relief valves.
Relief (Disposal) System Piping: The relief system and piping should be designed to dispose of the
relieved product in a safe and reliable manner. The system and piping should be designed to prevent
backpressure from occurring at any point in the system that would reduce the required relieving
capacity of any of the pressure relieving devices. The maximum possible backpressure at each relief
point should be determined. This is particularly important where two or more relief devices may
relieve simultaneously into the same disposal system. The materials, fittings, welding and other
design criteria should conform to the respective parts of the RP 14E and to API RP 520, PART II.
Vent or flare structures should be designed to prevent buckling caused by wind moment. Vent or flare
structures should preferably be installed on the downwind side of the plant. In determining height and
distance from the plant, consideration should be given to accidental ignition due to lightning, falling
burning fluid, and heat radiation.
When hydrocarbon vapours are discharged into the atmosphere, mixtures within the flammable range
will occur downstream of the outlet. To determine the location of this flammable mixture and the
intensity of the heat should the mixture become ignited, refer to API RP 521 and API Proceedings,
Vol. 43 (III) (1963), Paged 418-433. When toxic vapours are discharged into the atmosphere,
systems should be designed in accordance with EPA A P-26, ‘Workbook of Atmospheric Dispersion
Estimates’.
If feasible, all relief systems should be designed for a minimum pressure of 50 psig in order to
contain flashback. In most cases, vents from atmospheric pressure equipment should be equipped
with flame arrestors for flashback protection. Flame arrestors are subject to plugging with ice and
should not be used in cold climates. Flame arrestors should be inspected periodically for paraffin
build-up.
Drain Systems: All low points in liquid process piping systems should be provided with drain or
blow-off valves. These valves allow flushing of sediments from, or draining of, the entire lines. The
most common valves used for draining purposes are gate valves. If rapid draining is not important,
globe valves may also be used, provided that sediment accumulation is not a concern. Pipelines 50
mm (2 in) and smaller should use 15 mm (½ in) valves, as a minimum size. Pipelines that are 65 mm
(2½ in) or greater should have a minimum valve size of 20 mm (¾ in). Drain systems should be
designed to collect and dispose of contaminants from all sources. A good drain system prevents
contaminants from spilling overboard; prevents the accumulation of flammable liquids on the ground
or pans; and promotes good housekeeping practices.
Pressure Drains: When pressure (closed) drains from pressure vessels are used, they should be
piped directly to the disposal facilities, independent of the gravity drains, to prevent the introduction
of fluids from the pressure drains into the gravity drains. The design pressure of the interconnecting
piping and drain valve on each process component should correspond to the highest working pressure
process component in the system. Piping should be in accordance with Section ANSI B31.3. A
separate closed drain system should be provided for hydrogen sulphide service to permit safe
disposal of the fluids.
Gravity Drains: Storm water drain or open drain is usually drained by gravity to the disposal
facilities. A wide variety of materials may be satisfactory for this service. Consideration should be
given to minimizing bends and flow restriction in the system. Piping should be installed with a
downward slope on the order of 1/8 inch per foot. In some cases, it may be necessary to install runs
in a horizontal plane, but in no circumstances should up-slopes be permitted. Clean-out connections
should be provided.
Special Requirements for Sulphide Stress Cracking Service: Fitting and flange materials, as
normally manufactured, are generally satisfactory for sulphide stress cracking service with the
additional stipulation that they be modified to conform to the requirements of NACE MR – 01 – 75.
ASTM A 194, Grade 2 M, nuts and ASTM A 193, Grade B 7 M, bolts are generally satisfactory for
pipe flanges. Consideration should also be given to torque requirements during installation. Type R
and RX rings should be made of annealed AISI 316 stainless steel
Erosion Prevention: To minimize erosion where sand production is expected, short radius pipe
elbows should not be used. All turns in flow lines should be made with tees and weld caps (or blind
flanges), cap tees 0r flow tees, or long radius bends, (minimum bending radius should be 1.5 times
dia. in accordance with ANSI B 31.3).
Noise: In the design of plant piping systems, provisions should be made to protect personnel from
harmful noise. Problems and solutions are discussed in depth in API Medical Research Report EA
7301, Guidelines on Noise. A general discussion of noise related to piping systems is included in
this section.
1. Noise in a piping configuration is caused by the turbulence of a fluid passing through the system.
Turbulence is created downstream of restricted openings and increases as the fluid velocity
increases. Most noises in piping systems may be attributed to the various types of control valves.
The sound pressure level may be calculated for control valves from formulas and data supplied by the
various manufacturers.
2. The fundamental approach to noise control in piping system should be to avoid or minimize the
generation of harmful noise levels. Methods that may be effective in avoiding such levels in piping
systems include: Use acoustic insulation and / or shielding around pipe and fittings to absorb or
isolate sound. Use flow stream silencers for extreme cases.
Minimize fluid velocities: The noise levels generated by the recommended velocities in Section 2 of
API RP14E should be acceptable. Select control valves of a type or with special trim to minimize
noise. Methods that may be effective in minimizing noises in piping systems include:
Avoid abrupt changes in flow direction.
Use venturing (conical) type reducers to avoid abrupt changes in flow pattern.
Use flow-straightening vanes to reduce large-scale turbulence.
Use extra heavy valve pipe and fittings to attenuate sound and vibration (See API Medical Research
Report EA 7301).
Cryogenic System: Cryogenic system is the name of piping system, which handles fluids at very low
temperature in a process requiring manufacture of Oxygen, Nitrogen, Argon; Methane purification
piping, low temperature gas treatment, i.e. Nitrogen wash unit-piping at a temperature level at – 400F
to absolute zero, i.e. – 459.70F. The cryogenic system or process is nothing but utilization of low
temperatures to produce a physical change in liquid, solid or gas to manufacture Oxygen, Nitrogen,
Helium, and Methane and to manufacture certain metal superconductors. The main problem in a
cryogenic system is the leakage of heat from the surrounding atmosphere leads to vaporize the
cryogenic liquid, which have, generally, very low boiling points and very small latent heat of
vaporization. The basic principle to design a cryogenic system is to take care of these special
properties of the cryogenic products. The following main and special considerations have to be taken
into account:
1. To maintain the slope of the piping upward in the direction of flow to take advantage of the
principle of airlift.
2. Maintain the piping in one line, avoiding peak or air pockets, to avoid gas traps.
Minimize the heat loss to a minimum for proper operation. The valve should have extended bonnets
the stem should be stainless steel to bring the stem seals and the valve handles outside the insulation
of the valve. Provide wood, a low thermal conductive material, between the supports’ outside surface
and the supports’ resting structure.
3.10 PIPING FLEXIBILITY AND PIPING SUPPORT -DESIGN
All piping shall be adequately supported, guided, or anchored so as to prevent undue vibration,
deflection or loads on connected equipment & piping and leakage at joints. Piping at valves and
equipment such as heat exchangers and pumps, requiring periodic maintenance, shall be supported in
such a way so that the valves and equipment can be removed with a minimum necessity of installing
temporary pipe supports. If the temperature of the fluid and pipe is between - 29 C to 65 C, it is
considered a normal working condition and hence design of flexibility and support is not critical. But
if the temperature is above 65 C and higher, the design of flexibility and supports becomes more
critical with the rise of temperature. More is temperature; most typical and critical design of supports
shall be done based on Piping Flexibility calculation.
Careful design of piping support systems of above grade piping systems is necessary to prevent
failures. The design, selection, and installation of supports follow the Manufacturers Standardization
Society of the Valve and Fitting Industry, Inc. (MSS) standards SP-58, SP-69, and SP-89,
respectively. The objective of the design of support systems for process piping systems is to prevent
sagging and damage to pipe and fittings. The design of the support systems includes selection of
support type and proper location and spacing of supports. Support selection and spacing can be
affected by seismic zone.
The locations of piping supports are dependent upon four factors, such as pipe size, piping
configuration, locations of valves and fittings, and the structure available for support. Individual
piping materials have independent considerations for span and placement of supports. Pipe size
relates to the maximum allowable span between pipe supports. Span is a function of the weight that
the supports must carry. As pipe size increases, the weight of the pipe also increases. The amount of
fluid, which the pipe can carry, increases as well, thereby increasing the weight per unit length of
pipe. But at the same time, the resistance against deflection in pipe and stresses also increases with
increase of the size/ diameter and thickness of pipe. The configuration of the piping system affects the
location of pipe supports. Where practical, a support should be located adjacent to directional
changes of piping. Otherwise, common practice is to design the length of piping between supports
equal to, or less than the specified in the spacing table.
4.7 Piping Flexibility Analysis
Piping flexibility concept: A piping system undergoes dimensional changes, i.e. Expansion or
Contraction with any change in temperature. It is constrained from free expansion or contraction by
rigid equipment, guides, or anchors connected to it. It will be displaced from its unrestrained
position. This is called thermal displacement. Total displacement strains due to thermal displacement,
reaction displacements and externally imposed displacements, cumulative effect on piping system
shall be considered together in determining the total displacement strains in various parts of the
piping system taken together. But when the layout of piping system is designed wrongly, stresses
cannot be considered proportional to the displacement strains throughout piping system. Then
excessive amount of stress may occur in localized portions of the system. Operation of unbalanced
system in the creep range may aggravate the deleterious effects due to creep strain accumulation in the
most susceptible regions of the system.
When the layout of piping system is designed properly, the displacement strain in piping system at any
point are well distributed within the permissible range and hence stresses can be considered
proportionally distributed over the total system and within the acceptable limit by selective use of
Cold Spring.
Where the piping lacks built in changes of direction or where it is unbalanced, large reactions or
detrimental overstrain can be developed. All bending strains, tortional strains, reactions or
detrimental overstrains can be brought within prescribed limit and flexibility of piping system can be
improved by providing one or more of the followings means: 1) More bends, 2) more loops 3) offsets
4) swivel joints 5) corrugated pipe 6) expansion joints of bellow types or slip-joint types or other
suitable devices. This permit angular, rotational or axial movement, suitable anchors ties should be
provided if necessary to resist end forces produced by fluid pressure restriction resistance to
movement.
Flexibility analysis not required: For the following piping system the flexibility analysis is not
required.
Flexibility analysis required: Any piping system, which does not satisfy the above three criteria,
shall be analysed for flexibility by any one of (a) simplified (b) approximate or (c) comprehensive
method. (I.e., by analytical and chart methods which provide an evaluation of the forces, moments and
stresses caused by displacement strains as per requirement of the code.
Flexibility and stress intensification factors: In absence of directly available data, the flexibility
factors “K” and the stress intensification factors “I”, as given in appendix D of ANSI B 31.3, shall be
used.
Em = modulus of elasticity of the piping material in the cold condition, psi (Em=30 x 106 for Grade B
pipe at 700F); 1 = may be calculated by the following equation from ANSI B31.3.
L = actual length of pipe, feet; B = mean coefficient of thermal expansion at Operating temperatures
normally encountered (Approximately 7.0 x 10 –6 inches/inch/0F for carbon steel pipe; T =
temperature change, 0F.
The following guidelines help in screening piping or systems that generally will not require stress
analysis:
Systems where the maximum temperature changes will not exceed 500F.
Piping where the maximum temperature change will not exceed 750F, Provided that the distance
between turns in the piping exceeds 12 nominal pipe diameters.
ANSI B31.3 –1973 does not require a formal stress analysis in systems which meet one of the
following criteria:
The systems are duplicates of successfully operating installations or replacements of systems
with a satisfactory service record.
The systems can be judged adequate by comparison with previously analysed systems.
Minimum Flexibility Requirements: If pipe is made of carbon steel or low alloy steel, it will
expand with a rate of 3/4"-1" for each l000 F temperature rise. This means the pipe running between
two equipment 100 ft. apart may well expand by 3 to 4 or more inches as it heats up,- but as ends are
not free to-move, this increase in length can only be accommodated by straining the pipe. This
straining produces a stress in pipe. However, when the pipe is taken out of service, it cools down to
ambient temperature, the expansion returns to zero and hence the stress. Every time that the pipe is put
into or taken out of service, the same cycle of event occurs. The pipe starts from stress free condition
when cold and has stresses imposed which reach a maximum at operating condition and reduce to
zero when the pipe is taken out of service. The type of straining described, if repeated often enough
will cause the pipe to crack. The cracking will start at a point or points where the stresses are
maximum. This is called “fatigue failure”. The various codes and standards covering the design of
piping system puts a limit to maximum stresses which the system can be subjected when put to use.
This limit is called the “allowable stress range for expansion” and generally denoted by SA.
Analysis of Metallic Piping: No formal analysis of adequate flexibility is required for a piping
system if; (a) it duplicates or replaces without significant change, a system with a successful service
record, (b) it can be readily judged adequate by comparison with previously analyzed system, and (c)
it is of uniform size, has no more than two point of fixation, no intermediate restrains and falls within
limitation set by the equation.
Code Requirements: ASME and ANSI codes contain the reference data, formulae, and acceptability
limits required for the stress analysis of different pressure piping systems and services. ASME B31.3
requires the analysis of three stress limits, such as, Stresses due to sustained loads, Stresses due to
displacement strains, and Stresses due to occasional loads. Although not addressed by code, another
effect resulting from stresses that is fatigue is examined. The layout of piping often provides inherent
flexibility through change in direction of the piping route and hence bending and torsion stress
produced in the piping system are within the prescribed limits. The amounts of axial tension or
compression strain, which produce large reaction, are usually small.
Allowable stresses: The allowable displacement stress range, permissible additive stress and the
stress intensification factors as per the requirement of codes.
Modulus of elasticity: Modules of elasticity (E) shall be used to calculate the flexible analysis.
Poison’s Ratio: Poison’s ratio may be taken as 0.3 at all temperature for all metals.
Purpose of Stress Analysis: Flexibility Analysis of Piping is done to determine the amount of stresses
governing flexibility in the layout and to establish that the required flexibility has been provided in
layout. there are number of criteria defining the minimum acceptable flexibility and these fall into two
main categories: i) Maximum allowable stress range in the pipe and ii) The limiting values of forces
and moments which piping is permitted to impose on connected equipment. The flexibility required in
those cases where the piping reaction on connected equipment governs, invariably overrides that
required to satisfy the maximum stress range condition. After piping materials, design pressure and
sizes have been selected; a stress analysis is performed that relates the selected piping system to the
piping layout and piping supports. The analysis ensures that the piping system meets intended service
and loading condition requirements while optimizing the layout and support design. The analysis may
result in successive reiterations until a balance is struck between stresses and layout efficiency,
stresses and support locations and types. The stress analysis can be a simplified analysis or a
computerized analysis depending upon system complexity and the design code.
Stresses due to Sustained Loads: The stress analysis for sustained loads includes internal pressure
stresses, external pressure stresses, and longitudinal stresses. ASME B31.3 considers stresses due to
internal and external pressures to be safe if the wall thickness meets the pressure integrity
requirements. The sum of the longitudinal stresses in the piping system that result from pressure,
weight and any other sustained loads should not exceed the basic allowable stress at the maximum
metal temperature.
The new piping system replaces in kind, or without significant change, a system with a successful
service record. The new piping system can be readily judged adequate by comparison to previously
analyzed systems; and The new piping system is of uniform size, has 2 or less fixed points, has no
intermediate restraints, and meets the following empirical condition:
Stress due to Thermal expansion: For calculation of the value of stress range or the value of
reactions on supports and connected equipment, the value of thermal displacement is used.
Internal Pressure/External Pressure Stress: The stresses due to internal pressure are considered
safe when the thickness including reinforcement is adequate (using the value SH’ the allowable stress
at the operating temperature).
Longitudinal Stresses (SL): The sum of longitudinal stresses due to pressure, weight and other
sustained loading shall not exceed the basic allowable stress (SH). Pipe thickness for calculation of
SL must be reduced by allowance such as corrosion, erosions, manufacturing tolerance and grove
depth. (1.33 times in case of occasional loads such as wind/earth quake)
Allowable displacement stress = SA = f (1. 25 Sc + O. 25 Sf); Where, Sc - Basic allowable stress at
min. temp. SH - Basic allowable stress at max. temp. Sf - Stress range reduction factor for cyclic
condition for total number of full temperature cycles over expected life
Stress range reduction factor: When SW-is greater than the calculated value of SL’ the difference
between them is added to the term 0.25 SH in the above equation. In that case, the revised formula
becomes; S = f [1.25 (Sc + SM ) - SL].
Cold Spring: Cold Spring is the intentional deformation or pulling of the piping during assembly to
produce a desired initial displacement and stress. Cold Springs is beneficial in the sense that it
serves to balance or reduce the magnitude of stress under initial and extreme displacement
conditions. The service life of piping system is more affected by the range of stress variation than by
the magnitude of the stress.
Piping Components (Auxiliaries): Those elements other than straight pipe which go to make up a
complete piping system are described as “Piping Components”. These are important to know to the
extent of knowing their individual effects on the flexibility of piping system and the stresses in it,
before going for a analysis of complicated piping system. The common auxiliaries used are bends,
tees, reducer flanges.
The deflection of a beam when it is subjected to bending and torsion is shown in figure. If the same
length of pipe is subjected to torsion, the rotation of one end relative to other is given by,
This result is very important considering 3-D layouts. It shows that a given length of pipe will give
30% more rotation if moment from adjacent leg produces torsion instead of bending. Torsion
deflection alone is rare as means of obtaining flexibility, but the fact demonstrated above may
influence the stress engineer in choice of alternative routes for a pipe.
Elbows: These are used when change in direction of pipe is required, .they can be of the type short
radius, long radius, or pipe bends. The analysis of piping systems considers bending of elbows for
the maximum bending stress.
The analysis of the pipe bends when subject to a bending moment shows that when curved pipe is
subjected to a bending moment in its own plane, the circular cross section undergoes changes and is
flattened and this results in increased flexibility. The ratio of the flexibility of a bend to that of a
straight pipe having the same length and cross section is known as “flexibility factor” and usually
denoted by letter "K".
Now let us examine how this flattening of elbow or change in cross section occurs. Let us consider an
elbow with a neutral axis is subjected to a bending moment. The outer fibre of elbows will be
subjected to tensile stress and the inside surface to a compressive stress. Let us take a thin cross
section and study in detail. The resultant tensile load on outer fibre results in inward radial load in
the element. Similarly, the compressive load on inside fibre also produces a resultant inward radial
load on the element. If we now take a slice as a cross section of pipe and draw the loading diagram
for the ring which is in effect. Under the loading, the ring flattens into an ellipse with its major axis
horizontal. If we now reverse the sign of bending moment the cross section will elongate instead of
flattening. If we now consider the element in more detail, we see that the flattening produces bending
moments in the ring which are maximum at the end of the horizontal diameter. These moments produce
a stress which varies from tension to compression through the thickness of pipe wall and is
circumferential in direction. If we consider the half of the ring, the circumferential stress in pipe wall
due to moment can be many times the value calculated as (My/I) as per ordinary bending theory for
structural members. The factor by which the circumferential stresses exceed the longitudinal stresses
in bend is called the “Stress intensification factor” often denoted as S.l.F.
One of the practical manifestations of the existence of these circumferential stresses is that when an
elbow is subjected to repeat in-plane bending, it ultimately develops a fatigue crack along its sides.
When we take into account the elbows of a piping system, we are therefore able to claim additional
flexibility due to this flattening, but at the same time we must also take into account the induced
circumferential stresses by multiplying the stresses at the bends due to overall bending moment in the
piping system by appropriate “stress intensification factor”. The expression for calculating both
factor and stress intensification factor are given in codes such as B 3l.3 and are as followed.
Branch Connections: The resultant bending stress requires a bit more attention as the section
modulus Z for header and branch is slightly different. The pipe wall thickness has no significant effect
on bending stress due to thermal expansion but it affects the end reactions in direct ratio. So
overstress cannot be remedied by adding thickness; on the-contrary, this tends to make matter worse
by increasing the end reactions.
Effect of Pressure on Stress Intensification Factor and Flexibility Factor: Some of the piping
codes give formulas for correcting the values of SIF and flexibility factor for elbows and bends.
When the pressure effects are considered, SIF values are lower thus actually reducing the value of
thermal stress. However, the terminal forces increase because of reduced flexibility at elbows.
Pressure can affect significantly the magnitude of flexibility factor and SIF in case of large diameter
and thin wall elbows. The correction factor CKF for flexibility factor due to pressure on elbows is
considered.
b. Stresses due to Displacement Strains: Constraint of piping displacements resulting from thermal
expansion, seismic activities or piping support and terminal movements cause local stress conditions.
These localized conditions can cause failure of piping or supports from fatigue or over-stress,
leakage at joints or distortions. To ensure that piping systems have sufficient flexibility to prevent
these failures, ASME B31.3 requires that the displacement stress range does not exceed the
allowable displacement stress range.
c. Stresses due to Occasional Loads: The sum of the longitudinal stresses due to both sustained and
occasional loads does not exceed 1.33 times the basic allowable stress at maximum material
temperature.
d. Fatigue: Fatigue resistance is the ability to resist crack initiation and expansion under repeated
cyclic loading. A material’s fatigue resistance at an applied load is dependent upon many variables
including strength, ductility, surface finish, product form, residual stress, and grain orientation. Piping
systems are normally subject to low cycle fatigue, where applied loading cycles rarely exceed 105.
Failure from low cycle fatigue is prevented in design by ensuring that the predicted number of load
cycles for system life is less than the number allowed on a fatigue curve, or S-N curve, which
correlates applied stress with cycles to failure for a material. Because piping systems are generally
subject to varying operating conditions that may subject the piping to stresses that have significantly
different magnitudes, the following method can be used to combine the varying fatigue effects.
e. Support Spans
Spacing is a function of the size of the pipe, the fluid conveyed by piping system, the temperature of
the fluid, and the ambient temperature of the surrounding area. Determination of maximum allowable
spacing, or span between supports, is based on the maximum amount that the pipeline may deflect due
to load. Specific metallic piping materials have particular requirements for the design of piping
supports. Concentrated loads, such as valves, meters, and other fittings, should be independently
supported. As a thumb rule, spans for insulated lines should be reduced by approximately 30% from
those for un-insulated pipes. Calculations should be performed for each application since material
strength varies by temper and manufacturing method. Following Table summarizes support spacing for
carbon, stainless steel, nickel 200, and nickel 201 pipes. Support of nickel pipe should follow similar
principles of other metallic piping systems. Nickel 200 is pure wrought nickel. Nickel 201 is a low-
carbon alloy of nickel 200, for higher temperature applications.
When designing aluminium pipe system supports, either aluminium or padded pipe supports should be
specified. Aluminium will corrode when exposed to other metals. Contact with metals such as
copper, brass, nickel, and carbon steel should be avoided. The support spacing for aluminium alloy
6063 pipes is also given in Table below.
Typically, a deflection of 2.5 mm (0.1 in) is allowed, provided that the maximum pipe stress is
limited to 10.3 MPa (1,500 psi) or allowable design stress divided by a safety factor of 4, whichever
is less.
Code Requirements:
- Sets forth the engineering requirements deemed necessary for safe design and construction of
pressure piping.
- Safety is the main consideration - The above alone will not govern the final specification for any
piping installation.
- Code is not a designs hand book.
- It does not do away with the need of designer or competent engineering judgment.
Spacing of Supports: Proper spacing of supports is essential to the structural integrity of the piping
system. An improperly spaced support system will allow excessive deflection in the line. This can
cause structural failure of the piping system, typically at joints and fittings. Excessive stress can also
allow for corrosion of the pipe material by inducing stress on the pipe and, thereby, weakening its
resistance to corrosive fluids.
The amount of sag, or deflection in a span, is calculated from the following equation:
Piping system shall be designed in such a way giving sufficient loops in the total runway of pipe to
have sufficient flexibility to prevent thermal expansion or contraction effect, movement or
displacement of piping supports effect and pull or thrust effect on the nozzle of the equipment. If the
piping is not efficiently designed flexible, it will get damaged due to the following effects:
The piping or supports fail due to overstressing or fatigue.
Leak at joint occurs due to pulling or pushing while expansion or contraction.
Distortion in piping and valve or in connected equipment such as pumps, compressors, or
turbine due to overstressing in pipe resulting from excessive thrusts and movement in piping. The
flexibility in piping system should meet the following requirement minimum to confirm the
flexibility.
(1) The computed stress range at any point due to displacement in the piping system should not
exceed the allowable stress range.
Where, Sh > Sl, then the difference, i.e. (Sh – Sl) must be added to the term 0.25 Sh above. In that
case it will be as mentioned below:
Where, Sc = Basic allowable stress at minimum metal temperature expected during the
displacement cycle under analysis. Sh = Basic allowable stress at maximum metal temperature
expected during the displacement cycle under analysis. F = Stress range reduction factor from the
table given here or calculated by equation on given below.
Where, N = Equivalent number of full displacement cycles during the expected service life of the
piping system i.e. reaction forces computed as per equation given below should not be
detrimental to supports or connected equipment.
C = Cold spring factor varying from zero (for no cold spring) to 1.0 (for 100% cold spring). Ea =
Modulus of elasticity at installation temperature. Em = Modulus of Elasticity at maximum or minimum
metal temperature. R = Range of reaction forces or moments derived from flexibility analysis
corresponding to the full displacement stress range and based on Ea. The computed moment of piping
should be within the limit and shall be properly accounted for in the flexibility calculation.
4.8 Pipe Supports-Design
The supports are required for supporting all concurrently acting loads due to weight effects such as
the weight of the piping, valves, fittings, insulating materials, suspended hanger components and all
appurtenances along with the weight of normal operating contents, loads introduced by service
pressure and temperatures, vibrations, wind, earthquake shock, the added weight of water used for
hydrostatic testing and displacement strain.
Calculating Pipes Weight: This is a weight calculating formula for steel pipes. If the outside
diameter and the wall thickness of a steel pipe are known, the weight per foot can be expressed as:
Where, m = weight per foot (lbs/ft), do = outside diameter (inches), tw = wall thickness (inches.
Example: Weight of 4" Schedule 40 Steel Pipes. The outside diameter (do) of 4" Schedule 40 Steel
Pipe is 4.500 inches. The wall thickness is 0.237 inches. The weight per foot can be calculated using
(1) as:
Purpose of pipe supports: The main purposes of layout and design of piping and support is to
prevent the followings:
Piping stress in excess of those permitted in the code.
Leakage at the joints.
Excessive thrust and moments on connected rotating equipment such as pump, turbine or
compressors.
Excessive stresses in the supporting elements.
Resonance with imposed or fluid induced vibrations.
Excessive interference with thermal expansion and contraction in piping which is otherwise
adequately flexible.
Unintentional disengagement of piping from its supports.
Excessive piping sag in piping requiring drainage slopes.
Excessive distortion or sag of piping (e.g., thermo plastics) subject to creep under conditions of
repeated thermal cycling.
Excessive heat flow, exposing supporting elements to temperature extremes outside their design
limit.
In general, the pipe supports location and design is done based an simple calculation and engineering
judgment. However, when a more refined design is required then the stresses, moments and reactions
determined during the piping flexibility analysis, are used in design of the piping supporting elements.
However, most of the supporting components are designed and standardized based on diameter,
temperature (hot or cold) and insulation required. Accordingly standard sketches of various types of
supports are given in MSS-SP-58 and SP-69. For special condition and high temperature line all
supports locations and supporting elements are design considering all the above factors after piping
flexibility and stress analysis.
Support Types: There are various types of supports used in piping system. These should be as
simple as conditions allow. Stock items are used wherever possible, especially for piping held from
above. To support piping from below, supports are usually made to suit from plates, pipes and pieces
of structural steel. Following hardware is used to create supports. However following supports are
mainly used in piping system.
The type of support selected is equally important to the design of the piping system. The stresses and
movements transmitted to the pipe factor in this selection. Pipe supports should not damage the pipe
material or impart other stresses on the pipe system. The expected movement at each support location
dictates the basic type of support.
The initial support design must address the load impact on each support. Typically, a moment-stress
calculation is used for 2-dimensional piping, and a simple beam analysis is used for a straight pipe-
run.
If a pipe needs to have freedom of axial movement due to thermal expansion and contraction or other
axial movement, a roller type support is selected. If minor axial and transverse (and minimal vertical)
movements are expected, a hanger allowing the pipe to ‘swing’ is selected. If vertical movement is
required, supports with springs or hydraulic dampers are required. Other structural requirements and
conditions that have the potential to affect piping systems and piping support systems are analyzed.
Pipes that connect to heavy tanks or pass under footings are protected from differential settlement by
flexible couplings. Similarly, piping attached to vibrating or rotating equipment is also attached with
flexible couplings.
Rest Support: The weight of the piping is usually carried on supports made from structural steel, or
steel and concrete.
Hanger Support: It is a device, which suspends piping (usually a single line) from structural steel,
concrete or wood. These are generally adjustable for height. The simple rod type hanger support,
suspended from top, or base, bracket, structural members are used where there is no movement or
negligible vertical and horizontal movement in the pipe. The simple rod type hanger support,
suspended from top, or base, bracket, structural members is permitted for used, even, where there is
zero vertical movement and limited or definite horizontal movement in the pipe, i.e. up to 4 degree
deflection in the overall length of vertical hanger rods. Hanger support includes pipe and beam
clamps, clips, brackets, rods, straps, chains, and other devices. They shall be proportioned to all
required loads to be hanged. The hanger support should not be provided at the centre of gravity of the
pipe because the hanger would then act as a pivot point and would not resist the sway. The hanger
support should also not be provided below the centre of gravity of the pipe because the unstable
turnover condition would result in the piping system. The hanger support should be provided, most
desirably, above the centre of gravity of the pipe
The purpose of a main anchor is to divide a pipeline into individual expanding sections. This shall be
designed to withstand the full line thrust due to internal pressure plus the force required compressing
the expansion joint plus friction load. Anchors at bends such as elbows and centrifugal thrust also
shall be added. Anchors on straight pipe containing cap or valve, line thrust due to internal pressure
is, Fs = AP
Where, Fs = Static thrust; A = Effective area or corrugation; P = Internal line pressure lb/ in2 or kg /
cm2. Anchors at pipe bends, such as elbows, etc., the line thrust due to internal pressure is: F
= Fc + Fs + F1A
Where, F = Total line thrust; Fc = Centrifugal thrust; Fs = Static thrust; FIA = Force required to
compress the spring.
Where, Fs = 2 op Sin /2; a = Acceleration due to gravity (32.2 Ft/ Sec. 2 or 9.81 M / Sec. 2)
Intermediate Anchor Supports: Intermediate anchor shall be designed to withstand the force
necessary to compress the expansion joint to its full rated movement + Friction load.
Tie Support: It is an arrangement of one or more rods, bars etc. to restrain movement of piping.
Dummy Leg Support: In this an extension piece (of pipe or rolled steel section) is welded to an
elbow in order to support the line. This part rests or anchors on some steel member.
Guide: This is a means of allowing a pipe to move along its length, but not sideways. Proper
alignment is of vital importance in the installation of all expansion joints. The pipe guides are used to
maintain the alignment of the pipeline allowing moving freely in one direction. Guide spacious should
be in accordance with the following standard.
The first guide must be located within a distance of four pipe diameters from the expansion joint and
the second within fourteen pipe diameters from the first guide. Guide support is also one kind of
semi-anchor type. It is used to restrict movement of the pipe in transverse (perpendicular direction to
the axis of the pipe) and to allow movement of the pipe in axial direction. Guides are used to protect
terminal equipment or other weaker portion of the system by the side of the pipe. If control the
movement or to allow the expansion into those portions of the system which are designed to absorb
them. The guides also facilitate the expansion joint movements occur in the direction on for which the
expansion joint is designed.
Shoe: It is a piece of metal attached to the underside of a pipe, which rests on supporting steel. It is
primarily used to reduce wear from sliding for lines subject to movement. It permits insulation to be
applied to pipe.
Saddle: It is a welded attachment for pipe requiring insulation, and subject to longitudinal or rolling
movement (resulting from temperature changes other than climatic). Saddles may be used with guides.
Sliding Supports: In this two slide plates of graphite, Teflon or some special materials, fixed to steel
plates, are fixed to the flat surface of the pipe support. These plates are faced for low friction able to
withstand mechanical stress and temperature changes. The sliding supports are provided where the
piping is supported from below or at the bottom to facilitate the sliding movement of the pipe during
its horizontal movement. Sliding supports (or shoes) are the support where a saddle or a shoe is
welded with pipe and the same is resting on bracket. There is a height in the shoes to accommodate
insulation thickness. Sliding supports are designed to allow the movement in the pipe in axial
direction up to a designed length and a small movement in transverse direction.
Constant Load Hanger: This device consists of a coil spring and lever mechanism in housing.
Movement of the piping, within limits, will not change the spring force, holding up the piping; thus no
additional force will be introduced to the piping system.
Variable Spring Hanger: This device consists of a coil spring in housing. The weight of the piping
rests on the spring in compression. The spring permits limited amount of thermal movement. A
variable spring hanger holding up a vertical line will reduce its lifting force as the line expands
toward it. A variable spring support would increase its lifting force as the line expands towards it.
Both place load on piping system, and where this is undesirable, a constant-load hanger can be used
instead.
Hydraulic Dampener: These are also called as shock snobbier or sway suppressor. One end of the
unit is attached to the piping and the other to structural steel or concrete. The unit expands or contracts
to absorb slow movement of piping, but is rigid to rapid movement. A hydraulic cylinder type support
is used to give a constant supporting force to the pipe. Safety devices and stops are provided in the
hydraulic support to support the load in case of hydraulic failure.
Non-integral attachment type supports: These types of supports include clamps, U-bolts, cradles,
saddles, straps etc., in which the reaction between the piping and the support is by contact.
All the above types of supporting elements are used to suitably transmit the load of piping to a
foundation or heavy structures made and capable of bearing the load without deleterious effect
through supporting structural members like bracket etc.
Sway Brace: This is also called as sway arrestor. It is essentially a helical spring in a housing that is
fitted between piping and a rigid structure. Its function is to buffer vibration and sway.
Spring supports: Where there is the vertical movement in the pipe, the spring support should be
incorporated with spring cushions. Spring supports are designed to extent a supporting force at a
point of attachment to the pipe equal to the load as determined by the weight balance calculations.
They are provided with means to prevent misalignment, buckling or eccentric loading of the springs
and to prevent unintentional disengagement of the load. Constant spring hangers provide a
substantially uniform supporting force throughout the range of travel. The use of this type of spring
hanger is advantageous at locations subjected to appreciably movement with thermal changes. The
type of hanger spring supports should be selected so that their travel range exceeds expected
movement of the pipe. All spring support shall be provided with a lock of prevent the overstressing
the spring hangers due to excessive deflections and also with a position indicator to indicate the total
travel of the springs. There are two types of spring supports, commonly used n piping: (1) the coiled-
spring vibration dampener support and (2) the hydraulic vibration dampener support, which operates
by means of a controlled flow of fluid through an orifice and whose resistance to the movement of the
pipe increases with the speed of the displacement of the pipe. The distinctive advantage of the
hydraulic hanger support is that there is a minimum resistance to the movement of the pipe due to
thermal expansion in the pipe. Further, there are two types of the coiled-vibration dampener support:
(a) the opposed-spring type and (b) the double acting spring support.
Roller support: Where there is an assured movement in the pipe along the axis and in the transverse
direction, a roller support can be used at the bottom of the pipe to provide the movement of the pipe
in both directions.
Counter weight supports: Counter weight support is made of chains, cables hangers, rocker arms
and other devices to stop the limit of travel of the pipe as well as to attach the counter weight load to
the piping.
Nozzle Support: Piping connected to centrifugal pumps or equipments is supported properly to avoid
the followings:
Stress in the pipe due to pressure, thermal expansion and contraction, weight, and wind loading do
not exceed the values, which the pump can safely sustain. Although piping reactions and stresses can
be evaluated accurately and the stress imitation for the pipe is closely defined, the values of
acceptable reaction on pumps are not so well defined.
The following notes define limits of piping reaction on pump, and describe support procedures that
have proved satisfactory in the past.
Selection of Pipe Support: The selection of support types is dependent upon four criteria: the
temperature rating of the system, the mechanism by which the pipe attaches to the support, protective
saddles that may be included with the support, and the attachment of the support to the building or
other structures. Support types are most commonly classified in accordance with MSS SP-58. Figure
3-2 displays some of the support types applicable to liquid process piping systems. The selection of
the appropriate support type is made according to MSS SP-69. Table 3-8 provides guidance for
process system temperatures.
Some piping systems utilize protective saddles between the pipe and the support member. This is
done to minimize the stress on the pipe from point loads. In addition, pipe insulation requires
protection from supports. Saddles support piping without damaging insulation.
The method by which the supports attach to buildings or other structures is addressed by the design.
Typical pipe supports are in the form of hangers, supporting the pipe from above. These hangers may
be attached to a ceiling, beam, or other structural member. Pipelines may be supported from below as
well, with pipe stanchions or pipe racks. Pipe supports may be rigidly attached to a structure, or
allow for a pivoting axial motion, depending on the requirements of the system.
Some piping systems require adjustable pipe supports. One reason for this requirement is the cold
spring action. Cold spring is the action whereby a gap is left in the final joint of a piping run to allow
for thermal expansion of the pipeline. This action results in the offset of all points along the piping
system, including the attachments to pipe supports, and requires that supports be adjustable to
accommodate this offset. From a maintenance consideration, cold springing should be avoided if
possible through proper thermal expansion and stress analyses. Vertical adjustment is also usually
necessary for pipe supports. Settlement, particularly in new construction, may result in an improper
deflection of the elevation of a pipe support. To maintain the proper slope in the pipeline, thereby
avoiding excessive sag between supports and accumulation of the product being carried by the pipe,
the possibility of vertical adjustment is accommodated in the design of pipe supports.
Piping Reaction at Pump: Pumps with vertical nozzles are capable of withstanding a limited amount
of Vertical weight load. However, rod hangers shall be located on all suction and discharge lines
above or close to vertical nozzles in order to:
Reduce overturning moments on pumps due to dead weight.
Facilitate the thermal unloading required to correct unavoidable fabrication errors.
General Note on Support: Temporary Supports shall be provided before Hydrostatic Testing for
bare vapour line. Pipe support saddle material & wall Thickness shall be same of pipe & size of 900
in width x 300 long at point of support bearing surface.
The basic span is based on the corrosion allowance, such as, for line up to 1 ½” = 0.05” and for line
above 2” = 0.1”. The Guide Spacing is indicative only.
Line 10” and above need not be provided with Guide unless required by Stress group.
Support locations are independent of pipe size, piping configuration, location of heavy valves and
fittings, and the structure, which is available in the plant in the piping. These support spacing may
vary to suit the column spacing. The above spacing is for straight run of pipe and does not include the
guides, which are required for control of thermal expansion or movements of pipe.
The following span between the pipe supports are based on a combined bending stress and the shear
stress of 1500 psi when the pipe filled with water and the allowed deflection of pipe between the
supports amounting to the max. 2.55 mm. Wherever, there are concentrated weights such as valves or
heavy fittings or where there is change in direction of piping system, this support span is not
applicable Wherever there is change in the direction of the piping, it is advisable to keep the total
length of the pipe between the supports less than 3/4th of the full spans as given in the table. It is also
advisable to provide a hanger support at the location immediately adjacent to any change in direction
of piping.
The piping systems have been classified into the following three temperature conditions in order to
provide the criteria for selection of the supports such as hangers, anchors or the other type of
supports:
a) Hot Temperature Conditions: The temperature ranging from 1200F to and above, such as low-
pressure steam, hot water, and hot process piping; boiler plant piping, and high-pressure steam
piping.
Ambient Temperature Conditions: In this condition, the pipe is neither heated nor cold. It is at the
atmospheric temperature condition.
Cold Temperature Conditions: The operating temperature 290C and below, such as chilled water
piping, brine system piping or the cryogenic system piping.
Friction Load: The thermal movement of pipe exerts a horizontal on the supporting member due to
frictional resistance. These forces are independent of the line temperature and the amount of
movement taking place.
The frictional forces are in the order of 0.2 to 0.3 times the dead load at the point of support. Thus the
Pipe, 500 feet of 30” diameter X 0.375” wall thickness and full of oil and 2” insulation, will produce
a frictional resistance of about 25 tons.
Ten Basic Steps of providing Pipe Support: Procedure for the design and selection of pipe supports
has been broken into the followings 10 basic steps of providing the pipe supports,
1. Make Isometric piping sketch.
2. Spot preliminary location of hanger on the sketch.
3. Study building steel structure and adjust location of hangers to suit the same.
4. Check for interference
5. Calculate distribution of weight of piping
6. Summarize hanger loading
Calculate distribution of vertical expansion to hangers
Calculate distribution of equipment vertical movement to hangers
9. Summarize hanger movements
10. Choose hangers loading and movements
The two main factors governing selection of pipe hangers are;
1. Changes resulting from thermal expansion, which causes movement of pipe due to increase of
length of legs and displacement of equipment connections.
2. Weight to be supported, which depends on pipe, flowing medium, insulation type, and number
and type of fittings in line supported.
4.9 Piping Assembling Joints-
Design
While designing the piping system, the pipe joints shall be selected to suit the material & the fluid
service with respect to joint tightness, mechanical strength and permissible leakage through the joints,
test condition of pressure, temperature and external loading. Piping joints are of the following types:
Butt-Welded joint; Socket-welded joint; Fillet-welded joint; Threaded joint: a) With seal welding,
b) Without seal welding; Flange joint; Flared Joints: a) Flared tube joint; b) Flare less tube
joint; Compression type tube joint; Caulked Joints; Expanded Joints; Packed Joints; Special joints:
a) Bell type b) Packed gland type.
1. Welded Joints: Piping components are welded together with each other end to end with the
bevelling at the end to make a V-groove for welding. Backing ring shall not be used for butt-welding.
Efficiency factor for butt-welded joint is considered as noted below:
Without Radiography, Ej= 0.80
With spot Radiography, Ej= 0.90
With 100% Radiography, Ej= 1.00
Socket welds: In case of socket weld, one part is put into other machined part and then it is welded
at the junction point (meeting with each other) outside as shown in figure below.
Socket joints shall be avoided as much as possible as it propagates Crevice corrosion and severe
erosion. However, socket welded joints are permitted in pipe size 1 ½ “ below in normal category,
category-D and severe cyclic condition category service but not in high pressure category service.
Fillet Welds: Fillet welds are used for slip-on flanges piping or on supporting saddle or shoe
welding. Use of slip on flange is limited to Normal category of fluid service only.
2) Threaded Joints: Threaded joints are allowed in normal or category-D fluid service condition.
Threaded joints may be used under severe cyclic condition for a limited purpose such as Pressure
Gauge connection, drain & vent plug or caps or other place with safeguarding. Threaded joints shall
be avoided in any service where crevice corrosion, severe erosion or cyclic loading or stress may
occur. The thickness or schedule of male in relation to the size the piping components to be threaded
for making thread joints shall be strictly as per code requirements. It is always better to have a
flanged joint in piping assembly. However, sometimes we use the Threaded joints in assembly of the
piping system. Following care should be taken while assembling the Threaded joints:
All threads should be tapered and as per ANSI B 2.1.
Any compound or lubricant to use on the threaded joint should be suitable for the service conditions
and should not react unfavourably with either the fluid service or the piping material.
Any kind of sealing compound should not be applied on the Threaded joint to be seal welded. The
seal welding of the Threaded joint should be done full threading.
The compound if applied on the threaded joint should be removed and the joint should be cleaned
thoroughly before seal welding.
All the threaded joints should be completely in a straight line to avoid the leakage through the
threaded joint.
3) Flange Joints: The flange joints are made with the help of companion flanges installed on the
pipe. Then, a suitable gasket is put in between two flange’s faces. The flanges are tightened with
suitable bolts and nuts. Assembly of Flange Joints is inspected thoroughly for the damage of the
gasket seating surfaces where gasket is seating. If any damage is found on the flange faces, the flange
is rejected and a good flange is selected for installing on the pipe. The gasket should uniformly be
compressed in between the flanges. For this, a special care is taken while tightening the flanges. The
flange should be tightened uniformly all around. The bolt length should be sufficient long to extend
completely through their nuts with minimum two to three threads out of their nuts. All bolts should be
equal in length. Gasket should not be more than one in the flange contact faces while assembling the
flanged joint. There are mainly four type of flanges used in piping system such as,
Weld Neck Flange: It is welded end to end with mating component with a groove weld.
Unless otherwise safeguarded, weld neck flange shall be used in severe cyclic conditions and
higher ratings.
Slip-on Flange: It is double welded by inserting the mating component inside the flange and fillet
welded at both ends. The use of slip-on flanges should be avoided where many large temperature
cycles are expected.
Threaded Flange: The inside threaded surface is tightened on the threaded piping
components.
Socket Weld Flange: Mating components is inserted into the flange and both are welded
together at outside junction point with fillet weld. Socket weld flange may be used in 1 ½ inch and
below in severe cyclic condition.
In piping assembly, few joints are to be made, necessarily, with flanges for the following reasons:
For maintenance of the pipe as and when required.
For installation of the valves to control the flow of the fluid passing through the pipe.
For installation of the instruments to monitor the total system during operation.
Other miscellaneous work.
4) Flared Joints: In piping assembly, there is too much tubing work to connect the different tapings on
the pipe to the different instruments for operational control purpose. The tubing materials are
generally stainless steel. The union joint connects the tubes with the help of a flare. Special care
should be taken in Flared Joint. The sealing surface of the flare joint should be inspected for
imperfections before assemble of the joint. Any flare having the imperfections should be rejected.
Where the manufacturer have supplied a instruction manual and called for a specific number of turns
of the nut, this should be counted from the point at which the nut becomes finger tight.
5) Caulked Joints: Caulked Joints should be installed as per the instruction of the manufacturer and
care should be taken to ensure adequate engagement of the joint members
6) Expanded Joints: The Expanded Joints should be installed as per the instruction of the
manufacturer and care should be taken to ensure the adequate engagement of the joint members.
7) Packed Joints: The Packed Joint is installed to absorb the thermal expansion in the piping system.
A proper clearance, as specified by the manufacturer, should be provided at the bottom of the socket
to allow the movement. The Packed Joint should be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instruction and a special care should be taken to ensure the engagement of the joint members.
4.10 Design Engineering and
Limitations
Materials: Any listed Components made of materials not covered in pressure temperature rating but
have the same allowable stress as the rated pipe, should be rated not more than 87.5% of nominal
thickness of seamless pipe in respect of schedule weight or pressure class of the fittings less all
allowances applied to the pipe (i.e., thread depth & corrosion allowance). Unlisted components but
conforming in respect of composition, mechanical properties, method of manufacturing and quality
control to a specification or standard of a listed materials may be used subject to pressure design is
verified according to code.
Components made of cast iron or other non-ductile material shall not be used in pressure piping.
Allowable Stress: Allowable Stress should not be more than the yield strength at temperature. The
sum of (combined) longitudinal stresses due to pressure, weight and other sustained loading and of
the stress produced by occasional loads such as wind or earthquake should not be more than 1.33
times the basic allowable stress given in ANSI B 31.3, Appendix A. For casting, the basic allowable
stresses should be multiplied by the casting quality factor (EC). Allowances should be included in the
minimum design thickness of piping components for corrosion, erosion and thread depth or groove
depth.
Pipe Wall Thickness: Thickness of a piping component shall be increased to prevent over stress,
damage, collapse or buckling due to super imposed loads from supports, ice formation, backfill or
other causes.
Bends: The minimum thickness (tm) of the bend, after bending, shall not be less than the pipe
thickness. An angular offset of 3 degree or less does not require design consideration as mitre bend.
Mitre Bends: The maximum allowable internal pressure in a mitre bend, which angle does not
exceeds 22.50, should be less than PM
Where,
SE (T – C) (T - C)
PM = x
r2 (T – C) + 0.643 tan r2 (T - C)
SE (T – C) R 1 - r2
PM = x
r2 R1 – 0.5 r2
Where, C = the sum of the allowances and mechanical Allowances. E = Quality factors
PM = Maximum allowable internal pressure; r2 = Mean radius of pipe using nominal wall thickness;
R1 = Effective radius of mitre bend from the centre of the pipe; S = Basic allowable stress;
T = Pipe wall thickness; θ = Angle of mitre cut =Half of angle ( ) of change in direction of mitre
joint.
A mitre bend made with groove but weld as per above requirement and having Ej >= 0.90 (i.e. with
spot radiography), should be used in category-D fluid service and normal category fluid service.
A mitre bend made with groove but weld as per above requirement and having Ej=1.0 (i.e. 100%
radiography) may be used in category of severe cyclic conditions.
A mitre bend shall not be used in category-M fluid service or category high-pressure fluid
service.
Fitting confirming to MSS-SP-43 and Proprietary “Type-C” Lap-Joint stub end welding fittings
should not be used in severe cyclic conditions fluid service.
Creased or corrugated bend shall not be used in severe cyclic condition fluid service and higher
ratings.
In the mitre joint, the length of pipe shall extend not less than `M` distance from the inside crotch
of the end mitre bends where,
Branch: Fabricated branch connection (by welding the branch pipe on run pipe) may be used in
category-D and Normal fluid service conditions but shall not be used in severe cyclic condition
service and higher rating. Branch Connection can be used subject to the following conditions:
i.e. (Db / Dn) < When angle (Angle between branch and
0.5 run pipe is less or equal to 45 degree. The
axis of the branch pipe must intersect the axis
of run pipe.
Laps: Fabricated laps or flared laps may be used in category-D and Normal fluid service but shall
not be used in severe cyclic conditions service and higher ratings.
Blanks: The minimum required thickness of a blank shall be not less than tm,
ANSI ISO
1.5 5 3 1 4 1 3 2 1 1 --
2 7 4 1 5 1 3 3 1 1 --
2.5 8 5 2 6 2 4 3 2 2 --
3 10 6 2 8 2 5 4 2 2 --
4 12 8 3 10 3 6 5 3 3 --
6 18 12 4 14 4 9 7 4 4 1
8 25 16 5 19 5 12 9 5 5 2
10 31 20 7 24 7 15 12 6 6 2
12 37 24 8 28 8 18 14 7 7 2
14 42 26 9 --- --- 20 16 8 --- ---
16 47 30 10 -- -- 24 18 9 -- --
18 53 35 11 -- -- 26 20 10 -- --
20 60 38 13 -- -- 30 23 11 -- --
22 65 42 14 -- -- 32 25 12 -- --
24 70 46 15 -- -- 35 27 13 -- --
30 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
36 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
42 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
48 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
54 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
60 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
NOTES: 1. Source of data is NGPSA Data Book.
2. ‘d’ is inside diameter of smaller outlet.
3. ‘D’ is inside diameter of larger outlet.
Clearance for Fired Heaters: Fired Heaters shall be located near the battery limit at a
minimum distance of 15 meter from any process equipment, which may be a source of spillage or
leakage of gas and liquid and 90 meter from any explosive product. Heater Stacks must be 6 M
higher than any operating platform within 25 M radius.
Exchangers: Clearance and working space between horizontal exchanger’s shells and
adjacent piping extremities where operation is required shall be 900 mm. Clearance distance
between horizontal exchanger flanges where no piping or equipment operation is required shall be
600 mm.
Pumps: Clearance and working space requirements between pumps and adjacent piping
extremities shall be 600 mm.
Compressors: Centrifugal and axial compressors require access on both sides.
Reciprocating compressors require space for pulling pistons. This is usually adequate for
walkway access.
Pipe Routing: Pipe shall be arranged in an orderly manner and routed as direct as
practical.
Thermal Expansion: Arrangement shall provide for flexibility of lines to take care of
thermal expansion and contraction. Large reactions or moments at equipment connection shall be
avoided.
Critical Piping: Where dynamic loading, limited pressure drop or other severe service
conditions apply; particular care shall be used in routing the piping. Dynamic loading may be
expected when pulsation flow (such as reciprocating compressors), high velocity flow flashing
fluid, fluctuating temperature or pressure or mechanical vibration (including wind) conditions
exist.
Piping subject to possible dynamic loading shall be carefully designed and checked to ensure
that the size, configuration, mechanical strength, supports and restraints shall prevent excessive
stress or vibration.
Other severe services: Other severe services include erosive, corrosive, high or low
temperature or pressure conditions or any fluids containing solids. Many such services require
alloy or their special materials.
Piping in these services shall be routed to minimize the effects of service severity and
make most practical use of required special materials.
Piping at Control valves: Special attention must be paid to any control valve, which will
contribute to excessive noise or vibration due to aerodynamics, which must be carefully analysed
and designed so that its size and configuration downstream of the control valve will minimize
these conditions. Special attention should also be paid for ejector piping and high vacuum piping.
Pipe ways: Pipe ways shall generally be run overhead for on plot units and shall
generally not be more than three decks high.
Pipe ways are the present need that includes pipes, instrument tray and electrical cable
tray plus 25%.
Line Routing: As far as practical piping shall run at the different elevations designated
for north–south and east–west banks and shall change elevation at change in direction.
Vessel Piping: Piping at columns shall be located redial about the column on the pipe
wayside. Man ways and platforms shall be located on the access side away from pipe way.
Water Draw off boots: Water draw off boots on elevated horizontal vessels may be
extended a reasonable amount to place the centre of gauge glass and level controller not over 1700
mm from grade, platform or ladder accesses.
Vent and drain connection: A valve blinded atmospheric vent shall be provided at
vessel high points with access provided for valve operation.
Drains with valves provided to vessels shall be gravity drains to underground systems
with open connections terminating 50 mm. below drain. However, whenever blind flange / plug
have been used, gap of 100 mm. should be provided.
Relief Valves: Relief valves required for pressure vessels shall be as indicated on the
piping and the instrument diagrams. Davits or other suitable means shall be provided to lower
pressure vessel relief valves larger than 2” inlet size when not within reach of mobile equipment.
Relief valves discharging in to a flare system shall be elevated to provide self-draining. Relief
valves discharging vapour to atmosphere must be provided with a pipe stack, which must end at
least 3 M above any platform within 8 M radius. Where indicated in process P & ID, a drain valve
with, drip leg shall be provided at the bottom of the stack. Adequate supports shall be provided
and designed to handle dead weight, wind and thrust loads.
Exchanger Piping: Piping shall not run in the way of built–in or mobile handling
facilities. One wrench clearance shall be provided at exchanger flanges.
Pump Suction Piping: Pump suction piping shall be arranged with particular care to
avoid vapour pockets or unnecessary pressure drop. Eccentric reducers, properly oriented to
avoid vapour packets, shall be used for line size reductions. (Temporary suction screens shall be
provided unless permanent strainers are required between suction line block valves and pump
nozzles.
Pump Location: Centreline of all discharge pump nozzles shall be line up.
Access to Pumps & Turbines: Piping at pumps and turbines shall be arranged to provide
maintenance access around pumps and turbines. Removable spool pieces shall be provided as
appropriate to permit maintenance without major disassembly.
Weight and thermal Stresses: Suitable supports or anchors shall be provided and
located for piping to pumps and turbines so that excessive weight and thermal stresses will not be
applied to the casings and access areas around pumps and turbines are kept free. Careful design
consideration shall be given to piping configuration to minimize these stresses.
Compressor Piping: Large centrifugal or reciprocating compressors shall be of
a raised floor design so that piping and auxiliaries can be located below main operating platform.
Vibration: Particular attention shall be given to design of piping subject to vibration from
dynamic loading, associated with reciprocating compressors. Suction and discharge lines shall be
securely clamped and small piping around compressors and on the same support as suction and
discharge lines shall be well braced to reduce vibration.
Reciprocating compressor: Reciprocating compressor suction and discharge piping
shall be run on sleepers at grade, if at all possible. This arrangement permits simple and effective
clamping of the lines. Removable spool pieces shall be provided at compressors where needed to
permit maintenance without major piping disassembly. Suction piping to centrifugal compressors
should be designed to allow sufficient straight length i.e., 5 D minimum of pipe immediately ahead
of suction nozzle, to allow dissipation of undesirable flow distortion caused by elbows, valves or
other fittings upstream and velocity in line.
Burner piping at fired heaters: Burner piping shall be kept clear of all access and
observation openings. Adequate space for removal of heater tubes shall be kept for its
maintenance, piping to the burners shall be made using unions, flexible connectors to provide for
easy and convenient removal of burners for maintenance. Supply piping of fuel gas shall be
arranged for equal flow distribution and shall be provided with condensate legs, knockout pots
or other approved methods for the collection and elimination of condensate.
Steam Traps: All steam traps discharging to a closed system are to have a block valve
upstream and downstream of the trap. A bypass valve shall be installed around the block valves
and a stop valve shall be installed at a low point ahead of the upstream block valve. Check valve
shall be installed on the upstream of the steam trap, in case of discharging to a closed
system.
Valve Lactation & Accessibility: All valves requiring attention during normal operation
shall be operable either from grade or platform or fixed ladder. Non–operating valves and
instruments connections may have fixed ladder. Non –operating valve is one that is used to shut off
a piece of equipment or system for maintenance. Installation of drain operation valve should be
avoided as far as possible.
Orifice Runs: Horizontal meter runs are preferred. Necessary straight runs upstream and downstream
orifice plates shall be provided in accordance to API RP 550 Part- I. Sufficient clearance at orifice
flange for installation of instrument piping and seal pots, where required, shall be provided.
Offsite and Yard piping: In general the pipes shall be laid at grade level on sleepers at 300 mm high
from grade level. Pipes at crossing of roads shall be under culverts in general. Pipe sleeves may be
considered where one or two pipes are to cross the road.
A Flange
A = R1 + R2 + 25 mm
R1 = Radius of Smaller Pipe
R2 = Radius of Bigger Pipe Flange
Underground Piping: Branches, which rise above grade level and originate from underground
header, are to have a pair of flanges approximately 300 mm grade level.
Overhead clearances: Equipment, structure, platforms, piping & its supports shall be arranged to
provide the following clearance overhead:
Over railroads, top of rail to bottom of any obstruction 7.25 m
Over plant roads for major mobile equipment 7.25 m
Bottom of pipe Over secondary roads and mobile equipment 5.5 m
Bottom of pipe over grade inside battery limit and at pump row 4m
Over walk–ways, pass–ways platforms to nearest obstruction 2.5 m
Over exchangers shell cover channel end. 2M
Horizontal clearances: Equipment, structure, platforms, piping & its supports shall be arranged to
provide the following clearance horizontally:
Between exchangers (aisles between piping) 1m
Around pumps (aisles between piping) 1m
Fired heaters to flammable stock handling pump 16 m
Fired heaters to other equipment not closely associated with heaters. 16 m
At driver end of pumps, where truck access is required 4m
At driver end of pumps where truck access is not required 2m
Distance between shells of adjacent vessels / exchangers at grade. 1.5 m
Pipe berthing underground 500 mm
Minimum clear gap between Bare pipes above ground = X mm
Where, X = (Small pipe Dia. +Bigger pipe flange Dia. + 25 mm.)
Equipment spacing (Centre -to- centre distance):
Small pumps mounted on common foundations (3.7 kW & less) 800 mm
Medium pumps (22.5 kW & less) 1m
Larger pumps (Above 22.5 kW) 2m
Exchangers and other equipment on structures Minimum clear distance
1m
Platforms:
Towers, vertical & horizontal vessels 800 mm
Distance of platforms below Centreline of manhole flange 1-1.2 m
Width of manhole platform from manhole cover to outside edge 1m
Platform extension beyond centreline of manhole side
Horizontal exchanger:
Clearance in front channels or bonnets flange 1500mm
(Heat exchanger tube bundle length + 1 m)
Bundle removal space Min. clearance from edge of flanges = Y
Where, Y = (300 mm + Length of tube bundle)
Vertical exchanger:
Distance of platform below top flange of channel or bonnet 1500mm
Furnaces:
Width of the platform at side of horizontal and vertical tube furnace (Min.)
1000mm
Width of platform at ends of horizontal tube furnaces (min.)
1000mm
4.13 Design Example 1
A facility requires an up gradation to their existing wastewater treatment system. The treatment system
is required to reduce the dissolved metal content of two process waste water units before
introduction into a biologically based central treatment plant. The wastewaters are produced from a
plating process (Process A) and from the finishing stages of a metal fabrication facility (Process B).
The latter includes metal cleaning using organic solvents and painting operations. The renovation
includes the splitting of an existing, covered, concrete wet well (P1560). Half of the wet well will
now act as an influent wet well (P1560) to a new treatment train and the other half will act as the
clear well (P1510) for the effluent from the new treatment system. The new treatment system will
include a low-profile air stripper to reduce solvent concentrations followed by a ferrous-based
precipitation reactor and associated flocculation tank and clarifier. Following Figures are the flow
diagram of the proposed pre-treatment system renovation, and the piping and instrumentation diagram,
the general equipment arrangement with the anticipated piping layout.
The influent to the pre-treatment system averages 3.79 x 10-3 m3/s with a maximum future flow of 5.36
x 10-3 m3 /s and process temperatures of 16C-minimum, 23.9C normal, and 46C-maximum. The
average pH is 5.4 due to the presence of chromic and sulphuric acids, although occasional upsets
have produced pH as low as 3.6. The pollutant concentrations are summarized in following Table.
Tube: A tube is a long hollow cylinder used to convey fluids (liquids or gases). The terms "pipe" and
"tube" are almost interchangeable, but still has although minor distinctions. The term tubing is
sometimes used for lighter-weight piping, especially flexible enough to be supplied in coiled form.
Tube is specified by the OD or ID and wall thickness. The tubes are specified by actual inside
diameter or outside diameter and wall thickness. However, Tube assemblies are also constructed
with the use of tube fittings.
Applicable Codes and Standards
IS: 1230: Cast Iron Rain Water Pipe and Fittings
IS: 1239: Specification for MS Tubes and other Wrought steel Pipes
and Fittings.
IS: 3589: Specification for MS Tubes and other Wrought Steel Pipes
and Fittings
ASTM A53: Black, hot-dipped and zinc-coated pipes (Seamless/Welded)
ASTM A106: Carbon steel pipe for high temperature service (Seamless)
ASTM A 135 Electric-Resistance-Welded Steel Pipe
ASTM A179: Cold-Drawn Low-Carbon Steel Heat Exchanger and
Condenser tube (Seamless)
ASTM A192: Carbon Steel Boiler Tubes for High Temperature Service (Seamless)
ASTM A209: Carbon-Molybdenum Alloy Steel Boiler and Super
heater
Tube (Seamless)
ASTM A210: Medium Carbon Steel Boiler and Super heater Tubes
(Seamless)
ASTM A213: Ferritic and Austenitic Alloy Steel Boiler, Super heater
and
Heat Exchanger Tubes (Seamless)
ASTM A312: Austenitic stainless steel pipe (Seamless/Welded)
ASTM A333: Specification for Seamless and Welded Steel pipes for
LTCS.
ASTM A334: Carbon and Alloy Steel Tubes for LTCS
ASTM A335: Ferritic Alloy Steel pipe for High Temperature service
ASTM A358: Austenitic Chr-Nil Alloy Steel pipe for High
Temperature
Service (E.Fs.W)
ASTM A409: Austenitic Steel pipes for high temperature service
ASTM A450: Requirements for Carbon, Ferritic and Austenitic Alloy
Tubes.
ASTM A524: Carbon Steel pipe for atmospheric or low temperature service
ASTM A530: Requirements for specialized Carbon and Alloy Steel pipe.
ASTM A671: Steel Pipe for atmospheric or low temperature service
(E.Fs.W)
ASTM A672: Steel pipe for High Pressure Service at moderate
temperature (E.Fs.W)
ASTM A691: Carbon and Alloy Steel pipe for high-pressure service
(E.Fs.W)
ASTM B93-11: Seamless Low Carbon Steel Hydraulic Line Tubing
ASTM SB-42: Seamless Copper Pipe, Standard sizes
ASTM SB-43: Seamless Red Brass Pipe, Standard Sizes
ASTM SB-75: Seamless Copper Tube
ASTM SB-163:Seamless Nickel and Nickel Alloy Condenser and Heat
Exchanger Tubes
ASTM SB-165:Nickel-Copper Alloy (UNS N04400) Seamless Pipes and
ASTM SB-167: Ni-Chr-Iron Alloys (UNS) Seamless Pipe and Tubes
ASTM SB-210: Aluminium and Aluminium-Alloy Seamless Tubes
ASTM SB-234: Aluminium-Alloy Tubes for Condensers and Heat
Exchangers
ASTM SB-241:Aluminium-Alloy Seamless Pipe and Seamless Tube
ASTM SB-337: Titanium and Titanium Alloy Pipes
ASTM SB-338:Seamless Titanium Alloy Tubes for Condensers and
Heat Exchangers
ASTM SB-395:Copper-Alloy Heat Exchanger and Condenser Tubes
ASTM SB-407: Nickel-Iron-Chromium Alloy Seamless Pipe and Tube
ASTM SB-444: Ni-Cr-Molybdenum-Columbium Alloy (UNS N06625) Pipe and
Tube
ASTM SB-466: Seamless Copper-Nickel Pipe and Tube
ASTM SB-523:Zirconium and Zirconium Alloy Tubes (Seamless/ Welded)
ASTM SB-658: Zirconium and Zirconium Alloy Pipes (Seamless/Welded)
ASTM SB-668: UNS N08028 Seamless Tubes
ASTM SB-829:General Requirement for Nickel-Alloy Seamless Pipe and
ASTM F1173: Epoxy thermo set pipe conveying seawater in a marine
environment.
API 5L: Specification for Carbon Steel Line Pipe (Seamless/Welded)
API 5LS: Carbon Steel Line Pipe (Spiral Welded)
API 5LX: Specification for CS High Pressure Line Pipe
API 15LR: Low-pressure fibreglass reinforced thermo set pipe.
NACE: Sulphide Stress Corrosion Cracking Resistant Metallic
Material for oil field
(MR-01-75) Equipment
ASTM D 2310 Machine-made reinforced thermosetting pipe.
ASTM D 2996 Filament wound fibreglass-reinforced thermo set pipe.
ASTM D 2997 centrifugally cast reinforced thermo set pipe.
ASTM D 3517 Fibreglass reinforced thermo set pipe conveying water.
ASTM D 3754 Fibreglass reinforced thermo set pipe conveying industrial
process liquids and wastes.
Pipe Manufacturing: There are three processes for metallic pipe manufacture. (i) Centrifugal casting
of hot alloyed metal. (ii) Seamless (SMLS) pipe is formed by drawing a solid billet over a piercing
rod to create the hollow shell. (iii) Electric Resistance Welded ("ERW"), and Electric Fusion Welded
("EFW") pipe is formed by rolling plate and welding the seam. The weld flash is removed from the
outside or inside surfaces using a scarfing blade. Welded pipe often has tighter dimensional
tolerances than seamless, and is cheaper. Large-diameter pipe is ERW, EFW or Submerged Arc
Welded ("SAW").
(a) Seamless Pipe: The Seamless Pipe of Material Specifications API 5L & 5LX; ASTM A53;
ASTM A106; ASTM A333; ASTM A335 of sizes up to 762 mm O. D. are made by these processes.
(i) In the seamless pipe-making process tube rounds are heated in a furnace, after which they are
pierced, then rolled by the Mandrel or Plug-Mill process into pipes and tubes of specified diameters
and wall thicknesses. Seamless tubular products are generally hot-rolled, but can also be supplied
cold-drawn (up to 273 mm O. D.) when required. (ii) The “Push-Bench” process can also be used in
the manufacture of seamless pipe. In this process, a steel billet is furnace heated to the plastic state
and partly punched at one end to take a mandrel. The billet is then forced by the mandrel through a
series of gradually reducing dies, until the required outside diameter has been attained, the I.D. being
determined by the size of the mandrel.
(b) Electric Resistance Welding (E. R. W.) Pipe: The E R W Pipe of Material Specifications API
5L & 5LX; ASTM A53; ASTM A135; ASTM A252; ASTM A333 of sizes up to 610 mm O. D. are
made by this process. The E R W Pipe is manufactured with a process is described below. At the
pipe mill, the strip is uncoiled, levelled and crop-sheared. It is then trimmed on both sides
simultaneously to correct width and immediately fed into the forming and welding line. During the
process, the strip is closely checked for surface defects. A series of cold forming rolls changes the
strip progressively into tubular form with abutting edges on top. The longitudinal edges are joined by
high frequency electric resistance welding. The weld is then heat treated electrically. Special devices
remove inside and outside flash from the weld to give uniform wall thickness of the pipe. The welded
part is then heat-treated by post annealing to ensure adequate ductility at the weld and adjacent zone.
The pipe is passed through a series of cold sizing rolls to progressively reduce the diameter to
accurate size. This operation also increases strength and improves surface condition. The pipe is then
cut to specified length by a flying cut-off machine. After the straightening operation, ends of the pipe
are cropped, then squared or bevelled depending on end finish requirements. The pipe is then
hydrostatically tested to specified pressure. Also test specimens are taken during the process to check
chemical and mechanical properties. Each length of pipe is inspected by the ultrasonic method on the
weld and checked as to diameter, wall thickness, surfaces, end finish, camber and concentricity. The
length and weight of pipe is measured and recorded and protective coating is applied on the outside
surface.
(c) Submerged Arc Welded (S A W) Pipe: The Submerged Arc Welded (S A W) Pipe of Material
Specifications API 5L, 5LX & 5LU; and ASTM A53; of sizes up to 1820 mm O. D. are made by these
processes. Steel plates are first U-shaped then O-formed by a hydraulic press. The seam is welded
from inside and outside automatically by the submerged-arc process. Hydraulic expansion gives the
pipe precise diameter and roundness and relieves residual stresses caused by forming and welding.
Pipe Sizes & Dimensions: There are two common methods for designating pipe outside diameter
(OD). The North American method is called NPS ("Nominal Pipe Size") and is based on inches
(frequently referred to as NB ("Nominal Bore")). The European version is called DN ("Diameter
Nominal" / "Nominal Diameter") and is based on millimetres. Designating the outside diameter
allows pipes of the same size to be fit together no matter what the wall thickness. As per American
Standard, Pipe size is specified with two non-dimensional numbers: (i) a Nominal Pipe Size (NPS)
for diameter in inches, and (ii) Thickness or Schedule (Sch.). DN (Nominal Diameter) is the
European designation of pipe size equivalent to NPS, in which sizes are measured in millimetres. The
term NB (Nominal Bore) is frequently used with NPS.
The American Standards Association (ASA) created a system of schedule numbers that designated
wall thicknesses of pipe based on smaller steps between sizes. The Pipe Schedule, like Standard
(STD), Extra Strong (XS), Double Extra Strong (XXS) standard, extra-heavy (XH), and double
extra-heavy (XXH) relates to a given pressure rating. STD is identical to SCH 40S, and 40S is
identical to 40 for NPS 1/8 to NPS 10, inclusive. XS is identical to SCH 80S, and 80S is identical to
80 for NPS 1/8 to NPS 8, inclusive. XXS wall is thicker than schedule 160 from NPS 1/8" to NPS 6"
inclusive, and schedule 160 is thicker than XXS wall for NPS 8" and larger.
Stainless steel pipes have thinner walls with much less risk of failure due to corrosion. Accordingly,
thinner schedules, like 5S and 10S, which are based on the pressure requirements. The "S"
designation, like Sch 10S", most often indicates stainless steel pipes. However some stainless steel
pipes are available in steel designations, so strictly speaking the "S" designation only differentiates
B36.19M pipe from B36.10M pipe.
For NPS ⅛ to 12 inches, the NPS and OD values are different. The OD of an NPS 12” pipe is
actually 12.75 inches. The reason is that these NPS values were originally set to give the same inside
diameter (ID) based on wall thicknesses standard at the time. However, as the set of available wall
thicknesses evolved, the ID changed and NPS became only indirectly related to ID and OD. Tubing
size is always the actual OD.
For pipe sizes less than NPS 14 inch (DN 350), both methods give a nominal value for the OD that is
rounded off and is not the same as the actual OD. For example, NPS 2 inch and DN 50 is the same
pipe, but the actual OD is 2.375 inches or 60.33 millimetres. The only way to obtain the actual OD is
to look it up in a reference table.
For pipe sizes of NPS 14 inch (DN 350) and greater the NPS size is the actual diameter in inches and
the DN size is equal to NPS times 25 (not 25.4) rounded to a convenient multiple of 50. For example,
NPS 14 has an OD of 14 inches or 355.60 millimetres, and is equivalent to DN 350. Since the outside
diameter is fixed for a given pipe size, the inside diameter will vary depending on the wall thickness
of the pipe. For example, 2" Schedule 80 pipe has thicker walls and therefore a smaller inside
diameter than 2" Schedule 40 pipe.
of 3000, 6000, and 9000 lb non-shock rating. Socket Weld fittings should be as per ANSI B16.11.
Butt-Weld fittings of Carbon Steel, Ferritic Alloy Steels and Stainless Steel up to 24” NB should be
as per ANSI B16.9 or MSS-SP-43. Butt-Weld fittings of Carbon Steel, Ferritic Alloy Steels and
Stainless Steel up to 26” NB and larger should be as per MSS-SP-48. The bore of Socket Weld
fittings should be manufactured to suit the pipe O.D. and its thickness. Mitre Bends should be
fabricated with 5 times radius of the pipe nominal diameter in case of non-availability of forged
readymade Elbow on all lines up to 1.5” NB pipe. The pressure drop due to fittings is calculated by
including their equivalent length in the total length of the piping system. Equivalent lengths for welded
elbows and tees are included in table 2.2 of RP 14E. Stub-Weld fittings should not be used in
pressure piping. Fittings of lower schedule or thickness should not be used.
Threaded (Screwed) End Fittings: Forged steel screwed fittings are manufactured of 2000, 3000
and 6000 lb Ratings to ASTM A 105 and ANSI B16.11. Fitting’s threads should confirm to ANSI
B2.1 unless otherwise it is specified. Any threaded joints up to 200 0C should be made with 1” wide
PTFE jointing tape. Any threaded joints above 200 0C should be made with seal welded with a full
strength fillet weld. Threaded fittings have screwed (threaded) ends and they screw together to
connect. For fittings threads sizes, “½ to 14 NPT”, are made according to the NPT (American
Standard Pipe Taper Thread) standard. The word “taper” refers to the bottoms of the threads, which
is 1/16 inch in an inch as shown in the sketch below. Fitting threads make a leak proof mechanical
joint.
Because of the taper, a fitting can only screw onto a pipe a little distance before it jams. The standard
represents this distance, the effective thread. The standard also represents another distance, the
engagement, which is the distance the pipe can be screwed in by hand, without much effort. Various
threads available in pipe and pipe fittings are as follows: (i) Right-handed Threads; (ii) Left-handed
Threads. By turning it in a clockwise direction, the item turned moves away from the viewer. And it
is loosened by turning anticlockwise when the item moves towards the viewer. This is known as a
right-handed thread. Left-handed threads are oriented in the opposite direction.
Male Threads: In male threads, the threads of the pipe are on the outside. Here, tapered pipe threads
like NPT, BSPT are provides sealing without gaskets.
Female Threads: In female threads, the threads are on the inside. Here too, like male threads,
tapered pipe threads are used for sealing. There are Male Straight Thread and Female Straight Thread
too.
Applicable Codes and Standards
ASTM A105: Carbon Steel Forging for Piping Components
ASTM A 126 Gray Iron Castings for Valves, Flanges, and Pipe Fittings
ASTM A181: Carbon Steel Forging for General Purpose Piping Components
ASTM A182: Forged Alloy Steel Flanges, Fittings and Valves, and
Parts
for High-Temperature Service
ASTM A216: Carbon Steel Castings for high temperature Service
ASTM A217: Martensitic Stainless Steel and Alloy Steel Castings for
pressure containing Parts
ASTM A234: Wrought Carbon Steel Fittings for High Temperature Service
ASTM A350: Carbon and Low-Alloy Steel Forged Piping Components
Requiring Notch Toughness Testing
ASTM A351: Austenitic and Austenitic-Ferritic (Duplex) Castings for
Pressure Containing Parts
ASTM A352: Ferritic and Martensitic Steel Castings for Pressure
containing Parts suitable for Low-Temperature Service
ASTM A403: Wrought Austenitic Stainless Steel Piping Fittings
ASTM A420: Wrought Carbon Steel and Alloy Steel Fittings for Low-
Temperature Service
ASTM A592: Low-Alloy Steel, Quenched and Tempered, Forged
Fittings
and Parts for High Pressure and High Strength service
ASTM A815: Wrought Ferritic, Austenitic and Martensitic Stainless Steel
Piping Fittings
ANSI B1.1: Unified Inch Screw Threads (UN and UNR Thread Form)
ANSI B1.20.1: Pipe Threads, General Purpose (Inch)
ANSI B1.20.3: Dry seal Pipe Threads (Inch)
ANSI B1.20.7: House Coupling Screw Threads (Inch)
ANSI B2.1: Pipe Threads
ANSI B16.1: Cast Iron Flanges and Flanged Fittings, Classes 25, 125,
250, and 800
ANSI B16.3: Malleable Iron Threaded Fittings
ANSI B16.4: Grey Iron Threaded fittings
ANSI B16.5: Steel pipe flanges and flanged valves and fittings
ANSI B16.9: Wrought Steel butt welding fittings, dimension and Tolerance
ANSI B16.10: Face to face and end-to-end Dimensions of ferrous Valves
ANSI B16.11: Forged steel fittings (socket- welding and threaded)
ANSI B16.14: Ferrous pipe plugs, bushings, and lock nuts with pipe threads
ANSI B16.15: Cast Bronze Threaded Fittings, Class 125 and 250.
ANSI B16.20: Ring joint gaskets for pipe flanges
ANSI B16.21: Non-metallic gaskets for pipe flanges
ANSI B16.22: Wrought Copper and Copper Alloy Solder Joint Pressure Fittings
ANSI B16.24: Bronze Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings, Classes 150 and 300
ANSI B16.25: Butt-welded flanges and fittings
ANSI B16.26: Cast Copper Alloy Fittings for Flared Copper Tubes
ANSI B16.28: Wrought Steel Butt welding short radius Elbows and Returns
ANSI B16.31: Non-Ferrous Pipe Flanges
ANSI B16.34: Flanged, Threaded and Welding End Valves
ANSI B16.36: Orifice Flanges, Class 300, 600, 900, 1500, and 2500
ANSI B16.39: Malleable Iron Threaded Pipe Unions, Class 150, 250, and 300
ANSI B16.42: Ductile Iron Pie Flanges and Flanged Fittings,
ANSI B16.47: Large Diameter Steel Flanges, NPS 26 through NPS 60
ANSI B18.2.1: Square Hex Bolts and Screws, Including Hex Cap
Screws and Lag Screws.
ANSI B18.2.2: Square and Hex Nuts (Inch series)
ANSI B36.10M: Welded and Seamless Wrought Steel Pipe
ANSI B36.19M: Stainless Steel Pipe
ANSI B46.1: Code for Surface Texture (Surface Roughness, heaving and Lays)
IS 210: Grey Iron Castings
IS 554: Dimensions of Pipe Threads
MSS-SP: Manufacturers Standardization Society-Standard Practices
MSS-SP-6 Standard Finishes for contact surface for flanges
MSS-SP-25 Standard marking system for valves, fittings, flanges
MSS-SP-42 Class 150 corrosion resistant gate, globe and check valves
MSS SP-43 Wrought Stainless Steel Butt welding Fittings
MSS SP-44 Steel Pipeline Flanges
MSS SP-45 Bypass and Drain Connections
MSS SP-48 Carbon Steel Butt Welded Flanges
MSS SP-51 Class 150 LW Corrosion Resistant Cast Flanges and
Flanged Fittings
MSS-SP-52 Cast Iron Gate, Plug and Check Valves
MSS-SP-53 Standard for Steel Casting for Valves, Flanges and fittings
MSS-SP-56 Pipe hanger supports - Material, design and manufacture
MSS SP-58 Pipe Hangers and Supports - Materials, Design and
Manufacturer
MSS-SP-61 Pressure testing of valves
MSS SP-63 High Strength wrought welding Fittings
MSS SP-65 High Pressure Flanges and Threaded Stubs for use with
Lens Gaskets
MSS-SP-67 Butterfly Valves
MSS-SP-68 High Pressure off seat butterfly valves
MSS SP-69 Pipe Hangers and Supports - Selection and Application
MSS-SP-70 Cast Iron Gate valves
MSS-SP-71 Cast iron check valves
MSS-SP-72 Ball Valves
MSS SP-73 Brazing Joints for Wrought and Cast Copper Alloy – Solder
Joint Pressure Fittings
MSS SP-75 Specification for High Test Wrought Butt welding Fittings
MSS-SP-78 Cast iron plug valves
MSS-SP-80 Bronze gate, globe and check valves
MSS-SP-81 Stainless steel bonnet less knife gate valves
MSS-SP-83 Pipe unions
MSS-SP-85 Cast iron globe valves
MSS-SP-88 Diaphragm valves
MSS SP-89 Pipe Hangers and Supports - Fabrication and Installation Practices
MSS-SP-90 Pipe hangers and supports - guidelines on terminology
MSS-SP-92 MSS valves user guide
MSS SP-95 Swage (d) Nipples and Bull Plugs
MSS SP-104 Wrought Copper Solder Joint Pressure Fittings
MSS SP-106 Cast Copper Alloy Flanges and Flanged Fittings,
MSS-SP-108 Resilient seated eccentric CI plug valves
MSS SP-114 Corrosion Resistant Pipe Fittings Threaded and Socket
Welding
MSS SP-119 Balled End Socket Welding Fittings, Stainless Steel and
Copper-Nickel
MSS-SP-58: Material and Design of Pipe Hangers and Supports
MSS SP-69: Selection and application of pipe hangers and supports
ASTM A47: Ferritic Malleable Iron Castings
ASTM A278: Grey Iron Castings for pressure containing parts for
Temperature up to 650`F
STRUCTURAL STEEL
IS 226: Specification for structural Steel s
IS 2062: Specification for Structural Steels
ASTM A6: General Requirements for Rolled Steel Plates for Structural use
ASTM A36: Carbon Structural Steel
ASTM A283: Low and Intermediate Tensile Strength Carbon Steel Plates
Types of Pipe Flanges: There are many types of flanges based on their design and specifications.
Some of these types are as given in Table below in sizes 1/2" to 198".
Selection of Flanges: The comparison of flange types by pressure capacity, suitable pipe sizes,
applications or advantages are as below:
Flange Dimensional Tolerances: The Flange Dimensional Tolerance listed below includes those of
the ANSI B 16.5 and additional Manufacturing Tolerance covered by this standard.
Blind flanges & Blanks: All blind flanges and blanks shall be designed as per boiler & pressure
vessel code section VIII, Division I, UG – 34 and in accordance with following equations:
Materials of Flanges: Pipe flanges can be made from a number of different materials depending on
the piping material and the requirements of the application. Selection depends on factors such as
environmental corrosion, operating temperature, flow pressure, and economy. Some of the most
common materials include carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, cast iron, copper, and PVC.
Alloy steel: Alloy steel is steel alloyed with one or more elements which enhance or change the
steel's properties. Common alloys include manganese, vanadium, nickel, molybdenum, and chromium.
Alloy steels are differentiated based on standard grades. For specific information on individual types
of alloying elements, please visit the Metals and Alloys section on Global Specifications.
Aluminium: Aluminium is a malleable, ductile, low density metal with medium strength. It has better
corrosion resistance than typical carbon and alloy steels. It is most useful in constructing flanges
requiring both strength and low weight. For more information on aluminium, please visit the
Aluminium and Aluminium Alloys area on Global Specifications.
Brass: Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, often with additional elements such as lead or tin. It is
characterized by good strength, excellent high temperature ductility, reasonable cold ductility, good
conductivity, excellent corrosion resistance, and good bearing properties. For more information on
brass and other copper alloys, please visit the Copper, Brass, and Bronze Alloys area on Global
Specifications.
Carbon steel: Carbon steel is steel alloyed primarily with carbon. It has a high hardness and strength
which increases with carbon content, but lowers ductility and melting point. For more information on
carbon and alloy steels, please visit the Carbon Steels and Alloy Steels area on Global
Specifications.
Cast iron: Cast iron is iron alloyed with carbon, silicon, and a number of other alloying elements.
Silicon forces carbon out of the iron, forming a black graphite layer on the exterior of the metal. Cast
irons have good fluidity, cast ability, machine ability, and wear resistance but tend to be somewhat
brittle with low melting points. For more information on cast irons, please visit the Cast Irons area on
Global Specifications.
PVC: PVC or polyvinyl chloride is a thermoplastic polymer that is inexpensive, durable, and easy to
assemble. It is resistant to both chemical and biological corrosion. By adding plasticizers it can be
made softer and more flexible.
Stainless steel: Stainless steel is steel alloyed with chromium in amounts above 10%. Chromium
enables stainless steel to have a much higher corrosion resistance than carbon steel, which rusts
readily from air and moisture exposure. This makes stainless steel better suited for corrosive
applications that also require high strength. For more information on stainless steel alloys, please
visit the Stainless Steel Alloys area on Global Specifications.
Method of Flange Attachment: Method of attachment is a distinguishing feature of the flanges.
Typically, flanges are attached to pipes via welding or threading.
Weld Joint: Welding joint joins the flanges to the pipe by melting the work pieces and filler material
s together and then solidifying the same. Welding is the most effective method of flange connection
and so most pipe flanges are designed to be welded to pipes.
Thread Joint: Thread Joint joins the flanges to the pipe by use of threads. This is applied to flanges
and pipes to allow the connections to be screwed together in a manner similar to nuts or bolts.
Physical Specifications: Physical specifications for flanges include dimensions and design shapes so
that a flange must fit the pipe or equipment for which it is designed. Physical dimensions should be
specified in order to size flanges correctly.
Outside diameter (OD): Outside diameter (OD) is the distance between two opposing edges of a
flange's face.
Thickness: Thickness refers to the thickness of the attaching outer rim, and does not include the part
of the flange that holds the pipe.
Bolt circle diameter: Bolt circle diameter is the length from the centre of a bolt hole to the centre of
the opposing hole.
Flange size: Flange size is corresponding pipe size, generally made according to accepted standards.
It is usually specified by two non-dimensional numbers, nominal pipe size (NPS) and schedule
(SCH). Nominal bore size is the inner diameter of the flange connector. When manufacturing and
ordering any type of pipe connector, it is important to match the bore size of the piece with the bore
size of the mating pipe.
VALVE TYPES
Valves are of different types like, Ball Valve, Gate Valve, Plug Valve, Butterfly Valve, Globe Valve,
Diaphragm Valve, Needle Valve, and Check Valve, Pressure Safety Valve and Control Valve. Brief,
discussions of the advantages, disadvantages, and design features for each type of valve are given
below.
(i) Ball Valve: Ball Valve has a spherical disc (ball) with a hole/port in the centre to control the flow
through it. When the port of the valve is in line with both ends of pipe, flow will occur. When the hole
is perpendicular to the axis of the pipe, the valve is closed and flow is blocked. The handle or lever
is in line with the port position indicates the valve's position. Ball valves are durable and usually
work to achieve perfect shutoff even after years of use. They are therefore an excellent choice for
shutoff applications and are often preferred to globe valves and gate valves for the purpose. Ball
valve’s supporting pressures is up to 1000 bars and temperatures up to 482°F (250°C). Sizes
typically range from 0.5 to 12 inches. They are easy to repair and operate. The body of ball valves is
made of steel and ball is often chrome plated to make it more durable. Ball Valve is ideal for quick
shut-off, or on/off control without pressure drop by a 90° turn as compared to multiple turns required
on most manual valves.
Ball valves are not suitable for throttling because, the partially open position sealing surfaces on the
exterior of the ball is exposed to abrasion by process fluids. In critical service, consideration should
be given to purchasing ball valves with lubrication fittings for the ball seats, as well as for the stem,
since lubrication is sometimes necessary to prevent minor leaks or reduce operating torque. They are
sometimes preferred to globe valves and gate valves. Although, ball valves cannot offer the fine
control that may be required in throttling applications but are still sometimes used for this purpose.
Ball valves have certain characteristics which make them superior to other valves, such as positive
shut off; quick in action; no lubrication required; visual on/off indication; compact design; longer life;
corrosion resistant; low pressure drop and simplicity. They are used in situations where tight shut-off
is required; They are wide duty pipe valves; They are able to transfer liquids with suspended solids
(slurries), gases, liquids; They provide superior ease of operation; They can maintain and regulate
high volume, high pressure and high temperature flow; The ball valve body design permits inspection
as well as repair of seats and seals without removing the valves’ body from the line; Fire safe ball
valves provide effective shut-off during or following a fire or when exposed to excessive
temperatures; Full port Ball valves are used in gas and oil pipelines where pigging is required.
A) Types of Ball Valves on the basis of Body Styles: Ball valves are single body, three piece body,
split body, top entry, or welded type. The difference is based on how the pieces of the valve,
specially the casing that contains the ball itself, are assembled. The valve operation is the same in
each case.
B) Types of Ball Valves on the basis of Bore of the Ball: Ball valves are (i) Full Port or Full Bore
Ball Valve: Full Port or more commonly known full bore ball valve, which has an over-sized ball so
that the hole in the ball is the same size as the pipeline resulting in lower friction loss. Flow is
unrestricted but the valve is larger and more expensive so this is only used where free flow is
required, such as, in pipelines which require pigging. (ii) Reduced Port (Reduced Bore) Ball
Valve: Reduced Port Ball Valve has either a 'v' shaped ball or a 'v' shaped seat. This allows the
orifice to be opened and closed in a more controlled manner with a closer to linear flow
characteristic. When the valve is in the closed position and opening is commenced the small end of
the 'v' is opened first allowing stable flow control during this stage. This requires more robust body
construction due to higher velocities of the fluids, which might damage a standard valve. Reduced
Port or more commonly known reduced bore ball valves, flow through the valve is one pipe size
smaller than the pipe size resulting in flow area being smaller than pipe. As the flow discharge
remains constant and is equal to area of flow, area x velocity, A1V1 = A2V2, where ‘A’ is area and
‘V’ is the velocity, which increases with reduced area of flow. (iii) Trunion Ball Valve: Trunion Ball
Valve has additional mechanical anchoring of the ball at the top and the bottom, suitable for larger
and higher pressure valves. (iv) Cavity Filler Ball Valve: Many industries encounter problem with
residues in the ball valve. Where the fluid is meant for human consumption, residues may also be
health hazard, and when where the fluid changes from time to time contamination of one fluid with
another may occur. Residues arise because in the half open position of the ball valve a gap is created
between the ball bore and the body in which fluid can be trapped. To avoid the fluid getting into this
cavity, the cavity has to be plugged, which can be done by extending the seats in such a manner that it
is always in contact with the ball. This type of ball valve is known as Cavity Filler Ball Valve. (v) V-
port Ball Valve: One of the most popular flow controlling members of the V-port ball valve is a V-
port ball. A V-port ball valve utilizes a partial sphere that has a V- shaped notch in it. This notch
permits a wide range of service and produces an equal percentage flow characteristic. The
straightforward flow design produces very little pressure drop, and the valve is suited to the control
of erosive and viscous fluids or other services that have entrained solids or fibres. The V-port ball
remains in contact with the seal, which produces a shearing effect as the ball closes, thus minimizing
clogging. (vi) Three-way and four-way Ball Valve: Three-way ball valves with 3 ways have an L-
or T-shaped hole through the middle. It is easy to see that a T valve can connect
any pair of ports, or all three, together, but the 45 degree position which might
disconnect all three leaves no margin for error. The L valve can connect the
centre port to either side port, or disconnect all three, but it cannot connect the
side ports together. (v) Four-way Ball Valve: Four-way ball valves with 4
ways have the inlet way often being orthogonal to the plane of the outlets. The
operation is performed by rotating a single lever four-way valve. The 4-way
ball valve has two L-shaped ports in the ball that do not interconnect, sometimes referred to as a "X"
port.
C) Types of ball valves on the basis of Bore of the Seal: Ball Valves are available in both (i)
floating ball and (ii) Trunion-mounted designs. (i) Floating Ball Valve: Floating Ball Valves develop
high operating torque in high-pressure services or large diameters but tend to provide a better seal.
(ii) Trunion mounted Ball Valve: Trunion mounted ball valves turn more easily but may not seal
well. Thus, a trade-off decision is required to select the proper type for each application.
(ii) Gate valve: The gate valve is one of the most common valves used in liquid piping to turn on and
shut off the flow, isolating either a piece of equipment or a pipeline. Gate Valves have a gate or
wedge that moves perpendicular to flow of the service. In the up position, the valve is open. In the
down position, the valve is closed. The distinct feature of a gate valve is the sealing of passages by
the gate / wedge and seats. The gate faces are a wedge shape or parallel shape. The Gate Valves or
Sluice Valves are opened by lifting a round or rectangular gate or wedge out of the path of the fluid in
pipe.
Gate Valve Solid Wedge Type Parallel Slide
Type
Gate valves are used to permit or prevent the flow of liquids, but not for regulating the flow. The flow
path in gate valve is enlarged with respect to percent of opening. A partially open gate disk at the
beginning tends to vibrate due to the fluid flow. Most of the flow make change near shutoff with a
relatively high fluid velocity causing disk and seat wear and there is leakage if it is used to regulate
flow. The gate valves are designed to be fully opened or closed. Gate valves have either a rising or a
non-rising stem. Rising stems provide a visual indication of valve position because the stem is
attached to the gate such that the gate and stem rise and lower together as the valve is operated. Non-
rising stem valves have a pointer threaded onto the upper end of the stem to indicate valve position,
since the gate travels up or down the stem on the threads without raising or lowering the stem. Non-
rising stems are used underground or where vertical space is limited.
Types of Gate Valves on the basis of Gate or Wedge: There are two types of gate valves
depending on the disc design. They are: (i) Parallel gate valve: Parallel gate valve uses a flat disc
gate between two parallel seats each at up upstream and downstream. Parallel gate valve is widely
used the pipeline industry. The parallel gate valve needs some assistance to seal properly which is
usually done in the form of a spring loaded or mechanically activated spreading action between the
two disc halves. (ii) Wedge-shaped gate valve: Wedge-shaped gate valve is of three types: (a) Solid
wedge: The solid wedge is the oldest form of gate valve and a drawback to this design is that it does
not have any flexibility. There is the chance of solid disc getting jammed in the seats if there is any
valve body/seat distortion due to extreme temperature fluctuations. (b) Flexible wedge: The flexible
wedge gate valve has a groove or slot around its periphery, which can adapt to temperature changes
and adverse piping stresses without binding. (iii) Split wedge: This is a two-piece design having
mating surfaces on the back side of each disc half. This allows the downward stem thrust to be
uniformly transferred to the disc faces and onto the seats. This provides protection against jamming
due to thermal expansion.
Types of Gate Valves on the basis of Body & Bonnet: There are five body/bonnet joint designs in
gate valves. They are: (i) Screwed Bonnet: This is the simplest design available and it is used for
inexpensive valves. (ii) Union Bonnet: This design allows for easier disassembly for repair and
maintenance. (iii) Bolted-Bonnet: The most popular design and used in large number of gate valves.
This requires a gasket to seal the joint between the body and bonnet. (iv) Welded-Bonnet: This is a
popular design where disassembly is not required. They are lighter in weight than their bolted-bonnet
counterparts. (v) Pressure-Seal Bonnet: The higher the body cavity pressure, the greater the force on
the gasket in a pressure -seal valve. They are used extensively for high-pressure high-temperature
applications.
Gate valves are useful in applications involving slurries, heavy oils, varnish, light grease, steam, oil,
gas, natural gas, honey, molasses, cream non-flammable viscous liquids, high pressure, high
temperature steam applications, and in chemical plant, refinery, pipeline industry, salt working
pipelines, power industry and any other and industrial facility in the world.
(iii) Globe Valve: Globe Valves are two-port valves openings in the body for fluid flowing in or out
vertical to the flow stream in pipe. A Globe Valve is used for regulating flow, which consists of a
movable disk-type element and a stationary ring seat in a body. This has an opening that forms a seat
onto which a movable disc connected to a stem which is operated by screw action in manual valves.
Automatic globe valves use sliding stems. Automatic globe valves have a smooth stem rather than
threaded and are opened and closed by an actuator assembly. When a globe valve is manually
operated, the stem is turned by a hand wheel. Globe valves are used for applications requiring
throttling and frequent operation, like sampling valves, which are normally shut except when liquid
samples are being taken. Globe Valves are not recommended where full, un-obstructed flow is
required as the baffle restricts flow.
The bonnet is connected to the body and provides the containment of the fluid, gas, or slurry that is
being controlled. The bonnet provides a leak proof closure for the valve body. The threaded section
of the stem goes through a hole with matching threads in the bonnet. Globe valves may have a screw-
in, union, or bolted bonnet. Screw-in bonnet is the simplest bonnet, offering a durable, pressure-tight
seal. Union bonnet is suitable for applications requiring frequent inspection or cleaning. It also gives
the body added strength. A bonnet attached with bolts is used for larger or higher pressure
applications. The bonnet also contains the packing, a wearable material that maintains the seal
between the bonnet and the stem during valve cycling. The closure members of the valve are discs,
which are connected to the stem and slid or screwed up or down to throttle the flow. Stems are either
smooth for actuator controlled valves or threaded for manual valves. The seat ring provides a stable,
uniform and replaceable shut off surface. Seat rings are usually held in place by pressure from the
fastening of the bonnet to the top of the body. Globe valves consist of the following movable parts:
the disk; the stem, and the hand wheel. The stem is the connection between the hand wheel and the
disk.
Type of Globe valves: Globe valves are available in three main body designs, they are as follows:
(i) Angle design: The inlet and outlet are perpendicular to each other and the purpose is to
transferring flow from vertical to horizontal; (ii) Y-design: Here, the globe valve derives its linear
action from the incline between the inlet's axis and outlet ports; (iii) Multi-piece design: In the multi-
piece design, the bodies of valves are bolted together and here the inlet and the outlet are not of single
piece construction.
Features of globe valves: Liquid flow does not pass straight through globe valves. Therefore, it
causes an increased resistance to flow and a considerable pressure drop. A globe valve opens in
direct proportion to the number of turns of its actuator, which allows globe valves to closely regulate
flow, even with manual operators. Most globe valves have outside screw rising stem construction.
Here the threads are away from the line fluid and hence they are easy to lubricate.
Globe valves are suitable for most on off, non-vibrating hydrocarbon or utilities service for all
temperature ranges. Globe valves have better torque characteristics than ball valves or plug valves,
but do not have the easy operability of quarter turn action. Globe valves with unprotected rising stems
are not recommended since the marine environment can corrode exposed stems and threads, making
the valves hard to operate and damaging stem packing. Globe valves are used for throttling service.
Globe valves are suitable for throttling especially with fluids containing sand can damage the sealing
surfaces and when good throttling control is required.
(iv) Butterfly valve: A Butterfly Valves stop, regulate, and allow the fluid flow easily and quickly
because there is a 90 degree rotation of the handle which moves the disk from a fully closed to fully
opened position. Butterfly valves provide a high capacity with low-pressure loss and are durable,
efficient, and reliable and have their seating surface. The disc impinges against a resilient liner and
provides bubble tightness with very low operating torque. Butterfly valves exhibit an approximately
equal percentage of flow characteristics and can be used for throttling service or for on/off control. It
is difficult to accomplish a leak-tight seal with a butterfly valve. Where a tight seal is required, these
valves should be limited to low-pressure, low-temperature (200 psig, 150 0F) water service.
Butterfly valves are suitable for throttling applications in water service and other applications where
a tight shutoff is not required. The Butterfly valve uses a flat plate to open and close the pipe system
and to control the flow of water. Manually operated butterfly valves are closed quickly by 900 turn of
the handle, which allows for quick shut off and thus there is a danger of water hammer. Some butterfly
valves are equipped with an actuator that may be pneumatically or motor operated. Butterfly valves
are generally favoured because they are lower in cost to other valve as well as being lighter in
weight, meaning less support is required. The disc is positioned in the centre of the pipe, passing
through the disc is a rod connected to an actuator on the outside of the valve. Rotating the actuator
turns the disc either parallel or perpendicular to the flow. Unlike a ball valve, the disc is always
present within the flow; therefore a pressure drop is always induced in the flow, regardless of valve
position.
Diaphragm Check Butterfly Butterfly Valve
Valve Valve
There are different kinds of butterfly valves, each adapted for different pressures and different usage.
The resilient butterfly valve uses the flexibility of rubber and has the lowest pressure rating. The high
performance butterfly valve, used in slightly higher-pressure systems increases the valve's sealing
ability and decreases its tendency to wear. The valve best suited for high-pressure systems is the
triple offset butterfly valve, which makes use of a metal seat and is therefore able to withstand a
greater amount of pressure.
Types of Butterfly Valves: 1) Concentric Butterfly Valves: This has a resilient rubber seat with a
metal disc. 2) Double Eccentric Butterfly Valves: These are also referred as 'High Performance
Butterfly Valves' or 'Double Offset Butterfly Valves'. Different type of materials is used for seat and
disc. 3) Triple Eccentric Butterfly Valves: These are called 'Triple Offset Butterfly Valves'. Triple
offset valves are generally used in applications which require bi-directional tight shut-off in Oil &
Gas for dirty/ heavy oil to prevent extrusion.
Parts of a Butterfly valve: The butterfly valve consists of only five main components. They are as
follows: Body: These valves have bodies that fit between two pipe flanges. Disc: The disk is the
flow closure member of a butterfly valve. Stem: The stem of the butterfly valve is either a one-piece
shaft or a two-piece, also known as split-stem design. Seat: The seat of a butterfly valve utilizes an
interference fit between the disk edge and the seat to close or to shutoff.
(v) Check valve: Check valves, in the open position allows forward flow and in closed position
blocks the reverse flow. They are self-actuated and are meant for stopping the fluid flow. These
valves are opened, and sustained in the open position, by the force of the liquid velocity pressure.
The force of gravity or backflow closes them as and when required, automatically. The seating load
and tightness is dependent upon the amount of backpressure. Check Valve or “Non-Return Valve” or
“One-Way Valve” allows fluid to flow through it in only in one direction. Check Valve are used to
prevent flow reversal in piping systems. Check Valve is a mechanical device that allows fluid to flow
through it in only one direction. Check valves work automatically and do not have any valve handle
or stem. An important concept in check valves is the cracking pressure, which is the minimum
upstream pressure at which the valve will operate. Check Valve is specified for a specific cracking
pressure.
Types of Check Valves: Check valves work automatically and do not have any valve handle or stem.
They are self-activating safety valves. They permit gases and liquids to flow in only one direction.
There are various types of check valves used in a variety of applications. Typical check valves
include Ball Check Valve, Swing Check Valve, Tilting Disc Check Valve, Lift Check Valve, and Stop
Check Valve. Other check valve types are also available, however, like below: (i) Ball Check
Valve: Ball Check Valve has a spherical ball, which block the flow. In some ball check valves, the
ball is spring-loaded to help keep it shut. The interior surface of the main seats of ball check valves
are more or less conically-tapered to guide the ball into the seat and form a positive seal when
stopping reverse flow. A ball check valve, in the open position allows forward flow and in closed
position blocks the reverse flow. Ball check valves are often very small, simple, and cheap. They are
commonly used in liquid. Ball check valves are very similar to lift plug check valves. Since the ball
is lifted by fluid pressure, this type check valve does not have a tendency to slam, as does a swing
check valve. It is therefore preferable in sizes 2 inches or smaller for clean services that have
frequent flow reversals. (ii) Lift Check Valve: Lift Check Valve has the disc, which is lifted up off
its seat by higher pressure of inlet or upstream fluid to allow flow to the outlet or downstream side. A
guide keeps motion of the disc on a vertical line, so the valve can later reseat properly. When the
pressure is no longer higher, gravity or higher downstream pressure will cause the disc to lower onto
its seat, shutting the valve to stop reverse flow. Lift Check Valves also operate automatically by line
pressure. (iii) Diaphragm Check Valve: Diaphragm Check Valve uses a flexing rubber diaphragm
positioned to create a normally-closed valve. Pressure on the upstream side must be greater than the
pressure on the downstream side by a certain amount, known as the pressure differential, for the
check valve to open allowing flow. Once positive pressure stops, the diaphragm automatically flexes
back to its original closed position. (iv) Swing Check Valve: Swing Check Valve or tilting disc
check valve has the movable disc, which swings on a hinge or Trunion to block the flow, either onto
the seat to block reverse flow or off the seat to allow forward flow. The seat opening cross-section is
perpendicular to the centreline between the two ports or at an angle. Large check valves are often
swing check valves. Swing check valves are used to prevent flow reversal in horizontal direction or
in vertical upward direction. Swing check valves have discs that swing open and closed. The split
disc swing checks valve is a variation of the swing check design. The springs used to effect closure
may be subject to rapid failure due to erosion or corrosion.
(v) Tilting Disc Check Valve: Tilting disc check valves are pivoted circular discs mounted in a
cylindrical housing. These check valves have the ability to close rapidly, thereby minimizing
slamming, and vibrations. Tilting disc checks are used to prevent reversals in horizontal-flow or
vertical-up line flow, similar to swing check valves. Ivi) Stop Check Valve: Stop check valves have
a floating disc. Stop check valves are used in high pressure and hazardous applications. Sizing of
these valves is extremely important. Stop Check Valve override control to stop flow regardless of
flow direction or pressure. In addition to closing in response to backflow or insufficient forward
pressure (normal check-valve behaviour), it can also be deliberately shut by an external mechanism,
thereby preventing any flow regardless of forward pressure. (vii) Lift Plug Check Valve: Lift plug
check valves are only used in small, high-pressure lines, handling clean fluids. Lift plug valves can
be designed for use in either horizontal or vertical lines, but the two are not interchangeable. Since
lift plug valves usually depend on gravity for operation, they may be subject to fouling by paraffin or
debris. (viii) Piston Check Valve: Piston check valves are recommended for pulsating flow, such as
reciprocating compressor or pump discharge lines. They are not recommended for sandy or dirty fluid
service. Piston check valves are equipped with an orifice to control the rate of movement of the
piston; Orifices used for liquid services are considerably larger than orifices for gas services. A
piston check valve designed for gas service should not be used in liquid service unless the orifice in
the piston is changed.
(vi) Needle valve: Needle valves pinch an elastomeric sleeve shut in order to throttle the flow
through the pipeline. Because of the streamlined flow path, the Needle valve has very good fluid
capacity. Needle valves typically have a fairly linear characteristic. This position will vary the rate
of stem change as a function of position in order to match the flow characteristics desired. In some
instances, the cams are set up to provide an equal percentage flow characteristic through a Needle
valve. In the Needle valve, the throttling takes place in the elastomeric sleeve, and elastomeric
typically has very good abrasion resistance; Needle valves are often used for sampling point. Needle
Valves are basically miniature globe valves. They are frequently used for instrument and pressure
gage block valves, for throttling small volumes of instrument air, gas or hydraulic fluids, and for
reducing pressure pulsation in instrument lines. The small passageways through needle valves are
easily plugged, and this should be considered in their use. Needle Valves have a small port and a
threaded, needle-shaped, plunger. It allows precise regulation of flow at relatively low flow rates. A
needle valve has a relatively small orifice with a long and tapered seat and a needle-shaped plunger
on the end of a screw, which exactly fits this seat. Needle Valve is used to make relatively fine
adjustments in the amount of fluid flow. This valve is used widely because of its excellent control of
flow. However, instead of a disk in globe valve, a needle valve has a long tapered point at the end of
the valve stem. Since it takes many turns of the fine-threaded screw to retract the plunger, precise
regulation of the flow rate is possible. The virtue of the needle valve is from the vernier effect of the
ratio between the needle's length and its diameter, or the difference in diameter between needle and
seat. A long axial travel while controlling the input makes for a very small and precise change
affecting the resultant flow. Needle valves may be used in vacuum systems, when a very precise
control of gas flow is required, at low pressure, such as when filling gas-filled vacuum tubes, gas
lasers and similar devices. Needle valves are used in flow metering applications, especially when a
constant, calibrated, low flow rate must be maintained for some time, such as the idle fuel flow in a
carburettor. Since flow rates are low and many turns of the valve stem are required to completely
open or close, needle valves are not used for simple shutoff applications. Since the orifice is small
and the force advantage of the fine-threaded stem is high, needle valves are usually easy to shut off
completely, with merely "finger tight" pressure. Small, simple needle valves are often used as bleed
valves in hot water heating applications. Unlike a ball valve, or valves with a rising stem, it is not
easy to tell from examining the handle position whether the valve is open or closed.
Applications of Needle Valve: Needle Valve is suited for aggressive and high purity chemicals.
Needle valves are applied in situations where the flow must be gradually brought to a halt. They are
also used where precise adjustments of flow are necessary or where a small flow rate is desired.
(vii) Choke valve: Choke valve raises or lowers a solid cylinder which is placed around or inside
another cylinder, which has holes or slots and is used for high pressure drops found in oil and gas
wellheads.
(viii) Diaphragm valve (Membrane/ Bladder Valves): Diaphragm valves consist of a valve body
with two or more ports, a diaphragm, and a "saddle" or seat upon which the diaphragm closes the
valve. Their application is generally as shut-off valves in process systems in industries In Diaphragm
Valve, a diaphragm made of an Elastomeric is connected to the valve stem. Closure is accomplished
by pressing the diaphragm against a metal weir, which is a part of the valve body. Diaphragm valves
are used primarily for low-pressure water (200 psig or less) service. They are especially suitable
for systems containing appreciable sand or other solids.
Diaphragm Valve controls flow by a movement of a diaphragm. Upstream pressure, downstream
pressure, or an external source, e.g., pneumatic or hydraulic media, is used to change the position of
the diaphragm. There are two main categories of diaphragm valves, such as, (i) seals over a "weir"
(saddle) and (ii) seals over a seat. The main difference is that a saddle-type valve has its two ports in
line with each other on the opposite sides of the valve, whereas the seat-type has the in/out ports
located at a 90 degree angle from one another. The saddle type is the most common in process
applications and the seat-type is more commonly used as a tank bottom valve but exists also as a
process valve. Diaphragm valves can be manual operated or automatic. Diaphragm valves can be
controlled by various types of actuators e.g. manual, pneumatic, hydraulic or electric. The most
common diaphragm valves use pneumatic actuators; where air pressure is applied through a Schrader
valve which raises the diaphragm and opens the valve. This type of valve is extremely quick and as
such is one of the more common valves used in operations where valve speed is a necessity.
Diaphragm is made of Natural Rubber, Nitrile, Buna-N, EPDM, Viton, Silicone rubber or Fluorine
Plastic (FEP/F46, PTFE/F4, PFA, all with EPDM back).
(ix) Control Valve: A Control Valve is a full bore or full port valve which uses a pinching effect to
obstruct fluid flow. Major components of a Control Valve consist of body and a sleeve. A Control
Valve is the best type of valve for flow control application if the operation temperature is within the
limit of the polymer. Air operated Control Valve are very common. They generally consist of an
extremely elasticized reinforced rubber hose, a type of housing, and two socket end covers or flanges.
The rubber hoses of the air operated Pinch Valves are usually press-fitted and centred into the housing
ends by the socket end covers or flanges. The air operated Control Valve works without any
additional actuator; all it needs to close or operate is 30 psi air supply into the Control Valve body.
As soon as the air supply becomes interrupted and the volume of air exhausts, the elastic rubber hose
starts to open due to its great impact resilience.
The most important benefits of using air operated Control Valve are their complete and true full bore,
and the 100% tight shut off – even on solids such as granules, powders, pellets, chippings, fibres,
slivers, any kind of slurries and many more aggressive products.
Usually conventional valves such as ball valves, butterfly valves, piston valves or gate valves tend to
fail when in process with the above mentioned aggressive products. The reason is that the valve body
seat or the gate/piston of the valves wears out too quickly and the valve can no longer shut off tightly,
whereas air operated Control Valves work without almost any wear of the elastic rubber hose
because the kinetic energy of the solids are absorbed through the extremely high elasticity of the
rubber. The rubber mixture is also anti abrasive. Productivity, efficiency and accurate control are the
objective of any steam system.
(x) Piston valve: Piston valves are used for regulating fluids that carry solids in suspension. A
'piston valve' is a used to control the motion of a fluid along a pipe by means of the linear motion of a
piston within a chamber or cylinder. Cylindrical piston valves are used to change the length of tube in
the playing of most brass instruments, particularly the trumpet-like members of the family.
(xi) Plug valve: Plug valves have tapered cylindrical plugs or conically-tapered "plugs", which can
be rotated inside the valve body to control flow through the valve. Plug valves are available in
various types like given below:
The plugs have one or more hollow passageways through the plug, so that fluid can flow through the
plug when the valve is open. Plug valves are simple and often economical. Plug valves are also
known as cock or stop-cock valves. Plug valves are widely used for both on/off and throttling
services. The stem/handle is attached to the larger diameter end of the plug exposed outside the valve
body. The stem and handle often come in one piece. The ports are typically at opposite ends of the
body; therefore, the plug is rotated a quarter-turn to change from open to shut positions. Plug valves
are suitable for the same applications as ball valves and are also subject to similar temperature
limitations. Plug valves are available in either lubricated or non-lubricated designs. Lubricated plug
valves must be lubricated on a regular schedule to maintain a satisfactory seal and ease of operation.
In the non-lubricated design, Teflon, nylon or other “soft” material accomplishes the seal. They do not
require frequent maintenance lubrication but may be more difficult to free after prolonged setting in
one position. Plug valves are high capacity valves that are found widely in low pressure industrial
applications. They are extremely versatile valves that can be used for directional flow control. They
are used even in moderate vacuum systems. Plug valves can efficiently handle gas and liquid fuel.
They are safely handling extreme temperature flow, such as boiler feed water, condensate, and other
such elements. They are used to regulate the flow of liquids containing suspended solids, for example,
slurries.
(xii) Pressure Safety valve/ Pressure Relief Valves: Pressure relief valves are automatic pressure
relieving devices that protect piping systems and process equipment. The valves protect systems by
releasing excess pressure. During normal operation, the valve disc is held against the valve seat by a
spring. The spring is adjustable to the pressure at which the disc lifts. The valve disc lift is
proportional to the system pressure so that, as the system pressure increases, the force exerted by the
liquid on the disc forces the disc up and relieves the pressure. The valve will reseat when the
pressure is reduced below the set spring pressure. Pressure Safety Valve is a device for relieving
excess pressure or vacuum automatically from a boiler, pressure vessel, or other system, when the
pressure or temperature exceeds preset limits. It is also called “Pressure Safety Valve (PSV)” or
“Pressure Relief Valves (PRV)”. Safety valves are used on steam boilers and Vacuum safety valves or
Combined Pressure / Vacuum Safety Valves are used to prevent a tank from collapsing while
emptying it or when cold rinse water is used after hot CIP or SIP. Safety Valves protect equipment
such as Pressure Vessels and Heat Exchangers handling compressible fluid application (gas, vapour,
or steam) from (i) excess pressure due to thermal protection and (ii) flow protection. Pressure Relief
Valves against thermal protection are relatively small in size that provides protection from excess
pressure caused by thermal expansion. In this case a small valve is adequate because most liquids are
nearly incompressible, and so a relatively small amount of fluid discharged through the relief valve
will produce a substantial reduction in pressure. Pressure Relief Valves against flow protection are
considerably larger than those mounted in thermal protection.
Pilot-operated Safety Relief Valve (POSRV): Automatic system that relieves on remote command
from a pilot to which the static pressure (from equipment to protect) is connected. Low Pressure
Safety Valve (LPSV): Automatic system that relieves static pressure on a gas. Used when the
difference between the vessel pressure and the ambient atmospheric pressure is small. Vacuum
Pressure Safety Valve (VPSV): Automatic system that relieves static pressure on a gas. Used when
the pressure difference between the vessel pressure and the ambient pressure is small, negative and
near the atmospheric pressure. Low and Vacuum Pressure Safety Valve (LVPSV): Automatic
system that relieves static pressure on a gas. The pressure is small, negative or positive and near the
atmospheric pressure. Rupture Discs Valve: Rupture discs rupture automatically at a predetermined
pressure and will not recluse. These discs can relieve very large volumes of liquid in a rapid manner.
Materials of construction include metals, graphite or plastic materials held between special flanges
and of such a thickness, diameter and shape, and material, that it will rupture at a pre-determined
pressure. Reduced Pressure Backflow Prevention: Backflow prevention is handled by three main
methods, one by check valves, and another by pressure and vacuum breakers, and the third by a
reduced pressure backflow prevention assembly.
The pressure relief valves are a kind of safety valve, used widely in various industrial applications.
They are self-actuated valves manufactured to relieve excess pressure upstream from the line. They
are designed in such a way so as to provide protection from over-pressure in steam, gas, air and
liquid lines. The pressure relief valve "lets off steam" when safe pressure exceeds, and close
automatically when pressure drops to a preset level. The main purpose of pressure relief valve is to
provide protection from over-pressure in steam, air, gas and other liquid lines.
(xiv) Sampling valve: A Sampling Valve allows taking a representative portion of a fluid for
laboratory test. The Sampling Valve allows the operator to extract a sample of the product from the
production line or reactor and safely store it for transportation to the laboratory where it will be
analyzed or to the archive room where it can be retrieved for further use. Sampling raises two
problems. (i) If the liquid is a chemical substance that solidifies at room temperature such as polymer
or other plastics, it can block the valve and prevent a second sample to be taken. The residue of the
chemical substance that was flushed needs to be recycled or destroyed at a cost both for the chemical
plant and the environment. It is extremely important that the operator is not exposed to toxic fumes or
vapours when sampling hazardous chemicals or deadly substances. These can fatally harm people and
pollute the environment if released in the atmosphere. The different factors, like, material, pressure,
temperature rating, gaskets, size and position of the valve shall be considered for a Sampling Valve
according to the pipe specification of the plant.
(xv) Control valves: Control valves are used to control the flow, pressure, temperature or liquid
level by fully or partially opening or closing in response to signals received from controllers that
compare a "set point" to a "process variable" whose value is provided by sensors that monitor
changes in such conditions. The opening or closing of control valves is done automatically by
electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic actuators. Positioners are used to monitor the opening or closing of
the actuator based on electric or pneumatic signals.
Perforated trim is used to reduce the noise
level by splitting the flow into multiple
independent streams. Due to the complexity
of the fluid flow, noise and cavitations
calculations often required to size and
select an appropriate control valve. These
control signals are based on 3-15 psi (0.2-
1.0 bar) pressure or 4-20 mA current
signals for industry and 0-10V for HVAC
systems. The choice of valve for a
particular application depends on various
factors such as the fluid flow rate, the
process temperatures and pressures, and
whether the fluid is corrosive or abrasive.
The most common and versatile types of control valves are sliding-stem globe and angle valves. The
capacity of a valve is measured in Cv, Kv or Av and can be determined experimentally for a valve by
testing it by measuring the amount of water that flows through it at a certain pressure differential
across the valve.
(xvi) Pinch Valves: Pinch valves are full bore type of control valve. There is no obstruction to flow
passage. These kinds of valves are ideally suited for the handling of slurries, liquids with large
amounts of suspended solids. They are used in systems that convey solids pneumatically. Pinch valve
are linear action valves that can be used in both an off / on manner or in throttling service or in a
variable position.
Major components of a pinch valve are Stem, Body (Sleeve) and Pinching device. Pinch valves are
closed either by fluid actuation or manual means. Electro-mechanical closure takes place by actuating
a solenoid, which in turn lowers a bar or gate onto the sleeve, cutting off the flow. With fluid actuated
pinch valves, the pinching action is completed by air or hydraulic pressure placed directly on the
elastomeric sleeve. The pinch valve body acts as a built-in actuator, which eliminates costly
hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric operators. The pinch valve is closed mechanically with the
movement of the pinch bars located on opposite sides of the sleeve.
Pinch Valves offer position indication and noise reduction. They are used in the waste treatment plant.
They are useful in the handling of lime slurry and carbon-impregnated activated sludge. Pinch Valves
are considered to be reliable, maintenance-free, cost-effective valves. They are capable of handling
the most abrasive, tough slurries, dry solids in process industries and corrosive chemical
applications. Pinch Valves are just ideal to solve all process problems which are associated with
abrasive or corrosive fluid handling in various areas like: Pulp and paper, Mineral processing,
Power generation, Chemical handling, Effluent treatment and Water and wastewater handling.
(xvii) Pressure Reducing Valves: A pressure reducing valve, a popular category of pipe
valve, is used widely to reduce pressure in fluid flow, be it steam, air or gas or any kind of liquid.
This type of valve is also known as “Pressure Regulator”. It is a kind of throttling device. The
pressure reducing valve gives a constant reduced pressure in spite of fluctuations, within reasonable
limits and within the inlet pressure that is the incoming high pressure.
A pressure reducing valve automatically reduces the pressure from the water supply main to a lower
and a more sensible pressure. This continues so long the supply pressure does not drop below the
valve’s pre-set pressure.
(xviii) Air and Vacuum Relief Valves: In process piping in which air tends to collect within the
lines, air-release valves are necessary. A very common operating problem occurs when air collects
in the high places of the piping systems, producing air pockets. These air pockets can reduce the
effective area of the pipe through which the liquid can flow, causing a problem known as air binding.
Air binding results in pressure loss, thus increasing pumping costs. During start-up, shutdown or
during operation, it is common for process piping system to produce situations where air needs to be
exhausted or allowed to re-enter. The devices used include air-release valves, air-vacuum valves,
vacuum breakers, and combination air-release and air-vacuum valves. Air-release valves, if installed
on the line, eliminate these problems. Air-release valves should be installed at pumping stations
where air can enter the system, as well as at all high points in the pipeline system where air can
collect. Air-release valves automatically vent any air that accumulates in the piping system while the
system is in operation and under pressure.
Pressure and
Vacuum Breaker Vacuum
Breaker
The air-vacuum valves are used to prevent damage to the piping system due to over-pressurization,
velocity surges during filling, or collapse during draining. Air-vacuum valves are installed at piping
high points. These valves are float operated, have large discharge and inlet ports that are equal in
size, and automatically allow large volumes of air to be rapidly exhausted from or admitted into a
pipeline. Air-vacuum valves will not vent gases when the piping system is in normal operation and
under pressure. Air-release valves are designed for that purpose.
(xix) Blow down Valves: The blow down valves is used for operation in open position. The
main function of blow down valve is to control a continuous flow of steam /fluid under high
differential pressure.
At start-up, the blow down valve closes. This leads the air-oil separator pressure to build up. At
shut-down the valve opens to bleed the air-oil separator to atmosphere. This is when a pressure is
applied. The valve can also be used as a by-pass valve to bleed air with the help of the compressor at
start-up. These valves are appropriate for use with air compressors. They are used to help in the
removal of slug and unwanted materials after cleaning the pipes. Blow down valves are found on the
water feeders. They are also used to lower water cut-offs. They can control the concentration of
solids in the boiler.
(xx) Foot Valves: A foot valve is a kind of check valve fitted on the foot of a suction line to prevent
backflow. A foot valve is placed in the water source below a surface pump. The basic function is to
prevent water from flowing back down the pipe. In other words, it is a valve to allow the pump to
pull water up but does not allow the water to flow back down. This helps in keeping the pipe full of
water while the pump is not running. This kind of valve is available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and
materials.
Foot Valves prevent the pump column from draining upon pump shutdown. They are widely applied to
all kinds of pneumatic system. They are used in a suction line of the pumping system in a well. They
provide a positive sealing action at both low and high pressures without slamming.
Flat Plate Type Strainers are inserted directly in the line of fluid flow. They may also be used while
held in the hand. Flat plate strainers are designated as temporary, and used for start-up only.
(ii) Air Vent: Air Vent operation increases system efficiency by automatic and continuous removal of
air/gas from a pressurized liquid.
L = α Lo dt
Where, L = expansion (ft); Lo = length of pipe (ft); dt = temperature difference (oF); α = Mean
Coefficient of Linear Expansion (inch/inch oF); Mean Coefficient of Linear Expansion may vary with
temperature as shown below:
Mild Steel
(0.1 - 0.2% 7.1 7.8 8.3 8.7 9.0 9.5 9.7
C)
Stainless
Steel (18% 10.8 11.1 11.5 11.8 12.1 12.4 12.6 12.8
Cr. 8% Ni)
The above formula can also be used with SI units. The expansion coefficient must of course be
adjusted to o C.
Example: Expansion due to heating of Alloy Steel: The length of 100 feet of alloy steel pipe is
heated from 32 o F to 212 o F. The expansion coefficient is 8x10-6 (inch/inch o F).
The expansion can be expressed as: L = (8x10-6 inch/inch o F) x (100 feet) x (12 inch/feet) x (212 -
32) = 1.728 inch
Hence, all lines, which normally contain flammable or toxic materials, shall be provided with
adequate flexibility for steam out conditions at temperature of 120 C by adopting the suitable
Expansion Compensators. Expansion Compensators, such as Swivel Joints or Expansion Loops can
handle pipe movement. U shaped Expansion Loops are preferred when practical. Swivel joints may
be subject to leakage and must be properly maintained. Swivel Joints may be subject to failure if
improperly installed and should be avoided in pressure piping. Swivel Joints are often used in
engine exhaust systems and other low- pressure systems. When designing a piping system subject to
thermal expansion due to anticipated operating temperatures, the piping is restrained at supports,
anchors, and equipment nozzles. The thermal stresses and loads may be large and must be analyzed
and accounted for within the design. The system PFDs and P&IDs are analyzed to determine the
thermal conditions or modes to which the piping system will be subjected to during operation. Based
on this analysis, the design and material specification requirements are followed as an applicable
standard. The need for detailed thermal stress analysis is assessed for piping systems. The first
approach is to identify the operating conditions that will expose the piping to the most severe thermal
loading conditions. Once these conditions have been established, a free or unrestrained thermal
analysis of the piping is performed.
If the stress resulting from thermal expansion is less than 68.9 MPa (10 ksi), the pipe section analyzed
has sufficient flexibility to accommodate the thermal expansion and rigid supports can be utilized.
The terminal loadings on equipment determined from this analysis can then be used to assess the
equipment capabilities for withstanding the loading from the piping system. It should also be noted
that this analysis at equipment and anchor terminations should consider the movement and stress
impacts of the “cold” condition.
If the initial free thermal analysis indicates that the resulting stresses will require the piping system to
be designed to accommodate thermal expansion, the design should conform to applicable codes and
standards. A basic approach to assess the need for additional thermal stress analysis for piping
systems includes identifying operating conditions that will expose the piping to the most severe
thermal loading conditions. Once these conditions have been established, a thermal analysis of the
piping can be performed to establish location, sizing, and arrangement of expansion loops, or
expansion joints (generally, bellows or slip types).
Type of Expansion Loops and its Application:
(I) Simple Expansion Joints: Expansion joints may be used on large diameter piping, relief systems
or other process lines, where economically justified provided they are designed for minimum 7000
cycles. Expansion joints are used to absorb pipeline expansion typically resulting from thermal
extensions. The use of expansion joints is often required where expansion loops are undesirable or
impractical. However, expansion joints are not used for direct buried service. Expansion joints are
available sleeve type, slip-type, ball, and bellows configurations.
a. Sleeve Type Expansion Joints: Sleeve Type is a Slip-type expansion joints where a sleeve that
telescopes into the body. Packing located between the sleeve and the body controls leakage. Because
packing is used, a leak-free seal is not assured. Properly specified, these expansion joints do not leak;
however, because packing is used, these expansion joints should not be used where zero leakage is
required. Occasional maintenance is required to repair, replace, and replenish the packing. Slip-type
joints are particularly suited for axial movements of large magnitude. They cannot, however, tolerate
lateral offset or angular rotation due to potential binding. Therefore, pipe alignment guides are
necessary with slip-type expansion joints.
b. Ball Expansion Joints: Ball expansion joints consist of a socket and a ball, with seals placed in
between the two parts. Ball expansion joints can handle angular and axial rotation; however, they
cannot tolerate axial movements.
c. Bellows Type Expansion Joint: It is capable of absorbing any movement in any direction, axially,
laterally, angularity or any combination of these. It consists of corrugated bellows linked together by a
section of pipe with control rods. Where there is a short leg or offset at right angle to a long run of
pipe universal expansion joints are frequently used. It is also frequently used with tie rods for lateral
deflection where loading on anchors or equipment is to be kept to a minimum. Guides should always
be provided near the joint not only to control the movement but also to take the weight of pipe.
d. Tied Expansion Joint:Where there is a problem of anchoring and high compressive load, a tied
type expansion joint is used because it carries the internal thrust. It absorbs lateral deflection and
rotation, absorbs the expansion of all the piping contained within its length. It can only be used with a
change indirection of the piping, preferably 90 .
e. Hinged Expansion Joint: Where there is a problem of anchoring, supporting and allowable forces
and moments on equipment nozzles, hinged expansion joint is used. Hinged expansion joint is used,
when (I) Carries weight of piping and other dead loads without danger to bellows. (II) Proves most
rigid system (III) Permits rotation only of bellows in one plane (IV) Prevents torsion on bellows (V)
absorbs all pressure thrust (VI) can absorb axial compression combined with rotation when designed
with slotted hinges but will not absorb pressure thrust under this condition.
f. Pressure Balanced Expansion Joint: It is designed to overcome load due to internal pressure. It is
used for pipeline service where the installation of main anchors occurs at a change in direction of the
piping. This load is composed of thrust due to internal pressure. Balanced expansion joint can only be
used at a change in direction and absorb the pressure thrust. Only the force required to compress and
elongate the bellows is imposed on the anchors or adjacent equipment during operation.
g. Pressure Balanced Universal Expansion Joint: This is similar to pressure balanced units, except
that they can absorb considerably more lateral deflection. This expansion joint consists of two
corrugated bellows in the line linked together by a section of pipe with control rod tied to the
balancing expansion joint. The balancing end is only required to compensate for the axial movement
while the universal expansion joint absorbs both axial movement and lateral deflection.
The Expanded Joints should be installed as per the instruction of the manufacturer and care should be
taken to ensure the adequate engagement of the joint members. All Expansion Joints /Expansion
Bellow’s design is the manufacturer responsibilities. The expansion joints manufacturer should
provide the detail design and fabrication for all elements of the expansion joints in accordance with
the requirement of the code ANSI B 31.3, Appendix ‘F’, Appendix ‘X’ and as per guidelines given in
EJMA. However, piping designer may also design the expansion joint considering the requirements of
the above-referred codes.
(II) U-Loop Pipe Compensator: An alternative is an expansion loop. U-Loop Expansion joint is
made of the same piping material of the main pipe header but in the U-Form, which can be used in
vertical or horizontal planes. If an expansion loop is to be required, the following formula can be
used. This formula is based on guided-cantilever-beam theory in which both ends are fixed and
limited pipe rotation is assumed. The loop is also geometrically similar with the middle parallel leg
equal to ½ of each of the tangential legs.
Where: L = loop length to accommodate thermal expansion, mm (ft); X = parallel leg of loop, mm (ft);
Y = 2X = tangential leg of loop, mm (ft); D = actual outside pipe diameter, mm (in.); E = modulus of
elasticity at the working temperature, kPa (psi); SA = maximum allowable stress at the working
temperature, kPa (psi); = change in length due to temperature change, mm (in.) and C1 = constant
= 0.3333.
Code states that for the commonly used A53 Grade B seamless or electric resistance welded (ERW)
pipe, an allowable stress SA of 155 MPa (22,500 psi) can be used without overstressing the pipe.
However, this may result in very high-end reactions and anchor forces, especially with large diameter
pipe. Designing to a stress range SA= 103 MPa (15,000 psi) and assuming E = 1.92 × 105 MPa (27.9
× 106 psi), the above equation reduces to:
This provides reasonably low-end reactions without requiring too much extra pipe. In addition, this
equation may be used with A53 butt-welded pipe. When welded fittings are used in expansion loops
rather than pipe bends, another important consideration is the effects of bending on the fittings used to
install the expansion loop. The loop should be installed in consultation with the fitting manufacturer to
ensure that specified fittings are capable of withstanding the anticipated loading conditions, constant
and cyclic, at the design temperatures of the system.
Terminal loadings on equipment determined from this analysis can then be used to assess the
equipment capabilities for withstanding the loading from the piping system. It should also be noted
that this termination analysis at equipment and anchor terminations should consider the movement and
stress impacts of the “cold” condition.
Fig: Expansion Loop
Example 1:
145-m-long (475-ft-long) steel, 200-mm (8-in.) diameter liquid process pipe operates at 90°C
(194°F) and 1.55 MPa (225 psig). The expansion caused by the process stream must be absorbed
using U-bends without damage to the pipe.
Solution:
Step 1: Establish a temperature differential ( T).
Assume an installation temperature of 4.4°C (40°F). This would be a conservative, yet reasonable,
assumption. Therefore, the temperature differential would be 90°C – 4.4°C, or 85.6°C (194°F – 40°F,
or 154°F).
Step 2: Determine the thermal expansion ( ).
= L0 ( T)
Where: = thermal expansion of pipe run, mm (in.); = coefficient of thermal expansion, 11.7 ×
-6 -6
10 mm/(mm °C), (6.5 × 10 in./[in. °F]); L0 = original length of pipe run, mm (in.); T =
temperature differential; = 11.7 × 10-6 mm/(mm °C) × 145,000 mm × 85.6°C (6.5 × 10-
6
in./(in. °F) × 5700 in × 154°F). = 145.2 mm (5.71 in.)
Step 3: Determine dimensions of expansion loop.
The expansion loop is centred between anchored supports as schematically shown in Figure 2- 3d.
Y = 2X
So’
L = 5X= 74.7(145.2 mm × 220 mm) 0.5 OR 6.225 (5.71 in. × 8.625 in.) 0.5
L = 5X= 13,351 mm (43.7 ft)
X = 2670 mm (8.74 ft)
Y = 2(2670 mm) = 5340 mm (17.5 ft)
The length of the parallel leg of the expansion loop is 2670 mm (8.74 ft), and the length of each of the
two tangential legs of the expansion loop is 5340 mm (17.5 ft).
Installation of the Expansion Joint or U-Loop Pipe Compensator: It is important that expansion
joints be installed at the proper length. They must never be stretched to make up deficiencies in pipe
length or distorted to accommodate piping, which is not properly aligned at the time of installation.
Cold Pull of the Expansion Joint or U-Loop Pipe Compensator: As in springs, bellow, expansion
joints are suitable for both compression and extension from the natural free position. Up to 50% cold
pull can be achieved by pre-setting the bellows prior to installation.
Selection of the Expansion Joint or U-Loop Pipe Compensator: The following factors are to be
taken into consideration in choosing correct expansion joint (I) pressure (ii) axial movement (iii)
lateral movement (iv) angular rotation (v) temperature (vi) special service (vii) special corrosion
problem. Full details are given in the selection chart.
(vi) Bends & Mitre bends: All mitre bends shall be designed as per ANSI B 31.3 requirement.
However, it can be fabricated from the straight pipe as per figure.
Long radii welding elbows shall be used for changes in direction of piping. For steam and feed
piping coming under the purview of the Indian Boiler Regulation bend radii shall be as per that
regulations. Short radii bends shall only be used where space does not permit the use of long radii
elbows and bends.
Welded mitre bends, with a maximum angle of 22.5 per segment, may be used in utility piping
systems for piping 6” NB and over, where the pressure and temperature does not exceed 7
Kg./cm2and 95 C respectively. In other services & higher-pressure conditions, the welded mitre
bends may be used provided they meet process requirements.
(vii) Branch connections:
Branch connection has to be designed as per ANSI B 31.3 or RP 14E requirement and Appendix ‘H’
requirements or other applicable code requirements. However, all branches can also be designed as
per pressure-temperature rating or piping material specification given in the book. Standard Branch
Connection Schedule is given below:
Reinforcement of Branch connection:
This is used for straight run pipes as well as for branch connections.
On Straight Pipe: If a butt-weld joining two sections of straight pipe is subject to unusual external
stress, it may be reinforced by addition of a sleeve, which is a pipe cut at the seams in two parts. The
Code applicable to piping should be referred for reinforcement. Reinforcing pieces are usually
provided with a small hole to vent gases produced by welding, which would otherwise get trapped. A
vent hole also serves to indicate any leak in the weld.
On Branch Connections: It is addition of extra metal at a branch connection made from a pipe or
vessel wall. The added metal compensates for structural weakening due to the hole. Stub-Ins may be
reinforced with regular or wrap-around saddles. Rings made from pipe stock are used to reinforce
branches made with welded laterals and butt-welded connections to vessels. Adding extra metal to
the joint may reinforce small welded connections.
Legend
T - Straight Tee (Butt-Welded)
TR - Reducing Tee (butt-Welded)
SC - 600# Socket Weld Forged Coupling
SL - 600# Sockolet
W - Weldolet (Schedule of Branch Pipe)
SW - socket weld
(viii) Pipeline: Pipeline is the piping system that is used for transportation of goods through a pipe.
Most commonly, liquids and gases are sent, but pneumatic tubes that transport solid capsules using
compressed air are also used. Any chemically stable substance can be sent through a pipeline.
Therefore sewage, slurry, water, or even beer pipelines exist; but arguably the most valuable are
those transporting petroleum products like, oil or oil product, natural gas or gas product, or bio fuels.
Pipeline Components: Pipeline networks are composed of several equipments that operate together
to move products from location to location. The main elements of a pipeline system are:
i) Initial injection station: Initial injection station is the beginning of the system, where the product is
injected into the pipeline. Initial injection station has storage facilities, pumps or compressors located
at these locations.
ii) Compressor/pump stations: Pumps for liquid pipelines and Compressors for gas pipelines are
located along the line to move the product through the pipeline.
iii) Partial delivery station: Partial delivery stations allow the pipeline operator to deliver part of
the product being transported.
iv) Block valve station: Block valve stations are the first line of protection for pipelines. With these
valves the operator can isolate any segment of the line for maintenance work or isolate a rupture or
leak. It is a very usual practice in liquid pipelines that block valve stations are usually located every
20 to 30 miles (48 km), depending on the type of pipeline, even though it is not a design rule. The
location of these stations depends exclusively on the nature of the product being transported, the
trajectory of the pipeline and/or the operational conditions of the line.
v) Regulator station: Regulator stations are special type of valve station, where the operator can
release some of the pressure from the line. Regulators are usually located at the downhill side of a
peak.
vi) Final delivery station: Final delivery station is also known as outlet stations or terminals, where
the product will be distributed to the consumer. It could be a tank terminal for liquid pipelines or a
connection to a distribution network for gas pipelines.
Pigging of Pipeline: Pig is named on the basis of squealing sound they make while travelling through
a pipeline. 'PIG' is an acronym or backronym derived from the initial letters of the term 'Pipeline
Inspection Gauge' or possibly 'Pipeline Inspection Gizmo' or 'Pipeline Internal Geometry' or 'Pipeline
Inspection Gadget'.
Pigging in the pipelines refers to the practice of using pipeline inspection gauges or 'pigs' to perform
various maintenance operations on a pipeline. This is done without stopping the flow of the product
in the pipeline. These operations include but are not limited to cleaning and inspecting of the pipeline.
This is accomplished by inserting the pig into a 'pig launcher' (‘launching station') of a funnel shaped
Y section in the pipeline. The launcher / launching station is then closed and the pressure driven flow
of the product in the pipeline is used to push it along down the pipe until it reaches to the trap or the
'pig catcher' in the receiving station. If the pipeline contains butterfly valves, the pipeline cannot be
pigged. Ball valves cause no problems because the inside diameter of the full bore ball valves can be
specified to be the same as that of the pipe.
Pigging can be used for almost any section of the transfer process between blending, storage or filling
systems. Pigging systems are already installed in industries handling products as diverse as
lubricating oils, paints, chemicals, toiletries, cosmetics and foodstuffs.
Pigs are used in lube oil or painting blending to clean the pipes to avoid cross-contamination, and to
empty the pipes into the product tanks or sometimes to send a component back to its tank. Usually
pigging is done at the beginning and at the end of each batch, but sometimes it is done in the midst of a
batch, e.g. when producing a premix that will be used as an intermediate component.
Pigs are also used in oil and gas pipelines to clean the pipes but also there are "smart pigs" used to
measure things like pipe thickness and corrosion along the pipeline. They usually do not interrupt
production, though some product can be lost when the pig is extracted. They can also be used to
separate different products in a multi-product pipeline.
Pigging in production environments
Advantage of Pigging: (i) Product and time saving: A major advantage of pigging systems is the
potential resulting product savings. At the end of each product transfer, it is possible to clear out the
entire line contents with the pig, either forward towards the receipt point, or backwards to the source
tank. (ii) No requirement for extensive line flushing: Without the need for line flushing, pigging
offers the additional advantage of a much more rapid and reliable product changeover. Product
sampling at the receipt point becomes faster because the interface between products is very clear, and
the old method of checking at intervals, until the product is on-specification, is considerably
shortened. (iii) Environmental issues: Pigging has a significant role to play in reducing the
environmental impact of batch operations. Traditionally, the only way that an operator of a batch
process could ensure a product was completely cleared from a line was to flush the line with a
cleaning agent such as water or a solvent or even the next product. This cleaning agent then had to be
subjected to effluent treatment or solvent recovery. If product was used to clear the line, the
contaminated finished product was downgraded or dumped. In some cases, the finished product could
contain polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), which has been found to be carcinogenic. All of these
problems can now be eliminated due to the very precise interface produced by modern pigging
systems. (iv) Safety considerations: Pigging systems are designed so that the pig is loaded into the
launcher, which is pressured up to launch the pig into the pipeline through a kicker line. In some
cases, the pig is removed from the pipeline via the receiver at the end of each run. All systems must
allow for the receipt of pigs at the launcher, as blockages in the pipeline may require the pigs to be
pushed back to the launcher. Most of the time, systems are designed to pig the pipeline in either
direction.
Pigging Operation: The pig is pushed either with an inert gas or a liquid; if pushed by gas, some
systems can be adapted in the gas inlet in order to ensure pig's constant speed, whatever the pressure
drop is. The pigs must be removed, as many pigs are rented, pigs wear and must be replaced, and
cleaning pigs push contaminants from the pipeline such as wax, foreign objects, hydrates, etc., which
must be removed from the pipeline. There are inherent risks in opening the barrel to atmosphere and
care must be taken to ensure that the barrel is depressurized prior to opening. If the barrel is not
completely depressurized, the pig can be ejected from the barrel and operators have been severely
injured when standing in front of an open pig door. When the product is sour, the barrel should be
evacuated to a flare system where the sour gas is burnt. Operators should be wearing a self-contained
breathing apparatus when working on sour systems. A few pigging systems utilize a "captive pig", and
the pipeline is only opened up very occasionally to check the condition of the pig. At all other times,
the pig is shuttled up and down the pipeline at the end of each transfer, and the pipeline itself is never
opened up during process operation. These systems are not common.
Intelligent pigging: Modern intelligent pigs are highly sophisticated instruments that vary in
technology and complexity by the intended use and by manufacturer. An intelligent pig, or smart pig,
includes electronics and sensors that collect various forms of data during the trip through the pipeline.
The electronics are sealed to prevent leakage of the pipeline product into the electronics since
products can range from highly basic to highly acidic and can be of extremely high temperature. Many
pigs use specific materials according to the product in the pipeline. Power for the electronics is
provided by onboard batteries which are also sealed. Data recording may be by various means
ranging from analogue tape, digital tape, or solid state memory in more modern digital units.
Inspection Pigging: The technology used to accomplish the service varies by the service required
and the design of the pig. Surface pitting and corrosion, as well as cracks and weld defects in
steel/ferrous pipelines are often detected using magnetic flux leakage (MFL) pigs. Other "smart" pigs
use electromagnetic acoustic transducers to detect pipe defects. Calliper pigs can measure the
"roundness" of the pipeline to determine areas of crushing or other deformations. Some smart pigs can
combine technologies such as MFL and Calliper into a single tool. Recent trials of pigs using acoustic
resonance technology have been reported for inspection purpose. During the pigging run the pig is
unable to directly communicate with the outside world due to the distance underground or underwater
and/or materials that the pipe is made of. For example, steel pipelines effectively prevent any reliable
radio communications outside the pipe. It is therefore necessary that the pig use internal means to
record its own movement during the trip. This may be done by gyroscope-assisted tilt sensors,
odometers and other technologies. The pig will record this positional data so that the distance it
moves along with any bends can be interpreted later to determine the exact path taken.
Location verification is often accomplished by surface instruments that record the pig’s passage by
either audible or galvanometric (or other) means. The sensors will record when they detect passage
of the pig; this is then compared to the internal record for verification or adjustment. The external
sensors may have GPS capability to assist in their location or even to transmit the pig’s passage, but
the pig itself usually cannot use GPS as it requires being able to receive the satellite signals. After the
pigging run has been completed, the positional data is combined with the pipeline evaluation data
(corrosion, cracks) to provide a location-specific defect map and characterization. In other words,
the combined data will tell the operator the location and type and size of each pipe defect. This is
used to judge the severity of the defect and help repair crews locate and repair the defect quickly
without having to dig up excessive amounts of pipeline. By evaluating the rate of change of a
particular defect over several years, proactive plans can be made to repair the pipeline before any
leakage or environmental damage occurs.
A pipeline inspection gauge or "PIG" in the pipeline industry is a tool that is sent down a pipeline
through a “Pig” launcher/receiver and propelled by the pressure of the product in the pipeline itself.
There are four main uses for pigs: (i) Physical separation between different liquids being transported
in pipelines; (ii) Internal cleaning of pipelines; (iii) Inspection of the condition of pipeline walls
(also known as an Inline Inspection (ILI) tool); and (iv) Capturing and recording geometric
information relating to pipelines (e.g. size, position).
Material of Pig: The original pigs were made from straw wrapped in wire used for cleaning. They
made a squealing noise while travelling through the pipe, sounding to some like a pig squealing. The
term "pipeline inspection gauge" was later created as a backronym. One kind of pig is a soft, bullet
shaped polyurethane foam plug that is forced through pipelines to separate products to reduce mixing.
There are several types of pigs for cleaning. Some have tungsten studs or abrasive wire mesh on the
outside to cut rust, scale, or paraffin deposits off the inside of the pipe. Others are plain plastic
covered polyurethane.
Inline inspection pigs use various methods for inspecting a pipeline. A sizing pig uses one (or more)
notched round metal plates that are used as gauges. The notches allow different parts of the plate to
bend when a bore restriction is encountered. More complex systems exist for inspecting various
aspects of the pipeline. Intelligent pigs, also called smart pigs, are used to inspect the pipeline with
sensors and record the data for later analysis. These pigs use technologies such as MFL and
ultrasonic to inspect the pipeline. Intelligent pigs may also use callipers to measure the inside
geometry of the pipeline.
The first intelligent pig was run to demonstrate that a self-contained electronic instrument could
traverse a pipe line while measuring and recording wall thickness. The instrument used
electromagnetic fields to sense wall integrity. It used MFL technology to inspect the bottom portion of
the pipeline. The system used a black box similar to those used on aircraft to record the information.
Capacitive sensor probes are used in the process of detecting defects in polyethylene pipe gas
pipeline. These probes are attached to the pig in which the pig is sent through the polyethylene pipe
that will detect any defects in the outside of the pipe wall. This is done by using triple plate
capacitive sensors in which the electrostatic waves are propagated outward through the pipe's wall.
Any change in dielectric material will result in a change in capacitance.
(ix) Piping Supports: Piping should be supported on racks, stanchions or individual standoffs. The
location and design of supports are dependent upon routing, media, weight, diameter, shock-loads,
vibration, etc. Consideration should also be given to seal welding to minimize corrosion; providing
sufficient clearance to permit painting and installing doublers (additional metal) under clamps and
saddles. Valve supports should not interfere with removal of the valve for repair or replacement. See
RP 14E and ANSI B31.3 for a discussion of piping flexibility and support requirements.
(x) Unlisted Component: These piping components which are not listed anywhere in any code or
standard, shall be designed based on design criteria of the code ANSI B31.3, considering all
conditions of the piping design mentioned above. Experimental stress analysis as described in boiler
and pressure vessel code section VIII, Division 2, Appendix 6 and proof test in accordance with
ASME B16.9 or MSS-SP-97 or BH PV – section VIII, division 1, UG-101 shall be done. Also
detailed stress analysis (finite element method) with result evaluated as per section VIII, division 2,
appendix 4, and article 4-1 shall be done. After the design, the designer must interpolate between
sizes, wall thickness and pressure classes and must determine analogies among related materials
(xi) Gaskets: Gaskets are used for sealing of flange joints. A wide variety of gasket materials are
available including different metallic and elastomeric products. Two primary parameters are
considered, sealing force and compatibility. Gasket manufacturers supply the force that is required at
this interface. Leakage will occur unless the gasket fills into and seals off all imperfections. The
metallic or elastomeric material used is compatible with all corrosive liquid or material to be
contacted and is resistant to temperature degradation. For raised face flanges, spiral wound asbestos
gaskets with stainless steel windings should be used because of their strength and sealing ability. For
flat face ductile or cast iron valves used in water service, full face compressed asbestos gaskets are
used. If less than full-face gaskets are used, flanges may break when flange bolts are tightened.
Ring gaskets for RTJ flanges are made of soft iron, low-carbon steel, and stainless steel and are made
in either an octagonal or oval cross-section. Hardness of metallic RTJ gasket should be in
accordance with the value given below:
Types of Gaskets: Various types of gaskets are Non-Metallic Gaskets (ASME B 16.21); Spiral-
Wound Gaskets (ASME B 16.20); Ring Joint Gaskets (ASME B 16.20).
Non-Metallic Gaskets are used with flat face or raised face flanges. Spiral-Wound Gaskets are used
with raised face flanges. They are available with an inner ring and outer ring, which is also known as
the cantering ring. Ring Joint Gaskets are used with Ring Type Joint (RTJ) flanges. They are available
in octagonal or oval cross sections. A very high surface stress is developed between an RTJ gasket
and the flange groove when RTJ is bolted up in a flange. This leads to plastic deformation of the
gasket. Thus, the hardness of the gasket is kept less than the hardness of the groove to achieve coining
i.e. bringing two metal surfaces of different hardness so tightly together that the softer surface deforms
to match harder surface exactly in shape and finish. The compression depends upon the bolt loading
before internal pressure is applied. Typically, gasket compressions for steel raised-face flanges range
from 28 to 43 times the working pressure in classes 150 to 400, and 11 to 28 times in classes 600 to
2,500 with an assumed bolt stress of 414 MPa (60,000 psi). Initial compressions typically used for
other gasket materials are listed in Table below.
Table: Gasket Compression
In addition to initial compression, a residual compression value, after internal pressure is applied, is
required to maintain the seal. A minimum residual gasket compression of 4 to 6 times the working
pressure is standard practice.
Table: Gasket Factors and Seating Stress
(xii) Fasteners (Bolt, Nut & Washer): Fasteners join or affix two or more pipes together. Pipe
fasteners cover high tensile and mild steel bolts, clamps, nuts, screws, washers, studs, pins etc. All
types of fasteners are used for both industrial pipe fittings. Pipe fasteners are used in almost all types
of industries. They are made of various materials and are available in various shapes, sizes and
designs.
APPLICABLE CODE:
ASTM A193: AS and Stainless Steel bolting materials for High-
Temperature Service
ASTM A194: AS and Stainless Steel Nuts for bolts for High-
Temperature
Service
ASTM A307: Carbon Steel Bolts and Studs, 60000-PSI Strength
ASTM A320: Alloy Steel Bolting Materials for Low-Temperature
Service
ASTM A325: Structural Steel Bolts, Heat-treated, 120/125 Ksi
minimum
UTS
ASTM A354: Specification for Quenched and Tempered Alloy Steel
Bolts,
Studs.
ASTM A437: AS Bolting Materials Specially Heat Treated for High-
Temperature Service
ASTM A540: Alloy Steel bolting materials for Special Application
Fasteners are used widely for fastening and fixing various construction Pipe Flanges. Fasteners
include Studs. Studs are used in fastening various products, including pipes used in different
applications. These types of fasteners are threaded on one or both ends. Studs are headless bolts,
threaded, sometimes with different threads. Both ends of the stud are secured to an object with nuts.
They are available in both Metric and English threads. Stud Fasteners are available in all forms to
suit any application. Suds have Good strength; Reasonable cold ductility; excellent high temperature
ductility; Good conductivity; excellent corrosion resistance; Good bearing properties; and Low
magnetic permeability.
Advantages of studs: Studs help in reducing assembly costs. They permit quick and easy
"stack up" of gaskets or other different parts of a joint or two different pipes. Studs also
help in reducing the need for the large whole clearance and close whole alignment which
are usually required by a bolt. Studs with an interference-fit thread or proprietary-lock
thread on the tap or pipe end gives a positive lock against turning and loosening. Studs also provide
sealant to prevent leakage of fluids through holes tapped in porous materials.
Bolts: Bolts are used as threaded fastener, with a head, designed to be used with a nut. Bolts are a
sensible and easy way of securing piping, tubes and hoses in all industrial applications. They are
designed to be used for mounting of pipes to the walls or fastening piping components. Hexagonal
Bolts can come fully or partially threaded depending on the bolt type. A grade 8 bolt is stronger than
the more commonly used grade 5. It is made of alloy steel and has six radial lines on the top of the
bolt head. Grade 8 bolts have a tensile strength of 150,000 pounds per square inch. We recommend
using grade 8 nuts, flat washers and high alloy lock washers with any grade 8 bolts / hex cap screws.
Threads will vary according to the individual bolt sizes and dimensions.
16.00-
B 8S, B 8SA 0.10 7.00-9.00 3.50-4.50 18.00
B 8LN, B 18.00-
8LNA 0.30 2.00 1.00 20.00
B 8MLN, 16.00-
B 8MLNA 0.30 2.00 1.00 18.00
Nuts: Nuts are very useful to attach machine thread fasteners. Nuts are widely used as pipe fasteners.
In-fact no bolts can be fixed to a pipe without the use of nuts. Bolts and nuts are used in combination.
Washers: A washer is a type of thin disk with a hole, usually in the centre. A washer is used to
support the load of a threaded fastener. It can also be used as a spacer, spring, wear pad, pre-load
indicating device, and also locking device. In taps or valves, it is used to form the seal that shuts off
the flow of liquid or gas. There is a type of washer called the reducing washer which is used to
connect pipes of different sizes. Washers are available in various sizes and materials and widely used
in pipe applications besides the other applications. Lock Washers, also known as split washer, and
provide better load distribution and greater tension which in turn prevent against loosening due to
vibration. Flat Washers are used for a truly non-corrosive assembly. Spring Washers are adjustable
washers in an irregular shape so that when the washer is loaded it deflects and acts like a spring,
which in turn provide a pre-load between two surfaces.
(xiii) Pipe Clamps: The pipe clamps are special type of fasteners suitable for clamping pipes and
hoses. Pipe clamps are a sensible and easy way of securing piping, tubes and hoses in all types of
terrestrial or naval installation. Some pipe clamps can also be mounted on piping components other
than straight pipe. The pipe clamps are sometimes controlled by pressure activated cylinders to
regulate the clamping pressure in relationship to the thickness and strength of the pipe wall.
Pipe clamps have one fixed pad, and one adjustable pad. Pipe clamps are constructed using various
materials and are available in several configurations. Metallic pipe clamps have high impact
resistance with heat-resistant coatings and epoxy coatings. Pipe clamps are designed for a wide range
of fastening applications. These clamps are ideal for suspension of cold or hot pipe lines with heavy
load having little or no insulation. They are also used for high and even tightening force around the
pipe, minimizes leakage. The pipe clamps absorb shock, dampen vibration, and reduce noise in
plumbing systems. They can be used in high temperature applications.
(xiv) Fire Protection Services: Fire protection services install, maintain and monitor safety
equipment such as flame and smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, fire alarms and enunciators. Flame
detectors are used by fire protection services to determine whether a fuel is burning, or if ignition has
been lost. Smoke detectors or smoke alarms detect airborne smoke and issue audible alarms. Like
flame detectors, they also send signals to fire protection services. Sprinkler systems are fire
protection devices which consist of overhead pipes fitted with sprinkler heads. Heat-sensitive seals
prevent the flow of water until a threshold temperature is exceeded. Fire alarm services then dispatch
emergency personnel to a customer’s location. At larger facilities, fire protection services are alerted
by fire enunciators, electronic systems which fit into a standard electrical box and provide visual
outputs with light emitting diodes (LEDs).
a) Flame Arrester: Flame Arresters is a safety device that stops fuel combustion by extinguishing the
flame. A flame arrester functions by forcing a flame front through channels too narrow to permit the
continuance of a flame. These passages can be regular, like wire mesh or a sheet metal plate with
punched holes, or irregular, such as those in random packing. The required size of the channels
needed to stop the flame front can vary significantly, depending on the flammability of the fuel
mixture. The large openings on a chain link fence are capable of stopping the spread of a small, slow-
burning grass fire, but fast-burning grass fires will penetrate the fence unless the holes are very small.
Detonation Flame Arresters prevents propagation of detonations in gas or vapour mixtures in piping
system or a pipeline with a significant distance between the ignition source and the arrester, or in a
rough, bent, obstructed or having section changed piping. A detonation flame arrester contains a
crimped ribbon element with small apertures which allows gas or vapour to pass.
The elements are designed so that they both attenuate the detonation shock wave, and extinguish the
flame. If the apertures are smaller than the maximum experimental safe gap (MESG) for the gas or
vapour then a flame cannot pass through the arrester, and is subsequently contained or extinguished.
Flame Arrester protects systems for generating, storing, transporting of gases and liquids of every
hazard category against dangers such as endurance burning, deflagration and detonation.
Deflagration Flame Arrester: A Deflagration Flame Arrester is an explosive combustion process in
which the flames propagate at subsonic velocity. Deflagration Flame Arrester avoids flame
propagation from outside (atmosphere) to inside of systems e. g. storage tanks, vessels or in process
plants a flame arrester at end of vent line has to be installed. It protects the impact of atmospheric
deflagration and prevents flame transmission to protect equipment. These flame arresters are not
tested for short time or endurance burning. Deflagration Flame Arresters are designed to prevent the
transmission of a deflagration as they are fitted with one pipe connection on one side of the flame
arrester element.
b) Flame detectors: Flame detectors monitor and analyze incoming radiation at selected
wavelengths. Flame detectors use optical sensors working at specific spectral ranges to record the
incoming radiation at the selected wavelengths. 30 - 40% of the energy radiated from a fire is
electromagnetic radiation that can be read at various spectral ranges (such as UV, VIS, IR). The
signals are then analyzed using a predetermined technique (flickering frequency, threshold energy
signal comparison, mathematical correlation between several signals, correlation to memorized
spectral analysis). Flame detectors are available in a number of sensor types. The most common
sensor types include UV detectors, IR detectors, UV/IR detectors, IR/IR detectors, and IR^3 (triple
IR) detectors, and triple IR spectral band detectors.
c) Smoke Detectors: Smoke detectors are designed to sense the products of combustion. Common
types include ionization chambers and photoelectric devices. Smoke detectors are designed to
sense the products of combustion. Smoke detectors include a sensor and detector circuitry. They
usually contain a built-in alarm, may instead provide electrical contacts for an auxiliary alarm. Smoke
detection systems are networked, programmable products that include a control unit and detector.
Individual smoke detection components are also commonly available. Smoke detectors with an IC
form factor are semiconductor devices that are designed for smoke-sensing applications. They do not
contain an actual smoke sensor, and may be suitable for AC or DC – but not both. Addressable smoke
detectors are fire detection products that communicate with each other in a networked system.
6
Piping Project Management
6.1 Project Introduction
A project management is a temporary endeavour undertaken to create a unique product or service.
That means every project has a definite beginning and a definite end. That means the product or
service is different in some distinguishing way from all other similar products or service. The
example of the Project can be one of the followings:
Construction of a building or facility.
Development of a new product or service.
Design of a new transportation vehicle.
Construction of a bib Refinery
Construction of complete Piping work in any one unit of the Refinery plant. Etc.
All projects involve materials, manpower and equipments. Material schedules indicate about when
the material is needed on the job. They may also show the sequence in which materials should be
delivered. Equipment schedules coordinate all the equipment to be used on a project. They also show
when it is to be used and the amount of time each piece of equipment is required to perform the work.
Manpower schedules coordinate the manpower requirements of a project and show the number of
personnel required for each activity. In addition, the number of personnel of each rating, i.e. Builder,
Construction welder, Equipment Operator, fabricator, and Utilities man, required for each activity for
each period of time may be shown. The time unit shown in a schedule should be some convenient
interval, such as a day, a week, or a month. A project management mainly deals with scheduling of
materials, manpower and equipments used for completion of the project.
6.2 Project Management
Project Management is the organizational approach and the application of knowledge, skills, tools,
and techniques to project activities in order to meet or exceed stakeholders differing needs, i.e.
Identified requirements and expectations, i. e. unidentified requirements from a project. Project
Management is the computer-based management of the Project from basic concept till completion of
the Project. This involves balancing competing demands among scope, time, cost, and quality. It is an
art and it requires both powerful skills and structured management to make it more effective.
Effective project management skills allow you to shorten the lead-time from concept to market,
thereby maximizing your chances of meeting the needs of the customer. A successful management must
meet several objectives. Each objective is made of many constraints that must be addressed. Project
management is seen as a specialist discipline requiring special people. Projects, in the modern sense,
are strategic management tools. It is no longer the preserve of specialists and the engineering sector,
but an activity for everyone. This is a small write-up to give you basic knowledge and concept of
project planning and management which enable you to handle the project effectively in organizations,
introduce you to the modern trends in the project management and the entire concept behind it. The
project management concepts or knowledge have been divided into many areas as described below:
Project Scope Management: Project scope management describes the processes required to ensure
that the project includes all the work required, and only the work required, to complete the project
successfully. It consists of initiation, scope planning, scope definition, scope verification, and scope
change control.
Project Integration Management: Project integration management describes the processes required
to ensure that the various elements of the project are properly co-coordinated. It includes of project
plan development, project plan execution and overall change control.
Project Time Management: Project time management describes the processes required to ensure
that the project is completed in time. It consists of activity definition, activity sequencing, activity
duration estimating, and schedule development and schedule control.
Project Cost Management: Project cost management describes the processes required to ensure that
the project is completed within the approved budget. It consists of resources planning, cost
estimating, cost budgeting, and cost control.
Project Quality Management: Project scope management describes the processes required to
ensure that the project will satisfy the needs for which it was undertaken. It consists of quality
planning, quality assurance, and quality control.
Project Human Resource Management: Project human resource management describes the processes
required to ensure the most effective use of the people involved with the project. It consists of
organizational planning, staff acquisition, and team development.
Project Communication Management: Project communication management describes the processes
required to ensure the timely and appropriate generation, collection, dissemination, storage, and
ultimate disposition of the project information. It consists of communication planning, information
distribution, performance reporting, and administrative closure.
Project Risk Management: Project risk management describes the processes required to ensure
identifying, analyzing and responding to the project risk. It consists of risk identification, risk
quantification, risk response development, and risk response control.
Project Safety Management: Project safety management describes the processes required to ensure
that the project is completed safely with zero waste of man-hour with respect to accident, injury, and
casualty. It consists of initiation of safety rules, safety planning, safety definition, safety verification,
and safety control.
Project Procurement Management: Project procurement management describes the processes
required to acquire goods and services from outside performing organization. It consists of
procurement planning, solicitation planning, sources selection, contract administration, and contract
closeout.
Project management is done with the help of computer software packages such as PRIMAVERA,
OPEN PLAN, ARTEMIS, HOST, COSMOS AND INMOS, HOST, COSMOS, and INMOS
developed by many electronic firms. The packages such as PRIMAVERA, OPEN PLAN & ARTEMIS
are the “NETWORK ANALYSIS PACKAGES”. Salient features of the above packages are as below:
Generates Schedules in Linked-Bar-Chart form.
Display dependencies of Activities.
Simultaneous existence of multiple schedules.
Optional Bars, Symbols, or combination of both, presentation for the Activities.
Standard symbols with user’s definable description for displaying different milestones.
Provisions of assigning negative Timing (Work before Zero date).
User’s friendly Menu driven software.
6.3 Network Analysis Package
Network analysis is a method of planning and controlling project by recording their interdependence
in diagram form. This enables us to undertake each problem separately. The diagram form, known as
a network diagram, is drawn so that each job is represented by an activity on the diagram. The
direction in which the activities are linked indicates the dependencies of the jobs on each other.
The Network Analysis Packages are used to integrate time, resources, and cost objectives into a
workable plan. A project network diagram is a schematic display of the project activities and the
logical relationships among them. A project network diagram may be produced manually or on a
computer. A summary narrative that describes the basic sequencing approach should accompany the
diagram. Any unusual sequences should be fully described.
The project network diagram is often called a “PERT” Chart, i.e. Program Evaluation and Review
Technique. A PERT chart is a specific type of project network diagram that is useful for a mega
projects like Refineries, Petrochemicals plants etc. Planning and Scheduling are the two distinct
functions in the Network Diagramming.
Planning: Planning defines the activities involved in a project, their logical sequence and their inter
relationship. Planning process also includes estimating the amount of time required to complete each
activity.
Scheduling: Scheduling places the activities in a workable timetable and Network.
Network: The following four-standard concepts are used for preparation of Network:
Arrow Diagramming Method (ADM): This is a method of constructing a project network diagram-
using arrow to represent the activities and connecting them at nodes to show the dependencies. This
represents activities with an arrow. The activity’s start and end points are called events and are
represented by circles. The Events represents successive points in time and only one activity occurs
between any two events. The ADM method is also called Activity-On-Arrow (AOA).
Precedence Diagramming Method (PDM): This is a method of constructing a project network
diagram using nodes to represent the activities and connecting them with an arrow. An Arrow shows
the relationship between these activities. PDM Diagramming is more flexible than ADM because they
can show several types of relationships between activities, such as, (1) Finish-to-start (FS) i.e. the
“from” activity must finish before the “to” activity can start; (2) Start-to start (SS) i.e. the “from”
activity must start before the “to” activity can start; (3) finish-to finish (FF) i.e. the “from” activity
must finish before the “to” activity can finish; and start-to finish (SF) i.e. the “from” activity must start
before the “to” activity can finish. PDM can be done manually or on software package.
Conditional Diagramming Method: This method uses the Diagramming Techniques such as GERT,
i.e. Graphical Evaluation and Review Technique or SDM, i.e. System Dynamics Models, to allow for
non-sequential activities such as loops (e.g. a test that must be repeated more than once) or
conditional branches (e.g. a design update that is only needed if the inspection detects errors). Neither
PDM nor ADM allow loops or conditional branches.
Network Templates: The standardized networks can be used to expedite the preparation of project
network diagrams. They can include an entire project or only a portion of it. The portion of the
network is often referred to as subnets or fragments. Subnets are especially useful where a project
includes several identical or nearly identical features.
In the Network, the logical sequence and relationships of the activities are defined after each activity
in the project. The network Analysis calculates the early and late start and completion dates for each
activity using the forward pass and backward pass concept. The total and free float available with
each activity is also calculated. The total float is the number of work periods that start and finish of
an activity can be delayed without affecting the project completion date. Free float is the amount of
time that activity’s early start can be delayed without delaying the early start of a successor activity.
The Critical Activities control the overall timing of the project. The Critical Path, which can be more
than one in the network, is a continuous chain of activities with Zero and Negative Total Float that
makes the longest path of activities running from the starting event to the finishing event of the project.
The network is updated at the regular intervals by reporting progress as of the data date and making
any necessary changes in the network logic. The data represents the date up to which the progress is
recorded, in the form of actual start and completion date of activities, percent of work completed and
revised remaining duration etc. The network package, then, calculates the revised schedule for the
activities in progress or not yet started to give a projected project Completion date or Schedule.
Overall or Master Control Networks can be generated by using any one of the above computer
packages. Followings are the reports generated through the network analysis packages:
Time Scale Logic Diagram: It presents the overall logic of the project according to time. The
activity Bars are depicted as rectangular boxes with their start and finish relative to the time scale.
The connector lines show the relationship. The effect of lag is shown by the chronological placement
of activities.
Pure Logic Diagram: The pure logic diagram shows the relationships between activities of a project
without consideration of time. The diagram starts with the first activity with no successor. The
activity’s boxes contain the activity ID, description, original and remaining duration, total float,
percent of completion, early and late dates, calendar codes and activity’s codes. The completed
activities have a strike (X) through the box.
Bar Chart: A Bar Chart or Gantt. Chart is a line graph that depicts the activities by rectangles with
length proportional to the duration of each activity. The horizontal placement of the activity depends
on the position in time. Generally, one activity bar is shown in one row. In a “linked bar chart” the
relationship between the activities are also displayed on it.
Schedule Reports: The Schedule Reports provide a tabular list of schedule data showing activity’s
ID, descriptions, durations, float, early and late schedule dates. These reports consist of the
followings: Activity checklist; Precedence/ Successor Report and Criticality Report.
6.4 Scheduling Technique
The above packages are used for effective scheduling and monitoring of all activities (deliverables
like AFC Drawings, Material Requisitions, tendering, engineering, procurement, and construction etc.
in line with the targets outlined in the overall project schedule. The schedules are developed in the
form of Bar Charts and S-curves. It updates the status of all activities on a regular basis through
activity turnaround documents, so as to monitor the actual progress of all the activities against the
planned progress. It includes the identification of Milestones on which particular class of activities
will be monitored. The progress attributed to individual milestone and the time taken for completing
individual milestone is also provided by this package. The Weightage for individual activities in the
form of “Budgeted Man-hours” based on the relative complexity of the activity and the scheduled
effort to complete the same are taken into consideration as input. Scheduling is a mathematical
analysis, which involves calculating theoretical early and late start and finish dates for all the project
activities without regard for any resource pool limitations. The most widely used Scheduling
Techniques are:
Critical Path Method (CPM): Critical Path Method calculates a single, deterministic early and late
start and finish date for each activity based on specified, sequential network logic and a single
duration estimate. The focus of CPM is on calculating float in order to determine which activities
have the least scheduling flexibility.
Graphical Evaluation and Review Technique (GERT): Graphical Evaluation and Review
Technique allows for probabilistic treatment of both network logic and activity duration estimates
(i.e. some activities may not be performed at all, some may be performed only in part, and other may
be performed more than once).
Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT): Program Evaluation and Review Technique
(PERT) uses sequential network logic and a weighted average duration estimate to calculate project
duration. Although there are surface differences, PERT differs from CPM primarily in that it uses the
distribution’s mean (expected value) instead of the most likely estimate originally used in CPM.
PERT is seldom used today although PERT like estimates are often used in CPM calculations.
Duration Compression: Duration Compression is a special case of mathematical analysis that looks
for ways to shorten the project schedule without changing the project scope (e.g. to meet imposed
dates or other schedule objectives).
The following reports are generated as output for scheduling and monitoring of the project:
Bar Charts: The bar charts are the functional schedules for Engineering, Procurements, Ordering,
Manufacturing & Delay, and Tendering Schedules of all functional departments, which are generated
as reports. The engineering bar charts are prepared at the work package level while the other
schedules are prepared at the activity level. The schedule start & completion, man-hours and
description of activities along with the bar representing the span of the activity on a time scale is
shown in the bar chart. Options are available to print the progress distribution, man-hour equivalent,
or the milestone occurrences of activities in the bar charts.
S-Curves: The schedule and actual progress distribution of functional departments as well as the
overall Engineering, Procurement and Tendering progress are generated through the above packages
in the form of S-Curves in the X-Y co-ordinates where the X-axis represents the time span in months
and Y-axis represents the percentage progress scheduled/achieved.
Input Status Reports: The input turnaround document reflects the current status of all ending inputs
to various engineering activities. This report indicates the earliest requirement date and the latest date
by which the item should be made available.
Activity Status Reports: The complete status of all project activities is reflected in the Activity Status
Reports. The report provides information about the description of activities, man-hour assigned,
scheduled start, completion and schedule progress as on status date of all the activities. The detail of
the milestones on which the activities will be monitored along with their scheduled achievement
dates is provided in the reports.
Activity List: The activity list lists out the activities, which are to be taken up as per the schedule.
The activities are classified as “Backlog Activities” and “Current Activities”. All activities, which
should have been completed now as per the schedule, but either not started or are in progress are
classified as “Backlogs”. The activities to be taken up as per schedule are classified as “Current
Activities”. The Activity Reports give the activities description, schedule date, scheduled and actual
progress, current status of the activity and the Milestone, which is due.
Summary Status Reports: The status of deliverables (AFCs, MRs, and Tenders) for each executing
department is provided in the form of a summary report and the user selects the milestones for which
summary report is required. The report gives the total numbers of activities, no. of activities to be
completed as per schedule and the no. of activities actually completed.
Progress Report: The progress report gives the scheduled and actual progress for individual
executing department and the summary of the overall functional progress.
Manpower Schedule: The manpower schedule gives the function wise manpower requirement over
the total duration of the project. Details for departmental breakup (e.g. piping, piping supports,
structural etc.) for each function is also given in the report.
Characteristics of the Project Progress Life Cycle: The project progress life cycle defines the
beginning and the end of the project with its profile of progress of the work in between these two
activities as explained below by figure:
COSMOS (Computerized Online System for Material Allocation at Site): This is a system for
control of piping material at construction sites and is equally useful in both Single Project as well as
Multi Project environment. This facilitates,
(1) The tracking of material from Material Take off (MTO) stage to the actual consumption of piping
materials,
(2) Equitable and balanced allocation of piping material based on the priority fixed and work load at
sites and
(3) Timely feedback of any excess or unplanned issue of material.
Duration in months
Fig: General Life Cycle of the construction Project with volume of work done
STARS (Systematic Total Accounting and Record keeping for Stores): This package generates the
following Reports, such as Reports based on all P.O.; Material Receiving Reports; Material Issue
Voucher (MIV) reports for item wise; MIV reports for contractor’s discipline wise; MRV (Material
Return Voucher) Reports; MRV reports for item wise; MRV reports for contractor’s discipline wise;
Stock Status Reports and Bin Card Report for an item..
INMOS (Inspection Monitoring System): This package is designed for the monitoring the quality
and the quality assurance of the piping work at site. It covers all the activities related to the piping
work where radiography is required. This gives the following information on piping:
(1) LINE MASTER- Line wise records such as Line Number, Line Responsibility Codes,
Contractor’s name, Plant, Area, System, and Loop etc.
Joint Master: Line wise Joints Records such as Joint Number, Piping Material Code, and joint
Diameter, Joint Type, (Location, Fillet, Butt-Weld, Field Joint, Shop Joint.); Fit up Date; Welder
Number and Date; D.P. Date and Bill Number (For Root and Final); Stress Relieving Chart Number,
Date, and Bill No.; Radiography Details (Number, Result, Date, Repair, etc and Bill No.).
6.5 Project Monitoring System
The projects are executed every day but the progress is never achieved as per the planned schedule.
The control and monitoring of the project is very necessary to meet the project completion as per
planning. The monitoring and control of the project starts as soon as the project starts. The monitoring
is the close watching of the progress. The main objective of project monitoring is to ensure the
followings:
a. The management objective of the Time and Cost are met.
b. The various plans made for execution of the project are complied with.
c. The Schedules are revised and updated to accommodate the changes arising out of unforeseen
circumstances.
Estimating:
Material Estimate: A material estimate consists of a listing and description of the various materials
and the quantities required to construct a given project. Information for preparing material estimates
is obtained from the activity estimates, drawings, and specifications. A material estimate is
sometimes referred to as “a Bill of Material (BM)” or “a Material Takeoff (MTO) Sheet.”
Equipment Estimate: Equipment estimates are listings of the various types of equipment, the amount
of time, and the number of pieces of equipment required to construct a given project. Information,
such as that obtained from activity estimates, drawings, specifications, and an inspection of the site,
provides the basis for preparing the equipment estimates.
Manpower Estimate: The manpower estimate consists of a listing of the number of direct labour
man-days required to complete the various activities of a specific project. These estimates may show
only the man-days for each activity, or they may be in sufficient detail to list the number of man-days
for each rating in each activity-Welder (W), Construction Fitter (CF), Equipment Operator (EO),
Fabricator (F), and Gas Cutter (GC). Man-day estimates are used in determining the number of
personnel and the ratings required on a deployment. They also provide the basis for scheduling
manpower in relation to construction progress. A man-day is a unit of work performed by one
person in one 8-hour day or its equivalent. In general, the work schedule of the group is based on an
average of 54 hours per man per week. The duration of the workday is 8 hours per day, which starts
and ends at the jobsite. This includes 8 hours for direct labour and 1 hour for lunch. Direct labour
includes all labour expended directly on assigned construction tasks, either in the field or in the shop
that contributes directly to the completion of the end product. Direct labour must be reported
separately for each assigned construction item. In addition to direct labour, the estimator must also
consider overhead labour and indirect labour. Overhead labour is considered productive labour
that does not contribute directly or indirectly to the product. It includes all labour that must be
performed regardless of the assigned mission. Indirect labour is required to support construction
operations but does not, in itself, produce an end product.
Documents: We, on completion of the work, give the documents to planning department for
construction planning and scheduling of the project. There are two basic ground rules in analysing a
project; planning and scheduling. These are two separate operations. Planning must always precede
scheduling. If we don’t plan sequentially, we will end up with steps out of sequence and may
substantially delay the project. Everyone concerned should know precisely the following aspects of a
project: What it is; its start and finish points; its external factors, such as the schedule dates and
requirements of other trade groups.
The monitoring of the project is done by proper planning, which is developed by the planning
Engineer. The effective monitoring and control system involves the Weightage Estimate to monitor the
following activities:
Measuring the performance of work against plan.
Identifying the deviations from plan while executing the work.
Communicating the deviations to take remedial corrective action.
Suggesting the corrective actions to alleviate and mitigate the deviations.
A/G CS Piping
Diameter x Inch- Mete. Inch- Man-Hour Welder’s
Length Diameter Day
4” x 2.6 Km 10400 8667 39000 MH 345
12” x 250 m 3000 2500 8440 100
14” x125 m 1750 1458 4925 58
Total 15150 12650 52365 503
We can see from the table above that 503 welder’s day and 52,365 Man-hours are required to
complete the above piping work. Now, based on our schedule of completion, we can plan and deploy
welders, manpower, and machineries to complete the above piping work accordingly.
Progress Control:
Progress control is the comparing of actual progress with scheduled progress and the steps
necessary to correct deficiencies or to balance activities to meet overall objectives.
7
Piping Assembly
Pipe Assembly involves the various operations like forming, shaping, machining, cutting, welding,
cleaning, heat-treatment putting off valves, flanges, and fittings into a finished piping system or into
components which may become integral parts of piping systems. Metallic piping and its accessories
work are completed by cutting, bevelling, and edge preparation, cleaning, fit-up, flanging and welding
of the same. The total line is divided into several spools to facilitate the fabrication and installation
of piping work. The piping spools are fabricated either in the workshop or at the work site.
Considerable prefabrication is generally done in fabricating plants where specialized equipment is
available for the production of piping components under carefully controlled supervision. The
fabrication of piping may follow any of the several patterns, including assembly and joining of all
pieces at the erection site location. This is because shop assembly, where specialized equipment is
available and working conditions are favourable, is conducive to easier, more consistent, and more
dependable fabrication than field assembly. The relevant Drawings are studied to prepare the
material take off (MTO) list. After the list is prepared, the material Issue Voucher is prepared by the
site engineers for indenting the materials required for fabrication of the Spools. After receipt of the
materials at site, it is verified and identified for conforming to the specification requirement and
correctness of the materials before use.
Basis of Piping Assembly: The basis of piping work is the “Approved for Construction” drawings,
called as “AFC” drawings and sketches issued by the Consultant to the Contractor. The commonly
used drawings are Plans, General Arrangement, Sectional and / or Isometrics, Approved process
licensor’s standards and specifications, Consultant’s specifications and documents as below:
Process and Instrument Diagram.
Piping Material Specification
Piping support standards
Line list
Piping support indices, if supports are not shown in plan.
Standard specification of Non-destructive Testing Requirement of Piping
Standard specification of Welding
Standard specification of Pressure Testing of Erected Piping system
Welding specification for fabrication of Piping
Piping Materials: In general, we use carbon steel, alloy steel and stainless steel materials for
construction of piping work as mentioned below:
Carbon Steel : A106 GR B; API 5L GR 5L, GR X52, GR X60 ETC.
Low Alloy Steel: A333 GR 3, GR 6 ETC.
Alloy Steel : A335 GR P5, GR P9, GR P11, GR 22 ETC.
Stainless Steel: A312 GR TP 304, GR 316, GR 321, GR 327,
GR 304L, GR 316L, GR 304H, GR 316H, GR 321H
7.1 Applicable Codes and Standards
This page lists the cutting, welding, heat treatment and other auxiliary functions for fabrication &
erection of piping work shall meet the requirements of the latest editions of the following accepted
Standards, Specifications and Drawings of the Project Work:
P & ID; General Arrangement Drawings, ISO-Metric Drawing; Spool Drawing; Technical
Specifications; and Condition of Contract Documents.
ASME B31.3: ASME Code for Pressure piping design, fabrication, erection & inspection.
ASME Boiler & pressure Vessel Code, Sec II Part C: Material Specifications for Welding
Rods, Electrodes and Filler Metals.
ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, Section V: Non-destructive examination.
ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII: Rule for construction of Pressure Vessels.
ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code. Section IX: Welding and Brazing Qualifications.
I.B.R. (The Indian Boiler Regulations):
NACE: Code for Design, Fabrication and Inspection of sour Services material Requirement
MR-01-75.
7.2 Piping Fabrication and Assembly
The different stages of piping fabrication and erection involve cutting of pipe, edge preparation,
welding and Inspection of pipe. Cutting means dividing the material into two pieces. Bevelling and
Edge Preparation means cutting the edge of the work piece in inclined profile (bevelled), i.e., at
certain angle as per the groove design and then grinding and filling the same to smooth finish for
welding. Edge preparation should be reasonably smooth finish and true to the design of the weld joint
groove. Cleaning and Fit-up means removing the slag, oxides, paint, oil, grease, scale or the rust from
inside or outside surface of oxygen or arc cut material and truly cleaned to a shining surface. Fit-up is
the preparation of the weld joint to the requirement of the design or WPS before welding of the same.
The weld metals should be tacked together either directly or with the help of plate cleat of the same
material of the pipe or with couplers, yokes or clamps after alignment and matching with each other
within the dimensional limits. A wire spacer of the suitable diameter is used to maintained the
required root gap in case of butt-weld joint. The qualified welder should do tack welding because the
tack weld becomes a part of the final weld. Tack welds are equally spaced approximately at 75 mm
to 150 mm depending on small to big diameter pipe. Defective tack weld should be removed prior to
the actual welding by grinding or other means.
(a) Carbon Steel and Low-Carbon Steel: Gas-Cutting, Metal Arc-Cutting Hacksaw Cutting,
Grinding or Machine-Cutting cuts Carbon steel and low carbon steel (Chromium up to 2.5%) pipe,
plate or any other components. After Gas-Cutting or Metal Arc- Cutting, the oxides or slag are
removed by
chipping with chisel & hammer or by grinding.
(b) High-Alloy Steel, Stainless Steel and other Non-Ferrous Metals: Certain metals cannot be cut
by gas-cutting method successfully because the chromium and nickel oxides produce by the heat of the
flame melt at higher temperature than the parent metal. Similarly, High alloy steel, cupronickel, nickel
alloys, aluminium, copper and copper alloys and other non ferrous metals, and Cast Iron can only be
cut by the Machine Cutting, Plasma-Cutting, Oxy-Arc Cutting, Oxy-Lancing Cutting, Powder Process
Cutting, Powder Lancing Cutting, Grinding or Hack Saw Cutting. Oxygen cutting is entirely unsuitable
for such metals.
(c) Cast Iron: The cutting of Cast Iron is difficult due to the nature of its constituents, which include
silicon and graphite. Neither of these is easily oxidized. For cutting cast iron, a special blowpipe
having larger passages is required to pass greater quantities of both oxygen and acetylene. The
quantity of cut and accuracy obtained on the surface is extremely poor. An excess of acetylene is
required in the heating flame for conversion of the silicon and graphite constituents into a slag. This
generated slag is more or less removed by the pressure of then gas behind the flame or by mechanical
manipulation of an iron rod during the actual cutting operation. The blowpipe should be hold 10 mm
above the surface of cast iron while cutting.
a) Saw-Based Cutting: Many cutting services perform band-saw cutting operations and other saw-
based processes. Band-saw cutting services use a power saw with an endless, toothed steel belt or
band that is driven continuously around the circumference of two pulleys. Other types of saw-based
cutting services are circular cold-saw and mitre cutting. Circular cold-saw cutting services use a
toothed, circular blade which rotates at a high speed. If an angled cut is desired, mitre cutting is used.
b) EDM Cutting: Cutting services that perform electrical discharge machining (EDM) operations use
specialized equipment. EDM cutting services specialize in cutting conductive materials with a thin
electrode. This electrode is a thin wire (usually .004"- .012") that follows a programmed path
without physically touching the part. With EDM cutting, the part is charged to a certain level and
surrounded by de-ionized water. This generates a spark which jumps the gap and melts a small
amount of material on the part.
c) Flame, Laser, and Plasma Cutting: Cutting services may perform flame cutting, laser cutting, and
plasma cutting operations. Flame cutting equipment uses an oxygen or gas flame to heat metals in
preparation for cutting. Laser cutting services use a CNC-controlled, non-contact tool to make quick
and precise cuts with a narrow cutting groove. Laser cutting is an adaptable operation that can be set
up quickly and can cut through different types of materials. Plasma cutting services perform plasma-
arc cutting, an operation which involves melting an area with an arc and then cutting it with a high-
velocity, high-temperature, ionized gas. There are two main types of laser cutting: (i) CO2 and (ii)
Nd- YAG. Both types of laser cutting services offer advantages such as high accuracy, cutting of
unlimited shapes, clean cutting that requires minimum finishing, minimal generation of heat, and
distortion-free cutting. Water jet-Based Cutting use water and water abrasive jets for cutting the
materials. Cutting services that use water and water abrasive jets use heavily-pressurized water
(20,000 - 60,000 psi) flowing through a nozzle ("jewel") that is approximately 0.010" in diameter.
Benefits include minimal heating during cutting, low side-loads, and the ability to accomplish
complex shapes and tight inside radii. Water jet cutting is well-suited for prototypes and short runs
because of their fast setup and programming times. Water and water abrasive jets are used mostly for
two-dimensional cutting (2D cutting). Routing cutting services use a vertical, high-speed, revolving
spindle and cutter which mills out the surfaces or edges of materials. Tube or pipe cutting services
specialize in cutting tubing, pipe, or bar stock to a desired length or mitre angle in a variety of shapes
(square, rectangle, and round).
d) Oxy-Flame Cutting: The oxygen has great affinity for ferrous metals. The cutting of the ferrous
metal involves the closely regulated jet or stream of pure oxygen on to the area heated previously to
the ignition temperature (about 870 0C, or when the metal reaches the bright red colour). Moving the
oxygen jet at a uniform speed oxidizes the metal and a narrow Iron Oxide is removed from the metal
with the pressure of oxygen or it is cut. The accurate result is obtained if close control is exercised.
The cutting blow pipe consist of (1) a central nozzle supplying the cutting jet of oxygen at a constant
pressure and speed, (2) an annulus through which the fuel gas passes for heating the metal. Both, the
oxygen and the fuel gas are fed from separate cylinders having separate gas regulator valves. The fuel
gases most commonly used are acetylene, propane or hydrogen.
The heating flame has two purposes, (1) to provide sufficient heat to raise a small area of the steel
surface to the “ignition” temperature, and (2) transmit sufficient heat to the top surface of the steel to
offset the thermal conductivity of the metal. The intensity of heat must also be sufficient to break up
surface scale and maintain the steel at ignition temperature regardless of any surface irregularities.
The removal of surface scale is of particular importance when cutting alloy steels, such as armour
plate.
The flame cutting causes a slight increase in the surface hardness of the cut edges, the actual depth
depending on the carbon content and alloying element present in the steel, and on the mass of the
metal. The hardening effect on low-carbon steels, i.e., mild steel, however is negligible for thickness
up to 25 cm. For greater thickness it is advisable to preheat the metal prior to cutting to avoid any
chilling effect.
Procedure: First the heating flame is adjusted and set to a natural blue flame with the white cone at
the centre by adjusting fuel gas and oxygen with the help of regulator valves. Then, the cutting torch is
kept on the metal surface with the white cone 6 mm above the work surface. Heating is started with
the burning of fuel gas. When the metal reaches a bright red colour, the oxygen supply is switched on
by pressing the handle of the oxygen valve. White cone of the flame is kept just clear of the work
surface and a penetrating hole is ensured before commencing to move the cutting torch. Whenever
possible, the operator should move the cutting torch towards him for good quality of cutting. The
cutting of the cast iron is felt very difficult due to the nature of its constituents, which include silicon
and graphite, neither of which is easily oxidized.
Much oxygen cutting is done with the machines, particularly if the cut is long. Machine gas cutting has
many advantages over hand gas cutting and result in greater accuracy and better edge finish. A wide
variety of types of machines are available, e.g., Stationary general-purpose or universal models,
multi-burner machines, flame-planning machines, straight-line and circle cutting types, hole cutting
machines, bar and joist cutting machines, tube-cutting machines etc. There is some pantograph or
electronic devices enabling profiles to be accurately copied from templates or direct from drawings.
e) Oxy-Arc Cutting: The oxy-arc cutting is done by the fine-point concentration of heat generated by
an electric arc and a stream of oxygen. In fact, it is a combination of a flame cutting and a metal arc
cutting. Because the heat is concentrated in such a small area, the process is very useful piercing
holes in the plate up to thickness exceeding 15 cm. The arc is established between the end of a hollow
coated electrode and the metal to be cut. The oxygen flows through the core of the electrode. The
electrode is consumed during cutting. Due to the high temperature of the arc, (1) cutting start
immediately without preheat (2) oxidation resistance material can be cut and pierced, (3) steel can be
cut and pierced at high speed, and (4) heavily rusted and corroded parts are cut easily.
The equipment consists of a special electrode holder or gun, special hollow electrodes, an oxygen
cylinder and regulators, an AC or DC welding set and a helmet etc. This process is not intended for
general cutting purpose, i.e. to replace normal cutting process. It is used where the normal process
cannot be used. The cut is not as clean or smooth as that produced with oxy-acetylene process.
f) Oxygen-Lance Cutting: This process of cutting is, to some extent, similar to the Oxy-Arc Cutting
process except the use of the oxygen lance in place of hollow electrode.
g) Powder Cutting: Above, it is mentioned that metals like Stainless steel, Nickel Alloys, Copper
Alloys, High Alloys steels and Cast Iron can only be successfully cut by the Powder- Cutting process,
sometimes termed as “flux-injection process”. In this process, a finely divided iron-rich powder is
conducted separately to the reaction zone of the cutting equipment by the compressed air or nitrogen.
The combustion of the iron powder increases the temperature of the reaction, thereby increasing the
fluidity of the refractory oxides. These refractory oxides are removed by the combined melting and
fluxing action and, also to the certain extent, by the eroding action of the iron particles. A clean
surface is thus exposed to the oxygen stream and the cut progresses through the thickness of the metal.
The quality of the cut is slightly inferior to that obtained by the gas cutting process.
A powder-dispensing unit is required by which the quantity of powder flowing into the reaction zone
in a given period of time can be varied. The machine mainly consists of powder storage bowl,
powder blowpipe, powder valve, powder nozzle and connecting tubing. Iron powder is carried down
outside the cutting nozzle and is injected through the heating flame into the cutting oxygen at a point
approximately 2.5 cm below the surface of the nozzle. The clearance between the nozzle and the work
piece is maintained 2.5 cm to 3.5 cm to permit the powder to mix and burn with the oxygen in the
cutting stream. The intense heat created by the combustion of powder makes it unnecessary to preheat
stainless steels. The remainder of the equipment is similar to the normal oxygen cutting equipment.
The dispenser is supplied from a source of clean dry air capable of delivering a flow rate of 50 cu.
Ft./hr at a line pressure of 50 lb./sq. in.. Oxygen must not be used in any circumstances in place of air
for operating the dispenser. Nitrogen may be used in place of air as an alternative.
h) Powder Lance Cutting: Powder Lancing is the technique, which provides a means of cutting very
thick pieces of metal, which are difficult or impossible to cut by any other means. The use of a
special “Thermit “powder mixture enables an exceedingly high temperature to be reached and a
thickness up to several feet can be cut with ease.
The apparatus consists of a tubular lance, a special holder incorporating an injector and dual valve
arrangement, these being coupled to a high-pressure oxygen supply and a standard powder dispenser.
The depression of the control lever causes the main oxygen stream to draw a variable flow of powder
from the dispenser, conveying it through the lance pipe to the action zone. During the operation, the
pipe is consumed at low rate. The dispenser is charged with a mixture of iron and aluminium powder
in the proportion of 9 lb. of iron to 1 lb. of aluminium. Heating the lance tip to red heat and opening
the control lever starts the reaction, whereupon the pipe may be directed at the start of the cut without
heating the spot on the material in order to affect a start. The lance must be allowed to burn with a gap
of 50 cm between its tip and the face of the work. To effect the maximum economy, bronze and copper
will require some degree of preheat and require lower oxygen pressure than other material.
i) Metal Arc Cutting: The metal-arc cutting is the process of cutting the metal with the help of an
ordinary metal-arc electrode. This method is only be used if none of the other process of cutting is
available. It is only used for emergencies because the width of cut is about twice the diameter of the
electrode and the electrode melts away very rapidly.
With the plate horizontal and electrode at about 45 0, hold a fairly long arc and move the tip of the
electrode up and down at the edge of the plate. As the metal melts, brush it downward with the help
of arc. Feed the electrode into the slot that is formed and continue working the tip of the electrode up
and down to melt the plate and assist the molten metal to run away underneath. It is essential to allow
the metal to flow freely out of the cut.
6mm 0.8 2 30 66
12mm 1.5 2 50 42
19mm 1.5 2 60 39
25mm 1.5 2 60 34
50mm 1.5 2 70 30
Table: Data for Gauging with Oxy-Acetylene Flame
6 15 15 25 21 16 76
12 20 19 30 61 20 65
25 20 19 37 144 20 50
31 20 19 40 152 20 45
37 25 21 42 156 23 42
50 25 21 47 170 21 37
62 25 21 50 178 21 32
75 30 23 52 277 25 30
j) Under-Water Cutting: It seems that the underwater cutting of metal is difficult operation. In fact, it
is no more difficult than the surface cutting. Normally, all cutting process can be used for under water
cutting as mentioned below:.
(i) Oxy-Acetylene Cutting: The oxy-acetylene process is suitable for water cutting at depth up to 8
meter. The cutting equipment is similar to that for surface cutting except that a supply of compressed
air is required to shield the pre-heat area and to supply the oxygen. The oxy-acetylene process has the
advantage of ease of regulation of gases. The luminous inner cone is easily visible and in water it has
a distinctive blue-green colour. Unfortunately, at the depth of 8 meter, the back pressure due to the
pressure of sea water is 11.1 lb/sq. in., leaving the oxy-acetylene gas pressure only 3.9 lb/sq. in. for
cutting purposes, which is suitable only for medium-size tips.
(ii) Oxy-Hydrogen Cutting: The oxy-hydrogen cutting process is suitable under water cutting for
depth in excess of 8 meter because hydrogen can be compressed beyond the 15 lb/ sq. in. limit of
Acetylene. Because of the lower temperature of the oxy-hydrogen flame (4400 0 F), the hydrogen gas
is not usually employed at depth less than 8 meters. The gas pressure at the depth above 8 meter is
also reduced to but to the extent of oxy-acetylene cutting process. For this reason, the use of gas
torches is confined to the cutting of steel.
(iii) Oxygen-Arc Cutting: The oxygen-arc cutting is particularly most useful for cutting under water,
especially at depth greater than 8 meter. The heat generated is nearly half as much as that of the oxy-
hydrogen torch. Also it is much safer to use, especially in the presence of oil. Using an 8 mm diameter
hollow electrode, 300 amps at 30-40 volts, and oxygen pressure of 40-80 lb/sq. in., 6 mm plate can
be cut at a speed of 27 in/min at a depth of 30 ft. With the same torch, 37 mm thick plate can be cut at
a speed of 15 cm/min.
(iv) Metal Arc Cutting: Under water cutting with the help of Metal arc cutting is also possible, but
should only be employed if other process is not available. It is much slower and more difficult to
perform. A 5 mm 300 amp, 40-55 volts, is used for Metal arc cutting. A D.C. straight-shielded
electrode (water proofed by dipping in a suitable solution) used at polarity is advisable in order to
avoid the bubbles due to electrolysis. 6 mm plate can be cut at a speed of 33 cm/min.
.3.3 14 19 42
6.6 19 19 45
9.9 23 19 48
13.2 27 19 51
16.5 31 19 56
19.8 36 19 61
23.1 40 19 67
26.4 45 19 74
27.7 49 19 82
31 53 19 91
7.2.2 Piping Fabrication
Shop fabrication / prefabrication: The purpose of shop fabrication or pre-fabrication is to minimize
work during erection to the extent possible. Piping spool, after fabrication, shall be stacked with
proper identification marks written with paint, so as to facilitate their withdrawal and sorting at any
time during erection. The flange faces and threads shall be adequately protected with removable rust
preventive coating or grease during storage period. We shall take care to avoid any physical damage
to flange faces and threads during storage period. All prefabricated piping spools should be painted
with one coat of primer paint after through surface cleaning before stacking to protect the pipe from
rust during storage.
Piping Material: Pipe, pipe fittings, flanges, valves gaskets, studs bolts etc. used in a given piping
system should be strictly as per the “Piping Material Specification” or as per the drawings for the
“Pipe Class” specified for that system.
Dimensional Tolerances: Dimensional tolerances for piping fabrication should be as per Standard
and specifications. An extra pipe length of 100 mm over and above the dimensions indicated in the
ISO drawing may be left on one side of the pipe at each of the field welds. During erection, the pipe
with extra length at each field weld should be cut to obtain the actual dimension occurring at site,
Isometrics, if supplied may have the field welds marked on them.
Pipe Joints: In general, joining of lines 2” and above in process and utility piping should be
accomplished by butt-welds and minimum numbers of flange joints strictly for maintenance of the
piping. Joining of lines 1-1/2” and below should be by socket welding or butt welding or threaded
joints as specified in “Piping material Specifications”. However, in piping 1-1/2” and below where
socket welding or threaded joints are specified in the specification, butt-welds may be used with the
approval of Client or Engineer-in-Charge for pipe-to-pipe joining in long runs of piping.
Flange joints should be used at connections to Vessels, equipment’s Valves and where required for
ease of erection and maintenance as indicated in drawings.
Butt Weld / Socket Weld: End preparation, alignment and fit-up of pipe pieces to be welded, should
be done strictly as per specification. The welding, preheating, post-heating and heat
treatment should be done as described in the welding specification and NDT specification.
Screw Joint: In general, Galvanized piping shall have threads as per IS: 554 or ANSI B2.1 NPT as
required to match threads on fittings, valves etc. All other piping shall have threads as per ANSI
B2.1 tapered unless specifies otherwise. The male threads should be coated with thread sealant and
the joint tightened sufficiently for the threads to seize and give a leak proof joints. Some time the
threaded joints are to be seal welded as per specification requirement.
Flange Joints: The flange joints are made with the help of companion flanges welded to the pipe.
Then, a suitable Gasket is put in between two flange’s faces. The flanges are tightened with suitable
bolts and nuts.
The length of the pipe, proper size of the plate etc. is cut as per the drawing requirement to complete
piping and its support work. The cutting is done with one of the following methods:
All flange facings should be true and perpendicular to the axis of pipe to which they are attached.
Flange boltholes should straddle to the normal centrelines unless different orientation is shown in the
drawing. Wherever a spectacle blind is to be provided, drilling and tapping for the jackscrews in the
flange should be done before welding it to the pipe.
Bending & forming: Bending is the turning of one end of the pipe at a certain angle (Generally 45 0
or 90 0) with respect to the other end of the pipe on a plain surface, either in hot or cold condition.
Bending should be as per ASME B31.3 except that corrugated or creased bends should not be used.
Cold bends for lines 1-1/2” and below, with a bend radius of 5 times the nominal diameter should be
used as required in place of elbow wherever allowed by piping specifications. Bending of pipes 2”
and above may be required in some cases like that for headers around heaters, reactors etc. Inspection
of each bend should be carried out and the completed bend should have a smooth surface, free from
cracks, buckles, wrinkles, bulges, flat spots and other serious defects. They shall be true to
dimensions. The flattening of a bend, as measured by the difference between the maximum and
minimum diameter at any cross-section, shall not exceed 8 % and 3 % of the nominal outside
diameter, for internal and external pressure respectively.
Branch Connections: Branch connections shall be as indicated in the piping material specifications.
The end preparation, alignment, spacing, fit-up and welding of branch connections should be done as
per welding specifications. Reinforcement pads should be provided wherever indicated in drawings
or specifications etc.
Mitre Bends and Fabricated Reducers: The specific application of welded Mitre bends and
fabricated reducers should govern by the piping material specifications. Generally, all 90 deg.
Mitres should be piece 3-weld type and 45 deg. Mitres should 3-piece 2-weld type and reducers per
standard unless otherwise specified. The radiographic shall be done as Material specifications for
process and utility systems and NDT specifications for steam piping under IBR, radiographic
requirements of IBR shall be complied with.
Cutting and Trimming of Standard Fittings & Pipes: Components like pipes, elbows, couplings,
half-couplings etc. should be cut or trimmed or edge prepared wherever required to meet fabrication
and erection requirements, as per drawings and welding groove detail. Nipples as required should
be prepared from straight length of pipe.
Galvanized Piping: Galvanized carbon steel piping should be completely cold worked so as not to
damage galvanized surfaces. This piping involves only threaded joints and additional external
threading on pipes may be required to be done as per requirement. Welding should not be done after
galvanizing of the fabricated pipe.
Jacketed Piping: Pre-assembly of jacketed piping to the maximum extent possible should be
accomplished at shop. Position of jump over and nozzles on the jacket pipes, fitting etc. should be
marked according to pipe disposition and those shall be prefabricated to avoid damaging of inner
pipe and obstruction of jacket space. However, valves flow glasses, in line instruments or even
fittings shall be supplied as jacketed.
Miscellaneous: We shall fabricate miscellaneous elements like flash pot, seal pot, sample cooler,
supporting elements like turn buckles, extension of spindles and interlocking arrangement of valves,
operating platforms as required by the drawing in the fabrication shop.
5.3.5 PIPING ERECTION
During assembly of the piping, mainly, the following jobs are supposed to be performed to complete
the piping system, but not limited to the followings. Grinding of edges of pipes, fittings, flanges etc. to
match mating edges of uneven/different thickness wherever required and for making the weld groove
before welding, modifications like providing additional cleats, extension of stem of valve, locking
arrangement of valves etc, preparation of Isometrics, bill of materials, supporting details of all Small
Bore piping size up to 2” within the piping battery limit, spun concrete lining of the inside of pipes 3”
NB & above including fittings and flanges as required in accordance with specification, rubber lining
inside pipes, fittings, flanges as and when required, in accordance with specification, radiography,
stress relieving, dye penetration, magnetic particle test etc, casting of concrete pedestals and
fabrications & erection of small structures for pipe supports including supply of necessary materials,
providing insert plates in concrete structures and repair of platform gratings around pipe openings,
flushing and testing of all piping systems as per standards specification for inspection, flushing and
testing of piping systems, Pickling , if applicable, as per standard specification for chemical cleaning
of C S such as suction piping of compressors, Lube oil piping etc.
Cleaning of piping before erection: Before erection of piping, all pre-fabricated spool pieces,
pipes, fittings etc. shall be cleaned inside and outside by suitable means. The cleaning process
should include removal of all foreign matter such as scale, sand; weld spatter chips etc. by wire
brushes, cleaning tools etc. and blowing with compressed air or flushing out with water. Special
cleaning requirements for some services such as pickling etc., if any, shall be done as specified in the
piping material specification or isometric drawings or line list. S.S jacketed piping requiring
pickling shall be pickled to remove oxidation and discolouring due to welding before erection.
Cold Pull: Wherever cold pull is specified, the same shall be maintained by providing the necessary
gap, as indicated in the drawing. This pull should be checked by the piping engineer and should be
confirmed in writing, certifying that the gap between the pipes is as indicated in the drawing before
drawing the cold pull. Stress relieving shall be performed before removing the gadgets for cold
pulling.
Slopes: Slopes as specified for various lines in the drawings or P & ID shall be maintained during
erection of piping.
Expansion joints / Bellows: Great care shall be taken while aligning for handling and installation of
expansion joints. An Expansion Joints shall never be sling from bellows corrugations or external
shrouds, tie or rods or angles etc. An Expansion Joints/Bellows shall preferably be sling from the end
pipes or flanges or on the middle pipe. All expansion joints shall be delivered to the contractor at
“Installation length”, maintained by means of shipping rods, angles welded to the flanges or weld
ends or by wooden or metallic stops. Expansion Joint’s stop blocks shall be carefully removed after
hydrostatic testing of the piping system. Angles welded to the flanges or weld ends shall be trimmed
by saw or as per manufacturer’s instructions and the flanges or weld ends shall be ground smooth.
The expansion joint should be placed in between the mating pipe ends or flanges and should be tack
welded or bolted and the mating pipes should be checked for correct alignment. Butt-welding should
be carried out at each end of the expansion joint for welding type expansion joint and the mating
flanges shall be bolted for the flanged Expansion Joint. After the Expansion joint is installed, it
should be ensured that the mating pipes and Expansion Joints are in correct alignment and that the
pipes are well supported and guided. The expansion Joint shall not have any lateral deflection. The
Contractor shall maintain parallelism and Joints should be correctly aligned and that the pipes are
well supported and guided.
Precautions: The following precautions should be taken during installation of Expansion Joints,
Earthen lead shall not be attached with the expansion joint for carrying out welding.
The expansion bellow shall be protected from all weld spot and welding spatters.
Hydrostatic testing of the system having expansion joint shall be performed with shipping lugs in
position. These lugs shall be removed only after testing and certification of the piping system is over.
Flange connections: While fitting up mating flanges, care shall be taken to properly align the pipes
and to check the flanges for trueness, so that faces of the flanges can be pulled together, without
inducing any stresses in the pipes and the equipment nozzles. Extra care shall be taken for
flange connections to pumps, turbines, compressors, cold boxes, air coolers etc. The flange
connections to equipments shall be checked for misalignment and excessive gap etc. after the final
alignment of the equipment is over. Temporary protective covers shall be retained on all flange
connections of pumps, turbines, compressors and other similar equipments, until the piping these
equipments are completed satisfactorily.
The assembly of a flange joint shall be done in such a way that the gasket between these flange faces
is uniformly compressed. Bolt shall be tightened in a proper sequence to achieve the flange
connections. All bolts shall extend completely, three threads minimum, through their nuts but not
more that ¼”. Steel to C.I flange joints shall be made up with extreme care, tightening the bolts
uniformly after bringing flange flush with gaskets with accurate pattern and lateral alignment.
Vents and Drains: All high points and low points in piping system shall be provided with vent and
drain respectfully, even if these are not shown in the drawings. The details of vents and drains shall
be as per piping material specifications or job standards.
Valves: Valves shall be installed with spindle or actuator orientation or position as shown in the
layout drawings. In case of any difficulty in doing this or if the spindle orientation or position is not
shown in the drawings, Vales should be installed as per the flow direction marked on the body of the
valve.
Care shall be exercised to ensure that globe valves, check valves, and other uni-directional valves
are installed with the “Flow direction arrow” on the valve body pointing in the correct direction Of
flow of the fluid in piping. If the direction of the arrow is not marked on such valves, this shall be
done in the presence of Engineer-in-Charge.
Bolts and Nuts: Molly-coat grease mixed with graphite power shall be applied unless otherwise
specified in piping class on all bolts and nuts during storage, after erection and wherever flange
connections are broken and made-up for any purpose whatsoever. The contractor within the rates for
piping work shall supply the grease and graphite powder.
Pipe Supports: Pipe supports are designed and located to effectively sustain the weight and thermal
effects of the piping system and to prevent and to prevent its vibrations. Locations and design of pipe
supports will be shown in drawings for lines 2” NB & above. For line below 2” NB Contractor shall
locate and design pipe supports in line and obtain approval of Engineer-in-Charge on drawings
prepared by Contractor, before erection.
No pipe shoe or cradle shall be offset unless specifically shown in the drawings.
Hanger rods shall be installed inclined in a direction opposite to the direction in which the pipes
move during expansion. Preset pints of all spring supports shall be removed only after hydrostatic
testing and insulation is over. Springs shall be checked for the range of movement and adjusted if
necessary to obtain the correct positioning in cold condition. These shall be subsequently adjusted to
hot setting in operating condition. The following points shall be checked after installation, with the
Engineer-in-Charge and necessary confirmation in writing obtained certifying that:
All restraints have been installed correctly.
Clearances have been maintained as per support drawings.
Insulation does not restrict thermal expansion
All temporary tack welds provided during erection have been fully removed.
All welded supports have been fully welded.
8
Pipe Welding
Pipe Welding: Welding joins two metal parts into a single mass or whole. This is often done by
melting the work pieces and adding a filler material to form a pool of molten material (weld pool)
that cools to become a strong weld joint. Welding is a potentially hazardous undertaking and
precautions are required to avoid burns, electric shock, vision damage, inhalation of poisonous gases
and fumes, and exposure to intense ultraviolet radiation. Several welding procedures/techniques are
developed like Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), now one of the most popular welding
methods. Robot welding is commonplace in industrial settings, and researchers continue to develop
new welding methods and gain greater understanding of weld quality and properties. Many different
energy sources can be used for welding, including a gas flame, an electric arc, a laser, an electron
beam, friction, and ultrasound. While often an industrial process, welding may be performed in many
different environments, including open air, under water and in outer space.
8.0 Applicable Codes of Welding:
1. American Welding Society (AWS) Codes: American Welding Society Standards provide
information on the welding fundamentals; weld design, welder's training qualifications, testing and
inspection of the welds and guidance on the application and use of welds.
Standard Title
Number
Standard symbols for welding, brazing, and
AWS A2.4
non-destructive examination
AWS A3.0 Standard welding terms and definitions
Specification for carbon steel electrodes for
AWS A5.1
shielded metal arc welding
AWS A5.2 Specification for Iron and Steel welding rods
Specification for Low Alloy Steel covered arc-
AWS A5.5
welding electrodes
Specification for mild steel covered arc-
AWS A5.6
welding electrodes
Carbon Steel Electrodes and Fluxes for
AWS A5.17
Submerged Arc Welding
Specification for carbon steel electrodes and
AWS A5.18
rots for gas shielded arc welding
Carbon Steel Electrodes for Flux Cored Arc
AWS A5.20
Welding
Low Alloy Steel Filler Metals for Gas
AWS A5.28
Shielded Arc Welding
Low Alloy Steel Electrodes for Flux Cored
AWS A5.29
Arc Welding
Guide for the non-destructive examination of
AWS B1.10
welds
AWS D1.1 Structural welding (steel)
AWS D1.2 Structural welding (aluminium)
AWS D1.3 Structural welding (sheet steel)
AWS D1.4 Structural welding (reinforcing steel)
AWS D1.5 Bridge welding
AWS D1.6 Structural welding (stainless steel)
AWS D1.7 Structural welding (strengthening and repair)
AWS D1.8 Structural welding seismic supplement
AWS D1.9 Structural welding (titanium)
AWS D8.1 Automotive spot welding
Automotive spot welding electrodes
AWS D8.6
supplement
AWS D8.7 Automotive spot welding recommendations
supplement
AWS D8.8 Automotive arc welding (steel)
AWS D8.9 Automotive spot weld testing
AWS D8.14 Automotive arc welding (aluminium)
AWS D9.1 Sheet metal welding
AWS D10.10 Heating practices for pipe and tube
AWS D10.11 Root pass welding for pipe
AWS D10.12 Pipe welding (mild steel)
AWS D10.13 Tube brazing (copper)
AWS D10.18 Pipe welding (stainless steel)
AWS D11.2 Welding (cast iron)
AWS D14.1 Industrial mill crane welding
AWS D14.3 Earthmoving & agricultural equipment welding
AWS D14.4 Machinery joint welding
AWS D14.5 Press welding
AWS D14.6 Industrial mill roll surfacing
AWS D15.1 Railroad welding
AWS D15.2 Railroad welding practice supplement
AWS D16.1 Robotic arc welding safety
AWS D16.2 Robotic arc welding system installation
AWS D16.3 Robotic arc welding risk assessment
AWS D16.4 Robotic arc welder operator qualification
AWS D17.1 Aerospace fusion welding
AWS D17.2 Aerospace resistance welding
AWS D18.1 Hygienic tube welding (stainless steel)
AWS D18.2 Stainless steel tube discoloration guide
AWS D18.3 Hygienic equipment welding
2. American Petroleum Institute (API) Standards: The American Petroleum Institute (API)
maintains over 500 standards covering the oil and gas field. The following is a partial list specific to
welding:
Code Title
Welding Inspection and
API RP 577
Metallurgy
Welding of pipelines and
API 1104
related facilities
3. International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standards: International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) has developed over 18500 standards and over 1100 new standards are
published every year. The following is a partial list of the standards specific to welding:
Standard Title
Number
ISO 2560 Welding consumables. Covered electrodes for
manual metal arc welding of non-alloy and fine
grain steels. Classification
ISO 3580 Covered electrodes for manual arc welding of
creep-resisting steels - Code of symbols for
identification
ISO 3581 Covered electrodes for manual arc welding of
stainless and other similar high alloy steels -
Code of symbols for identification
ISO 3834 Quality requirements for fusion welding of
metallic materials, five parts.
ISO 4063 Welding and allied processes - Nomenclature
of processes and reference numbers
ISO 5817 Welding. Fusion-welded joints in steel, nickel,
titanium and their alloys (beam welding
excluded). Quality levels for imperfections
ISO 6520-1 Welding and allied processes — Classification
of geometric imperfections in metallic
materials — Part 1: Fusion welding
ISO 6520-2 Welding and allied processes — Classification
of geometric imperfections in metallic
materials — Part 2: Welding with pressure
ISO 6947 Welds. Working positions. Definitions of
angles of slope and rotation
ISO 9606 Qualification test of welders — Fusion
welding, parts 1 to 5
ISO 9692-1 Welding and allied processes.
Recommendations for joint preparation.
Manual metal-arc welding, gas-shielded metal-
arc welding, gas welding, TIG welding and
beam welding of steels
ISO 9692-2 Welding and allied processes. Joint
preparation. Submerged arc welding of steels
ISO 9692-3 Welding and allied processes. Joint
preparation. Part 3: TIG and MIG welding of
aluminium and its alloys
ISO 13847 Petroleum and natural gas industries - Pipeline
transportation systems - Welding of pipelines
ISO 13916 Welding - Guidance on the measurement of
preheating temperature, inter-pass temperature
and preheat maintenance temperature
ISO 13918 Welding - Studs and ceramic ferrules for arc
stud welding
ISO 13919-1 Welding - Electron and laser-beam welded
joints - Guidance on quality level for
imperfections - Part 1: Steel
ISO 13919-2 Welding - Electron and laser-beam welded
joints - Guidance on quality level for
imperfections - Part 2: Aluminium and its weld
able alloys
ISO 13920 Welding - General tolerances for welded
constructions - Dimensions for lengths and
angles - Shape and position
ISO 14112 Gas welding equipment - Small kits for gas
brazing and welding
ISO 14175 Welding consumables — Gases and gas
mixtures for fusion welding and allied
processes.
ISO 14341 Welding consumables. Wire electrodes and
deposits for gas shielded metal arc welding of
non alloy and fine grain steels. Classification
ISO 14554 Resistance welding
ISO 14744 Electron beam welding, six parts
4. Bureau of Indian Standards: IS 823 is the Indian Code for Welding of Mild Steel (For structural
steel).
Welding Procedures: There are various types of welding procedures based on utilization of different
kind of energy, e.g., electrical energy, oxy-acetylene gas, friction force, explosion, Thermit energy,
Ultrasonic, and electron beam. Based on the type of union of two parts of metal, welding is mainly
divided into two groups: (i) Fusion Welding and (2) Pressure Welding.
Fusion Welding: In fusion welding, the weld metals are melted by production of tremendous heat to
melt the metal with or without filler metals and allowed to intermingle together to form a
homogeneous weld joint when cooled without application of any pressure. The heat is produced by
different methods as mentioned, such as, Electric Arc; Gas Flame; Electric Resistance; Thermit and
Electron Beam.
Pressure Welding: In pressure welding, the weld metals, either after heating but without melting or
in cold condition, are brought together and a tremendous pressure is applied to force the surfaces to
form a union into intimate contact.
Main Welding Processes: Some of the Main Welding Processes, which are widely used in
fabrication, and welding of pipe are given below:
Electric Resistance Welding (ERW): This process differs from the fusion welding process in the
fact that no extra metal (filler metal) is added to the joint by any means. It is a group of welding
processes in which welding heat is generated by the resistance offered to the passage of an electric
current through the parts being welded. This differs from the fusion welding process that no extra
metal is added to the joint by means of filler wire or electrode. The resistance welding processes
generally requires less skill on the part of the operators than in case with other type of welding. The
resistance welding is a quantity- production process. Heat generated at weld will be proportional to
I2 R, where ‘I’ is the current flowing through the material and R is the electrical resistance. The
actual figure in kilocalories will be found to be I2 x R x T x 0.238 x 10-3, where, T being the time
that the welding current flows and (0.238x10-3) is the factor for converting Joules to Kilocalories.
The heating effect during the performance of a weld is proportional to: The Square of the heating
current; the time of application of the weld; the electrical resistance of the materials to be welded.
The total resistance is made up of the resistance of the material itself, the contact resistance between
the electrode and the work piece and the contact resistance between the works pieces themselves. Of
these, the contact resistance between the work pieces is the greatest, and can vary widely according
to the cleanliness or surface condition and the mechanical pressure applied by the electrodes. Small
pools of molten metal are formed at the weld area as high current (1000–100,000 A) is passed
through the metal. In general, resistance welding methods are efficient and cause little pollution, but
their applications are somewhat limited and the equipment cost can be high.
Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW): Flux cored arc welding process is also a type of shielded metal
arc welding. The welding time lost in changing the electrodes and the material loss as electrode
stubs, necessitated the development of the Flux Core Arc Welding. In this process, the electrode is
developed in long form, called “wire”. The arc protection is done with gas shielding either through
welding nozzle or gas produced from the cored flux. The electrode is in tubular form, which contains
the flux, de-oxidizer, scavengers and other alloying elements or denitrider. Argon, helium or carbon
dioxide is used as shielding gas. Generally carbon dioxide (due point should be at least –450F) is
used because of low cost. In this case, strong de-oxidizers are used in the electrode arc to produce a
sound weld because CO2 is an active gas as compared to helium and argon. The electrode is in the
form of a coil and the welding operation is automatic or semiautomatic. Advantages: The
uninterrupted wires feeding gives high deposition rate; High deposition efficiency; High operating
factors; Produces good radiography quality weld with good ductility and toughness; Cuts welding
costs because of higher speed. Disadvantage: Irregularity in the structure of flux-cored electrode will
introduce faults in weld deposits. Since the wire is tubular and usually has an open seam, the
absorption of moisture by flux will result in weld porosity. In moving air (drafts) or wind; the
protective gas shield may be disturbed causing weld defects. Flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) is
automatic welding, which uses equipment and uses wire consisting of a steel electrode surrounding a
powder fill material. This cored wire is more expensive than the standard solid wire and can
generate fumes and/or slag, but it permits even higher welding speed and greater metal penetration.
Gas Welding (GW) / Oxyfuel Gas Welding: The metals are heated with the help of gas such as
oxygen-acetylene, oxygen-hydrogen or any other gas. Then a special pressure is applied to unite the
metals together. This process is used for welding of Aluminium pipes or plastic pipes. This process
is not used for metallic pipe welding. It is one of the most versatile welding processes, but in recent
years it has become less popular in industrial applications. It is still widely used for welding pipes
and tubes, as well as repair work. The equipment is relatively inexpensive and simple, generally
employing the combustion of acetylene in oxygen to produce a welding flame temperature of about
3100 °C. The flame, since it is less concentrated than an electric arc, causes slower weld cooling,
which can lead to greater residual stresses and weld distortion, though it eases the welding of high
alloy steels.
Metal Inert Gas Arc Welding (MIG): Gas metal arc welding (GMAW), also known as Metal Inert
Gas (MIG) welding, is a semi-automatic or automatic process that uses a continuous wire feed as an
electrode and an inert or semi-inert gas mixture to protect the weld from contamination. Since the
electrode is continuous, welding speeds are greater than for SMAW. In this process, the consumables
travel through a nozzle and a tip before it strikes an arc with the work-piece. Gases such as 100%
argon, 98% argon with 2% oxygen, 75% argon with 25% carbon dioxide, and 100% carbon dioxide
shield the arc atmosphere. The smooth functioning of MIG welding depends on welding parameters,
shielding gases, and the consumables. The welding parameters are amperage, voltage, feed of the
wire, and speed of welding and flow rate of the shielding gas. The feed of the wire has to be adjusted
to suit the speed determine the heat input. If these parameters are not synchronized, the welding does
not perform well. There could be burn back fusing the tips, or there could be insufficient melting of
the wire, resulting in improper fusion. If the gas pressure is insufficient, the metal gets oxidized,
leaving inclusions and porosity in weld metal. There are two different techniques in MIG welding:
Spray transfer & Droplet transfer / short-circuit type. In spray type, the liquid weld metal travels from
the tip of the consumable in the form of tiny globules to the work piece. Spray transfer is achieved
with higher current densities. In droplet transfer, the liquid metal travels in the form of droplets, and
operates at lower current densities. Usually the droplet or short-circuiting technique is used in root
pass welding, followed by spray transfer for the rest of the welding.
Plasma Arc Welding: Plasma arc welding uses a tungsten electrode but uses plasma gas to make the
arc. The arc is more concentrated than the GTAW arc, making transverse control more critical and
thus generally restricting the technique to a mechanized process. Because of its stable current, the
method can be used on a wider range of material thicknesses than the GTAW process and it is much
faster. It can be applied to all of the same materials as GTAW except magnesium, and automated
welding of stainless steel is one important application of this process. A variation of the process is
plasma cutting, an efficient steel cutting process.
Plastic welding: Plastic welding or Heat sealing is the process of welding plastic work pieces
together. It is a very common process for joining plastics. A number of techniques are used for
welding plastics. Hot gas welding, also known as hot air welding, is a plastic welding technique
which is analogous to gas welding metals, though the specific techniques are different. A specially
designed heat gun, called a hot air welder, produces a jet of hot air that softens both the parts to be
joined and a plastic filler rod, all of which must be of the same or a very similar plastic. Welding
PVC to acrylic is an exception to this rule. Hot air/gas welding is a common fabrication technique for
manufacturing smaller items such as chemical tanks, water tanks, heat exchangers, and plumbing
fittings. In the case of webs and films a filler rod may not be used. Two sheets of plastic are heated
via a hot gas (or a heating element) and then rolled together. This is a quick welding process and can
be performed continuously. A variety of heat sealers are available to join thermoplastic materials
such as packaging films: Hot bar sealer, Impulse sealer, etc.
Shielded Manual Arc Welding: This is a process wherein the coalescence of the metals is produced
by heating them with an arc by passing electric current between the covered metal electrode and the
work pieces. The shielding is obtained from the decomposition of electrode covering. Shielded metal
arc welding (SMAW) is manual and versatile and is well suited to shop jobs and field work. Weld
times are rather slow, since the consumable electrodes is frequently replaced and slag, the residue
from the flux, is chipped away after welding by the welder every time. Furthermore, this process is
generally limited to welding ferrous materials. The filler metal is obtained from the electrode wire.
The coated electrode provides a layer of slag, which protects the molten metal from harmful effects of
atmospheric oxygen and other gases. The coating also provides a shield of inert gas, which
completely envelops the welding area, and protects from atmospheric harmful effects. The purity of
the weld metal is ensured fully. The coated electrode is made of a metal core wire surrounded
(covered) by a thick coating applied on it. The composition of the coating is designed to stabilize the
arc; to flux away any impurities present on the surface of the weld; to form a slag on the weld to
protect the molten metal from atmospheric contamination and to slow the rate of cooling of the weld,
reducing the chance of brittleness; to provide a smoother surface by reducing the ripples caused by
the welding; to add certain desired constituents to the weld metal to compensate for the loss of any
volatile allowing elements or any constituents lost by oxidation; and to speed up the welding
operation by increasing the rate of melting. Both AC and DC current can be used for welding. For
pipe welding, DC current gives good quality of weld. AC & DC have an important bearing on
electrode and welding quality. Heat generated with DC is split into two parts in the ratio of 66
percent at positive pole and 33 percent at negative pole. Hence if the electrode is connected to the
positive pole, it quickly becomes red-hot and welding is impossible. By connecting electrode to the
negative pole and the work metal to the positive pole, the molten pool becomes the source of the
higher heat content, the electrode remaining below the critical heat value. This is the main reason why
AC is not used for welding the pipe because AC generates the heat at each pole equally and
alternatively. Hence changing over the poles to electrode does not have any difference in case of AC.
This is the reason why DC is preferred for welding of the pipe joint. The welding is done with DC at
a voltage of 60 volts and current rating ranging from about 100 to 600 amps. The voltage is regulated
automatically to meet the variation in the demand of the arc. One of the major factors affecting the
quality of weld is the formation of oxides resulting from the tendency of molten metal to absorb
oxygen from atmosphere. This is minimized (1) by the provision of slag forming fluxes in the
electrode coating or (2) by providing a separate powder in case of submerged arc welding or (3) by
blanketing the arc and molten metal area from the atmosphere with an inert gas, i.e. a gas which will
not react or combined with heated metals. The most convenient and economical are helium, argon and
carbon dioxide (CO2). This is the basic new principle of the newer “Shielded Arc Processes” being
known as “Inert Gas Welding”. Argon is cheaper than helium and gives good performance and so it is
widely used now days.
Submerged arc welding (SAW): This is a process wherein the coalescence of the metals is produced
by heating them with an arc or arcs between a bare metal electrode or electrodes and the work piece.
A blanket of granular, fusible material on the work shields the arc and molten metal. Pressure is not
applied. The filler metal is obtained the electrode or sometimes from a supplementary source.
Submerged arc welding (SAW) is a high-productivity welding method in which the arc is struck
beneath a covering layer of flux. This increases arc quality, since contaminants in the atmosphere are
blocked by the flux. The slag that forms on the weld generally comes off by itself, and combined with
the use of a continuous wire feed, the weld deposition rate is high. Working conditions are much
improved over other arc welding processes, since the flux hides the arc and almost no smoke is
produced. The process is commonly used in industry, especially for large products and in the
manufacture of welded pressure vessels. Other arc welding processes include Atomic Hydrogen
Welding, Electro slag Welding, Electro gas Welding, and Stud arc welding.
Thermit Welding (TW): In this process, the heat is produced by the ignition of a mixture of finely
produced aluminium and iron oxides (Thermit) and a pressure is applied to unite the two weld metals
together. This is a type of fusion welding and used in workshop for production purpose. It is not used
for fabrication & erection of piping work.
This chemical reaction reaches a temperature of 1, 400 °C (1,670 K). The reactants are usually
supplied in the form of powders, with the reaction triggered using a spark from a flint lighter. The
activation energy for this reaction is very high however, and initiation requires either the use of a
"booster" material such as powdered magnesium metal or a very hot flame source. The aluminium
oxide slag that it produces is discarded. The process employs a semi-permanent graphite crucible
mould, in which the molten copper, produced by the reaction, flows through the mould and over and
around the conductors to be welded, forming an electrically conductive weld between them. When the
copper cools, the mould is either broken off or left in place. Alternatively, hand-held graphite
crucibles can be used. The advantages of these crucibles include portability, lower cost because they
can be reused, and flexibility, especially in field applications. The weld formed has higher
mechanical strength than other forms of weld, and excellent corrosion resistance. It is also highly
stable when subject to repeated short-circuit pulses, and does not suffer from increased electrical
resistance over the lifetime of the installation. However, the process is costly relative to other
welding processes, requires a supply of replaceable moulds, suffers from a lack of repeatability, and
can be impeded by wet conditions or bad weather (when performed outdoors).
Tungsten Arc-Inert Gas Welding (TIG)): Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), or Tungsten Inert
Gas (TIG) Welding, is a manual welding process that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode, an
inert or semi-inert gas mixture, and a separate filler material. In TIG welding, the arc is struck
between the work piece and the non-consumable electrodes like thoriated tungsten for welding of
ferrous materials and zirconiated tungsten for aluminium. The consumable wire is melted in the arc
atmosphere and the inert gases like argon or helium or their mixture are used as shielded gases. TIG
is extremely suitable for joining and making root pass welding in pipes, since the heat input in this
process is minimal. TIG welds do not cause any undercuts or excessive penetration, and the distortion
is the lowest of any welding process. TIG welds provide superior quality weld metal, but the
productivity is low. This method is characterized by a stable arc and high quality welds, but it
requires significant welder skill and can only be accomplished at relatively low speeds. GTAW can
be used on nearly all weld able metals, though it is most often applied to stainless steel and light
metals. It is often used when quality welds are extremely important, such as in bicycle, aircraft and
naval applications. In this process the equipment consists of (1) the argon gas cylinder (2) the source
of electricity, (3) control mechanism, (4) the welding torch that is either air-cooled or water-cooled.
First, the purity of the gas is more important which should be 99.99 percent pure. Second, the rate of
gas flow is also very important. For welding thin material, at low current, a small flow of gas gives
adequate protection to small area of molten metal in the weld bead. For welding heavy gauge
material, higher welding current and larger flow is required. Third, the arc stability is also important
factor. Less gas is required for the more stable arc. Welding should be done in drought-free condition
in order to minimize the gas consumption and also to ensure complete shrouding of the welding area.
While welding, the cooling water, gas and power are switch on. The arc is struck between the
tungsten electrode and the work piece. Immediately, the electrode reaches the operating temperature
and starts melting the filler metal as well as the material to be welded. The joint can be made with or
without filler metals. The filler rod moves ahead of the torch along the line of the joint. The torch is
kept inclined at an angle of 15 0 maximum from vertical to allow the operator a clear view of the weld
pool and to assist metal flow. The tip of the rod is kept just within the gas shield but sufficiently far
from the arc to prevent excessive heating of the rod outside of the gas-shield area; otherwise the rod
will become oxidized, leading to the difficulty of welding. As the welding proceeds, the end of the
rod is touched on to the leading part of the weld pool and at the same time, the torch is moved
backward slightly. This movement is repeated at short intervals and should be quick but smooth to
avoid creating turbulence in the argon shroud. The amount of metal transferred each time should be
small so as to avoid chilling the weld pool and causing oxides inclusions. The rod should not be
plunged into the weld pool while welding and should not leave the inert gas atmosphere at any time.
The angle of the filler rod also should not be more than 15 0. During welding, the electrode must not
touch the work piece or filler metal, otherwise the tungsten will be contaminated, the arc will become
unsteady, and welding will be poor. The dark deposit will appear on weld. Holding a long arc on to a
piece can burn off sight contamination of the electrode. In case of more severe cases, it is necessary
to take the electrode out from the torch and grind a small piece off the tip. On completion of the
welding, the arc is extinguished and the gas is left flowing sufficiently long for tungsten electrode to
cool in the shielded atmosphere to avoid oxidizing. The welding sets are invariably designed for DC
current. The use of DC with the tungsten electrode combines the advantages of reasonable
penetration, moderate heating of the electrode, and adequate dispersal of the oxide film from the work
surface. Torch with maximum rating of 75 up to 600 amps is available for manual welding. The 150
amps torch is air-cooled by natural convection and is intended for welding a material up to 3.5 mm
thick. The 300 to 600 amps torch is water-cooled. Electrodes for the arc are generally a tungsten rod
that is more expensive and require to safe guard the same properly. The tungsten rod should be
protected from oxidation by flow of the argon gas for long even after the welding is completed to cool
the electrode until there is no visible glow on tip of the rod. This prevents the deterioration of the rod
by oxidation. Further, the tungsten rod should be protected from higher current than that for which it is
intended. The higher current causes a high rate of burn-off and the risk of contamination of the weld
pool with tungsten. At any moment, the electrode should not be allowed to touch the molten weld pool
to avoid contamination of both electrode and the weld. This process of welding is widely used in
piping fabrication and assembly. Arc-Inert Gas Welding: The Arc-Inert Gas Welding process enables
the welding of metals e.g., Stainless steel, Nimonic, copper, Nickel, Cupronickel, Aluminium, Alloy
steels and Bronze that are difficult to weld with ordinary process, There are two process of Arc-Inert
Gas welding: (i) Tungsten Arc-Inert Gas Welding (TIG) and (ii) Self-Adjusting Consumable
Electrode Arc-Inert Gas Welding.
Weld Joint Edge Preparation: In common welding practices, the welding surface needs to be
prepared to ensure the strongest weld possible. Preparation is needed for all forms of welding and all
types of joints. Generally, butt welds require very little preparation, but some is still needed for the
best results. Weld Joint edges can be prepared for butt joints in various ways, but the five most
common techniques are oxyacetylene cutting (oxy-fuel welding and cutting), machining, chipping,
grinding, and air carbon-arc cutting or gouging. Each technique has unique advantages to their use.
For steel materials, oxyacetylene cutting is the most common form of preparation. This technique is
advantageous because of its speed, low cost, and adaptability. Machining is the most effective for
reproducibility and mass production of parts. Preparation of J or U joints is common prepared by
machining due to the need for high accuracy. The chipping method is used to prepare parts that were
produced by casting. The use of grinding to prepare pieces is reserved for small sections that cannot
be prepared by other methods. Air carbon arc welding is common in industries that work with
stainless steels, cast iron, or ordinary carbon steel. Prior to welding dissimilar materials, one or both
faces of the groove can be buttered. The buttered layer can be the same alloy as the filler metal or a
different filler metal that will act as a buffer between the two metals to be joined.
Weld Joint - Heat-affected zone: The blue area results from oxidation at a corresponding
temperature of 600 °F (316 °C). This is an accurate way to identify temperature, but does not
represent the HAZ width. The HAZ is the narrow area that immediately surrounds the welded base
metal.
The effects of welding on the material surrounding the weld can be detrimental depending on the
materials used and the heat input of the welding process used. The thermal diffusivity of the base
material plays a large role, if the diffusivity is high, the material cooling rate is high and the HAZ is
relatively small. Conversely, a low diffusivity leads to slower cooling and a larger HAZ. The amount
of heat injected by the welding process plays an important role as well, as processes like
oxyacetylene welding have an unconcentrated heat input and increase the size of the HAZ. Processes
like laser beam welding give a highly concentrated, limited amount of heat, resulting in a small HAZ.
Arc welding falls between these two extremes, with the individual processes varying somewhat in
heat input. To calculate the heat input for arc welding procedures, the following formula can be used:
Where Q = heat input (kJ/mm), V = voltage (V), I = current (A), and S = welding speed (mm/min).
The efficiency is dependent on the welding process used, with shielded metal arc welding having a
value of 0.75, gas metal arc welding and submerged arc welding, 0.9, and gas tungsten arc welding,
0.8.
Underwater Welding: While many welding applications are done in controlled environments such as
factories and repair shops, some welding processes are commonly used in a wide variety of
conditions, such as open air, underwater, and vacuums (such as space). Shielded metal arc welding is
also often used in underwater welding in the construction and repairs of ships, offshore platforms,
and pipelines, but others, such as flux cored arc welding and gas tungsten arc welding, are also
common. Welding in space is also possible. It was first attempted in 1969 by Russian cosmonauts,
when they performed experiments to test shielded metal arc welding, plasma arc welding, and
electron beam welding in a depressurized environment. Further testing of these methods was done in
the following decades, and today researchers continue to develop methods for using other welding
processes in space, such as laser beam welding, resistance welding, and friction welding. Advances
in these areas may be useful for future endeavours similar to the construction of the International
Space Station, which could rely on welding for joining in space the parts that were manufactured on
Earth.
Welding Safety Issues: Arc welding is safe with a welding helmet, gloves, and other protective
clothing. Welding, without the proper precautions, can be a dangerous and unhealthy practice.
However, with the use of new technology and proper protection, risks of injury and death associated
with welding can be greatly reduced. Because many common welding procedures involve an open
electric arc or flame, the risk of burns and fire is significant; this is why it is classified as a hot work
process. To prevent them, welders wear personal protective equipment in the form of heavy leather
gloves and protective long sleeve jackets to avoid exposure to extreme heat and flames. Additionally,
the brightness of the weld area leads to a condition called arc eye or flash burns in which ultraviolet
light causes inflammation of the cornea and can burn the retinas of the eyes. Goggles and welding
helmets with dark face plates are worn to prevent this exposure, and in recent years, new helmet
models have been produced that feature a face plate that self-darkens upon exposure to high amounts
of UV light. To protect bystanders, translucent welding curtains often surround the welding area.
These curtains, made of a polyvinyl chloride plastic film, shield nearby workers from exposure to the
UV light from the electric arc, but should not be used to replace the filter glass used in helmets.
Welders are also often exposed to dangerous gases and particulate matter. Processes like flux-cored
arc welding and shielded metal arc welding produce smoke containing particles of various types of
oxides. The size of the particles in question tends to influence the toxicity of the fumes, with smaller
particles presenting a greater danger. This is due to the fact that smaller particles have the ability to
cross the blood brain barrier. Additionally, many processes produce fumes and various gases, most
commonly carbon dioxide, ozone and heavy metals, which can prove dangerous without proper
ventilation and training. Exposure to manganese welding fumes, for example, even at low levels
(<0.2 mg/m3), may lead to neurological problems or to damage to the lungs, liver, kidneys, or central
nervous system. Furthermore, because the use of compressed gases and flames in many welding
processes poses an explosion and fire risk, some common precautions include limiting the amount of
oxygen in the air and keeping combustible materials away from the workplace.
8.1 Welding Symbols
There are many methods of joining pipes. Welding being the easier and having less controlling factors
is becoming more and more popular. Various welding processes have also opened new sites for
designers to adopt various types of welding joint design. The accessibility and process deployment
have caused in developing different types of joints and welds. To identify such types of joints and
welds various welding symbols are adopted. A welding symbol consists of basic elements. These
elements can be joined in various combinations to denote any of welds needed for any type of joint.
Bureau of Indian Standard and American Welding Society have standardized these symbols and
presented in composite sketches. These symbols quickly describe to the designer the weld that will
develop the required joint. By adopting this system symbols, the engineer will ensure the followings:
Correct welding instructions are transmitted to all concern.
Prevent misinterpretation of instructions
No delay in production
Cost effect.
Determination of Welding Time: To find the welding time, the number of electrodes required
for completing the welding of the joint should be multiplied by “melting time per electrode”.
Determination of Current Consumption: The standard value of current consumption per
electrode is given in the manufacturer’s catalogue. To find out the total current consumption, the
total number of electrodes required for welding work should be multiplied by the “standard
consumption of current for one electrode”. However, the cost of electric power consumption for
welding can also be calculated as per the followings:
Power Cost = (V x A)/1000 = (T x Cost per unit)/60x e.
Where, V = arc voltage for the electrode used. A = Current. T= Time (in minutes) during
which the arc is held. E= Overall efficiency of the machine.
Labour Cost: The cost of Labour can be accessed from the standard norms of the welder
performance given in the planning manual. Here, the standard output of one welder for a particular
size and thickness, per day of 8 hours working, is given.
Cost of Welding Accessories: The most satisfactory way of estimating the cost of welding
accessories is to assign a definite life to each item and work out its price per hour. The “ life” of
various accessories, based on experience, are given below:
The cause of incomplete penetration is (I) too low welding current, (ii) Wrong polarity in case of a
DC current, (iii) the skill and technique of welder, (iv) bad incorporation of tack weld (v) inadequate
removal of slag, and (vi) use of too long arc.
2. Lack of Fusion: One of the most common defects is lack of Fusion. It is also known as
“Incomplete Fusion”. The depth of Fusion into the parent metal or the weld metal is the depth to
which the weld metal fused in it. It is generally 1.2 mm beyond the edge of the parent metal. If this is
insufficient, the joint will be weaker than its design strength.
The cause of incomplete Fusion is (I) too low welding current, (ii) Wrong polarity in case of a DC
current, (iii) the skill and technique of welder, (iv) bad incorporation of tack weld (v) inadequate
removal of slag, and (vi) use of too long arc.
3. Porosity: Porosity consists of a group of small cavities caused by gas entrapment in the weld
metal. It is an acute form of gas entrapped in the weld metal. When a tubular cavity is produced, it is
known as piping, wormhole, or blowhole.
This term is usually employed when the hole comes to the surface of the weld. The porosity is
because of formation of gas due to chemical reaction, the condition of electrodes, particularly the
moisture content of electrodes, design of the electrodes, very low or too high welding current,
Rust/scales/ galvanizing/oil/dampness on the work surface, sulphur content or steel contamination and
impurities, high carbon steel etc.
4. Slag inclusion: The term “slag inclusion” or just “Inclusion” refers to the slag or other non-
metallic foreigner matters entrapped in the weld. The usual source is the slag formed by the electrode
coating or welding of a dirty surface.
The slag is sometimes forced into the weld by arc. The main cause of slag inclusion are the use of too
large electrode, Use of too high or too low welding current, inadequate removal of slag between
deposition of successive runs, bad incorporation of tack weld, too long an arc and too high a speed of
traverse.
5. Undercut: Undercut is a term denoting either burning away of the sidewalls of the joint recesses or
reduction in the base metal thickness at the line where the last bead is fused to the surface.
Undercutting makes de-slagging difficult, and with a multi pass weld there is a strong possibility of
slag entrapment on subsequent runs. Undercut considerably weakens the structure, particularly; with
respect to fatigue endurance. The manoeuvring the electrode is one of the main causes of the undercut.
Other causes of undercut are extreme differences in the heat capacity of two or more sections, forming
the joint lead to undercut in the sections of lowest heat capacity, Damp electrodes, excessive welding
current, heavy mill scales, excessive speed, wrong electrode angler, excessive weaving and the built
up of too much heat etc.
6. Crack: Crack is one of the most serious defects. The formation of the crack is either in the weld
itself or the adjacent parent metal.
Root Surface Concavity: Sometimes, while welding, the root surface is sucked inside the root edge
and forms a cavity in the weld metal instead of protrusion as shown in the sketch.
8.9 Welding Distortion & Remedies
Followings are the certain basic facts, which is responsible for the distortion of the parts during
welding:
Heat affected Zone Defect: Graphitization is the process of breaking up iron carbide into iron and
carbon and combination of carbon into graphite. Graphite formation is in the heat-affected zone
parallel to the weld in steels. Small well-dispersed particles of graphite present in steels are not
critical. But severe concentrations of graphite in the heat affected weld zone, parallel to the weld
cause very severe embrittlement in the steel. The chain or clustered graphite severely reduces the
ductility of the material as measured by bend test.
Metals expand when heating and contract when cooling.
Steel is elastic when stressed up to a point slightly below its “yield-point”. If stressed beyond
the Yield-point, it “yields” or stretches, resulting in a plastic flow of metal or permanent
deformation.
If a piece of low-carbon steel is fully restrained from expanding longitudinally, an increase of
200 0F will cause it to expand by such an amount that it is stressed beyond its yield-point and
plastic flow of metal takes place.
PRINCIPLE OF “PLASTIC FLOW”, “RESIDUAL STRESS ” AND “DISTORTION”:
Case 1: When end of the welding pieces are freed (not restrained) while welding, the expansion and
contraction due to heating and cooling process during welding, are free, i.e. not restrained. In such
case, there will not be any plastic flow, residual stress, warping, or distortion in the plate or pipe.
Case 2: When both ends of the welding pieces are restrained (not free) during expanding while
welding and are free (not restrained) during contracting, then a plastic flow of the base metal will
occur during the welding by the heat produced and the material will warp near the weld joint.
However, there will not be any residual stress as because the metals have contracted uniformly and
freely without any restraint.
Case 3: When both ends of the welding metals near the weld metal are restrained (not free) during
expanding and contracting while welding, a plastic flow of the base metal occur during welding by
the heat produced and the material will warp. A residual stress also exists in the heat-affected zone
and weld metal
In piping fabrication and assembly, the welding is done under case 3 condition. The weld metal and
the metal in heat affected zone are restrained during expanding and contracting by the base metals
outside the heat affected zone on each side of the weld. Thus, a narrow zone (heat affected zone) on
each side of the weld undergoes plastic flow while welding. When this cool to room temperature, the
weld metal and the base metal of the narrow zone (heat affected zone) on each side of weld contract
and are restrained by the base metal outside the plastic zone (narrow zone). Therefore, a residual
stress is set up in the weld metal as well as the base metal in heat-affected zone. The contracting zone
(heat affected zone) is the predominating factor, causing the plate or pipes to close up ahead of the arc
and warping take place.
This causes the distortion of the work unless suitable precautions are taken. Therefore, before
welding it is necessary to anticipate where the distortion will occurs and plans a welding sequence in
such a way as to minimize or completely prevent its occurrence. Plastic deformation and residual
stress in the welded structure are unavoidable. This is necessary to consider how this effect can be
minimized.
If after a short weld (Tack Weld) is made, the weld metal is allowed to cool to reach a state of
maximum contraction, another weld is made next to it. It will establish a transient expanding zone
adjacent to it. The expansion zone will have less restraint and the contracting zone will be partially
relieved. Thus the distortion is minimized and the stresses are reduced. This method of welding is
termed as “skip welding”. This method is more effective when the number of skips is greater and the
weld is shorter. Some residual stress will still exist but it will be within acceptable limit.
Similarly, if the Single-V weld joint is welded with a small diameter rod or electrode, it will
consume less current and hence less heat will be produced causing very little warping in the metals.
An alternative method is to design unequal-V joint on each side of the plate. Weld the smaller-V first,
with the minimum number of passes. The plate is then turned over and the large-V is welded. By this
method, it is possible to obtain a joint, which is practically flat.
Peening: Peening is another method of reducing distortion stress after welding. This consists the
hammering of the joint with light and rapid blow with the help of the rounded edge of a hammer. Thus,
it stretches the weld metal and counteracts the contraction of the cooled weld metal and, hence,
reduces the internal stresses in the weld metal. Peening must be done when the metal is below red
heat. If the metal is cold, Peening may cause cracking.
Mechanical Method: Clamping of the parts is another method of preventing the distortion. The parts
must be able to move slightly so that the contraction stresses are not strained; otherwise, severe
internal stresses may be produced, sufficient, to cause the weld to crack.
5.2.12 WELDING CODE REQUIREMENTS
Metallic piping materials and components fabrication, assembly is done by one or more of the
following processes. While doing the piping work, the minimum code requirements as mentioned
below, should be met for maintaining the quality and acceptance of the jobs.
Each employer or organization, performing the weld, is responsible for maintaining the quality
of weld and hence should qualify “welding procedure Specification” (WPS), Welders or Welding
Operators Performance qualification as per Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section-IX. They
should maintain the “Welding Procedure Records” (PQR) and Welders Performance records with
their individual identification number or symbols.
Filler metal should be selected as per section-IX requirement.
The internal and external surfaces to be thermally cut or welded should be cleaned. It should be
free from dust, oil, rust, scale oxides or other material, which may be detrimental to either the weld
or the base metal when heat is applied.
End surface of the material to be welded should be reasonably smooth finished and free from
slag from oxygen or arc cutting. Ends should be prepared as per requirement of WPS, PQR or
ASME B16.25.
The size and thickness of pipe end to be welded together should be same to maintain the
alignment of the joint. Wherever necessary, weld metal should be deposited inside or outside of the
component of less thickness to enable the satisfactory alignment and matching of the ends within
dimensional limits of ASME/ANSI B31.3. Similarly, the external or internal surfaces of the
components having more thickness should be chamfered or tapered for satisfactory alignment of the
ends.
Branch connections, which abut the outside surface of the run pipe, should be contoured for
groove weld. Similarly, branch connection which are inserted through a run pipe opening should be
inserted, at least, as far as the inside surface of the run pipe at all points as per ANSI B31.3
requirement. The run pipe openings at root of the branch contour should not be more than 3.2 mm or
5 times the thickness or branch pipe, whichever is less.
The tack weld at the root of the joint should be made with the same filler metal, which will be
used for the root pass welding. A qualified welder or operator should do the tack weld. Defective
tack weld should be removed before start of the root pass weld.
Peening is prohibited by the code on root pass or final pass of the weld.
If there is impingement of rain, snow, sleet or excessive wind on the weld areas, welding
should not be done.
Welding or heat treatment of ball valve or other Teflon seating valves should be done such as to
prevent the seat damage due to excessive heat.
Slip-on flanges should be welded at both inside and outside ends. However, where the slip-on
flanges are single welded, the welding should be done at the hub.
A qualified welder should do seal welding. Seal weld should cover all the exposed threads.
The fillet weld thickness of the reinforcement pad of branch connection should not less than 0.7
times the thickness of the branch pipe or 0.5 times the thickness of reinforcement pad plate.
The reinforcement pad should be provided with a vent hole at the side (1) for testing the weld to
reveal leakage in the weld between branch and run-pipe by air test and, (2) to allow venting during
welding and heat treatment.
If the ambient temperature is below 00C, the weld metal should be compulsorily preheated (up
to minimum 25 mm beyond each edge of weld) to the specified preheat temperature as per table
330.1.1 of ASME/ANSI B31.3. Preheat temperature should checked by using temperature
indicating crayons, thermocouple pyrometers or other suitable means.
Preheat temperature of the dissimilar metals to be welded should be higher preheat temperature
specified in the code. Preheating should be applied just before welding is resumed.
Post Weld Heat Treatment: The heat treatment of the welded joint after completion of the welding
is called Post Weld Heat Treatment. Post Weld Heat treatment is done to avert or to relieve the
detrimental effects of high temperature and severe temperature gradient inherent in the welding. This
is a process of heating the joint at a specified heat rate till the temperature is achieved and hold it at
the same temperature for a specified period and then cool it at the specified cooling rate.
The necessity and the PWHT temperature is specified in the engineering design code ANSI B31.3.
The requirement and recommendations for PWHT apply to all types of welds including tack welds,
repair welds, and seal welds of the threaded joints. Heat treatment temperature is continuously
checked and recorded on a graph through a machine with the help of thermocouple pyrometers
attached adequately at all points on the surface of the parts equally spaced on the periphery of the
pipes on either side of the weld. When heat treatment temperatures of two different metals are to be
done together, it is the higher temperature of heat treatment is taken for PWHT. Heat treatment of the
joint is done along with the base metal up to minimum 50 mm or three times the thickness extended on
each side. Throughout the PWHT cycle, the portion outside the heated band should be suitably
wrapped under insulation so as to avoid any harmful temperature gradient at the exposed surface of
pipe. For this reason, the temperature at the exposed surface of pipe should not be allowed to exceed
4000C
PWHT is done in furnace using oxy-acetylene or oxy-propane gas mixtures, by using an electric
current resistance wire or induction-heating equipment. Uniform temperatures are maintained at all
points of the portion being heat-treated. The weld zone and heat affected zone are insulated and
wrapped with the insulation materials throughout the cycle of heat treatment to avoid any harmful
temperature gradient the minimum numbers of thermocouples attached are one at every four inch-
diameter length on periphery of pipe. Automatic temperature recorders are used for continuously
recording f the temperature. This record of temperature is called PWHT charts/records/graphs. The
identification marks of the joint heat-treated are written on the charts/records. After PWHT, the
hardness of the weld metal is measured with Brinell hardness testing method and the hardness should
meet the requirement of the code, ASME B31.3, Latest edition.
Notes: CS = Carbon Steels; AS = Alloy Steels; HAS = High Alloy Steels; Cr = Chromium;
Gr. = Grade
8.11 Welding Procedure Specification
(WPS)
A Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) is a formal document describing welding procedures. The
purpose of the document is to guide welders to the accepted procedures so that repeatable and trusted
welding techniques are used. A WPS is developed for each material and for each welding type used.
Specific codes and/or engineering societies are often the driving force behind the development of a
company's WPS. A WPS is supported by a Procedure Qualification Record (PQR or WPQR).
According to the American Welding Society (AWS), a WPS provides in detail the required welding
variables for specific application to assure repeatability by properly trained welders. The American
Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) similarly defines a WPS as a written document that
provides direction to the welder or welding operator for making production welds in accordance
with Code requirements. Each Manufacturer or Contractor has to do the welding by his organization
for construction of the piping. He must select and qualify the welding procedure, welder and welding
operator engaged in the welding of pressure piping and vessels as per ASME/ANSI B31.3, Section-
IX, AWS D1.1, API 1104 and DNV codes. The code Section-IX is very active and important
documents to be referred for qualification purposes. Always, the latest edition of the code should be
referred as it is reviewed and revised constantly by the committee. Out of the so many welding
procedures described above, the most commonly used welding procedures are as mentioned below:
Shielded Manual Metal Arc Welding (SMAW).
Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) Arc Welding.
Submerged Arc Welding (SAW)
Electric Characteristic: A change in the type of current or polarity, an increase in heat input, or an
increase in volume of weld metal deposited per unit length of weld requires re-qualification of the
WPS.
Technique: Any change in the technique of welding, such as stringer bead to weave bead, oxidizing
flame to reducing flame, orifice and nozzle size, forehand to backhand, cleaning method, back gauging
method etc needs re-qualification of the WPS.
Table: Welding Variables for Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) (Ref: ASME Section - IX)
SAMPLE OF
PROCEDURE QUALIFICATION SPECIFICATION (WPS)
Customer:_____________________ Contractor___________________
PQR NO.____________ Date________ WPS No.______
Date__________
Rev. No.________________ Date_________________
Welding Process:________ Type: Automatic/Manual _______________________
Joint Detail: _________________________
Joint Design_________________
Backing Yes/No.______________
Backing Material Spec. ________
(A sketch may be attached to illustrate joint design detail, e.g. root space, weld groove detail & weld
layers and bead sequence, e.g. for notch toughness procedures, for multiple process procedures etc.)
Filler Metals:
Spec. No. (SFA)__________________________________________
AWS No. (Class)_________________________________________
F.No. __________________________________________________
A.No. __________________________________________________
Size of filler Metals_______________________________________
Weld Metal Thickness Range:
Groove_________________________________________________
Fillet__________________________________________________
Electrode-Flux (class)_____________________________________
Flux Trade Name________________________________________
Consumable Insert_______________________________________
Other__________________________________________________
Technique:
String or Weave Bead_____________________________________
Orifice or Gas Cup Size___________________________________
Initial and Interpass Cleaning (Brush, Grinding etc.)_____________
Method of Back Gouging__________________________________
Oscillation______________________________________________
Contact Tube to Work Distance_____________________________
Multiple or Single Pass (Per Side) ____________________________
Multiple or Single Electrodes_______________________________
Travel Speed (Range) ______________________________________
Peeing________________________________________________
Other_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
Tensile Tests
Specimen No.
Width
Thickness
Area
Ultimate load in Kg.
UTS
Failure location & Nature
Guided-Bend Tests
Type and Figure No.
Result
Toughness Tests
Specimen No.
Notch Location
Specimen Size
Test Temp.
Impact value
Drop WT. Break
Weld Tests
Result: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Penetration into Parent Metal: Yes/ No
Macro Result: _________________________________________________
Other Tests
Type of Test____________________________________________
Deposit Analysis_________________________________________
Others_________________________________________________________________________
Welder’s Name:_________________________________________
Test Conducted By_____________ Lab. Test
No.______________
WE CERTI FY THAT THE STATEMENTS I N THI S RECORD ARE CORRECT AND THE TEST WELDS WERE
PREPARED , WELDED & TESTED I N ACCORDANCE WI TH THE REQUI REMENT OF SECTI ON IX OF ASME
CODE.
Contractor: ________________Inspector:____________Date:_____
8.12 Welding Procedure Qualification
Records (PQR)
Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) is a record of the welding data used to weld a test coupon.
The PQR is a record of variables recorded during welding of the test coupons. It also contains the test
result of the tested specimens. The recorded variables normally fall within a small range of actual
variables, which is used during production of weld. Welding procedure qualification shall be carried
out in accordance with the relevant requirements of ASME Sec. IX latest edition or other applicable
codes and the job requirements
The completed PQR is a document with all recorded essentials and supplementary essential variables
for the welding process used during the welding of test coupons. Non-essential variables are also
recorded as per option of the manufacturers or contractors.
The manufacturer and the authorized inspector certify that the information in the PQR is a true record
of the variables that was used during welding of the test coupons. The resulting tensile strength, bend
test or macro etch test (as required) results are in accordance with Section-IX. In the oil and gas
pipeline sector, the American Petroleum Institute API 1104 standard is used almost exclusively
worldwide. API 1104 accepts the definitions of the American Welding Society code AWS A3.0.
When more than one welding process or filler metals are used to weld the test coupons, the
approximate weld metal thickness of each process or filler metals are recorded in PQR. Any changes
in the PQR are not permitted as per code. The information recorded in the PQR is in the form of a
format to fit the need of the contractors. The PQR is kept in a record file to be made available as and
when required.
SAMPLE OF
PROCEDURE QUALIFICATION RECORDS (PQR)
Customer: _____________________Contractor_________________
PQR NO.____________ Date________ WPS No.______
Date______
Rev. No.________________Date____________
Welding Process: ___________________Type: Automatic/Manual ________________________
Filler Metals:
Spec. No. (SFA)__________________________________________
AWS No. (Class)_________________________________________
F.No. __________________________________________________
A.No. __________________________________________________
Size of filler Metals_______________________________________
Weld Metal Thickness Range:
Groove_________________________________________________
Fillet__________________________________________________
Electrode-Flux (class)_____________________________________
Flux Trade Name________________________________________
Consumable Insert_______________________________________
Other__________________________________________________
Preheat:
P REHEAT: G AS :
Preheat Temp. (Min.) ____________ Gas Rate
Interpass Temp. (Max.)___________Shielding
Nature of Preheat_______________Traiting
Backing
Electrical Characteristics:
Current AC/DC Polarity___________________
Electrodes/Tungsten Electrode Size &Type_________________
Amperes (Range)________________Volts (Range)________________
(Amps Volts range shall be recorded for each electrode size, position and thickness etc.)
Tensile Tests
Specimen No.
Width
Thickness
Area
Ultimate load in Kg.
UTS
Failure location & Nature
Guided-Bend Tests
Type and Figure No.
Result
Toughness Tests
Specimen No.
Notch Location
Specimen Size
Test Temp.
Impact value
Drop WT. Break
Weld Tests
Result: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Penetration into Parent Metal: Yes/ No
Macro Result: _________________________________________________
Other Tests
Type of Test____________________________________________
Deposit Analysis_________________________________________
Others____________________________________________________________________________
Welder’s Name: _________________________________________
Test Conducted By_____________Lab. Test No.______________
WE CERTI FY THAT THE STATEMENTS I N THI S RECORD ARE CORRECT AND THE TEST WELDS WERE
PREPARED , WELDED & TESTED I N ACCORDANCE WI TH THE REQUI REMENT OF SECTI ON IX OF ASME
CODE.
Contractor:________________Inspector:____________Date:_____
8.13 Welder Performance
Qualifications (Certification)
Welders shall be qualified in accordance with the ASME Section-IX or other applicable codes.
Welder certification, (Welder Qualification) is a process which examines and documents a welder’s
capability to create welds of acceptable quality following a well defined welding procedure. Welder
certification is based on specially designed tests to determine a welder's skill and ability to deposit
sound weld metal. The tests consist of many variables, including the specific welding process, type of
metal, thickness, joint design, position, and others. Most often, the test is conducted in accordance
with a particular code. The tests can be administered under the auspices of a national or international
organization, such as the American Welding Society (AWS), or American Society of Mechanical
Engineers (ASME), or Manufacturer’s standards and requirements as well. Welders can also be
certified in specific welding related professions: for example, American Welding Society certifies
welding inspectors and welding instructors, and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers
certifies high capacity fossil fuel fired plant operators and several other professions. Most
certifications expire after a certain time limit, and have different requirements for renewal or
extension of the certification. Welder qualification is performed according to AWS, ASME and API
standards. Once a welder passes a test (or a series of tests), their employer or third party involved
will certify the ability to pass the test, and the limitations or extent they are qualified to weld, as a
written document (welder qualification test record, or WQTR). This document is valid for a limited
period (usually for two years), after which the welder must be retested. The essential and
supplementary-essential variables for welder performance tests are as mentioned below:
Joints: Same as WPS. Base Metals: Same as WPS. Filler Metals: This is the essential variable on
which the ability the welder to perform the weld depends. The usability characteristics of the filler
metals, fundamentally, determine the ability of welders to make satisfactory welds with given base
metals. Filler metals are grouped in different groups based on the weld deposit and flux coating like
Low Hydrogen, Cellulose, and Rutile coating. Position: Various positions are defined in the codes
referred above. In these positions the movement of the welder is restricted. The skill of the welders
varies in different positions of welding. Hence, the ability of the welder is determined whether they
can produce sound weld in these difficult positions. Electric Characteristic: A change in the type of
current or polarity, an increase in heat input, or an increase in volume of weld metal deposited per
unit length of weld requires re-qualification of the Welder’s Performance. Technique: Any change in
the technique of welding, such as stringer bead to weave bead, oxidizing flame to reducing flame,
orifice and nozzle size, forehand to backhand, cleaning method, back gauging method etc needs re-
qualification of the Welder’s Performance.
Tests Required for Welders Performance Qualification
Tests Required for Welder Performance Qualification is different than the required for WPS and are
mentioned below:
Guided-Bend Test for groove-weld joint.
Fillet-Weld Test such as “Macro etch Test” and “fracture Test” for Fillet-weld joints.
Radiographic Examination is to substitute for the mechanical tests for groove-weld.
Acceptance criteria-The guided-bend tests and the Fillet-weld tests acceptance criteria are the same
as above. The radiographic Examination is judged unacceptable when the radiograph exhibits any
imperfection in excess of the limits specified below:
Linear Indications: Any type of crack or zone of incomplete fusion or penetration. Any
elongated slag inclusion which has a length greater than 3 mm for t up to 10 mm, 1/3 times t for t
over 10 mm to 56 mm, or 19 mm for t over 56 mm. Any group of slag inclusions in line that have an
aggregate length greater than t in a length of 12t.
Rounded Indications: The rounded indications in the weld should not be more than 20 % of the
wall thickness or 3 mm, whichever is less. Maximum number of rounded indications should not be
more than 12 in 150 mm length of weld.
SAMPLE OF
WELDER/WELDING OPERATOR PERFORMANCE QUALIFICATION (WPQ)
186
HDPE - -20 150# A1Z, A4ZA5Z -- 10% 100%
_ 10.55 ROOT
50
CUPRO- 34 -29 150# -- -- 10% 100%
NICKEL _ 10.55 ROOT
60
Carbon steel 1 -29 150# A1A A6A A8A A9A 50% 50% 100
_ A10AA13AA14AA20A ROOT %
426
Carbon steel 1 -29 150# A2A 50% 50% 100
L _ ROOT %
426
Carbon steel 1 -29 150# -- 100% -- 100
_ %
426
Carbon steel 1 -45 150 A4A, B4A, D4A 100% -- 100
(Killed) _ _ %
200 600#
Carbon steel 1 -45 150 A4A, B4A, D4A 100% -- 100
(Killed) _ _ %
200 600#
Carbon steel 1 -29 150# -- 100% -- 100
_ %
426
Carbon steel 1 -29 300 B1A, B6AB9A, B13A 100% -- 100
_ _ D1A, D6A %
426 600#
Carbon steel 1 -29 150 B2A, D2A 100% -- 100
(Killed) _ _ %
426 600#
C _ 0.5 Mo 3 -29 & 150 A1B, B1B, D1B 100% -- 100
above _ %
600#
0.5 Cr _ 0.5 3 -29 & 150 -- 100% -- 100
Mo above _ %
600#
2 Cr _ Mo 4 -29 & 150 A1D, B1D, D1D 100% -- 100
above _ %
600#
C _ 0.5 Mo 3 -29 & 150 D2B 100% -- 100
(IBR) above _ %
600#
1.2 Cr _ Mo 4 -29 & 150 D2B 100% -- 100
IBR above _ %
600#
5% Cr 5 -29 & 150 -- 100% -- 100
above _ %
600#
3.5 Ni 9 -29 & 150 A1H, B1H, D1H 100% -- 100
above _ %
600#
Austenitic 8 -29 & 150 A1K, A1M, A1N, A6K 100% -- 100
SS above _ %
600#
Austenitic 8 -29 300 B1K, B1M, B3M, B1N, 100% -- 100
SS _ _ B6N %
500 600#
Aluminium & 21_25 -29 150# -- 100% -- 100
Aluminium _ %
Alloy
500
Copper & 31 -29 150# -- 100% -- 100
Copper Alloy _ %
500
Aluminium 35 -29 150# -- 100% -- 100
Bronze _ %
500
Carbon steel 1 All Above E1A,F1A 100 % -- 100
600# %
Carbon steel 1 All Above E2A,F2A 100 % -- 100
IBR 600# %
C _ 0.5 Mo 3 All Above -- 100 % -- 100
600# %
600#
0.5 Cr _ 0.5 3 -29 & 150 -- 20% -- 20% --
Mo above _
600#
2 Cr _ Mo 4 -29 & 150 A1D, B1D, D1D 20% -- 20% --
above _
600#
C _ 0.5 Mo 3 -29 & 150 D2B 20% -- 20% --
(IBR) above _
600#
1.2 Cr _ Mo 4 -29 & 150 D2B 20% -- 20% --
IBR above _
600#
5% Cr 5 -29 & 150 -- 20% -- 20% --
above _
600#
3.5 Ni 9 -29 & 150 A1H, B1H, D1H 20% -- 20% --
above _
600#
Austenitic 8 -29 & 150 A1K, A1M, A1N, A6K 20% -- 20% --
SS above _
600#
Austenitic 8 -29 300 B1K, B1M, B3M, B1N, 20% -- 20% --
SS _ _ B6N
500 600#
Aluminium & 21_25 -29 150# -- 20% -- 20% --
Aluminium _
Alloy
500
Copper & 31 -29 150# -- 20% -- 20% --
Copper Alloy _
500
Aluminium 35 -29 150# -- 20% -- 20% --
Bronze _
500
Carbon steel 1 All Above E1A,F1A 100 10 100 % --
600# % %
Carbon steel 1 All Above E2A,F2A 100 10 100 % --
IBR 600# % %
C _ 0.5 Mo 3 All Above -- 100 10 100 % --
600# % %
600#
12 Cr (410) 6 All All -- 100 10 100 % --
% %
Carbon steel 1 Unto Above -- 100 10 100 % --
(Killed) –45 600# % %
1 _ 2 Cr 4 All Above F2D 100 10 100 % --
(IBR) 600# % %
Ni Alloy 45 All All -- 100 10 100 % --
% %
Carbon steel 1 All All -- 100 10 100 % --
% %
0.5 _ 9 Cr Mo 3,4,5 All All B12A-- 100 10 100 % --
% %
12 Cr (410) 6 All All -- 100 10 100 % --
% %
3.5 Ni 9 All All -- 100 10 100 % --
% %
Austenitic SS 8 All All -- 100 10 100 % --
% %
Austenitic SS 8 -80 150 A2K, B2K, D2K 100 10 100 % --
& _ % %
Below
600#
Austenitic SS 8 All Above -- 100 10 100 % --
600# % %
Austenitic SS 8 Above All B4K, B5K 100 10 100 % --
500 % %
Carbon Steel 1 All All 100 10 100 % --
% %
0.5 _ 9 Cr Mo 3,4,5 All All 100 10 100 % --
% %
3.5 Ni 9 All All 100 10 100 % --
% %
Ni-Alloy 41,42,43 All All D18P 100 10 100 % --
% %
Austenitic SS 8 All All B12K D18K B5M 100 10 100 % --
% %
9.7 Weld Imperfections and
Acceptance Limit
Depth of Incomplete Penetration 1 mm or 0.2 Tw
Cumulative length of Incomplete 38 mm in any weld
Penetration length of 152 mm
Depth of Lack of Fusion 0.2 Tw
Cumulative length of Lack of 38 mm in any weld
Fusion length of 152 mm
Size and distribution of Internal 1.25D
Porosity
Slag Inclusion (Individual length)
0.2 Tw/3
(Individual width)
2.5 mm or 0.2 Tw
(CumulativeTw in any weld length of
length) 12T
Depth of Undercut 1 mm or 0.25 Tw
Surface Roughness 500 min. Ra per ASME
B46.1
Depth of Root Surface Concavity Total joint thickness,
including weld
reinforcement Tw
Height of Reinforcement or 0.24 Tw
Internal Protrusion
Crack Not Allowed
Note:
1. Random 10% of any NDT test means the testing of one joint out of every ten joints or less of weld
completed by the same welding procedure or operators or both.
2. Random 20% of any NDT test means the testing of one joint out of every five joints or less of weld
completed by the same welding procedure or operators or both.
9.8 Inspection and Testing
Instruments
The flowing instruments are used for inspection in piping:
Pressure Gauges: The pressure gauge used in pressure testing should preferably have dials
graduated over range of about double the intended maximum pressure for testing, but in no case
should the range be less than 150% nor more than 400% of the test pressure. Standard Test Gauge
(Pressure Gauge) of Make: W & T or Budenberg; Dial size: 8.5” diameter; Pressure Range: 0 to 10
kg/cm2; 0 to 50 kg/cm2; 0 to 100 kg/cm2; 0.22 kg/cm2 and Accuracy: 0.2% FSD (Full Scale Division).
It is used for Leak testing of the piping system. It should be calibrated regularly at every 6 months.
Precision Test Gauge: Make: W & T or Budenberg; Range: 0 to 20 Torr; Accuracy: 0.2%
FSD (full Scale Division); It is used for Leak testing of the piping system. It should be calibrated
regularly at every 6 months.
Dead Weight Tester (Oil Operated): Make: Budenberg; Range: 1 to 550 kg/cm2; Accuracy: 0.03%
of the range; Range: 1 to 70 kg/cm2; Accuracy: 0.05% of the range.
Dead Weight Tester (Air Operated): Make: Budenberg; Range: 0.1 to 7 kg/cm2; Accuracy: 0.05%
of the range. It is used for calibration of the dial gauges (pressure gauges).
Relief Valve Test Rig: Make: Cross-beg or Sorasin & Forris.
Air Hydro Pump: Make: SYNCO & MICRO Precision; Range: It should be as required at site.
Pressure Gauge Compactor: Make: Budenberg; Range: 5 to 150 kg/cm2.
Film handling marks and streaks, fog and spots caused by developing errors may make it difficult to
identify defects. Such film artefacts may mask weld discontinuities.
Radiography is the use of X-rays to view a non-uniformly composed material such as the human body.
By using the physical properties of the ray an image can be developed which displays areas of
different density and composition.
The Electromagnetic Spectrum: Either an X-ray machine or strong gamma sources (> 2 Ci), such as
Radioactive Source like Iridium-192 (Ir-192), Cobalt-60 (Co-60) or in rare cases Cs-137 is used as
a source of photons. Neutron is also used for radiographic testing (RT), which is different than X-ray
or Gamma-Ray. Neutrons too penetrate materials. Neutrons can see very different images from X-rays
or Gamma-Ray, because Neutrons can pass with ease through lead too and steel but are stopped by
plastics, water and oils. X-rays and gamma rays differ only in their source of origin. X-rays are
produced by an x-ray generator and gamma rays are the product of radioactive atoms. Both of them
are part of the electromagnetic spectrum. They are waveforms like the light rays, microwaves, and
radio waves. X-rays and gamma rays cannot be seen, felt, or heard. They possess no charge and no
mass and, therefore, are not influenced by electrical and magnetic fields and will generally travel in
straight lines. However, they can be diffracted (bent) in a manner similar to light. Both X-rays and
gamma rays can be characterized by frequency, wavelength, and velocity. They are described in terms
of a stream of photons (mass less particles), each travelling in a wave-like pattern and moving at the
speed of light. Their wavelength is short. As they pass through matter, they are scattered and absorbed
and the degree of penetration depends on the kind of matter and the energy of the rays.
Equipment and Materials: Radiography can be done with one of the following equipment,
X-ray Machine: following portable X-ray machine is available and can be used, ERESCO 200 MF
Manufactured by SEIFERT & CO. The rated tube voltage is 200 kV and rated tube current is 5 mA.
X-rays occur in the heavy atoms of tungsten. Tungsten is often the material chosen for the target or
anode of the x-ray tube. X-ray tubes produce x-ray photons by accelerating a stream of electrons to
energies of several hundred kilovolts with velocities of several hundred kilometres per hour and
colliding them into a heavy target material. Properties of X-Rays and Gamma Rays:
They are not detected by human senses (cannot be seen, heard or felt).
They travel in straight lines at the speed of light.
Their paths cannot be changed by electrical or magnetic fields.
They can be diffracted to a small degree at interfaces between two different materials.
They pass through matter until they have a chance encounter with an atomic particle.
Their degree of penetration depends on their energy and the matter they are travelling through.
They have enough energy to ionize matter and can damage or destroy living cells.
Gamma Radiation: Gamma rays are natural radioactivity. Gamma rays are electromagnetic radiation
like X-rays. Gamma rays are the most energetic form of electromagnetic radiation, with a very short
wavelength of less than one-tenth of a nanometre. Gamma rays are the product of radioactive atoms.
Depending upon the ratio of neutrons to protons within its nucleus, an isotope of a particular element
may be stable or unstable. When the binding energy is not strong enough to hold the nucleus of an
atom together, the atom is said to be unstable. Atoms with unstable nuclei are constantly changing as a
result of the imbalance of energy within the nucleus. Over time, the nuclei of unstable isotopes
spontaneously disintegrate, or transform, in a process known as radioactive decay. Various types of
penetrating radiation may be emitted from the nucleus and/or its surrounding electrons. Nuclides
which undergo radioactive decay are called radionuclide. Any material which contains measurable
amounts of one or more radionuclide is a radioactive material. The four series represented are
Th232, Ir192, Co60, Ga75, and C14. Carbon-14 is not used in radiography.
Radio Isotope (Gamma) Sources: Two of the major gamma-ray sources used for industrial
radiography is iridium-192 and cobalt-60. These isotopes emit radiation in a few discreet
wavelengths. Cobalt-60 will emit a 1.33 and a 1.17 MeV gamma ray, and iridium-192 will emit
0.31, 0.47, and 0.60 MeV gamma rays. In comparison to an X-ray generator, cobalt-60 produces
energies comparable to a 1.25 MeV X-ray system and iridium-192 to a 460 keV X-ray system. These
high energies make it possible to penetrate thick materials with a relatively short exposure time.
Gamma Rays sources are very portable and so are the main reasons that gamma sources are widely
used for field radiography. Of course, the disadvantage of a radioactive source is that it can never be
turned off and safely managing the source is a constant responsibility. Physical size of isotope
materials varies between manufacturers, but generally an isotope material is a pellet that measures
1.5 mm x 1.5 mm. Depending on the level of activity desired, a pellet or pellets are loaded into a
stainless steel capsule and sealed by welding. The capsule is attached to short flexible cable called a
pigtail.
Gamma-ray Source: Iridium 192 radioactive isotope or Cobalt-60 isotope is used for the
radiography purpose. The thickness limitation for iridium, Ir-192 is as follow,
The source capsule and the pigtail are housed in a shielding device referred to as a exposure device
or camera. Depleted uranium is often used as a shielding material for sources. The exposure device
for iridium-192 and cobalt-60 sources will contain 45 pounds and 500 pounds of shielding materials,
respectively. Cobalt cameras are often fixed to a trailer and transported to and from inspection sites.
When the source is not being used to make an exposure, it is locked inside the exposure device.
Gamma radiation sources, most commonly Iridium-192 and Cobalt-60, are used to inspect a variety
of materials. The vast majority of radiography concerns the testing and grading of welds on
pressurized piping, pressure vessels, high-capacity storage containers, pipelines, and some structural
welds. For purposes of inspection of weld metal, there exist several exposure arrangements, such as,
(i) Panoramic: Panoramic is one of the four single wall exposure/single wall view (SWE/SWV)
arrangements. This exposure is created when the radiographer places the source of radiation at the
centre of a sphere, cone, or cylinder like tanks, vessels, and piping. Depending upon client
requirements, the radiographer would then place film cassettes on the outside of the surface to be
examined. This exposure arrangement is ideal - when properly arranged and exposed, all portions of
all exposed film will be of the same approximate density. It also has the advantage of taking less time
than other arrangements since the source only penetrate the total wall thickness (WT) once and only
travel the radius of the inspection item, not its full diameter. The major disadvantage of the panoramic
is that it may be impractical to reach the centre of the item like enclosed pipe or the source may be
too weak to perform in this arrangement in large vessels or tanks. (ii) The second SWE/SWV
arrangement is an interior placement of the source in an enclosed inspection item without having the
source cantered up. The source does not come in direct contact with the item, but is placed a distance
away, depending on client requirements. (iii) The third is an exterior placement with similar
characteristics. (iv) The fourth is reserved for flat objects, such as plate metal, and is also
radiographed without the source coming in direct contact with the item. In each case, the radiographic
film is located on the opposite side of the inspection object from the source. In all four cases, only
one wall is exposed, and only one wall is viewed on the radiograph. (v) The fifth is the contact shot,
which has the source located on the inspection object. This type of radiograph exposes both walls,
but only resolves the image on the wall nearest the film. This exposure arrangement takes more time
than a panoramic, as the source must penetrate the WT twice and travel the entire outside diameter of
the pipe or vessel to reach the film on the opposite side. This is a double wall exposure/single wall
view DWE/SWV arrangement. (vi) The sixth is the superimpose arrangement, wherein the source is
placed on one side of the object, not in direct contact with it, with the film on the opposite side. This
arrangement is usually reserved for very small diameter piping or parts and (vii) the last seventh is
DWE/SWV exposure arrangement is the elliptical, in which the source is offset from the plane of the
inspection object (usually a weld in pipe) and the elliptical image of the weld furthest from the source
is cast onto the film.
Before commencing a radiographic examination, it is always advisable to examine the component
with one's own eyes, to eliminate any possible external defects. If the surface of a weld is too
irregular, it may be desirable to grind it to obtain a smooth finish, but this is likely to be limited to
those cases in which the surface irregularities (which will be visible on the radiograph) may make
detecting internal defects difficult. After this visual examination, the operator will have a clear idea
of the possibilities of access to the two faces of the weld, which is important both for the setting up of
the equipment and for the choice of the most appropriate technique.
Radiographic Film: X-ray films for general radiography consist of emulsion-gelatine containing
radiation sensitive silver halide crystals, such as silver bromide or silver chloride, and a flexible,
transparent, blue-tinted base. The emulsion is different from those used in other types of photography
films to account for the distinct characteristics of gamma rays and x-rays, but X-ray films are
sensitive to light. Usually, the emulsion is coated on both sides of the base in layers about 0.0005
inches thick. Putting emulsion on both sides of the base doubles the amount of radiation-sensitive
silver halide, and thus increases the film speed. The emulsion layers are thin enough so developing,
fixing, and drying can be accomplished in a reasonable time. A few of the films used for radiography
only have emulsion on one side which produces the greatest detail in the image. When x-rays, gamma
rays, or light strike the grains of the sensitive silver halide in the emulsion, some of the Br- ions are
liberated and captured by the Ag+ ions. This change is of such a small nature that it cannot be
detected by ordinary physical methods and is called a "latent (hidden) image." However, the exposed
grains are now more sensitive to the reduction process when exposed to a chemical solution
(developer), and the reaction results in the formation of black, metallic silver. It is this silver,
suspended in the gelatine on both sides of the base that creates an image.
Film Selection: The selection of a film for radio graphing depends on a number of different factors.
Listed below are some of the factors that must be considered when selecting a film and developing a
radiographic technique. (i) It is Composition, shape, and size of the part being examined and, in some
cases, its weight and location. (ii) Type of radiation used, whether x-rays from an x-ray generator or
gamma rays from a radioactive source. (iii) Kilovolt available with the x-ray equipment or the
intensity of the gamma radiation. And (iv) It is relative importance of high radiographic detail or
quick and economical results. Selecting the proper film and developing the optimal radiographic
technique usually involves arriving at a balance between a numbers of opposing factors. For example,
if high resolution and contrast sensitivity is of overall importance, a slower and finer grained film
should be used in place of a faster film.
Film Handling: X-ray film should always be handled carefully to avoid physical strains, such as
pressure, creasing, buckling or friction. Whenever films are loaded in semi-flexible holders and
external clamping devices are used, care should be taken to be sure pressure is uniform. If a film
holder bears against a few high spots, such as on an un-ground weld, the pressure may be great
enough to produce desensitized areas in the radiograph. This precaution is particularly important
when using envelope-packed films. Moisture or contamination with processing chemicals should be
avoided and films should be grasped by the edges and allowed to hang free. A supply of clean towels
should be kept close at hand as an incentive to dry the hands often and well. Another important
precaution is to avoid drawing film rapidly from cartons, exposure holders, or cassettes. Such care
will help to eliminate circular or treelike black markings in the radiograph that sometimes result due
to static electric discharges.
Radiographic Film Contrast: Radiographic contrast describes the differences in photographic
density in a radiograph. The contrast between different parts of the image is what forms the image and
the greater the contrast; the more visible features become easy. Radiographic contrast has two main
contributors: (i) Subject contrast: Subject contrast is the ratio of radiation intensities transmitted
through different areas of the component being evaluated. It is dependent on the absorption
differences in the component, the wavelength of the primary radiation, and intensity and distribution
of secondary radiation due to scattering. (ii) Detector (Film) Contrast: Film contrast refers to density
differences that result due to the type of film used, how it was exposed, and how it was processed.
Since there are other detectors besides film, this could be called detector contrast, but the focus here
will be on film. Exposing a film to produce higher film densities will generally increase the contrast
in the radiograph.
Film Exposure Technique: The beam of radiation is directed to the middle of the weld under
examination and is normal to the weld surface at that point, except in special techniques where known
defects are best revealed by a different alignment of the beam. The length of weld under examination
for each exposure shall be such that the thickness of the weld at the diagnostic extremities, measured
in the direction of the incident beam, does not exceed the actual thickness at that point by more than
6%. The weld metal is placed between the source of radiation and the detecting device (film) in a
tight holder or cassette, and the radiation is allowed to penetrate the part for the required length of
time to be adequately recorded.
The result is a two-dimensional projection of the part onto the film, producing a latent image of
varying densities according to the amount of radiation reaching each area. It is known as a
radiograph, as distinct from a photograph produced by light. Because film is cumulative in its
response (more exposure absorbs more radiation), relatively weak radiation can be detected by
prolonging the exposure film until the film can record an image visible after development. The
radiograph is examined as a negative, without printing as a positive as in photography. This is
because, in printing, some of the detail is always lost and no useful purpose is served.
Before commencing a radiographic examination, it is always advisable to examine the component
with one's own eyes, to eliminate any possible external defects. If the surface of a weld is too
irregular, it may be desirable to grind it to obtain a smooth finish, but this is likely to be limited to
those cases in which the surface irregularities (which will be visible on the radiograph) may make
detecting internal defects difficult.
Defects such as de-laminations and planar cracks are difficult to detect using radiography, which is
why penetrant are often used to enhance the contrast in the detection of such defects. Penetrant used
include silver nitrate, zinc iodide, chloroform and diazomethane. Choice of the penetrant is
determined by the ease with which it can penetrate the cracks and also with which it can be removed.
Diazomethane has the advantages of high opacity, ease of penetration, and ease of removal because it
evaporates relatively quickly.
Film Length: Kodak Mx or equivalent can be for industrial radiography. The number of Radiography
film per one circumferential weld should be as per the following
Weld’s Radiograph Interpretation: Interpretation of weld radiographs takes place in three basic
steps: (1) detection, (2) interpretation, and (3) evaluation. All of these steps make use of the
Inspector’s visual acuity. Visual acuity is the ability to resolve a spatial pattern in an image. The
ability of an individual to detect discontinuities in radiography is also affected by the lighting
condition in the place of viewing, and the experience level for recognizing various features in the
image. The following are the defects found in weldments and how they appear in a radiograph.
Discontinuities (Defects) Types: Discontinuities are interruptions in the typical structure of a
material. These interruptions may occur in the base metal, weld material or "heat affected" zones.
Discontinuities, which do not meet the requirements of the codes or specifications, are referred to as
defects. The General Welding discontinuities present in typical of all types of welding are the
following:
(i) Cold Lap: Cold lap is a condition where the weld filler metal does not properly fuse with the
base metal or the previous weld pass material (interpass cold lap). The arc does not melt the base
metal sufficiently and causes the slightly molten puddle to flow into the base material without
bonding.
(ii) Porosity: Porosity is a series of rounded gas pockets or voids in the weld metal, and is generally
cylindrical or elliptical in shape. Porosity is the result of gas entrapment in the solidifying metal.
Porosity can take many shapes on a radiograph but often appears as dark round or irregular spots or
specks appearing singularly, in clusters, or in rows. Sometimes, porosity is elongated and may appear
to have a tail. This is the result of gas attempting to escape while the metal is still in a liquid state and
is called wormhole porosity. All porosity is a void in the material and it will have a higher
radiographic density than the surrounding area.
Figure: Porosity
(iii) Cluster of Porosity: Cluster of porosity is caused when flux coated electrodes are contaminated
with moisture. The moisture turns into a gas when heated and becomes trapped in the weld during the
welding process. Cluster of porosity appear just like regular porosity in the radiograph but the
indications will be grouped close together.
(iv) Slag Inclusions: Slag is a non-metallic solid material entrapped in weld metal or between weld
material and base metal. Radiographically, slag may appear in various shapes, from long narrow
indications to short wide indications, and in various densities, from grey to very dark. In a
radiograph, dark, jagged asymmetrical shapes within the weld or along the weld joint areas are
indicative of slag inclusions.
(v) Incomplete Penetration (IP) or Lack of Penetration (LOP): Incomplete penetration (IP) or
lack of penetration (LOP) is a lack of weld penetration through the thickness of the joint or
penetration less than specified. It is located at the centre of a weld and is a wide, linear indication.
Incomplete penetration or lack of penetration occurs when the weld metal fails to penetrate the joint.
It is one of the most objectionable weld discontinuities. Lack of penetration allows a natural stress
riser from which a crack may propagate. The appearance on a radiograph is a dark area with well-
defined, straight edges that follows the land or root face down the centre of the weldment.
(vi) Incomplete Fusion: Incomplete fusion is lack of complete fusion of some portions of the metal in
a weld joint with adjacent metal either at base or previously deposited weld metal. Incomplete fusion
is a condition where the weld filler metal does not properly fuse with the base metal. On a
radiograph, this appears as a long, sharp linear indication, occurring at the centreline of the weld
joint or at the fusion line and usually appears as a dark line or lines oriented in the direction of the
weld seam along the weld preparation or joining area.
(vii) Internal Concavity or Suck Back: Internal concavity or suck back is a condition where the
weld metal has contracted as it cools and has been drawn up into the root of the weld. On a
radiograph it looks similar to a lack of penetration but the line has irregular edges and it is often quite
wide in the centre of the weld image.
(viii) Undercut: Undercut is a joint base metal groove melted at the edge of a weld and left unfilled
by weld metal at external surface (External or crown undercut) or at Root(Internal or Root). It is an
erosion of the base metal next to the crown or Root of the weld. It represents a stress concentration
that often must be corrected. In the radiograph, External or crown undercut appears as a dark irregular
line along the outside edge of the weld area and Internal or Root undercut appears as a dark
indication at the toe of a weld. The undercut is an erosion of the base metal next to the root or outer
surface of the weld. In the radiographic image it appears as a dark irregular line offset from the
centreline of the weldment. Undercutting is not as straight edged as LOP because it does not follow a
ground edge. Undercut appears as an intermittent or continuous groove in the internal surface of the
base metal, backing ring or strip along the edge of the weld root.
(ix) Offset or Mismatch: Offset or mismatch is terms associated with a condition where two pieces
being welded together are not properly aligned. The radiographic image shows a noticeable
difference in density between the two pieces. The difference in density is caused by the difference in
material thickness. The dark, straight line is caused by the failure of the weld metal to fuse with the
land area.
(x) Inadequate Weld Reinforcement: Inadequate weld reinforcement is an area of a weld where the
thickness of weld metal deposited is less than the thickness of the base material. It is very easy to
determine by radiograph if the weld has inadequate reinforcement, because the image density in the
area of suspected inadequacy will be higher (darker) than the image density of the surrounding base
material.
(xi) Excess weld reinforcement: Excess weld reinforcement is an area of a weld that has weld
metal added in excess of that specified by engineering drawings and codes. The appearance on a
radiograph is a localized, lighter area in the weld. A visual inspection will easily determine if the
weld reinforcement is in excess of that specified by the engineering requirements.
(xii) Cracks: Cracks can be detected in a radiograph only when they are propagating in a direction
that produces a change in thickness that is parallel to the x-ray beam. Cracks will appear as jagged
and often very faint irregular lines. Cracks can sometimes appear as "tails" on inclusions or porosity.
Figure: Cracks
(xiii) Tungsten inclusions: Tungsten is a brittle and inherently dense material used in the electrode in
tungsten inert gas welding. If improper welding procedures are used, tungsten may be entrapped in the
weld metal. Radio graphically, tungsten is denser than aluminium or steel, therefore it shows up as a
lighter area with a bright white distinct outline on the radiograph. This is a unique defect to the TIG
welding process. These discontinuities occur in most metals welded by the process, including
aluminium and stainless steels. The TIG welding produces a clean homogeneous weld. It is easily
interpreted in radiograph. Tungsten inclusion is usually denser than base-metal particles.
Accept/reject decisions for this defect are generally based on the slag criteria.
(xiv) Oxide inclusions: Oxidation is the condition of a surface which is heated during welding,
resulting in oxide formation on the surface, due to partial or complete lack of purge of the weld
atmosphere. The condition is also called sugaring. Oxide inclusions are usually visible on the surface
of the welded metal (especially Oxide of aluminium). Oxide inclusions are less dense than the
surrounding material and, therefore, appear as dark irregularly shaped discontinuities in the
radiograph.
(xv) Whiskers: Whiskers are short lengths of weld electrode wire, visible on the top or bottom
surface of the weld or contained within the weld. On a radiograph they appear as light, "wire like"
indications. These discontinuities are most commonly found in GMAW welds.
(xvi) Burn-Through: Burn-through: Burn-through is a void or open hole in a backing ring, strip,
fused root or adjacent base metal. It results when too much heat causes excessive weld metal to
penetrate the weld zone. Often lumps of metal sag through the weld, creating a thick globular
condition on the back of the weld. These globs of metal are referred to as icicles. On a radiograph,
burn-through appears as dark spots, which are often surrounded by light globular areas (icicles).
Figure: Burn-Through
Acceptance Criteria: The acceptance criteria for the evaluation of radiographs should be as per
ASME Section VIII, UW-51 and UW-52, ASME B31.3, QW191.2, for welder qualifications and
ASME B31.3, Table 341.3.2 for piping items and API 1104 for cross country pipelines and IBR
Rules for IBR piping which minimum is as given below:
a) 10% of the weld made by each welder or minimum two welds per welder should be examined by
radiography for piping over 4” NB pipe.
b) 2% of the welds made by each welder or minimum one weld per welder should be examined by
radiography for piping 1.5” NB and over but below 4” NB pipe.
Acceptance of the Repaired joint: Any defect found in the weld should be repaired and re-
examined for acceptance. The number or times of repair is to be restricted as follow:
a) Any unacceptable weld joint should be repaired in case of 100% examination.
b) In case of Random Examination, Two additional weld joints of the same type, same welder and
same welding procedure as a penalty, if possible, have to be marked for repair. These two joints
should be acceptable, then no further penalty should be given and the entire three joint are acceptable.
c) In case of the two additional weld joints as marked above vide (b), any of the weld reveals any
unacceptable defect requiring repair, then further two additional weld joints of the same type, same
welder and same welding procedure as a penalty, if possible, have to be marked for repair for each
defective joint. If all these joints are acceptable, then all the above five joints are acceptable.
d) In case of the above two additional weld joints as marked above vide (c), any of the weld reveals
any unacceptable defect requiring repair, then all the above defective joints have to be cut and
replaced and re-examined for acceptability.
Dissimilar Metals: The radiography of dissimilar materials weld should be done by a more stringent
requirement of the dissimilar metals weld together. Wherever, a random radiography is called for, the
radiography of the dissimilar metals weld joints should be done first.
Reports: The radiographic examination report should be maintained in the format approved.
Table: Acceptance Criteria for Weld Imperfections
Choice of method: Magnetic powders may be applied dry or wet. The dry powder method is popular
for inspecting heavy weldments, while the wet method is often used in inspecting aircraft components.
Dry powder is dusted uniformly over the work with a spray gun, dusting bag or atomizer, but the
temperature of the surface in this case should not exceed 3150C. The finely divided magnetic particles
are coated to increase their mobility and are available in grey, black and red colours to improve
visibility. The wet method is more sensitive than the dry method, because it allows the use of finer
particles that can detect exceedingly fine defects. If an area of flux leakage is present the particles
will be attracted to this area. The particles will build up at the area of leakage and form what is
known as an indication. The indication can then be evaluated to determine what it is, what may have
caused it, and what action should be taken, if any. Alternating current (AC) is commonly used to
detect surface discontinuities. The frequency of the alternating current determines how deep the
penetration. Direct current (DC) is used to detect subsurface discontinuities where AC cannot
penetrate deep enough to magnetize the part at the depth needed. The amount of magnetic penetration
depends on the amount of current through the part. DC is also limited on very large cross-sectional
parts how effective it will magnetize the part.
Half wave DC (HWDC or pulsating DC) work similar to full wave DC, but allows for detection of
surface breaking indications. HWDC is advantageous for inspection process because it actually helps
move the magnetic particles over the test object so that they have the opportunity to come in contact
with areas of magnetic flux leakage. The increase in particle mobility is caused by the pulsating
current, which vibrates the test piece and particles. Each method of magnetizing has its pros and cons.
AC is generally always best for discontinuities open to the surface and some form of DC for
subsurface. This requires special equipment that works the opposite of magnetizing equipment.
Magnetizing is normally done with high current pulse that very quickly reaches a peak current and
instantaneously turns off leaving the part magnetized. To demagnetize a part the current or magnetic
field needed, has to be equal or greater than the current or magnetic field used to magnetized the part,
the current or magnetic field then is slowly reduced to zero leaving the part demagnetized.
Verification of Electromagnetic Strength of Yoke: The magnetizing force of yokes should be
checked at least once in a year, or whenever yoke has been damaged. The alternating current
electromagnetic power of the yoke should be a lifting of at least 4.5 kg at the maximum pole spacing
that will be used. Similarly, the direct current electromagnetic power of yoke should be for lifting of
at least 18 kg at the maximum pole spacing that will be used.
Qualification of personnel: Personnel performing the MPT test should be to a level Ii, or III
qualified by ASNT-TC IA.
Magnetic particle powder: It is iron oxide for both dry and wet systems. Wet particles range in size
from 0.5 to 10 micrometers for use with water or oil carriers. Particles used in wet systems have
pigments applied that fluoresce at 365 nm. Dry particle powders range in size from 5 to 170
micrometers, designed to be seen in white light conditions.
Examination procedure: This is the Yoke Technique. The weld and all adjacent area within 25 mm
on either side of the weld should be dried, cleaned by any suitable method or by solvents so that it
should be free from any slag, dust, oil, grease, scale, spatter etc. White colour contrast paint should
be applied on the surface to be tested to provide adequate contrast for wet non-fluorescent method
only. The yoke poles are placed on the surface to be examined and the current is switch “ON” after
the pole is in contact with the surface of the metal to be tested. The magnetic particle is sprayed by
spraying nozzle for wet method and by the mechanical powder blowing or by rubber spray bulb or by
manual shaker for dry method over the surface being examined. The Particle Pattern for indications of
discontinuities is observed. Then a second examination of the same area is performed by positioning
the yoke poles at approximately 900 or perpendicular to the position of yoke poles during the first
examination. After each examination is performed, the current should be switched “OFF” before
removing the yoke poles from the surface of the metals. While repositioning of the yoke poles for the
examination of the next area, the overlapping of the surface is done sufficiently to assure 100%
coverage of the area requiring examination. After test is completed, demagnetisation is not required.
All MPT test materials or residue should be removed from the surface already tested.
Evaluation of defects: The evaluation of defect is done in sufficient light. The intensity of visible
light at the surface of the work piece should be from 500 to 1,000 Lux for testing.
Acceptance Criteria: The defects should be accepted in accordance with the codes.
9.12 Eddy current
Eddy currents are electric currents, which is induced in conductors when a conductor is exposed to a
changing magnetic field. It is induced due to relative motion of the field source and conductor and due
to variations of the field with time. This causes a circulating flow of electrons (current), within the
body of the conductor. These circulating eddies of current have inductance and thus induce magnetic
fields. These fields can cause repulsive, attractive, propulsion and drag effects. The greater currents
and hence the greater fields are produced due to stronger magnetic field applied or greater electrical
conductivity of the conductor or faster the field changes. Eddy currents generate heat as well as
electromagnetic forces. The heat is used for induction heating. The electromagnetic forces are used
for levitation, creating movement, or to give a strong braking effect. Self-induced eddy currents are
responsible for the skin effect in conductors, which is used for non-destructive testing of materials for
geometry features, like micro-cracks. A similar effect is the proximity effect, which is caused by
externally-induced eddy currents.
As the circular plate moves down through a small region of constant magnetic field directed into the
page, eddy currents are induced in the plate. The direction of those currents is given by Lenz's law,
i.e. so that the plate's movement is hindered. When a conductor moves relative to the field generated
by a source, electromotive forces (EMFs) can be generated around loops within the conductor. These
EMFs acting on the resistivity of the material generate a current around the loop, in accordance with
Faraday's law of induction. These currents dissipate energy, and create a magnetic field that tends to
oppose changes in the current- they have inductance. Eddy currents are created when a conductor
experiences changes in the magnetic field. If either the conductor is moving through a steady magnetic
field, or the magnetic field is changing around a stationary conductor, eddy currents will occur in the
conductor.
Applications:
Eddy current techniques are commonly used for the non-destructive examination (NDE) and condition
monitoring of a large variety of metallic structures, including heat exchanger tubes, aircraft fuselage,
and aircraft structural components. Eddy currents are the root cause of the skin effect in conductors
carrying AC current. Similarly, in magnetic materials of finite conductivity eddy currents cause the
confinement of the majority of the magnetic fields to only a couple skin depths of the surface of the
material. This effect limits the flux linkage in inductors and transformers having magnetic cores.
Test Materials: Two types of penetrating liquids are used, (i) fluorescent and (ii) visible dye. A
white developer creates a sharply contrasting background to the vivid dye colour. Dye Penetrant Test
(DPT) is low-cost inspection method. Penetrant are typically red in colour, and represent the lowest
sensitivity. When selecting a sensitivity level one must consider many factors, including the
environment under which the test will be performed, the surface finish of the specimen, and the size of
defects sought.
Penetrant materials: All materials are selected in accordance with ASME Section V, T-631. Typical
penetrant materials to be used for DPT are:
Manufacture : MAGNAFLUX or ARDROX
Trade name : Spot-check or ARDROX
Dye Penetrant : SLK- HF/s or 996 P2
Liquid Developer : SKD-NF/Z.9 or 996.9 D1
Cleaner / Remover : SKC-NF/ZC-7 or 9 PR5
Method : Solvent- Removable colour penetration.
Procedure: The surface to be examined and all adjacent area within 25 mm should be cleaned
thoroughly by the cleaning agents such as detergent, organic solvent, de-scaling solution, paint
remover or Penetrant cleaner. All dirt, scale, weld flux, spatter, paint, grease, oil films, water or
other materials should be remove that could obstruct the entrance of the Penetrant into discontinuity.
The cleaned surface is dried by forced warm air or with the natural atmosphere air to ensure that no
trace of cleaning agent remains on the surface. The surrounding light intensity should be between 500
to 1000 Lux. The temperature of the surface to be examined should be between 160C to 520c. If
required, the surface should be heated or cooled to bring the surface temperature as specified above
The Penetrant is applied either by spraying or brushing. The penetration time should be minimum 10
minutes or as specified by the manufacture. After 10 minute, the excess Penetrant is removed from the
surface by spraying the cleaning agent material on cloth and wiping with cloth. Then spraying the
cleaning agent on cloth and wiping the surface until the trace of the Penetrant is removed. Spraying
cleaner directly on the part to remove the excess Penetrant is prohibited.
The developer should be applied as soon as possible after the removal of the Penetrant to prevent any
bleed out from drying on the surface. The developer is applied in a thin layer, ass a coating, by
spraying. The overlapping or running developer is avoided to prevent masking the indications. The
developer is allowed to dry for sufficient time. Then the surface is observed to detect the nature of
defects, which bleed excessively after 7 to 15 minutes after application of the developer. The main
steps of Liquid Penetrant Test are mentioned below:
Inspection: The inspector will use visible light with adequate intensity (100 foot-candles or 1100 lux
is typical) for visible dye penetrant. Ultraviolet (UV-A) radiation of adequate intensity (1,000 micro-
watts per centimetre squared is common), along with low ambient light levels (less than 2 foot-
candles) for fluorescent penetrant examinations. Inspection of the test surface should take place after a
10 minute development time. This time delay allows the blotting action to occur. The inspector may
observe the sample for indication formation when using visible dye. It is also good practice to
observe indications as they form because the characteristics of the bleed out are a significant part of
interpretation characterization of flaws.
Post Cleaning: The test surface is often cleaned after inspection and recording of defects, especially
if post-inspection coating processes are scheduled.
9.14 Ultrasonic Test (UT)
ASME B31.3; ASTM E164; ASME Section V, Article 5; API 1104, Section 6; and ASNT SNT – TC
- 1A codes are followed for Ultrasonic Examination. Ultrasonic Inspection is a method of detecting
discontinuities by directing a high-frequency sound beam through the base plate and weld on a
predictable path. When the sound beam's path strikes an interruption in the material continuity, some
of the sound is reflected back. The sound is collected by the instrument, amplified and displayed as a
vertical trace on a video screen.
Ultrasonic Testing (UT) launches very short ultrasonic sound pulse-waves with centre frequencies
ranging from 0.1-15 MHz and occasionally up to 50 MHz into materials to detect internal flaws or to
characterize materials. The sound waves, depending on their frequency can be divided into three
categories, such as,
Audible Frequency Range.
Radio Frequency Range.
Ultrasonic Frequency Range.
Ultrasonic Sound is used in many industrial uses like tyre moulding, metal mixing, and cleaning, non-
destructive testing.
(A) Piezoelectric Transducers (Contact UT): This is a method of in-contact UT, where the
ultrasonic sound pulse-waves are passed over the object being inspected by contact through Couplant.
The transducer is typically separated from the test object by a Couplant (oil or grease) or water (in
immersion testing). This is called piezoelectric transducers. In contact UT using piezoelectric
transducers, the test surface has to be machined smooth to ensure coupling. The Piezo, Electric
Crystals can convert electrical impulses to mechanical vibrations. These vibrations, depending on
their frequency can travel through different media. They follow the general rules of sound and light,
such as,
They travel in a straight line.
The angle of incident is equal to the angle of reflection.
Their intensity is proportional to the squire of the distance (Inverse Square Law).
Angle of reflection when they travel from one medium to another is determined by SNELL’S
Law.
(B) Electromagnetic acoustic transducer (Non-Contact UT): Electromagnetic acoustic transducer
(EMAT) is a transducer for non-contact sound generation and reception using electromagnetic
mechanisms. EMAT is an ultrasonic non-destructive testing (NDT) method where couplant is not
needed since the sound is directly generated in the material underneath the transducer. EMAT is useful
for the NDT applications of automated inspection, hot and cold environments. EMAT is an ideal
transducer to generate Shear Horizontal (SH) Bulk Wave mode, Surface Wave, Lamb Wave and all
sorts of other guided wave modes in metallic and/or ferromagnetic materials. As an emerging UT
technique, EMAT can be used for Thickness measurement, Flaw detection, and Material Property
characterization. EMAT has found its applications recently in many industries such as primary metal
manufacturing and processing, automotive, rail road, pipeline, boilers and pressure vessel industries.
Type of Piezoelectric Transducers (Contact UT): Depending on the type of transmission, the
Ultrasonic Examination is divided into two types as below:
Normal Probe Testing (Longitudinal Wave Probe Testing): In Normal Probe Testing method,
the ultrasonic beam enters the testing object at 90 deg. Normal probe testing is used for thickness
measurement, corrosion survey, testing of castings, testing of plates, machined items etc. In this
method, the screen is calibrated to a known range by using a calibration block. For example, if the
screen is to be calibrated to 250 mm range using a 100 mm-block machine is to be adjusted to get
echoes at 2 and 4 as shown in the sketch-A, below. These echoes are called “back wall echoes”
The travel of sound in test block is shown in sketch-B. When the machine is in this setting, each
division corresponds to 50 mm. Let us consider a 100 mm block with a defect is being tested with the
same set up. As ultrasonic beam is a cone, part of the cone may be obstructed by the defect and the
balance will travel to the side. Thus between each back-wall echoes, multiple defect echoes will
appear. By seeing the position of these echoes on the screen, depth of defect can be calculated.
Angular Probe Testing (Shear Waves Probe Testing): In Angular probe Testing method, the
ultrasonic beam enters the testing object at different pre-set angles. The angle probes methods are
used when ultrasonic beam cannot be transmitted normal to the plane of anticipated surface like in
welding. Probes of 450, 600, 700 and 800 are used. It is to be observed that the final angle Ø at which
the beam enters the medium, on which all calculations are made, Depends on the followings:
Mounting of crystal.
Type of acrylic wedge through which it will pass before entry.
Curvature of wedge.
Curvature of testing surface that decides the beam path distance. This distance changes on the
trigonometrically calculations for locating the defects. The trigonometrically relations and the
corresponding terms used are as below,
S = Skip Distance = 2 times the base of triangle made by the incident beam when travelling from
testing surface to opposite side.
S = 2 x Tan Ø x T
Where, S = Skip Distance; T = Thickness of material under testing; Ø = Angle made by the
incident UT beam with the normal at the emission point.
W = Beam Path Distance- Actual Distance travelled by the UT Beam inside the material in reaching
opposite side.
W = t x 1/Cos Ø, Where, 45 deg. =1.44 x T
60 deg. =2.00 x T
70 deg. =2.92 x T
80 deg. =5.75 x T
In case of a defect, the beam path to the defect can be found out from the calibrated time base. Direct
distance (Base of the triangle) is taken from the centre of the weld. Knowing the angle of the probe
and thickness, the depth of defect can be calculated.
The probe beam angles are selected on the basis of weld preparation, thickness and curvature. The
beam angles most commonly used are as given below:
6 mm to 15 mm = 80 degree,
15 mm to 35 mm = 70 degree,
35 mm to 60 mm = 60 degree to 45 degree,
The speed of ultrasonic waves in steel is 5990 meter per second for normal probes and 3230 meter
per second for angular probes.
Effect of Probe Frequency:
High Frequency produces stray echoes (grass traces).
High Frequency on coarse structures like cast iron causes greater attenuation losses.
High Frequency is more sensitive to smaller flaws.
Higher Frequency gives clear echoes, as the solid angle of the beam cone is lesser.
The flaw location in UT testing is basically done by calculating the distance travelled = Speed X
Time taken. The ultrasonic Examination of the welded joints is done using a Straight and an Angle
beam contact method.
Personnel Qualification: Personnel performing the UT testing should be qualified and certified in
level II or III in accordance with the requirement of code ASNT, SNT-TC-1A.
Surface Preparation: All surfaces of contact of the probe on each side of the weld should be made
free from spatters, roughness or irregularities that would interfere with the free movement of the
probe. All surface coatings should be removed and sufficiently finished to prevent giving the false
indications or interfering with the evaluation of the discontinuities.
Equipment and Material: Following Equipment and materials are requiring for UT testing:
Probes (Piezo-Electrical Crystal): The probe should be capable of generating frequencies over the
range of at least 1 MHz to 5 MHz. This may be either, (1) Straight-Beam Search unit or (2) Angle-
Beam Search unit.
Screen: The UT testing Screen should be suitable to provide linear vertical presentation within ± 5%
of the full screen height for at least 80% of the calibrated height.
Amplitude Controller: The amplitude controller should be capable to control the amplitude accurate
over its useful range to ± 20% of the nominal amplitude ratio, to allow the measurement of
indications beyond the linear range of vertical display on the screen.
Calibration Blocks: The standard reference blocks are as followings: (a) STB - A1 (II W Type 1 or
Type 2), or (b) II W Miniature Block or STB-A3 block, Or, (c) ASME Basic Calibration Block.
Materials: Suitable couplants such as glycerine or oil with good wetting characteristics for use on
the surface to be examined and for use for calibration purpose.
Calibration: Prior to UT testing, the probe is calibrated on IIW calibration.
The angle Beam probes are calibrated for (i) sound Entry Point (Index Point), (ii) Sound Path Angle
such as 45 deg. or 75-deg. etc., (iii) Sweep Range and (iv) Distant Amplitude Correction (DAC)
Curves.
The Straight Beam probes are calibrated for (I) Sweep Range and (ii) Distance Amplitude Correction
(DAC) Curves.
Distance Amplitude Correction Curves (DAC Curves): The intensity of ultrasonic beam is inversely
proportion to the square of the distance travelled. This means that a defect, which is away from the
testing side, will give a smaller echo in comparison to an echo of the defect on the testing wall side.
Further depending on the internal condition of the testing material, U/T energy may get “Scattered”
inside the material
These attenuation losses will be more as the distance travelled increases. In order to account for
these losses, a Distance Amplitude Correction (DAC) Curve is drawn.
From a standard hole of, say, 1.6 mm dia., echoes received at 1/8, 3/8, 5/8, 7/8 and 9/8 with same
amplitude are marked on the screen or on additional reticule placed on the screen. The amplitude is
adjusted such that first echo at 1/8 will say, 75% of the screen. The amplitude will not be changed for
further positions. Five points will be marked and these points will be joined by a curve. This curve
will act a reference for acceptance. Diameter of the hole will be decided on the basis of severity of
inspection required and thickness. Generally, this is decided as per the code or requirement.
Examination Procedure: The angle beam probe is used for the examination of the pipe weld. For
butt weld, the examination is done from both sides of the weld axis on the parent metal surface.
Method-I: (Reflectors Oriented Parallel to the Weld): The angle beam is directed at approximately at
right angles to the weld axis from two directions. The probe is manipulated so that the ultrasonic
energy passes through the required volume of weld and adjacent base metal. The scanning should be
performed at again setting at least two times the primary reference level. The evaluation is done with
respect to the primary reference level.
Method-II: (Reflectors Oriented Transverse to the weld): The probe should be directed parallel or
angular to the weld axis. The probe is manipulated so that the angle beam passes through the 100% of
the weld being inspected. The scanning should be performed at a gain setting at two times the primary
reference level, or 20 dB, whichever is greater. Evaluation is performed with respect to the primary
reference level. The probe should be rotated at 180 deg. and the examination is repeated.
Acceptance: All linear indications that produce a response greater than 20% of the reference level
should be investigated to determine the location, shape, extent and type of reflectors and should be
accepted based on the following criteria,
Linear indications such as shallow crater cracks or star cracks, located at the weld surface, with
a length less than 3.96 mm are acceptable.
Linear indications, other than cracks, such as open to the surface are unacceptable if they exceed
25.4 mm in total length in a continuous 305 mm length of weld or 8% of the weld length.
Linear indications are unacceptable if they exceed 50.8 mm in total length in a continuous length
of 305 mm length of weld or 8% of the weld length.
The surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned with a suitable method after completion of the U/T.
Advantages of U/T: The main advantages of UT are the High penetrating power, which allows the
detection of flaws deep in the part; High sensitivity, permitting the detection of extremely small flaws;
Greater accuracy than other non-destructive methods in determining the depth of internal flaws;
capability of estimating the size, orientation, shape and nature of defects; non-hazardous to operations
or to nearby personnel and has no effect on equipment and materials in the vicinity; and capable of
portable or highly automated operation. The result of U/T is available immediately in comparison to
radiography where exposure, processing, drying and interpretation times are required. In U/T, much
higher thickness can be examined as compared to the radiography where thickness is restricted to less
than 76 mm in most cases. The critical defects like cracks and lack of fusion can be examined
prominently where as in the radiography it can be missed. The planer defects like Lamination cannot
be detected by radiography where as it can be detected by U/T distinctly. The expenses are less in
U/T than radiography.
Disadvantages of U/T: The main disadvantages of UT are the Manual operation requires careful
attention by experienced technicians; Extensive technical knowledge is required for the development
of inspection procedures; It is difficult to inspect the Parts that are rough, irregular in shape, very
small or thin, or not homogeneous and so has to ground finish; Surface must be prepared by cleaning
and removing loose scale, paint, although paint that is properly bonded to a surface need not be
removed; Couplant are needed to provide effective transfer of ultrasonic wave energy between
transducers and parts being inspected unless a non-contact technique is used (Non-contact techniques
include Laser and Electro Magnetic Acoustic Transducers (EMAT); and Inspected items must be
water resistant, when using water based couplant that do not contain rust inhibitors. Skill of the
personnel is required more than radiography. In U/T, the testing is dependent on the skill of the
operator. Reproduction of the test results is often difficult. There is no test result record. In
radiography, permanent records are maintained as a proof of the quality of work. In radiography, a
defects can be shown and explain to the operator who intern can take corrective methods.
9.15 Hardness Test
During welding, the weld joint becomes harder which is not desired at high temperature as well as in
cyclic fluid service condition. So, the hardness of the weld is checked after completion of the weld.
Standards: ASTM E10 and ISO 6506-1 codes are used for Indentation hardness test.
Hardness is the measure of how resistant a solid matter is to various kinds of permanent shape change
when a force is applied. Hardness is dependent on ductility, elastic stiffness; plasticity, strain,
strength, toughness, visco-elasticity, and viscosity. There are different measurements of hardness,
such as, scratch hardness, indentation hardness, and rebound hardness.
Scratch hardness: Scratch hardness is the measure of how resistant a sample is to fracture or plastic
(permanent) deformation due to friction from a sharp object. The principle is that an object made of a
hard material will scratch an object made of a softer material. The most common test is Mohs scale,
which is used in mineralogy. Sclerometer makes this measurement.
Indentation hardness: Indentation hardness measures the resistance of material to permanent plastic
deformation due to a constant compression load from a sharp object. This is primarily used in
engineering and metallurgy fields. The tests work on the basic premise of measuring the critical
dimensions of an indentation left by a specifically dimensioned and loaded indenter. Common
indentation hardness scales are Rockwell, Vickers, Shore and Brinell. Indentation hardness tests are
used to determine the hardness of a material to deformation. Macro indentation (Macro hardness)
tests are applied to tests with a larger test load, such as 1 kgf or more. The Micro indentation (Micro
hardness) tests are widely employed in the hardness testing of materials with low applied loads. In
micro indentation hardness testing, a diamond indenter of specific geometry is impressed into the
surface of the test material using a known applied force (commonly called a "load" or "test load") of
1 to 1000 gf. Micro indentation tests typically have forces of 2 N (roughly 200 gf or 0.45 lbf) and
produce indentations of about 50 μm.
Brinell Hardness Test: The Brinell Hardness scale characterizes the indentation hardness of
materials through the scale of penetration of an indenter, spring loaded on an instrument. The typical
test uses a 10 millimetres (0.39 in) diameter steel ball as an indenter with a 3,000 kgf (29 kN or
6,600 lbf) force. For softer materials, a smaller force is used; for harder materials, a tungsten carbide
ball is substituted for the steel ball.
Where: F = applied force (N), D = diameter of indenter (mm), d = diameter of indentation (mm). The
hardness is shown as XXX HB YYD^2. The XXX is the force to apply (in kgf) on a material of type
YY (5 for aluminium alloys, 10 for copper alloys, 30 for steels). Thus a typical steel hardness could
be written: 250 HB 30D^2. It could be a maximum or a minimum.
Material Hardness
5.0 HB (pure lead; alloyed
lead typically can range from
Lead
5.0 HB to values in excess of
22.0 HB)
Aluminium 15 HB
Copper 35 HB
Mild Steel 120 HB
18-8 (304) stainless steel
200 HB[4]
annealed
Hardened tool steel 1500–1900 HB
9.16 Hydrostatic Test
The leakages include puncture, a crack, hole, gash, corrosion hole, pincushion, porosity or other
opening. The pressure difference between both sides of the leakage point can affect the movement of
material through the leak. Fluids will commonly move from the higher pressure side to the lower
pressure side. The larger the pressure difference, there will be the more leakage. A hydrostatic test is
a way in which leaks can be found in pressure piping or pipelines or vessels. The test involves
placing water in the pipe or vessel at the required pressure to ensure that there is no pressure drop in
the piping system under test or there is no leak. It is the most common method employed for leak
testing of pipes and vessels. This test helps maintain safety standards and durability of a vessel over
time.
Hydrotest Test Procedure Approval: A written “Hydrostatic Test Procedure” is specified and
utilized to perform a leak test. The procedure should prescribe standards for reporting results and
implementing corrective actions, if necessary. With the exclusion of instrumentation, piping systems
fabricated or assembled in the field shall be tested irrespective of whether or not they have been
pressure tested prior to site welding of fabrication. Vessels and other equipments, to facilitate the
testing of piping systems, are excluded from the system with the prior approval of Engineer-in-
Charge. Pumps, compressors and other rotary equipments shall not be subjected to field test pressure.
Lines which are directly open to atmosphere such as vents, drains, safety valves discharge need not
be tested. All weld joints shall be visually inspected with full of water in the pipe or wherever
possible, such lines shall be tested by continuous flow of fluid to eliminate the possibility of
blockade. However, such lines, if provided with block valve, shall be pressure tested up to the first
block valve.
Hydrotest Test Preparation: Each weld joint shall be cleaned by wire brush to free it from rust and
any other foreign matter before pressuring the lines. A blank shall be inserted between the companion
flanges where a system is to be isolated at a pair of companion flanges. Minimum thickness of the
blank shall be designed in accordance with applicable design code. Open ends of piping system
where blanks cannot be used, such as pumps, compressors, turbines or wherever equipment or pipe
spools have been recovered or disconnected prior to hydrostatic testing, shall be blinded off by using
standard blind flanges of same rating as the piping system being tested.
Flushing: Flushing shall be done by fresh potable or drinking water or dry compressed air, wherever
water flushing is not desirable, to clean the pipe of all dirt, debris or loose foreign material lying
inside the pipe. The required pressure for water flushing shall be minimum the fire hydrant pressure
or utility water pressure at 10.5 kg/cm2. For air flushing, the Plant Air line, the piping system, or a
compressor should be used at the required pressure, which shall be 50 psi maximum. The pressure
shall then be released by quick opening of a valve, already in line or installed temporarily for this
purpose. This procedure shall be repeated as many times as required till the inside of the pipe is
fully cleaned. In line, the instruments like Control Valves, Orifice Plates, Rota meter, Safety Valves
and other instruments like thermo wells which may interfere with flushing, shall not be included in
flushing circuit during flushing operation.
The screens or meshes from all permanent strainers shall be removed before flushing. Screens or
meshes shall be reinstalled after flushing but before testing. During flushing temporary strainers shall
be retained. Permanent Strainers shall be reinstalled after flushing but before testing.
In case, the equipment such as column, vessel, and exchanger form a part of a piping circuit during
flushing, the equipments thus included in the circuit shall be completely drained and dried with
compressed air after flushing is completed. During flushing, water or air shall be drained to the safe
place directed by the Engineer-in-Charge. If necessary, proper temporary drainage shall be provided
by the contractor. Care shall be taken during flushing so as not to damage or spoil work of other
agencies. Precautions also shall be taken to prevent entry of water or foreign matter into equipment,
electric motors, instruments etc.
The valves, specials, distance pieces, inline instruments and other piping part, which is dropped off
before flushing, should be reinstalled. The flanges, disengaged for flushing, shall be envisaged by the
contractor and approved by the Engineer-in-Charge. These flanges shall be provided with temporary
gaskets at the time of flushing. After flushing is completed and approved, the contractor shall reinstall
permanent gaskets between the flange joints of the valve, distance pieces and piping specials.
However, flanges at equipment nozzles and other places where isolation during testing has been done,
only temporary gaskets shall be provided. Records for flushing, in triplicate, shall be prepared and
submitted by the contractor for each piping system for the flushing done in the standard Performa.
Pressure gauges used in testing shall be installed as close as possible to the lowest point in the piping
system to be tested, to avoid overstressing of any of the lower portion of the system. Two or more
pressure gauges shall be installed at locations decided by the Engineer-in-Charge for longer lines and
vertical lines. Any of the following alternatives shall be adopted for pressure testing for lines
containing check valves:
Whenever possible, pressurize up-stream side of valve.
Replace the valve by a temporary spool and reinstall the valve after testing.
Provide blind on valve flanges, test the upstream and downstream of the line separately, and
remove the blind after testing. At these flanges, temporary gaskets shall be provided during
testing and shall be replaced by permanent gaskets subsequently
Flapper or seat shall be removed during testing (if possible), for check valves in lines 1 1/2” and
below, after completion of testing the flapper or seat shall be refitted.
Gas lines when hydrostatically tested shall be provided with additional temporary supports
during testing.
Piping which is spring or counter-weight supported shall be temporarily supported with the help
of temporary support, where the weight of the fluid would overload the support. Retaining pins
for spring supports shall be removed only after testing is completed and test fluid is completely
drained.
When testing any piping system, air or steam of approximately 2 kg / cm2g may be used as
preliminary test to detect missing gaskets etc. as this avoids the necessity of draining the line to
make repairs. However, steam shall not be used for this purpose, if the steam temperature is
more than the design temperature of the line.
Testing of core pipes, for jacketed pipes, shall be done on individual pieces where the pipe is
continuously jacketed, before it is jacketed. The outer jacket shall be tested separately as a
system. The core pipe and the jacket shall be tested as separate continuous systems for piping
with discontinuous jacketing.
Hydrotest Test Media: In general, all pressure tests shall be hydrostatic using iron free water, which
is potable, clean and free of silt. Maximum chlorine content in water for hydrostatic testing for SS
piping shall be 15-20 ppm. Air shall be used for testing only if water would cause corrosion of the
system or overloading of supports etc. in special cases. Where air/water tests are undesirable,
substitute fluids such as gas oil, kerosene, methanol etc. shall be used as the testing medium, with due
consideration to the hazards involved. These test fluids shall be specified in the line list given to the
contractor.
Hydrotest Test Pressure: The hydrostatic or pneumatic test pressure shall be as indicated in the line
list or as per the instruction of Engineer-in-Charge. The selection of the piping system for one
individual test shall be based on Test pressure required as per line design and Maximum allowable
pressure for the material of construction of piping, whichever is higher.
Pressure Gauges: All gauges used for field-testing shall have suitable range so that the test pressure
of the various systems falls in 40 % to 80% of gauge scale range. Gauge shall be of a good quality
and in first class working condition and calibrated within six months period. Prior to the start of any
test or periodically, during the field test programmed, all test gauges shall be calibrated using a
standard dead weight gauge tester or other suitable approved testing apparatus. Any gauge showing
an incorrect zero reading or error of more than + 2 % of full-scale range shall be rejected. The
Engineer-in-Charge shall check the accuracy of master pressure gauge used for calibration.
Precautions: All expansion joints should be tested without temporary restraint at the lesser of the
required test pressure or 1.5 times the design pressure. A metallic bellows expansion joint should not
be subjected to any pressure excess of its shop test pressure.
The Hydrostatic test pressure of a metallic piping is always done at a pressure equal to 1.5 times the
designed pressure or at the specified test pressure as per the design requirements. Some time, the
hydrostatic testing of piping system has to be done along with the vessels included in the system. In
this case, the piping has to be tested at the lower pressure of the two.
Hydrotest Test Witness: Hydrostatic tests are conducted under the supervision of Inspector as per
the customer's specifications. The vessel is filled with incompressible liquid, usually water and
examined for leaks. The test pressure is always considerably higher than the operating pressure to
give a margin for safety and is typically 166.66% or 150% of the designed pressure, depending on the
regulations that apply. API RP 1130 and ASME B31.3 section 345 codes are used. Test pressures
need not exceed a value that would produce a stress higher than yield stress at test temperature.
All vents and other connections used as vents shall be left open while filling the line with test fluid
for complete removal of air. Temporary isolating valves shall be provided if valve vents, drains do
not exists in the system in all lines for pressurizing and depressurizing the system. Pressure shall be
applied only after the system or line is ready and approved by the engineer-in-Charge for testing.
Pressure shall be applied by means of a suitable test pump or other pressure source, which shall be
isolated from the system as soon as test pressure is reached and stabilized in the system.
A pressure gauge shall be provided at the pump discharge for guidance in bringing the system to the
required pressure. An authorized person shall attend the pump constantly during the test. The pump
shall be isolated from the system whenever the pump is to be left unattended. Test pressure shall be
maintained for a sufficient length of time to permit thorough inspection of all joints for leakage or
signs of failure. Any joint found leaking during a pressure test should be retested to the specified
pressure after repair. Test period shall be maintained for a minimum of three hours. The pump and the
piping system to be tested are to be provided with separate pressure indicating test gauges. These are
to be checked by the standard test gauge before each pressure test. Care shall be taken to avoid
increase in the pressure due to temperature variation during the test.
After the hydrostatic test has been completed, pressure shall be released in a manner and at a rate so
as not to endanger personnel or damage equipments. All vents and drains shall be opened before the
system is to be drained and shall remain open till all draining is complete, so as to prevent formation
of vacuum in the system. After draining, lines or systems shall be dried by air. After testing is
completed the test blinds shall be removed and equipment or piping isolated during testing shall be
connected using the specified gaskets, bolts and nuts. These connections shall be checked for
tightness in subsequent pneumatic tests to be carried out by the contractor for complete loop or circuit
including equipments (except rotary equipments). Pressure test shall be considered complete only
after approved by the Engineer-in-Charge. Defects, if any, noticed during testing shall be rectified
immediately and the contractor at his cost shall do retesting of the system or line.
Seats of all valves shall not be subjected to a pressure in excess of the maximum cold working
pressure of the valve. Test pressure applied to valves shall not be greater than the manufacturer’s
recommendation nor less than that required by the applicable code. Where allowable seat pressure is
less than test pressure, test shall be made through an open valve. Instruments in the system to be tested
shall be excluded from the test by isolation or removals of the same.
Restrictions, which interfere with filling, venting and draining such as Check Valve, Orifice plates
etc., shall not be installed unless testing is complete. Control valves shall not be included in the test
system. Where bypasses are provided test shall be performed through the bypass or necessary spool
shall be used in place of the control valve. Pressure gauges, which are part of the finished system, but
cannot withstand test pressure, shall not be installed until the system has been tested. Where piping
systems to be tested are directly connected at the battery limits to piping for which the responsibility
rests with other agencies, the piping to be tested shall be isolated from such piping by physical
disconnection such as valve or blinds.
(1) Determination of the test fluid.
(2) Comparison of the probable test fluid temperature relative to the brittle fracture toughness of the
piping materials (heating the test fluid may be a solution).
(3) Depending upon the test fluid, placement of temporary supports where permanent supports were
not designed to take the additional weight of the test fluid.
(4) Depending upon the test fluid, location of a relief valve to prevent excessive over-pressure from
test fluid thermal expansion. No part of the system will exceed 90% of its yield strength.
(5) Isolation of restraints on expansion joints.
(6) Isolation of vessels, pumps, and other equipment, which may be over stressed at test pressure.
(7) Location of the test pump and the need for additional pressure gauges.
(8) Accessibility to joints for inspection (some codes require that the weld joints be left exposed until
after the test). All joints in the pipe system must be exposed for inspection.
(9) Prior to beginning a leak test, the pipeline should be inspected for defects, errors, and omissions.
Testing of piping systems is limited by pressure. The pressure used to test a system shall not produce
stresses at the test temperature that exceed the yield strength of the pipe material. In addition, if
thermal expansion of the test fluid in the system could occur during testing, precautions are taken to
avoid extensive stress.
Testing of piping systems is also limited by temperature. The ductile-brittle transition temperature
should be noted and temperatures outside the design range avoided. Heat treatment of piping systems
is performed prior to leak testing. The piping system is returned to its ambient temperature prior to
leak testing.
In general, piping systems should be re-tested after repairs or additions are made to the system. If a
leak is detected during testing and then repaired, the system should be re-tested. If a system passes a
leak test, and a component is added to the system, the system should be re-tested to ensure that no
leaks are associated with the new component.
The documented test records required for each leak test are specified. The records are required to be
standardized, completed by qualified, trained test personnel, and retained for a period of at least 5
years. Test records include:
- Date of the test;
- Personnel performing the test and test location;
- Identification of the piping system tested;
- Test method, fluid/gas, pressure, and temperature; and
- Certified results.
Flushing of a piping system prior to leak testing should be performed if there is evidence or suspicion
of contaminants, such as dirt or grit, in the pipeline. These contaminants could damage valves, meters,
nozzles, jets, ports, or other fittings. The flushing medium shall not react adversely or otherwise
contaminate the pipeline, testing fluid, or service fluid. Flushing should be of sufficient time to
thoroughly clean contaminants from every part of the pipeline.
9.17 Pneumatic Test
Pneumatic leak tests are not recommended for liquid process piping systems and are only used when
the liquid residue left from a hydrostatic test has a hazard potential. The test fluid for a pneumatic
leak test is a gas. The gas shall be non-flammable and non-toxic. The hazard of released energy stored
in a compressed gas shall be considered when specifying a pneumatic leak test. Safety must be
considered when recommending a gas for use in this test.
The test temperature is a crucial consideration for the pneumatic leak test. Test temperature shall be
considered when selecting the pipe material. Brittle failure is a consideration in extremely low
temperatures for some materials. The energy stored in a compressed gas, combined with the
possibility of brittle failure, is an essential safety consideration of the pneumatic leak test.
A pressure relief device shall be specified when recommending the pneumatic leak test. The pressure
relief device allows for the release of pressure in the piping system that exceeds a set maximum
pressure. The set pressure for the pressure relief device shall be 110% of the test pressure, or 345
kPa (50 psi) above test pressure, whichever is lower.
The test pressure for a pneumatic leak test is 110% of the design pressure. The pressure shall
gradually increase to 50% of the test pressure or 170 kPa (25 psig), whichever is lower, at which
time the piping system is checked. Any leaks found are then fixed before retesting. The test shall then
proceed up to the test pressure before examining for leakage.
In general, air is used for the pneumatic leak test. Pneumatic leak test involves the hazard of released
energy stored in compressed air. Therefore, sufficient care must be taken to minimize the chance of
brittle failure during the pneumatic test. The test temperature is also very important in the case of
pneumatic test and must be checked frequently during the pneumatic testing of the system. When
testing with air, pressure shall be supplied by means of a compressor. The compressor shall be
portable type with a receiver, after cooler and oil separator. Piping to be tested by air shall have
joints covered with a soap and water solution so that the joints can be examined for leaks. All other
details shall be same as per Hydro testing procedure (specified above)
Safety: A pressure relief device should be provided in the piping system, having a set pressure not
higher than the pneumatic test pressure plus 50 psi or 10% of the test pressures whichever is less. The
safety device must be installed to release the excess pressure increase due to rise in temperature
during the test.
The test pressure should be 110% of the design pressure or the specified in the design.
Procedure: The pressure should be, gradually, increased to 50% of the test pressure or 25 psi,
whichever is less. Then a preliminary check should be done for leaks through the joints. The system is
left to stabilize. Thereafter, the pressure should gradually increase in steps, in the range of above
requirement, till the test pressure is reached. In every step, the piping system is kept in hold for
sufficient time to equalize the piping strains and to stabilize the system. Then, the complete piping
system is checked with a soap solution for the leaks as specified in BHP code, Section V, Article 10.
9.18 Hydrostatic-Pneumatic Test
Generally, the Hydrostatic- Pneumatic Test is not done in the piping system. This test is sometimes
done on the piping in operation. In this case also the pressure is gradually increased in steps in the
same manner as in the case of Pneumatic Test to the operating pressure. AT the operating pressure, the
checking of all the joints and flange joints are done as per pneumatic test.
9.19 Sensitive Leak Test
A sensitive leak test is required for all Category M fluids (optional for Category D fluids) using the
Gas and Bubble Test Method of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section V, Article 10, or
equivalent. The test pressure for the sensitive leak test is 25% of the design pressure or 105 kPa (15
psig), whichever is lower.
Category M fluid service is one in which the potential for personnel exposure is judged to be
possible, and in which a single exposure to a small quantity of the fluid (caused by leakage) can
produce serious and irreversible personnel health damage upon either contact or breathing.
The sensitive leak test is done for large size Gas Line or during operation or commissioning of the
piping system with the Gas and Bubble Formation testing, Vacuum Testing, Halogen Diode Detector,
Helium Mass Spectrometer Reverse Probe (Snuffer) or Helium Mass Spectrometer Hood Method.
The most commonly used method is the Gas and Bubble Formation testing. This test is done as per
BHP Code, Section V, Article 10 and the sensitivity of the test should not be less than 10-3 atm. ml/sec
under test conditions.
The test pressure should not be more than 15 psi or 25% of the design pressure, whichever is less
unless, or otherwise it is specified.
The areas to be tested should be dry and free from oil, grease, paint and other contaminants, which
might mask a leak. All openings should be sealed using plugs, coves, sealing wax, cement, or other
suitable materials, which can be readily and completely removed after test is over. The sealing
compound should be free from reacting agent with the halogen or testing agent.
9.20 Gas and Bubble Solution Test
The objective of Gas and Bubble Solution Testing is to detect gas escaping from a pressurized
component by the application of a solution, which will form bubbles as the gas passes through the
defective portion of the weld. The testing gas is generally air unless or otherwise it is specified;
however, other gas such as nitrogen or helium may be used. The soap or detergent solution is
generally used for leak testing, unless or otherwise it is specified. The pressure is continuously
maintained during testing and the soap or detergent solution is applied with help of clean cloth and
pouring the solution on the surface to be tested. If there are bubbles continuously forming and bulging
out on the surface, it indicates the leak through that location of the weld.
9.21 Vacuum Box Test
The vacuum Box method of testing uses an airtight box of convenient size, such as 30” long and 6”
wide, which contain a glass window on its top and the open bottom. The open bottom of the box is
placed on the surface with help of suitable sealing gasket and vacuum is developed within the void
space of the box. The soap or detergent solution is applied with help of clean cloth and pouring the
solution on the surface to be tested and vacuum is continuously maintained during testing. If there are
bubbles continuously forming and bulging out on the surface, which can be seen through the glass
window, it indicates the leak through that location of the weld.
9.22 Alternative Leak Test
Sometimes, there are few weld joints, which are not subjected to hydrostatic or pneumatic tests
during the piping system test. Such joints are examined or tested with Alternative Leak Test method.
All circumferential longitudinal or other weld joints should be 100% radiographic and checked for
defects as per radiography test requirements. Other welds, where the radiography is not possible,
should be examined by Liquid Penetration or Magnetic Particle Methods and fulfils those
requirements.
9.23 Repair of Weld
The process of chipping and grinding shall remove defects, ascertained through the inspection
methods, which are beyond acceptable limits. When the entire joint is judged and found unacceptable,
the welding joint shall be completely cut. The joint edges should be suitably prepared a per required
alignment tolerances and welded and shall again be examined by the standard practices adopted
earlier.
Repairs and / or work of defective welds should be done in time to avoid difficulties in meeting the
construction schedules.
9.24 Documentation and Records
Flushing and Test Records in triplicate shall be prepared and submitted by the contractor for each
piping system, for the flushing and pressure test done and accepted in the standard Performa. The
following records should be completed minimum:
Electrode and welding consumable Qualification Record.
Tested and approved Records of Consumables for the work.
Batch Test Certificates for the electrodes used, obtained from the electrode manufactures.
Proposed Heat Treatment Procedure.
Heat Treatment Charts.
Weld joint hardness test results.
Welding Procedure Specifications as per Exhibit-above, immediately after receipt of the
order.
Welding Procedure Qualification records as per Exhibit-above. Welder Performance
Qualification records as per Exhibit-above, immediately after conducting Welder qualification.
Qualification Tests.
Radiography Procedure and other NDT procedures.
Radiographic Test Report along with Radiographs and other NDT reports.
Piping sketch (Isometric) giving all the details regarding the Piping Specifications, Welded
Joints, Joints Radiographic, Magnetic Particle Tested, Ultrasonic Tested, Penetration
Tested, Joints Heat Treated, WPS-used, and Welders Identification Number.
10
Piping Heat Tracing
10.1 General
Heat Tracing is a procedure of heating a process liquid line with the help of (i ) hot steam passing
through ½ “ to ¾ “ diameter line mounted all around the main process liquid line or (ii) heating with
Electrical Induction Coil wrapped all-round the line. The main purpose of the Heat Tracing is to heat
and prevent the fluid passing through the process line from freezing. It also keeps the temperature of
the fluid high enough for free flow of the fluid and maintains proper viscosity required for the smooth
operation of the pump busy in pumping the liquid. Heat tracing may also be accomplished through the
use of fluids such as steam, organic/synthetic liquids, and glycol mixtures, or through electrical
systems such as self regulating parallel resistance cable, zone parallel resistance cable, continuous-
wattage cables and other methods. For the purposes of process piping, heat tracing is the continuous
or intermittent application of heat to the piping system, including pipe and associated equipment, to
replace heat loss. As with insulation, heat tracing is used when the process cannot tolerate potential
heat loss from the piping or when freezing potential exists.
10.2 Steam Tracing Applications
Heat Tracing System Selection: The selection criteria for determining the most suitable heat tracing
methods include: cost, availability of utilities such as steam or electricity, amount of heat to be
provided, area hazardous classification as defined by the National Electric Code (NFPA 70),
temperature control requirements and consequence of failure. Economics generally favour electrical
heat tracing systems when the piping is less than 300 mm (12 in) in diameter and the temperature to be
maintained is 120 0C or lower. The steam tracing is most appropriate and being commonly used.
Typical inputs are piping size and geometry; ambient, process and desired maintenance temperature;
control requirements; labour costs and utility rates. Outputs are typically worst-case heat loss; a bill
of materials for the heat tracing system; and capital, installation and operating costs.
Steam Tracing: The supply of the steam, for steam tracing purpose is taken from the permanent, un-
disrupted, independent and continuous supply process steam line, exhaust/ bleeds steam line so that
the tracing line should always get the steam, even the other unit or steam lines are under shut down
and under maintenance. The main header line supplying steam to the tracer lines are laid down up to
the nearest point of the Manifold of the tracing lines. The material of the steam tracing line is API 5L
grade B. The steam pressure available at the manifold should be between minimum 1.5 to maximum
3.5 kg/cm2g and the temperature should be minimum the steam saturation temperature of a given
temperature. The steam tracing lines are not covered by the IBR; because of its operating the
pressure. Hence all other piping Standards and Codes of Refinery piping are applicable.
The Steam tracing systems Manifolds include steam distribution and condensate collection. Steam
tracing systems bring together all the necessary components like steam traps, manifolds and valves.
This costs less and has a compact, easily accessible, centrally located assembly. This is especially
important in tracer applications, where steam lines are used to "trace" a pipe to keep the fluid inside
at a uniform temperature. The Steam Trapping and Tracing Equipment category consists of three
groups of products, such as, (i) Steam Distribution Manifolds (ii) automatic differential condensate
controllers (DC) and (iii) steam traps.
The process lines to be steam traced are given in the Line schedule. The drawing of steam tracing
lines is prepared in accordance with the standards and Line schedules with the following limitations:
The steam tracing lines mainly consists of the steam supply main line, sub-line, manifolds, condensate
headers, condensate recovery manifolds, and steam traps. The Isometric drawings of the steam supply
line and the condensate line return manifolds should be separately indicating the size, number of
various supplies and the return leads to and from the designated steam traced lines. One single block
valve must be provided at the manifold to take care of the entire connected lines to the manifold. The
manifold should be located very near to the steam tracing lines to minimize the length of the supply
leads to the tracing lines. The manifold size should be 3” NB. The size of the tracing line should be ½
“ and the numbers of the tracing lines per process line should be as given below:
Steam Traps minimizes the operational cost for energy and more attention to the environment. An
efficient steam trap wastes less energy and hence burns less fuel and reduces emissions. The results
are energy savings and a cleaner, healthier environment. The Modulating pressures mean widely
varying loads, thermal cycling and high air and non-condensable gas loads. Trap failures on
modulating pressure may lead to water hammer, corrosion and even damage to heat exchangers.
Material: It is high quality ASTM A48 Class 30 cast iron or ASTM A216 WCB cast steel-normally
found in pressure vessels rated to 250 psi (17 bar) or 465 psi (32 bar). Internal mechanisms are made
from stainless steel and are heavily reinforced. There are no brass cotter pins in it. Valves and seats
are stainless steel, hardened, ground and lapped to withstand the erosive forces of flashing
condensate.
(a) Float & Thermostatic Steam Traps: Float and thermostatic traps are mechanical units that
operate on both density and temperature principles. The float valve operates on the density principle.
A level connects the ball float to the valve and seat. Once condensate reaches a certain level in the
trap, the float rises, opening the orifice and draining condensate. A water seal formed by the
condensate prevents live steam loss.
Since the discharge valve is under water, it is not capable of venting air and non-condensable. When
the accumulation of air and con-condensable gases causes a significant temperature drop, a
thermostatic air vent in the top of the trap discharges them. The thermostatic vent opens at a
temperature a few degrees below saturation, so it's able to handle a large volume of air-through an
entirely separate orifice-but at a slightly reduced temperature.
(b) Disc Steam Traps: The Controlled Disc (CD) Steam Trap is a time-delayed device that operates
on the velocity principle. It contains only one moving part, the disc itself. Because it is very light in
weight and compact, the CD trap meets the needs of many applications where space is limited. Disc
trap is simple and small size. It offers advantages such as resistance to hydraulic shock, the complete
discharge of all condensate when open and intermittent operation for a steady purging action.
Operation of controlled disc traps depends on the changes in pressures in the chamber where the disc
operates. The CD trap will be open as long as cold condensate is flowing. As soon as steam or flash
steam reaches the inlet orifice, the velocity of flow increases, which pulls the disc toward the seat.
Increasing pressure in the control chambers snaps the disc closed. The subsequent pressure reduction
is necessary for the trap to open. The heating chamber in the cap and a finite machine bleed groove in
the disc control the pressure reduction. Once the system is up to temperature, the bleed groove
controls the trap cycle rate.
(c) Unique heating chamber: The unique heating chamber in Disc Trap surrounds the disc body and
control chamber. A controlled bleed from the chamber to the tap outlet controls the cycle rate. That
means that the trap design, which is not ambient conditions, controls the cycle rate. Without this
controlling feature, rain, snow and cold ambient conditions would upset the cycle rate of the trap.
(d) Inverted Bucket Steam Traps: Inverted Bucket Steam Traps is Energy efficient. The inverted
bucket is the most reliable steam trap operating principle known. The simple design is a unique
leverage system that multiplies the force provided by the bucket to open the valve against pressure.
Since the bucket is open at the bottom, it resists damage from water hammer, and wear points are
heavily reinforced for long life. The inverted bucket has only two moving parts, such as, the valve
lever assembly and the bucket. That means no fixed points, no complicated linkage. Nothing to stick,
bind or clog. The inverted bucket steam traps open and close based on the difference in density
between condensate and steam on the inverted bucket principle. They open and close gently,
minimizing the wear. This simple fact means that inverted buckets are subject to less wear than some
other types of traps. In fact, the inverted bucket trap wears actually improves its tight seal. The valve
and seat of the trap provide essentially line contact-resulting in a tight seal because the entire closing
force is concentrated on one narrow seating ring. An inverted bucket steam trap continues to operate
efficiently with use. Gradual wear slightly increases the diameter of the seat and alters the shape and
diameter of the valve. But, as this occurs, a tight seal is still preserved-the ball merely seats itself
more deeply. The stainless steel valve and seat of the inverted bucket steam trap are individually
ground and lapped together in matched sets.
Hose Stations & Wash down Equipment: Hose Stations & Wash Down Equipments have super safe
steam & water Hose Stations. The Hose Stations will not pass live steam in the event of a significant
cold water pressure reduction or a complete failure of the cold water supply or mechanical failure of
its primary operating component. Hose Stations are designed to improve efficiency and reduce risk
when mixing steam and water for wash down. When the process demands high wash down
temperatures, adjusting the mix of steam and water becomes much easier and safe. With the older
style of Hose Stations, dual globe valve Mixing “Y,” it was introducing too much steam, which was
providing dangerous consequences for working personnel.
Hose Stations are available in bronze and Type 304 stainless steel. The Hot & Cold Water Hose
Stations are supplied with an integral Rada 320 Thermostatic Mixing Valve, which full range
temperature control from full cold to a field adjustable maximum temperature limit stop in a single
handle rotation and a single temperature lock out, which will hold outlet temperatures +/- 2°F (1°C)
in the event of inlet pressure and/or temperature change.
Thermal shutdown capability to protect the operator in the event of an inlet supply failure. It is
available in bronze or with a heavy duty industrial nickel plate finish. The Single Temperature Hose
Stations are supplied with a heavy duty wash down hose and a self closing industrial quality spray
nozzle. They are ideal for installation in hot water systems which do not require a secondary point of
use water temperature adjustment.
Wash down Accessories: There is full range of accessory items, such as, Detergent-injection
systems, Wash down Hose, Hose reels/racks, Spray nozzles and Flow indicators along with Liquid
Drainers like Compressed air drains, Condensate drainers, Air traps, Water traps, Dump valves,
Float traps and Compressed air traps all assembled in a automatic drainage system.
It is possible to discharge liquid manually through a valve that has been cracked open. However, an
open drain also continuously wastes air or gas. Periodically opening a valve by hand and leaving it
until it blows freely will also drain a system. Frequently, however, an operator will delay or forget to
close a valve, thereby wasting precious air or gas. Liquid drainers installed at appropriate points
will remove liquid continuously and automatically without wasting air or gas. In addition to drainage
of the system, liquid drainers should provide: Trouble-free operation with minimal need for
adjustment or maintenance, Reliable operation even in the presence of dirt, grit and oil, A long
operating life, Minimal air loss and Ease of repair.
Condensate Recovery Equipment: Condensate recovery allows reusing all of the valuable Btu
within the steam system. Depending on the pressure, condensate leaving a trap contains approximately
20% of the heat energy transferred at the boiler in the form of sensible heat. Condensate recovery
systems help to reduce three tangible costs of producing steam: Fuel/energy costs, Boiler water make-
up and sewage treatment, and Boiler water chemical treatment. The workhorses in any condensate
recovery system are condensate pumps. Their job is to move condensate or other liquids from low
points, low pressures or vacuum spaces to an area of higher elevation or pressure. Single pump
capacities range from 158 kg/hr to 33112 kg/hr, depending on application conditions.
10.3 Inspection and Testing:
The inspection and Testing of the tracing lines should be exactly in the same way as in case of the
steam piping.
11
Lined Piping
11.1 General
When properly utilized, a lined piping system is an effective means by which to protect metallic
piping from internal corrosion while maintaining system strength and external impact resistance.
Cathode protection is still required for buried applications to address external corrosion.
Manufacturing standard options for the outer piping material are usually Schedule 40 or 80-carbon
steel. Lined piping systems are not double containment piping systems.
a. Design Parameters: Design factors that must be taken into account for the engineering of lined
piping systems include: pressure, temperature and flow considerations; liner selection factors of
permeation, absorption, and stress cracking; and heat tracing, venting and other installation
requirements.
b. Operating Pressures and Temperatures: The requirements for addressing pressure and
temperature conditions for lined piping systems are summarized in the following paragraphs. Lined
piping systems are used primarily for handling corrosive fluids in applications where the operating
pressures and temperatures require the mechanical strength of metallic pipe. Therefore, the
determination of maximum steady state design pressure is based on the same procedure and
requirements as metallic pipe shell, and the design temperature is based on similar procedures and
requirements as thermoplastic pipe. Following Table lists recommended temperature limits of
thermoplastic used as liners. The temperatures limits are based on material tests and do not
necessarily reflect evidence of successful use as piping component linings in specific fluid serviced
at the temperatures listed. The manufacturer is consulted for specific application limitations.
c. Liner Selection: Liner selection for piping systems must consider the materials being carried, the
operating conditions, and external situations. As discussed in Chapter 3-design, metallic material
compatibility should consider the type and concentration of chemicals in the liquid, liquid
temperature and total stress of the piping system. An engineer experienced in corrosion or similar
applications should make the selection of materials of construction. Thermoplastic materials do not
display corrosion rates and are, therefore, either completely resistant to a chemical or will rapidly
deteriorate. Plastic lined piping system material failure occurs primarily by the following
mechanisms:
Absorption,
Permeation,
Environmental-stress cracking, and
Combinations of the above mechanisms.
Permeation of chemicals may not affect the liner but may cause corrosion of the outer metallic piping.
The main design factors that affect the rate of permeation include absorption, temperature, pressure,
concentration, and liner density and thickness. As temperature, pressure, and concentration of the
chemical in the liquid increase, the rate of permeation is likely to increase. On the other hand, as liner
material density and thickness increase, permeation rates tend to decrease. Liners should not be
affected by erosion with liquid velocities of less than or equal to 3.66 m/s (12 ft/s) when abrasives
are not present. If slurries are to be handled, lined piping is best used with a 50% or greater solids
content and liquid velocities in the range of 0.61 to 1.22 m/s (2 to 4 ft/s). Particle size also has an
effect on erosion. Significant erosion occurs at >100 mesh; some erosion occurs at >250 but <100
mesh; and little erosion occurs at <250 mesh. Recommended liners for slurry applications are PVDF
and PTFE, and soft rubber; by comparison, in a corrosive slurry application, PP erodes 2 times as
fast and carbon steel erodes 6.5 times as fast.
d. Joining: Two available methods for joining lined pipe are flanged joints and mechanical
couplings. Thermoplastic spacers are used for making connections between lined steel pipe and other
types of pipe and equipment. The spacer provides a positive seal. The bore of the spacer is the same
as the internal diameter (D) of the lined pipe. Often, a gasket is added between the spacer and a
dissimilar material to assist in providing a good seal and to protect the spacer. When connecting lined
pipe to an unlined flat face flange, a 12.7 mm (½ in) thick plastic spacer of the same material as the
pipe line is used. A gasket and a spacer will connect to an unlined raised face flange. Both a gasket
and a spacer are recommended to connect to glass and lined equipment nozzles. Install a 12.7 mm (½
in) thick spacer between lined pipe or fittings and other plastic hand lined components, particularly
valves, if the diameters of the raised plastic faces are different. For small angle direction changes,
tapered face spacers may be used. It is not recommended to exceed a five-degree directional change
using a tapered face spacer. For directional changes greater than five degrees, precision-bent
fabricated pipe sections are available from lined pipe manufacturers.
Gaskets are not necessary to attain a good seal between sections of thermoplastic lined pipe, if
recommended fabrication and installation practices are followed. Often, leaks result from using
insufficient torque when trying to seal a joint. The addition of a gasket provides a softer material,
which seals under the lesser stress developed by low torque. When gaskets or any dissimilar
materials are used in the pipe joint, the lowest recommended torque for the materials in the joint is
always used.
Gaskets are put in when previously used lined pipe is reinstalled following maintenance. Gaskets are
also used between plastic spacers and non-plastic-lined pipe, valves, or fittings. The recommended
bolt torque values for thermoplastic lined piping systems are shown on Tables given below.
Excessive torque causes damage to the plastic sealing surfaces. When bolting together dissimilar
materials, the lowest recommended torque of the components in the joint is used. Bolting torque is
rechecked approximately 24 hours after the initial installation or after the first thermal cycle. This is
required to reseat the plastic and allow for relaxation of the bolts. Bolting is performed only on the
system in the ambient, cooled state, and never while the process is at elevated temperature or
excessive force could result upon cooling.
e. Thermal Expansion: Thermal expansion design for lined piping systems can be handled in a
similar manner as metallic piping. Expansion joints have been used to compensate for thermal
expansion. However, expansion joints are usually considered the weakest component in a piping
system and are usually eliminated through good engineering practices. Due to the bonding between the
liner and the metallic pipe casing, pre-manufactured sections of pipe designed to allow for changes in
movement of the piping system are available from manufacturers. On long straight pipe runs, lined
pipe is treated similarly to carbon steel piping. Changes in direction in pipe runs are introduced
wherever possible to allow thermal expansion.
A common problem is the installation of lined piping between a pump and another piece of
equipment. On new installations, equipment can be laid out such that there are no direct piping runs.
Where a constricted layout is required or a piping loop would not be practical, the solution is to
allow the pump to "float”. The pump- motor base assemblies are mounted on a platform with legs.
These bases are available from several manufacturers or can be constructed. These bases allow
movement in order to relieve the stresses in the piping system.
f. Heat Tracing and Insulation: Heat tracing, insulation, and cladding can be installed in the same
way as discussed above on lined piping systems when required. The key for the design is to not
exceed the maximum allowable temperature of the lining. Manufacturer’s recommendations on
electrical heat tracing design should be followed to avoid localized hot spots. Steam heat tracing
should not be used with most plastic lined piping systems due to the high temperature potential.
Venting is required on many lined piping systems to allow for permeating vapour release. If insulation
or cladding is to be mounted on the piping system, vent extenders should be specified to extend past
the potential blockage.
g. Piping Support and Burial: Design of support systems for lined piping systems follows the same
guidelines as for the outer piping material. Spans for systems consisting of the material used in the
outer pipe may be used. Supports should permit the pipe to move freely with thermal expansion and
contraction. The design requirements for buried lined piping systems are the same as those for the
outer piping material. That is, a buried plastic lined carbon steel pipe should be treated the same way
as a carbon steel pipe without a liner.
11.2 Plastic Lined Piping Systems
Thermoplastic lined piping systems are commonly used and widely available commercially under a
variety of trade names. Following Tables presents a summary of some of the material properties for
plastic liners, and some of the liner thickness used for the protection of oil production equipment
when applied as a liquid coating. Standard liner thickness is 3.3 to 8.6 mm (0.130 to 0.340 inches).
a. Common Plastic Liners: Most thermoplastics can be used as liner material. However, the more
common and commercially available plastic liners include polyvinylidene chloride, perfluoroalkoxyl,
polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, and polyvinylidene fluoride. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
is a fully fluorinated polymer. Although PTFE is chemically inert to most materials, some chemicals
will permeate through the liner. Therefore, venting of the joint area between the liner and outer casing
is required. PTFE materials are produced in accordance with ASTM D 1457 with material
parameters specified by the designation of type (I through VIII) and class. The manufacture of PTFE
lined pipe and materials are in accordance with ASTM F 423.
Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is similar to PTFE but is not fully fluorinated. PVDF liners can be
produced with sufficient thickness to prevent permeation of gases so that liner venting is not required.
PVDF resins are produced in accordance with ASTM D 3222 with material parameters specified by
the designation of either type 1 (class 1 or 2) or type 2. PVDF lined pipe and fittings are
manufactured to conform to ASTM F 491.
Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) is a proprietary product of Dow Chemical (trade name Saran).
PVDC is often used in applications where purity protection is critical. PFA resins are manufactured
according to ASTM D 729, and lined piping and fittings are manufactured to conform to ASTM F
599.
Polypropylene (PP) lined pipe is typically inexpensive compared to other lined plastic piping
systems. In addition, PP does not allow permeation; therefore, liner venting is not required. Physical
parameters (e.g., density, tensile strength, flexural modulus) of PP materials are specified by cell
classification pursuant to ASTM D 4101. Additional material requirements may be added using the
ASTM D 4000 suffixes; for example, W = weather resistant. The manufacture of PP lined pipe and
materials are in accordance with ASTM F 492. Perfluoroalkoxyl (PFA) is a fully fluorinated polymer
that is not affected by chemicals commonly found in chemical processes. Depending upon process
conditions PFA will absorb some liquids, however, including benzaldehyde, carbon tetrachloride,
toluene, ferric chloride, hydrochloric acid, and other liquids. PFA lacks the physical strength of PTFE
at higher temperatures and fails at 1/4 of the life of PTFE under flexibility tests. PFA resins are
manufactured according to ASTM D 3307, and lined piping and fittings are manufactured to conform
to ASTM F 781.
Table: ANSI Class 125 and Class 150 Systems for Lightly Oiled Bolting
Table: ANSI Class 125 and Class 150 Systems for Teflon - Coated Bolting
a. Regulatory Basis: Double wall piping systems are available to provide secondary containment.
The double containment piping system is composed of an outer pipe that completely encloses an inner
carrier pipe.
b. Design Requirements: Many options seem to exist for the combination of different primary and
secondary piping systems based on physical dimensions. However, the commercial availability of
components must be carefully reviewed for the selected materials of construction. Availability of
piping sizes, both diameter and wall thickness; joining methods; and pressure ratings may preclude
the combination of certain primary and secondary piping system materials. Some of these systems
may have been conceptualized without detailed engineering of system components.
c. Material Selection: Material compatibility should consider the type and concentration of
chemicals in the liquid, liquid temperature, and total stress of the piping system. However, it must be
remembered that cracking, such as stress corrosion cracking and environmental stress cracking, is a
potentially significant failure mechanism in jacketed piping systems. Differential expansion of inner
and outer piping can cause reaction loads at interconnecting components. These loads can produce
tensile stresses that approach yield strengths and induce stress cracking at the interconnection areas.
Material combinations may be classified into three main categories:
(1) The primary and secondary piping materials are identical except for size, for example, ASTM A
53 carbon steel and A 53 carbon steel, respectively;
(2) The primary and secondary piping are the same type of materials but not identical, for example,
316L stainless steel and A 53 carbon steel; and
(3) Different types of materials are used, for example, PVDF as primary and A 53 carbon steel as
secondary. Following Table provides a further breakdown and description of these three groups.
d. Thermal Expansion: As discussed in the previous chapters, when a piping system is subjected to a
temperature change, it expands or contracts accordingly. Jacketed piping systems have additional
considerations, including expansion-contraction forces occurring between two potentially different,
interconnected piping systems. Thermal stresses can be significant when flexibility is not taken into
account in the design. For a double containment piping system, the primary and secondary piping
systems must be analyzed both as individual systems and as parts of the whole. The basic correlations
between the systems are: (1) the primary piping system has a greater temperature change; and (2) the
secondary piping system has a greater temperature change. Because of the insulating effect of the
secondary piping system, the primary piping system usually only exhibits a larger temperature
induced change when the process dictates, for example, when a hot liquid enters the piping system. In
both above grade and buried systems, secondary piping system expansions are typically compensated
for with expansion loops, changes in direction, or a totally restrained system. Expansion joints are not
recommended for this use due to potential leaks, replacement and maintenance, unless they can be
located in a tank or vault.
To accommodate the dimensional changes of the primary piping system in expansion loops and change
of direction elbows, secondary piping systems are often increased in size. Another alternative is to
fully restrain the primary piping system. Figure demonstrates the result of differential movement
between the piping systems without full restraint, and following Figure depicts an expansion loop
with an increase to the secondary piping diameter. Totally restrained systems are complex. Stresses
are induced at points of interconnection, at interstitial supports, and at other areas of contact. For
rigid piping systems, restraints are placed at the ends of straight pipe lengths and before and after
complex fittings to relieve thermal stress and prevent fitting failure. Plastic piping systems relieve
themselves through deformation and wall relaxation, potentially leading to failure. Totally restrained
systems should undergo a stress analysis and a flexibility analysis as part of the design. The combined
stress on the secondary piping system is the result of bending, as well as torsion, internal hydrostatic
and thermal expansion induced axial stresses.
3 TS TP Economical. Epoxy-TP
Good for buried (HDPE,
applications. PVC, PP),
Polyester-
TP
(HDPE,
PVC, PP)
3 TS O Limited practical Concrete
use except for trench -
concrete trench. TS
Ability for leak
detection is a
concern.
3 TP M Common for Many
above grade
systems requiring
thermo set
chemical
resistance and
metallic
mechanical
properties. Can
meet category
“M” service per
ASME code.
3 TP TS Limited in use - Limited
thermoplastic
chemical
resistance needed
with thermo set
mechanical
properties.
May not meet UL
acceptance
standards.
3 TP O Limited practical Concrete
use except for trench -
concrete trench or TP,
pipe. Ability for Concrete
leak detection is a pipe -
concern. PVC
3 O M Interconnections CS-glass,
may be difficult. CS-clay
Good for
protection of
brittle materials.
If the value of the combined stress, Sc, is less than the design stress rating of the secondary piping
material, then the totally restrained design can be used. When double containment piping systems are
buried, and the secondary piping system has a larger temperature change than the primary system, the
ground will generally provide enough friction to prevent movement of the outer pipe. However, if
extreme temperature differentials are expected, it may be necessary to install vaults or trenches to
accommodate expansion joints and loops. For double containment systems located above grade, with
secondary piping systems that have a larger temperature differential than primary systems, two
common solutions are used. First, expansion joints in the outer piping can accommodate the
movement. Second, the secondary piping can be insulated and heat traced to reduce the potential
expansion-contraction changes. The latter would be particularly effective with processes that produce
constant temperature liquids; therefore, the primary piping is relatively constant.
Piping Support: Support design for double containment piping systems heeds the same guidelines as
for the piping material used to construct the containment system. The support design is also based on
the outside pipe size. Spans for single piping systems of the same material as the outer pipe may be
used. The same recommendations may be applied for burial of double containment piping systems as
for the outer containment pipe material. The following equation approximates the maximum spacing
of the secondary piping system guides, or interstitial supports. The maximum guide spacing should be
compared to the maximum hanger spacing (at maximum operating temperature) and the lesser distance
used. However, the flexibility of the system should still be analyzed using piping stress calculations
to demonstrate that elastic parameters are satisfied.
12.2 Piping Sizing
The method for sizing of the carrier pipe is identical to the methods required for single wall piping
systems as explained in previous chapters.
a. Secondary Pipe: Secondary piping systems have more factors that must be considered during
sizing. These factors include secondary piping function, such as drain or holding, pressurized or non-
pressurized requirements, fabrication requirements, and type of leak detection system. The
assumption has to be made that at some point the primary piping system will leak and have to be
repaired, thus requiring the capability to drain and vent the secondary piping system. Most systems
drain material collected by the secondary piping system into a collection vessel. Pressurized systems,
if used, are generally only used with continuous leak detection methods, due to the required
compartmentalization of the other leak detection systems. Friction loss due to liquid flow in
pressurized secondary piping systems is determined using the standard equations for flow in pipes
with the exception that the hydraulic diameter is used, and friction losses due to the primary piping
system supports have to be estimated.
12.3 Jacketed Piping Testing
Testing requirements, methods, and recommendations for double containment and lined piping
systems are identical to those pertaining to the outer pipe material. The design of lined piping systems
includes the provision for pressure testing both the primary and secondary systems. Testing is
specified in the same manner as other process piping systems. The design of each piping system
contains the necessary devices required for safe and proper operation including pressure relief, air
vents, and drains. Pressurized secondary piping systems are equipped with pressure relief devices,
one per compartment, as appropriate. Care should be taken with the placement of these devices to
avoid spills to the environment or hazards to operators. Low points of the secondary piping system
should be equipped with drains, and high points should be equipped with vents. If compartmentalized,
each compartment must be equipped with at least one drain and one vent. Drains and vents need to be
sized to allow total drainage of liquid from the annular space that may result from leaks or flushing.
Condition Cc Cv
Short tube with no separation of fluid flow from 0.82 1.00
walls
Short tube with rounded entrance 0.98 0.99
Source: Reprinted from Schweitzer, Corrosion-Resistant Piping
Systems, p. 414, by courtesy of Marcel Dekker, Inc.
12.4 Leak Test
Leak test is one of the main principles of lined piping systems. Any fluid leakage is to be contained by
the secondary piping until the secondary piping can be drained, flushed, and cleaned; and the primary
piping system failure can be repaired. Without leak detection, the potential exists to compromise the
secondary piping system and release a hazardous substance into the environment. Early in the design
of a double containment piping system, the objectives of leak detection are established in order to
determine the best methods to achieve the objectives. Objectives include the following:
- Need to locate leaks;
- Required response time;
- System reliability demands; and
- Operation and maintenance requirements.
The Leak is detected properly and correctly by measuring the conductance or impedance of the Cable,
called Cable Leak Detection Systems, by measuring conductivity, pH, liquid level, moisture, specific
ion concentrations etc. by a Probe called Probe Systems and by Visual Inspection as mentioned in
detail below:
a. Cable Leak Detection Systems: Cable detection systems are a continuous monitoring method.
The purpose of this method is to measure the electrical properties, i.e. conductance or impedance of a
cable; when properties change, a leak has occurred. These systems are relatively expensive
compared to the other methods of leak detection. Many of the commercially available systems can
determine when a leak has occurred, and can also define the location of the leak. Conductance cable
systems can detect the immediate presence of small leaks, and impedance systems can detect multiple
leaks. However, it must be remembered that these types of systems are sophisticated electronic
systems and that there may be problems with false alarms, power outages, and corroded cables.
Design requirements for these systems include: access, control panel uninterruptible power supply
(UPS), and installation requirements.
Access ports should be provided in the secondary piping system for installation and maintenance
purposes. The ports should be spaced similar to any other electrical wiring:
- At the cable entry into and exit from each pipe run;
- After every two changes in direction;
- At tee branches and lateral connections;
- At splices or cable branch connections; and
- After every 30.5 m (100 feet) of straight run.
Power surges or temporary outages will set off alarms. To avoid such occurrences, consideration
should be given to UPS.
Installation requirements for a cable system include the completing of testing and thorough cleaning
and drying of the secondary piping system prior to installation to avoid false alarms. In addition, a
minimum annular clearance of 18 mm (3/4 in) for conductance cables and 38 to 50 mm (1-1/2 to 2
inches) for impedance cables is required to allow installation. These values may vary between
manufacturers.
b. Probe Systems: Probes that measure the presence of liquids through conductivity, pH, liquid level,
moisture, specific ion concentrations, pressure, and other methods are used as sensing elements in
leak test. The double containment piping systems are separated into compartments with each
compartment containing a probe with probe systems. Leaks can only be located to the extent to which
the compartment senses liquid in the secondary containment piping.
c. Visual Inspection: Visual systems include the use of sumps and traps; installation of sight glasses
into the secondary piping system; equipping the secondary piping system with clear traps; and use of a
clear secondary piping material. Some manufacturers offer clear PVC. Visual systems are often used
in addition to other leak detection methods.
13
Piping Painting
13.0 General
The integrity and life of a piping system is dependent upon corrosion control. The internal corrosion
of piping systems is controlled by the selection of appropriate materials of construction, wall
thickness, and linings and by the addition of treatment chemicals. The external surfaces of all un-
insulated Carbon Steel, Low Alloy Steel & Alloy Steel piping, working temperature from 800C to
4000C, installed above ground exhibits corrosion, which is developed by the presence of moisture,
particulates, sulphur compounds, nitrogen-based compounds, and salt. This type of corrosion is
uniform and common. Besides selecting a material of construction that is appropriate for the ambient
environment, the primary method of corrosion control in above grade piping system is the application
of painting as protective coatings. However, a stray current survey must be performed to ensure that
electrical currents have not been created through the piping support system. The external corrosion is
controlled through proper materials of construction. However, Painting is required for corrosion
control when metallic piping systems are applied
13.1 Painting Applicable Codes
Applicable Codes:
ASTM D344 : Testing Method for painting coverage of the surface.
ASTM D1640 : The Testing method for primer.
IS 101 : Test Methods for ready mixed paints and enamels.
IS 161 : Heat Resisting Paints.
IS 2074 : Indian Standard for ready mixed paint, Red Oxide
Zinc Chromate Primer.
IS 2379 : Aluminium Paint for general purpose in two pack of
Dry Powder and Liquid and colour Coding.
IS 2932 : Indian Standard Specification for Enamel, Synthetic,
and Exterior Primer and Finish Coat.
NACE No.5 : National Association of Corrosion Engineers,
U.S.A
(NACE)
SIS-05 5900 : Swedish Institution’s Standard for Surface
Preparation before Painting of steel.
SSPC SP-1 : Steel Structure Painting Council for surface
preparation with Solvent for painting before Tape
Coating.
SSPC SP-2 : Steel Structures Painting Council, U.S.A, Surface
Preparation Specifications for Manual or Hand Tool
Cleaning.
SSPC SP-3 : Steel Structure Painting Council for surface
preparation with Power Tool SSPC
SSPC SP-5 : Steel Structures Painting Council, U.S.A Surface
Preparation Specifications by Blast cleaning to White
metal (First Quality)
SSPC SP-6 : Surface Preparation Specifications by Blast
cleaning
to commercial Blast (Third Quality)
SSPC SP-7 : Surface Preparation Specifications by Blast
cleaning
to Brush-Off Blast cleaning (fourth Quality)
SSPC SP-10 : Surface Preparation Specifications near White
Metal
(Second Quality)
SSPC SP-12 : Steel Structures Painting Council, U.S.A Surface
Preparation
13.2 Painting Materials
Paint Materials: Paint is a liquid or liquefiable or mastic composition, which is converted to an
opaque solid film after application to a surface or substrate in a thin layer. It is most commonly used
to protect rusting, corrosion or provide colour or texture to the objects.
(i) Pigment: Pigments are granular solids incorporated into the paint to contribute colour, toughness,
texture, and to give the paint some special properties like to protect the substrate from the harmful
effects of ultraviolet light or simply to reduce the cost of the paint. Alternatively, some paints contain
dyes instead of or in combination with pigments. Pigments by chemical composition are, such as,
Cadmium pigments; Carbon pigments; Chromium pigments; Cobalt pigments; Copper pigments; Iron
oxide pigments; Clay earth pigments (iron oxides); Lead pigments; Mercury pigments (vermilion);
Titanium pigments; Ultramarine pigments; and Zinc pigments.
(ii) Binder or Resins: The binder (Resins) is the actual film forming component of paint, which must
be present in the paint. Other components are optional, depending on the desired properties of the
cured film of the paint. The binder imparts adhesion, binds the pigments together, and strongly
influences such properties as gloss potential, exterior durability, flexibility, and toughness. Binders
include synthetic or natural resins such as cement, alkyds, acrylics, vinyl-acrylics, vinyl
acetate/ethylene (VAE), polyurethanes, polyesters, melamine resins, epoxy, or oils. Binders can be
categorized according to drying, or curing mechanism. The four most common are (i) simple solvent
evaporation, (ii) oxidative cross linking, (iii) catalyzed/cross linked polymerization, and (iv)
coalescence.
Note that drying and curing are two different processes. Drying generally refers to evaporation of the
solvent or thinner, whereas curing refers to polymerization of the binder. Paints that dry by simple
solvent evaporation and contain a solid binder dissolved in a solvent are known as lacquers. A solid
film forms when the solvent evaporates, and because the film can re-dissolve in solvent, lacquers are
not suitable for applications where chemical resistance is important. Classic nitrocellulose lacquers
fall into this category. Lacquers have better UV resistance and lower corrosion resistance. Paints that
cure by "catalyzed" polymerization are generally two package coatings that polymerize by way of a
chemical reaction initiated by mixing resin and curing agent/hardener, and which cure by forming a
hard plastic structure. Depending on composition they may need to dry first, by evaporation of
solvent. Classic two package epoxies or polyurethanes would fall into this category.
(III) Solvent: The main purposes of the solvent are to adjust the curing properties and viscosity of the
paint. It is volatile and does not become part of the paint film. It also controls flow and application
properties, and affects the stability of the paint while in liquid state. In order to spread heavier oils
(i.e. linseed) as in oil-based interior house paint, thinner oil is required. These volatile substances
impart their properties temporarily and once the solvent has evaporated or disintegrated, the
remaining paint is fixed to the surface.
(IV) Additives: Paint can have a wide variety of miscellaneous additives, which are usually added in
very small amounts and yet give a very significant effect on the product. Additives modify surface
tension, improve flow properties, improve the finished appearance, increase wet edge, improve
pigment stability, impart antifreeze properties, control foaming, and control skinning. Additives
normally do not significantly alter the percentages of individual components in a formulation.
13.3 Primer Paint Materials Selections
Primer Materials: All steel piping should be protected with a coating (painting) system, which has
been proven acceptable in a normal or marine environment. Among the generic types, the following
Paint Materials are currently in use:
Wash Primer-Vinyl or Chlorinated Rubber Zinc Phosphate Primer: It is a chlorinated rubber
medium elasticised with un-saphonifiable plastics pigmented with zinc phosphate and is available in
a single pack. It contains solid by 30-40% by volume and provides a thickness of 50 microns per coat
on the surface. It covers 6-8 square meter of surface per litre per coat.
Zinc rich epoxy (Zinc Phosphate) Primer: It is a Polyamide cured epoxy resin medium pigmented
with zinc chromate and is available in two packs. It contains solid by 35-40% by volume and
provides a thickness of 35 microns per coat on the surface. It covers 12—13 square meter of surface
per litre per coat.
Zinc silicate inorganic Primer: It is a Polyamide cured Epoxy Resin medium pigmented with zinc
Phosphate and is available in two packs. It contains solid by 35-40% by volume and provides a
thickness of 35 microns per coat on the surface. It covers 12—13 square meter of surface per litre per
coat.
Red Oxide Zinc Chromate Primer: It is a modified phenol alkyd medium pigmented with red oxide
and zinc chromate and is available in a single pack. It contains solid by 30-35% by volume and
provides a thickness of 25 microns per coat on the surface. It covers 12—14 square meter of surface
per litre per coat.
Epoxy Red Oxide Zinc Phosphate Primer: It is a Polyamide cured Epoxy Resin medium pigmented
with micaceous iron oxide and is available in two packs. It contains solid by 50% by volume and
provides a thickness of 100 microns per coat on the surface. It covers 5-6 square meter of surface per
litre per coat.
Epoxy based tie coat Primer: It is a conventional alkyd based coating to be applied before
application of acrylic Polyurethane and contains Polyamide cured epoxy resin medium and suitably
pigmented and is available in two packs. It contains solid by 50-60% by volume and provides a
thickness of 50 microns per coat on the surface. It covers 10—13 square meter of surface per litre per
coat.
13.4 Finish Paint Materials Selections
Synthetic Enamel: It is a Alkyd medium pigmented with superior quality water and weather resistant
pigments and is available in single pack. It contains solid by 30-40% by volume and provides a
thickness of 25 microns per coat on the surface. It covers 15-18 square meter of surface per litre per
coat. This paint is suitable for application up to 80 0C.
Acrylic – Polyurethane finish paint: It is an Acrylic resin and isocyanate hardener suitably
pigmented and is available in two packs. It contains solid by 40% by volume and provides a
thickness of 30-40 microns per coat on the surface. It covers 10-13 square meter of surface per litre
per coat. This paint is suitable for application up to 80 0C.
Chlorinated Rubber Finish Paint: It is a Plasticized chlorinated rubber medium pigmented with
chemical and weather resistant pigments and is available in single pack. It contains solid by 30% by
volume and provides a thickness of 30 microns per coat on the surface. It covers 10-12 square meter
of surface per litre per coat. This paint is suitable for application up to 80 0C.
High Build Epoxy finish coating: It is a Polyamide cured epoxy resin medium pigmented and is
available in two packs. It contains solid by 60-65% by volume and provides a thickness of 100
microns per coat on the surface. It covers 6-7 square meter of surface per litre per coat.
High build coal Tar epoxy coating: It is a Polyamine cured epoxy resin blended with Coal tar and is
available in two packs. It contains solid by 65% by volume and provides a thickness of 100-125
microns per coat on the surface. It covers 6-7 square meter of surface per litre per coat. This paint is
suitable for application up to 120 0C.
Self-Priming Surface Tolerant High Build Epoxy coating: It is a Polyamide-amine cured epoxy
resin suitably pigmented and is available in two packs. It contains solid by 65-80% by volume and
provides a thickness of 125-150 microns per coat on the surface. It covers 4-5 square meter of
surface per litre per coat. This paint is suitable for application up to 120 0C.
Inorganic Zinc Silicate coating: It is a self-cured Ethyl silicate solvent-based Inorganic zinc coating
and is available in two packs. It contains solid by 60% by volume and provides a thickness of 65-75
microns per coat on the surface. It covers 8-10 square meter of surface per litre per coat. This paint is
suitable for application up to 120 0C.
Heat resistant medium based Aluminium paint: It is a Heat Resistant Enamel varnish medium
combined with Aluminium flakes and is available in two packs. It contains solid by 20-25% by
volume and provides a thickness of 20 microns per coat on the surface. It covers 10-12 square meter
of surface per litre per coat. This paint is suitable for application up to 250 0C.
Heat resistant Silicone Aluminium paint: It is a Silicon resin pigmented aluminium flakes and is
available in two packs. It contains solid by 20-25% by volume and provides a thickness of 20
microns per coat on the surface. It covers 10-12 square meter of surface per litre per coat. This paint
is suitable for application up to 400 0C.
Specially formulated polyamine cured coal for Epoxy coating: This paint is suitable for
application up to 80 0C.
Epoxy phenol coating: This paint is suitable for application up to 120 0C.
Epoxy Siloxane coating: This paint is suitable for application up to 120 0C.
The paint material should vary with type of environment envisaged in and around the plants. Three
types of environment are considered for selection of paint system. The paint system is also given for
specific requirements.
The following points should be considered important factors affecting the quality of painting in case
of application of paint:
Surface preparation.
Temperature ranges (maximum-minimum) expected.
Dry and/or wet surfaces.
Chemical contamination expected.
Location of equipment under consideration.
Abrasion expected.
Application of coating system.
13.5 Painting
In the liquid application, paint can be applied by direct application using brushes, paint rollers, or
compressed air. Paint application by spray is the most popular method in industry. In this, paint is
atomized by the force of compressed air or by the action of high pressure compression of the paint
itself, which results in the paint being turned into small droplets which travel to the article which is to
be painted. Alternate methods are airless spray, hot spray, hot airless spray, and any of these with an
electrostatic spray included. The opacity and the film thickness of paint may be measured using a
drawdown card. After liquid paint is applied, there is an interval during which it can be blended with
additional painted regions (at the "wet edge") called "open time."
Primer: Primer is a preparatory coating put on materials before painting. Priming ensures better
adhesion of paint to the surface, increases paint durability, and provides additional protection for the
material being painted. It can also be used to block and seal stains.
Primer is a paint product that allows finishing paint to adhere much better than if it was used alone.
Primer is designed to adhere to surfaces and to form a binding layer that is better prepared to receive
the paint.
Paint Application Defects: The main reasons of paint failure after application on surface are the
applicator and improper treatment of surface. Application Defects are attributed to:
(i) Dilution: This usually occurs when the dilution of the paint is not done as per manufacturer’s
recommendation. There can be a case of over dilution and under dilution, as well as dilution with the
incorrect diluents.
(ii) Contamination: Foreign contaminants added without the manufacturers consent which results in
various film defects.
(iii) Peeling/Blistering: Most commonly due to improper surface treatment before application and
inherent moisture/dampness being present in the substrate.
(iv) Chalking: Chalking is the progressive powdering of the paint film on the painted surface. The
primary reason for the problem is polymer degradation of the paint matrix caused by attack by UV
radiation in sunshine.
(v) Cracking: Cracking of paint film is due to the unequal expansion or contraction of paint coats. It
usually happens when the coats of the paint are not allowed to cure/dry completely before the next
coat is applied.
(vi) Erosion: Erosion is very quick chalking. It occurs due to external agents like air, water etc.
(vii) Blistering: Blistering is due to improper surface exposure of paint to strong sunshine.
13.6 Surface Preparation
Adhesion of the paint film depends largely on to the surface preparation of the metal surfaces. If
proper quality of surface preparation is maintained, the protective coating life will be more. In order
to achieve the maximum durability of the paint, one or more of following methods should be followed
for surface preparations:
Manual or hand tool cleaning
Mechanical or power tool cleaning.
Blast Cleaning.
Mill scale, rust, scale and foreign matter shall be removed fully to ensure that a clean and dry surface
is obtained. The minimum acceptable standard in case of manual or hand tool cleaning should be St
-.2 or equivalent, in case of mechanical or power tool cleaning, it should be St.-3 or equivalent, in
case of blast cleaning it should be Sa 2½ or equivalent as per Swedish Standard SIS-055900 / ISO-
8501-1. Where highly corrosive conditions exist, and then blast cleaning should be Sa -3 as per
Swedish Standards. Remove all other contaminants, oil, grease etc. by use of an aromatic solvent
prior to surface cleaning.
Blast cleaning should not be performed where dust can contaminate surfaces undergoing such
cleaning or during humid weather conditions having humidity exceeding 85%. Irrespective of the
method of surface preparation, the first coat of primer must be applied on dry surface within two
hours. This should be done immediately and in any case it should not exceed 4 hours of cleaning of
surface. In general, during unfavourable weather conditions, blasting and painting shall be avoided
as far as practicable.
Blast Cleaning: Air Blast Cleaning: The surface should be blast cleaned using one of the abrasives:
A12 O3 particles chilled cast iron or malleable iron and steel at pressure of 7 kg/cm2 at appropriate
distance and angle depending on nozzle size maintaining constant velocity and pressure. Chilled cast
iron, malleable iron and steel should be in the form of shot or grit of size not greater than 0.055”
maximum in case of steel and malleable iron and 0.04” maximum in case of chilled iron.
Compressed air shall be free from moisture and oil. The blasting nozzles should be venture style
with tungsten carbide or boron carbide or boron carbide as the materials for liners. Nozzles orifice
may vary from 3/16” to 3/4”. On completion of blasting operation, the blasted surface shall be clean
and free from any scale or rust and must show a grey white metallic lustre. Blast cleaning should not
be done outdoors in bad weather without adequate protection or when there is dew on the metal,
which is to be cleaned. Surface profile should be 35 to 50 micron depth with uniform to provide
good key to the paint adhesion. If possible vacuum collector should be installed for collecting the
abrasives and recycling.
Water Blast Cleaning: Environmental, health and safety problems associated with abrasive blast
cleaning restrict the application of Air Blast Cleaning in many installations. In such case, Water Blast
Cleaning can be applied with or without abrasive and high pressure water blasting. The water used
should be inhibited with sodium chromate or phosphate. The blast-cleaned surface should be washed
thoroughly with detergents and wiped with solvent and dried with compressed Air. For effective
cleaning abrasives are used. The most commonly used pressure for high pressure water blast
cleaning for maintenance surface preparation is 3000 to 6000 psi at 35-45 litters per minute, which
provides maximum cleaning. The water blast cleaned surface should be comparable to SSPC – SP -
12 or NACE No. 5. The operation should be carried out as per SSPC guidelines for water Blast
cleaning. The indicative values for sand injection is,
Air : 300 to 400 Cu. Ft/min.
Water : 5-10 Litres/min. with corrosion inhibitor
Sand : 200-400 lbs/hr.
Nozzle : 0.5 to 1” dia
Mechanical or Power tool cleaning: Power tool cleaning should be done by mechanical striking tools,
chipping hammers, grinding wheels or rotating steel wire-brushes or buffing wheel. Excessive
burnish of surface shall be avoided as it can reduce paint adhesion. On completion of cleaning, the
detached rust mill scale etc. should be removed by clean rags or washed by water or steam and
thoroughly dried with compressed air jet before application of paint.
Manual or hand tool cleaning: Manual or hand tool cleaning is used only where safety problems
restrict the application of other surface preparation procedure and hence, it does not appear in the
specifications of paint systems. Hand tool cleaning normally consists of the following: Hand de-
scaling and or hammering; Hand scraping; and Hand wire brushing.
Rust, mill scale spatters, old coatings and other foreign matter should be removed by hammering,
chipping, scrapping tools, emery paper cleaning, wire brushing or combination of the above methods.
Equipments: All tools, brushes, rollers spray guns, abrasive material, hand or power tools for
cleaning and all equipments, scaffolding materials, shot or wet abrasive blasting, water blasting
equipments & air compressors etc. require to be used should be suitable for the work and all in good
order and should be arranged by the contractor at site and in sufficient quantity. Mechanical mixing
only should be used for paint mixing operations in case of two pack systems except that mixing of
small quantities.
13.7 Paint Application
Surface should not be coated in rain, wind or in environment where injurious air borne elements
exists, or when the steel surface temperature is less than 50 F above dew point, or when the relative
humidity is greater than 85% or when the atmospheric temperature is below 400 F.
Air spray application: Air spray application shall be in accordance with the following:
The equipment used should be suitable for the intended purpose and shall be capable of properly
atomising the paint to be applied. This shall be equipped with suitable pressure regulators and
gauges.
Traps or separators should be provided to remove oil and condensed water from the air.
The Pressure on the material in the pot and of the air at the gun shall be adjusted for optimum spraying
effectiveness. The atomising air pressure at the gun should be high enough to properly atomise the
paint but not so high as to cause excessive evaporation of solvent, or loss by over spray.
Airless spray application: Airless spray application should be in accordance with “Steel Structure
Paint Manual” Vol. 1 & Vol. 2, or SSPC. Air less spray relies on hydraulic pressure rather than air
atomisation procedure to the desired spray. An air compressor or electric motor is used to operate a
pump to produce pressures of 1,000 to 6,000 psi. Paint is delivered to the spray gun at this pressure
through a single hose within the gun; a single paint stream is divided into separate streams, which are
forced through a small orifice resulting in atomisation of paint without the use of air. This results in
more rapid coverage with less over spray. Airless spray usually is faster, cheaper, more economical
and easier to use than conventional airs pray.
In case of High Build epoxy coatings (two packs), pump with 30:1 ratio and 0.020-0.023” tip size
will provide a good spray pattern. Ideally fluid hoses should not be less than 3/8” ID and not longer
than 50 ft to obtain optimum results.
Manual Application: Manual Application is carried out manually with the help of paintbrush.
Where 6 O’ Clock position of pipe is not approachable for painting, a canvas strip or alternatively a
tinplate strip, about 450 mm wide and 1.5m long is held under the pipe by two men, one each on
either side of the pipe. The third man at side of the pipe pours liquid paint or coating paint on the
sling. The men, holding this sling, move it up and down and walk slowly forward while fresh coating
is poured on the pipe or canvas and they manipulate the sling so that an even coating is obtained all
round the bottom of the pipe.
Dryness of coated Surface: Another coat of paint shall be applied only after the preceding coat is
dried. The material shall be considered dry for re-coating only after the minimum drying time given
by the paint manufacturer. Another coat, then, can be applied without the development of any film
irregularities such as lifting or loss of adhesion of undercoats. No paint shall be force dried under any
conditions; otherwise, it will cause checking, and wrinkling, blistering formation of pores, or
detrimentally affects the condition of the paint. No drier shall be added to paint on the job unless
specifically called for in the manufacture’s specification for the paint. Paint shall be protected from
rain, condensation, contamination, snow and freezing until it dries to the fullest extent practicable.
Repair of damaged paint surface: Where painting has been damaged in handling and in transportation
of pipe, the repair of damaged coating of erected or fabricated pipe shall be done as given below:
Remove the primer from damaged area by mechanical scrapping and emery paper to expose the white
metal or blast cleans the surface if possible. Feather the primer over the intact adjacent surface
surrounding the damaged area by emery paper slowly.
Apply fresh paint with the method as explain above to the cleaned area of damaged pre-erection and
shop priming.
13.8 Colour Coding
The colour code scheme is intended for identification of the individual piping. The System of colour
coding consists of a ground colour and colour bands superimposed on it. Colour band shall be
applied at the following location to
At battery limit points
Intersection points & change of direction points in piping ways.
Other points, such as midway of each piping way, near valves, junction joints of service
appliances, walls, on either side of pipe culverts.
For long stretch / yard piping at 50M interval.
At start and terminating points.
As a rule minimum width of colour band shall conform to the following table:
3” NB and below 25 mm
Above 3” NB up to 6” NB 50 mm
Above 8” NB up to 12” OD 75 mm
Above 12” OD 100
Equipment number shall be stencilled in black or white on each vessel, column, equipment &
machinery (insulated or un-insulated) after painting. Line number in black or white shall be
stencilled on all the pipe lines of more than of more than one location as directed by Engineer-in-
Charge, size of letter printed shall be as below:
Column & vessels - 150 mm (high)
Pump, compressor and other machinery - 50 mm (high)
Piping - 40-150 mm
Storage tanks - The storage tanks shall be marked
as detailed in the drawing.
Colour code for Defence Requirement: Following items shall be painted for camouflaging, if
required by the client.
All columns
All tanks in offsite.
Large Vessel.
Spheres
Two coats of selected finishing paint as per specification requirement shall be applied.
Method of camouflaging: Disruptive painting for camouflaging shall be done in three colours in the
ratio of 5:3:2 (all matt finish), SUCH AS, Dark Green - 5;Light Green - 3;Dark Medium - 2 Brown;
Respectively
The patches should be asymmetrical and irregular.
The patches should be inclined at 30 degree to 60 degree to the horizontal.
The patches should be continuous where two surfaces meet at an angle.
The patches should not coincide with corners.
Slits and holes shall be painted in dark shades.
Width of patches should be 1 to 2 meters.
13.9 Painting Inspection
All painting materials including primers and thinners brought to site by contractor for application
shall be procured directly from manufactures as per specifications and shall be accompanied by
manufacture’s test certificates. Paint formulations without certificates are not acceptable. The
painting work shall be subject to inspection at all times. In particular, following stage wise
inspection should be performed and contractor shall offer the work for inspection and approval of the
same at every stage before proceeding with the next stage. The record of inspection shall be
maintained in the registers. Stages of inspection are as follows:
a. Material Testing: Manufacturer’s Test Certificate should be correlated with the
requirement of characteristics of the paint with the codes, Standards and Specifications for
confirmation of the same. If required, the samples should be sent to the laboratory for testing of the
paint materials. The test required for evaluation of acceptance of painting materials for offshore
application with reference to following Codes and Standards:
b. Surface preparation: The cleaning of the surface should be checked with the help of
the photo comparator for maintaining the quality.
c. Primer Coating: The thickness of each coat of the primer should be checked for Dry
Film Thickness (DFT) to match with the requirement of the specification with the help of digital
thickness measuring instrument, i.e. Elko meter. If the thickness is found less than the required
thickness, the additional coat of the primer should be applied to obtain the required thickness. The
thickness variation within 10% of the total thickness is within the acceptable limit.
d. Finish Paint: The thickness of each coat of the finish paint should be checked for Dry
Film Thickness (DFT) to match with the requirement of the specification with the help of digital
thickness measuring instrument, i.e. Elko meter. If the thickness is found less than the required
thickness, the additional coat of the finish paint should be applied to obtain the required thickness.
The thickness variation within 10% of the total thickness is within the acceptable limit.
Maintenance: The consulting engineering firm for specific recommendations, specifications, and
inspection services does the selection of paint. Tapes and extruded coatings should generally not be
used on plant piping. Experience has shown that severe corrosion can occur beneath these protective
materials without any visible evidence.
Riser’s pipe should be protected in the seawater splash zone by providing another layer of pipe. The
most commonly used methods to protect Risers pipe include:
Steel doublers (1/2 inch or more additional metal thickness) and one of the paint systems.
Vulcanised, shop applied neoprene rubber compounds ¼ inches to ½ inch thick.
Monel sheathing.
Epoxy sand coating.
Moisture may be trapped at the top juncture of the vulcanised rubber with the painted steel, causing
accelerated deterioration. This juncture should be periodically inspected visually and, if deemed
necessary, by radiography. The top junction of the steel doublers should be seal welded.
Passivation for Corrosion Control: Passivation is the spontaneous formation of an ultra-thin film of
corrosion products known as passive film, on the metals surface that act as a barrier to further
oxidation. The chemical composition and microstructure of a passive film are different from the
underlying metal. Typical passive film thickness on aluminium, stainless steels and alloys is within 10
nanometres. The passive film is different from oxide layer or scale that is frequently formed at high
temperatures and is in the micrometer thickness range. The passive film has the unique property of
self-healing while the oxide layer or oxide scale does not. For example, when you scratch the surface
of a stainless steel, the damaged passive film will be healed spontaneously by the instantaneous
oxidation of chromium from the underlying metal. Passivation in natural environments such as air,
water and soil at moderate pH is seen in such materials as aluminium, stainless steel, titanium, and
silicon. Passivation is primarily determined by metallurgical and environmental factors. The effect of
pH is recorded using Pourbaix diagrams, but many other factors are influential. Some conditions that
inhibit passivation include: high pH for aluminium and zinc, low pH or the presence of chloride ions
for stainless steel, high temperature for titanium (in which case the oxide dissolves into the metal,
rather than the electrolyte) and fluoride ions for silicon. On the other hand, sometimes unusual
conditions can bring on passivation in materials that are normally unprotected, as the alkaline
environment of concrete does for steel rebar. Exposure to a liquid metal such as mercury or hot solder
can often circumvent passivation mechanisms. Passivation is extremely useful in mitigating corrosion
damage, however even a high-quality alloy will corrode if its ability to form a passivation film is
hindered. Proper selection of the right grade of material for the specific environment is important for
the long-lasting performance of this group of materials. If breakdown occurs in the passive film due to
chemical or mechanical factors, the resulting major modes of corrosion may include (i) pitting
corrosion, (ii) crevice corrosion and (iii) stress corrosion cracking.
Inhibitors Reactive Coatings: The corrosive environment is controlled by inhibitors, which can
often be added to it. These form an electrically insulating and/or chemically impermeable coating on
exposed metal surfaces, to suppress electrochemical reactions. Such methods obviously make the
system less sensitive to scratches or defects in the coating, since extra inhibitors can be made
available wherever metal becomes exposed. Chemicals that inhibit corrosion include some of the
salts in hard water (Roman water systems are famous for their mineral deposits), chromates,
phosphates, polyaniline, other conducting polymers and a wide range of specially-designed chemicals
that resemble surfactants (i.e. long-chain organic molecules with ionic end groups).
14
Coating and Wrapping
14.1 General
In buried installations, leaks due to corrosion in metallic piping systems can cause environmental
damage. Protective Coating on the external surface of pipe works well. The bases of selection for an
exterior pipe coating involve chemical inertness, adhesiveness, electrical resistance, imperviousness,
and flexibility to adjust to pipe deformation, thermal expansion/contraction and environmentally
induced stress such as, wind induced shear. Obviously, the coating must be applied without holidays
and remain undamaged, without cracks or pinholes.
14.2 Applicable Codes
AS 3894.1; ASTM D 4787; ASTM G 6;ASTM D 5162; BS 1344-11; ISO 2746; NACE RP0274;
NACE RP0490; NACE RP0188; IEC 52ASTM D93; IS-3624; AWWA C203 and SSPC SP-7.
14.3 Coating & Wrapping Materials
Coal-tar Enamel: The Specification AWWA C203 provides the coal-tar enamel materials and the
methods for application of coal-tar coating on the outer surface of the pipe, the thickness required and
inspection of the coating. But the coal-tar enamel coating may develops a crack in the coating at low
temperature under –200F and also gets adversely affected by prolonged pre-installation exposure to
open and fluctuating atmospheric condition of heat and cold. To save the coating while storage for a
prolonged period, a heat-reflective coating of whitewash, or red lead or aluminium paint over the
coal-tar enamel coating is, usually, helpful.
The enamel coating is imperfect method and sometimes develops imperfections and hence loss of the
pipe thickness or pitting due to corrosion of the pipe. Wetting and drying of the soil cause the
destruction of the coal-tar enamel coating. Rocks in the back filled material and chemical constituent
of the earth because the destruction of the coal-tar enamels coating. The earth adheres to the coating
tightly, and on drying, exerts a powerful stress which shears and tears the coating from the pipe
surface. However, the Coal-tar enamel or Polyethylene coating is still applied on the outside surface
of the pipe. Now days, the Polyethylene coating from 3 mm to 7 mm is applied on the full length of the
pipe in the mill or some coating yard, specially meant for providing the coating on the full length of
pipe, before dispatch of the pipe to the site for use in underground piping.
Polyethylene Tape: Vinyl, polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride-butyl rubber tapes are spirally wound
around the outside surface of pipe. But in case of the single layer of the coating, it is very difficult to
obtain the water seal coating because of the bounding of overlap spiral joint and coating with the pipe
surface. So, before application of the layer, a suitable bounding primer is applied on the pipe surface
to provide perfect bound between the pipe surface and the coating layer. The application of double
layers of the tape coating provides a satisfactory and perfect coating of the pipe.
Primer: The primer should be fast drying, synthetic or chlorinated rubber synthetic plasticizer-
solvent based primer. The drying time should be at minimum. The flash point of volatile matter at
105-110 0C should be 75%. The following Primer materials are used in corrosion coating of
underground piping. The primer should have the following properties:
Coal-tar Tapes: The Tape consists of coal tar material supported on the fabric of the organic or
Inorganic fibres. The fabric should be thin (0.3 mm) and weight 40 g/m 2, flexible, uniform mat, or
tissue composed of glass fibres in an open structure bonded with a suitable coal tar.
Rubber Tapes: The Tape consists of rubber material supported on the fabric of the organic or
Inorganic fibres.
Polyvinyl Chloride tapes: The Tape consists of Polyvinyl Chloride material supported on the fabric
of the organic or Inorganic fibres.
Polyethylene Tapes: The Tape consists of Polyethylene material supported on the fabric of the
organic or Inorganic fibres.
Vinyl Tapes: The Tape consists of Vinyl material supported on the fabric of the organic or Inorganic
fibres.
Butyl Rubber Tapes: The Tape consists of Butyl Rubber material supported on the fabric of the
organic or Inorganic fibres.
The manufacturers Test certificates, batch wise, should be submitted and correlated for all materials
to be used on corrosion coating for the confirmation of the materials quality requirement. In absence
of the manufacturers Test certificates, the sample of the materials should be sent to the approved
laboratory for testing and acceptance of the same.
14.4 Surface Preparation
Surface Preparation (Manual cleaning): Wire brush, Emery Papers or hand tool should be used for
cleaning the pipe surface properly. Hand tool cleaning normally consists of the following:
Hand de-scaling or hammering
Hand scraping
Hand wire brushing
Oil, Grease on the surface should be cleaned from the surface by flushing with a suitable solvent such
as Xylene or 1:1:1 of Trichloroethylene and wiping with rugs. If required, the surface should be
cleaned with the detergent after solvent cleaning. Rust, mill scale spatters, old coatings and other
foreign matter should be removed by hammering, chipping, scrapping tools, emery paper cleaning,
wire brushing or combination of the above methods.
Surface Preparation (Power tool cleaning): If required, power tool cleaning should be done by
mechanical striking tools, chipping hammers, grinding wheels or rotating steel wire-brushes or
buffing wheel. Excessive burnish of surface shall be avoided as it can reduce paint adhesion. On
completion of cleaning, the detached rust mill scale etc. should be removed by clean rags or washed
by water or steam and thoroughly dried with compressed air jet before application of paint.
Surface Preparation (Shot Blast Cleaning): The metal surface should be cleaned with shot blast to
Sa 2 ½ with a surface profile of 30-50 micron depth and primer should be applied within 4 hours of
completion of the shot blasting. Surface shall not be coated in rain, wind or in environment where
injurious air borne elements exists, or when the steel surface temperature is less than 50 F above dew
point, or when the relative humidity is greater than 85% or when the temperature is below 400 F.
14.5 Application
Primer Coating: Before application of the casting and wrapping, one coat of the suitable primer
should be applied on the cleaned surface and should be made touch dry prior to the Tape application
for the perfect bounding of the coating on the pipe surface.
Coal Tar Coating Application: The Coal Tar Coating Application is carried out manually with the
help of sling placed at 6 O’ Clock position of pipe. A canvas strip or tinplate strip about 450 mm
wide and two men hold 1.5m long under the pipe. Liquid paint or liquid Coal Tar coating is poured
on the sling at the top of the pipe. The men, holding this sling, move it up and down and walk slowly
forward rubbing with the half of circumference of the pipe at bottom while fresh coating is poured on
the pipe or canvas and they manipulate the sling so that an even coating is obtained all round the
bottom of the pipe.
Tape Coating Application: One layer of Tape Coating of 2.5 mm thickness is applied on dried
primer on the pipe surface with 15 mm minimum overlap at the edge of the Tape per single wrap. The
second coat of the primer is applied on the first layer of the tape Coating and let it be touch dry. Then,
the second layer of the Tape Coat of 2.5 mm thickness is applied on the primed and touch dry surface.
The primed surface should not be left exposed to the atmospheric condition for a long time, otherwise
the bonding strength of the primer is reduced because of the dust deposition on the primed surface.
While applying the Tape, it should be pulled out to take care that there is no air pockets or the air
bubbles beneath the Tape and the Tape is in intimate contact with the primed surface.
Cleaned Surface Inspection: During the surface preparation, the nozzle type, size, safety gauges, air
pressure of the blast cleaning equipment should be checked. After the surface cleaning, the surface
profile and cleanliness of the surface is checked visually as well as with the photo comparator of ISO
8501.
Primer coating Inspection: After application of the primer, the primer dryness by touch dry method
and the Dry Film Thickness are checked before application of the Tape Coating.
14.6 Inspection
Wrapped Coating Inspection: The following inspection should be carried out minimum for the
coating/ tape Coating work:
(i) Visual Inspection: The visual inspection of the coating is carried out for the cracks, trapped air,
any damages, uniformity, any wrinkles, 15 mm overlapping width at the edge and irregularities.
(ii) Tape Thickness Test: The thickness of the Tape should be measured with the calliper on the
surfaces of pipe at 20 meter interval of the pipe length or on 5 to 6 tape pieces taken from the
different coils of the tape at a pressure of 0.5 N/m2. The thickness with ± 0.1 mm is acceptable.
(iii) Adhesion Test: The Adhesion Test should be carried out on each layer of the Tape Coating to
determine the proper bonding between the tape and the primed surface. The adhesion test should be
carried out at the atmospheric temperature between 10 0C to 27 0C. The tape should be cut 150 mm in
length and 50 mm in width. The width of the tape should be pried up to 50 mm in length wise with the
help of a flat blade and should be grasped firmly with the help of tool and should be pulled with a
quick motion in the direction of the remaining 100 mm of the full 150 mm cut length of the tape. The
adhesion test is satisfactory, when (i) the tape tears at the point of stripping or (ii) the fabric strips
from the underlying tar component, leaving not more than 10% or less of the primer or bare metal
exposed. After the adhesion test is over satisfactory, the total pilled out area with 25 mm minimum
overlap should be repaired with the new Tape Coating.
(iv) High Voltage Holiday Test: A High Voltage (1000 Volts) Holiday Detector is used to inspect the
pinholes in the coating and wrapping of the pipe. Holiday Detector is portable with solid state,
circuitry for the inspection of coating and wrapping on pipelines, (underground piping). (a) Trailing
ground wire, 8” to 16” rolling spring electrodes wrapped around the pipe over the Coating, (b) Crest
voltmeters to measure the voltage at which the inspection of coating is to be done, (c) Sealed lead
oxide battery where fluid is not needed and nothing will spill out, (d) Spring pusher handle of high
impact PVC with double vinyl covered air craft cable for high strength and (e) shock protection cable
has positive lock to detector, and cannot slip out, and would not break, Spring Electrode is a plated
square spring steel wire, sealed ball bearing in ends permits electrode to roll free, flat surface
provides more bearing area, will not damage soft coatings and (f) High Voltage Holiday Detector
with fully transistorised, loud, high-pitched signal horn, easily heard above the job noise. Each model
can be set on one of six-voltage range. Recessed “on-off” push button prevents accidental activation.
It is packed in a moulded, high impact shockproof ABS plastic case.
Defect Detection: The detection is done by producing a spark near the electrode. The spark
indicates a pinhole in the coating and wrapping which the technician repairs immediately. After
repair work, the repaired coating is inspected again with the holiday detector. Holiday Detector test
detects pinhole, porosity or flaws in insulated coatings It is essential that any pinhole, porosity or
flaws which will eventually lead to corrosion are detected at the earliest possible stage, preferably
immediately after the coating application. Holiday detector is suitable for all types of coatings like
Fusion bonded epoxy, coal tar epoxy, paints, polyester, polyurethane, pipeline tapes, Heat shrinks and
Asphalt. This versatile unit can be used to inspect protective coatings applied to pipelines, tanks,
pilings, fire lines or buried pipelines of conductive surface.
The value of the test voltage is achieved by the dielectric or voltage strength of the coating thickness.
Therefore 1000 micron would by approx 3kv to 5kv test voltage. Accurate voltage setting is achieved
by adjusting a knob to desire voltage is displayed on a digital display with accuracy of ± 1% or in the
step of 2KV. Holiday detectors with automatic fault detection feature installed which ensures that are
detected at any voltage setting. The Instrument has low voltage battery indication for safeguard the
batteries and ensures desired voltage all the time. The holiday detector is lightweight and overall
weight with handle is approx 1.6 kg the test voltage is of low power and does not damage or cause
burn marks on the coating. When the using holiday detector, there are a number of important safety
features in-build to test voltage with high impedance and drops to zero when a fault is detected, earth
cable is lockable to prevent accidental disconnection. There is a probe discharge path incorporated
to prevent any static charge being maintained will allow coatings on concrete as well as steel and
iron substrates to be tested. In view of the many different holiday testing applications there is an
extensive range of accessories available including circular brushes for pipe work internal, rolling
springs for pipe work externals, broad brushes to allow for quicker measurement of large surface
areas and insulated extension rods. The holiday detector is supplied in a carrying case complete with
high voltage prone handle, conductive rubber brush, neck strap, earth cable and batteries fitted. Other
special size circular brushes and external rolling spring electrodes are supplied as per requirements.
Caltechindia also supply high voltage measuring device generally called as Jeep Meter, PRM Meter
to verify voltage of holiday detectors. Holiday detectors are a non-destructive detection method of
testing. The Instrument can be used as per AS 3894.1, ASTM D 4787, ASTM G 6, ASTM D 5162,
BS 1344-11, ISO 2746, NACE RP0274, NACE RP0490, NACE RP0188-88 standards.
15
Cathode Protection
General: Cathode protection shall be provided for the following buried/submerged ferrous metallic
structures and piping, regardless of soil or water resistivity: Natural gas propane piping; Liquid fuel
piping; Oxygen piping; Underground storage tanks; Fire protection piping; Ductile iron pressurized
piping under floor (slab on grade) in soil; Underground heat distribution and chilled water piping.
Furthermore, certain types of processes pose safety problems if cathode protection is not properly
installed and maintained. The Applicable Codes for Cathode Protection is NACE No.5.
The galvanic series: The galvanic series (or electro potential series) determines the nobility of
metals and semi-metals. When two metals are submerged in an electrolyte, while electrically
connected, the less noble (base/cathode) will experience galvanic corrosion. The rate of corrosion is
determined by the electrolyte and the difference in nobility. In a given environment (Aerated medium,
Seawater), one metal will be either more noble or more active than the second metal, based on how
strongly its ions are bound to the surface. Two metals in electrical contact share the same electrons,
so that the "tug-of-war" at each surface is analogous to competition for free electrons between the two
materials. Using the electrolyte as a host for the flow of ions in the same direction; the noble metal
will take electrons from the active one. The resulting mass flow or electrical current can be measured
to establish a hierarchy of materials in the medium of interest. The difference can be measured as a
difference in voltage potential. Galvanic reaction is the principle upon which batteries are based. In
Galvanic series, most noble metal is at top and the less noble (base/cathode) metal is at bottom. The
order may change in different environments. The galvanic series of metals are given here is Copper at
top to Stainless steel 316 (passive) Stainless Steel 304 (passive); Stainless Steel 316 (active);
Nickel; Cast iron; Steel; Aluminium; and Zinc at bottom of the list. So, Zinc is the best metal to use as
cathode. This hierarchy is called a Galvanic Series, and can be a very useful in predicting and
understanding corrosion. The following is the galvanic series for seawater.
Copper
Stainless Steel (passive)
Nickel (passive)
Nickel-copper alloys
Hastelloy A 4)
Stainless Steel 316 1)
Stainless Steel 430 2)
Stainless Steel 410 3)
Cast Iron
Low-carbon Steel
Cadmium
Aluminium Alloys
Aluminium
Zinc
Anodic Protection: Anodic protection impresses anodic current on the structure to be protected
(opposite to the cathode protection). It is appropriate for metals that exhibit passivity (e.g., stainless
steel) and suitably small passive current over a wide range of potentials. Aluminium alloys often
undergo a surface treatment. Electrochemical conditions in the bath are carefully adjusted so that
uniform pores several manometers wide appear in the metal's oxide film. These pores allow the
oxide to grow much thicker than passivation conditions would allow. At the end of the treatment, the
pores are allowed to seal, forming a harder-than-usual surface layer. If this coating is scratched,
normal passivation processes take over to protect the damaged area. Anodizing is very resilient to
weathering and corrosion, so it is commonly used for building facades and other areas that the surface
will come into regular contact with the elements. Whilst being resilient, it must be cleaned frequently.
If left without cleaning Panel Edge Staining will naturally occur.
It is used in aggressive environments, e.g., solutions of sulphuric acid.
Cathode Protection: Cathode protection (CP) is a technique to control the corrosion of a metal
surface by making that surface the cathode of an electrochemical cell. It is a galvanic corrosion of
aluminium, such as, if a 5 mm thick aluminium alloy plate is physically (electrically) connected to a
10 mm thick mild steel structural support or pipe, Galvanic Corrosion occurred on the aluminium
plate along the joint with the mild steel. Perforation of aluminium plate occurred within 2 years due to
the large acceleration factor in galvanic corrosion. Factors such as relative size of anode, types of
metal, and operating conditions (temperature, humidity and salinity) affect galvanic corrosion. The
surface area ratio of the anode and cathode directly affects the corrosion rates of the materials.
Galvanic corrosion is often utilized in sacrificial anodes. Cathode protection systems are most
commonly used to protect steel pipelines and tanks; steel pier piles, ships, and offshore oil platforms.
It is sacrificial anode in the hull of a ship. For effective CP, the potential of the steel surface is
polarized (pushed) more negative until the metal surface has a uniform potential. With a uniform
potential, the driving force for the corrosion reaction is halted. For galvanic CP systems, the anode
material corrodes under the influence of the steel, and eventually it must be replaced. The
polarization is caused by the current flow from the anode to the cathode, driven by the difference in
electrochemical potential between the anode and the cathode. A cathode is an electrode through
which electric current flows out of a polarized electrical device. The direction of electric current is,
by convention, opposite to the direction of electron flow.
Impressed current cathode protection: For larger structures, galvanic anodes cannot economically
deliver enough current to provide complete protection. Impressed Current Cathode Protection (ICCP)
systems use anodes connected to a DC power source (such as a cathode protection rectifier). Anodes
for ICCP systems are tubular and solid rod shapes of various specialized materials. These include
high silicon cast iron, RUST, mixed metal oxide or platinum coated titanium or niobium coated rod
and wires.
a. Cathode Protection Requirements: The comment of the consultant shall govern the application of
cathode protection and protective coatings for buried piping systems, regardless of soil resistivity.
The Electrical Design and Cathode Protection Codes provide the criteria for the design of cathode
protection for aboveground, buried, and submerged metallic structures including piping. Cathode
protection is mandatory for underground gas distribution lines or underground water storage tanks and
underground piping systems located within 3 m (10 ft) of steel reinforced concrete. Unbounded
coatings are defined in AWWA C105.
b. Cathode Protection Methods: The galvanic corrosion is an electrochemical process in which a
current leaves the pipe at the anode site, passes through an electrolyte, and re-enters the pipe at the
cathode site. Cathode protection reduces corrosion by minimizing the difference in potential between
the anode and cathode. The two main types of cathode protection systems, galvanic or sacrificial and
impressed current are depicted. A galvanic system makes use of the different corrosive potentials that
are exhibited by different materials, whereas an external current is applied in an impressed current
system. The difference between the two methods is that the galvanic system relies on the difference in
potential between the anode and the pipe, and the impressed current system uses an external power
source to drive the electrical cell.
c. Isolation Joints: When piping components such as pipe segments, fittings, valves, or other
equipment coming out of underground, dissimilar materials are connected; an electrical insulator must
be used between the components to eliminate electrical current flow. Complete prevention of metal-
to-metal contact must be achieved. Specification is made for dielectric unions between threaded
dissimilar metallic components; isolation flanged joints between non-threaded dissimilar metallic
components; flexible couplings for plain end pipe sections, and under special aboveground situations.
For the flanged isolation joints complete isolation is required; additional non- metallic bolt isolation
washers and full length bolt isolation sleeves are required. Dielectric isolation shall conform to
NACE RP-0286. Copper water service lines will be dielectrically isolated from ferrous pipe.
d. Installation
Proper installation of isolation joints is critical. Installation procedures should follow the
manufacturer's recommendations exactly.
e. Isolation from Concrete
A ferrous metallic pipe passing through concrete shall not be in contact with the concrete. A non-
metallic sleeve with waterproof dielectric insulation between the pipe and the sleeve shall separate
the ferrous metal pipe. Ferrous metal piping passing through a concrete thrust block or concrete
anchor block shall be insulated from the concrete or cathode protected.
a. Galvanic Anode System b. Impressed
Figure: Current System of Cathode Protection Methods
16
Piping Insulation
16.0 General
The basic fundamental of the thermal insulation in the industrial engineering is the conservation of the
energy. All engineering operations are based on this fundamental principle. The heat insulation of
piping contributes a major role in the operation and proper functioning of the miscellaneous operation
in the industries. The insulation, basically, reduces the heat transfer and heat loss from the bare heated
surface of the pipe, which is a big amount in a plant. It cannot stop the heat loss but certainly reduces
it to the negligible amount. Followings are the two rules of the heat loss from the bare pipe: (1) the
heat loss from the bare pipe surface is due to the temperature difference of the pipe surface and the
surrounding air around the pipe. And the rate of heat loss increases with decrease of the temperature
gradient between the two; (2) the heat loss from the bare pipe surface is due to the air circulation
around the pipe and the rate of heat loss from a surface, maintained at the constant temperature, is
greatly increased by increase in the rate of air circulation around the bare pipe surface.
16.1 Applicable Codes
ASTM C302 : Testing Methods for Insulating Materials.
ASTM C335 : Testing Methods for Insulating Materials thermal conductivity.
ASTM C355 : Testing Methods for Insulating Materials.
ASTM C534 : Preformed Flexible Elastomeric Cellular Thermal Insulation.
ASTM C552 : Cellular Glass Thermal Insulation.
ASTM C534 : Un-faced Preformed Rigid Cellular Polyurethane Thermal Insulation.
ASTM C591 : Insulation Material and its application.
IS 661 : Testing Methods for Insulating Materials.
IS 702 : Insulation Ancillary Material and its application.
IS 1322 : Insulation Ancillary Material and its application.
IS 4671 : Standard Specification for Insulation Material and its
application.
16.2 Properties of Thermal Insulation
The insulation Materials should be inflammable and self-extinguishing type and non-corrosive to the
surface of insulation, chemically inert, moisture free, rot and vermin proof such as expanded
Polystyrene foam prepared from styrene homo-polymer or copolymer containing an expanding agent,
rigid Polyurethane foam, mattresses of resin bonded Mineral Wool or Glass Wool. The insulating
materials should not disintegrate, settle, and change its form of composition in the detrimental service
conditions. The water vapour permeance of the insulating materials should not be more than 0.4
gm/m2 /per day/ mm of Hg as per IS 661 or 3 per inch as per ASTM C355, desiccant method. The
thermal conductivity of the insulating materials varies with the density of slab, thickness of the slab,
the temperature gradient, and the time. The insulation Materials should be free from leachable
chlorides. Durability of insulation materials is a very important environmental consideration.
Ancillary of Insulation Installation: The following ancillary Insulating Materials are widely used in
industrial insulation work:
Wire Netting of 24 SWG x 20 mm mesh size, galvanized to secure the insulating material.
The lacing and stitching wire of 20 SWG, galvanized to secure the wire net.
The Band Aluminium strip of 20 mm width and 14 SWG.
The Adhesive material for Polyurethane (Foster Fire Resistive Adhesive), type 81-83 or Blown
Bitumen, type 85/25.
The Adhesive material for Polystyrene and Mineral Wool (Blown Bitumen), type 85/25
conforming to IS 702.
The Vapour Seal or Vapour Barrier for Polyurethane (Foster Fire Retardant Mastic), type 60-30
or Bitumen Emulsion Mastic, “Insulkote”, grade T-12 or equivalent Material.
The Vapour Seal or vapour barrier for Polystyrene and Mineral Wool (Bitumen Emulsion Mastic)
“Insulkote”, grade T-12 or Equivalent Materials.
The Filler Materials for Polyurethane (Polyurethane Foam Dust) or Mineral Wool mixed with
specified adhesive, packed tightly so that it can fill all the irregular voids and all contraction
joints.
The Filler Materials for Polystyrene (Polystyrene beads mixed with Blown Bitumen), packed
tightly so that it can fill all the irregular voids and all contraction joints.
The Filler Materials for Mineral Wool (loose Mineral Wool), packed tightly so that it can fill all
the irregular voids and all contraction joints.
The Joint Sealer material to seal the insulation work joints and at flashing of Polyurethane
insulation work (Foster Foam Sealer), type 30-45.
The Joint Sealer material to seal the insulation work joints and at flashing of Polystyrene and
mineral wool insulation work (Blown Bitumen), type 85/25 conforming to IS 702.
The glass Cloth used for vapour barrier reinforcement should be open weave of 10 mesh glass
cloth having glass fibre thickness of 5 mils.
The Anticorrosive paint single pack, air drying, water resistant, Phenol Resin Medium Pigmented
with Zinc Chromate Red Oxide. It should be applied with brush, should get dried up in 4 – 5
hours, and should provide 25 microns thickness.
The Bituminized Self-Finishing Roofing felt conforming to IS 1322, type 3, grade 1.
The Aluminium Sheet for cladding the insulation work over the vapour barrier shall be as below:
Where: Rhs is the maximum Thermal Resistance of the material, in °C/W = K/W.; ΔT is the
temperature difference (temperature drop), in °C; Pth is the thermal power (heat flow), in watts; Rs is
the thermal resistance of the heat source, in °C/W .
Thermal Transmittance: Thermal Transmittance incorporates the thermal conductance of a structure
along with heat transfer due to convection and radiation. The influencing factors are:
(i) Temperature: The effect of temperature on thermal conductivity is different for metals and non-
metals. In metals conductivity is primarily due to lattice vibrations and free electron, however, free
electrons play a dominant role. Therefore any increase in temperature increases the lattice vibrations
but affects the movement of free electrons adversely thereby decreasing the conductivity. Thermal
Conductivity in non-metals is only due to lattice vibrations which increase with increasing
temperature, and so the conductivity of non-metals increases with increasing temperature. Thermal
Conductivity in Air and other gases is due to convection. Air and other gases are generally good
insulators, in the absence of convection. Therefore, many insulating materials function simply by
having a large number of gas-filled pockets which prevent large-scale convection.
(ii) Emissivity: The Emissivity of a material (ε or e) is the relative ability of its surface to emit
energy by radiation. It is the ratio of energy radiated by a particular material to energy radiated by a
black body at the same temperature. A true black body would have a ε = 1 while any real object
would have ε < 1. Emissivity is a dimensionless quantity.
(iii) Density: The mass density or density of a material (ρ) is defined as its mass per unit volume.
(iv) Heat capacity: Heat capacity or Thermal capacity (C), is the measurable physical quantity that
characterizes the amount of heat required to change a substance's temperature by a given amount. In
the International System of Units (SI), heat capacity is expressed in units of joule(s) (J) per Kelvin
(K). An object's heat capacity (symbol C) is defined as the ratio of the amount of heat energy
transferred to an object to the resulting increase in temperature of the object,
16.3 Theory of Heat Loss
Theory of Heat Loss: According to Newton’s Law of Cooling heat transfer rate is related to the
instantaneous temperature difference between a hot and a cold media in a heat transfer process, the
temperature difference vary with position and time
Mean Temperature Difference: The determination of the mean temperature difference in a heat
transfer process depends upon the direction of fluid flow involved in the process. With saturation of
steam the primary fluid temperature can be taken as a constant because heat is transferred as a result
of a change of phase only. The temperature profile in the primary fluid is not dependent on the
direction of flow. When the secondary fluid passes over the heat transfer surface, the highest rate of
heat transfer occurs at the inlet and progressively decays with higher secondary fluid temperature
along its way to the outlet.
16.4 Theory of Heat Transfer
When a temperature gradient exists in solid, heat transfer take place as conduction. Energy is
transferred from the more energetic to the less energetic molecules when neighbouring molecules
collide. Conductive heat flow occurs in the direction of decreasing temperature because higher
temperature is associated with higher molecular energy. The equation used to express heat transfer by
conduction is known as Fourier’s Law and is expressed as:
q = k A dT / s ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (4)
Where, q = heat transferred per unit time (W); A = heat transfer area (m²); K = thermal; Conductivity
of Material (W/m.k or w/m. °C); dT = Temperature difference across the material (K or °C); and s =
material thickness (m).
The heat transfer rate through the insulation material depends on the thermal conductivity (k), also
called the internal resistance of the material, the thickness of the insulating material layer applied on
the pipe surface and the temperature of the hot pipe surface. Hence, the heat transfer varies directly to
the thickness of the insulating layer and inversely to the thermal conductivity (k) of the insulating
material. It is represented by the following equation:
1
U= ------------------------------------------------------------ (6)
x/ k+1/ f
Where, H = total heat transfer, Btu/hr.; A = area of pipe surface, sq. ft.; t1 =
temperature of hot pipe surface, 0 F; and t2 = temperature of surrounding air, 0 F.
The area of the path through which the heat transfer takes place is different on the flat surface, the
outside area of flat surface being the same as the inside area, as compared to the curved (pipe)
surface. On cylindrical surface, the area of the internal surface of the pipe is less for a given out side
area of the pipe. But, in normal case, for all practical purposes, we consider or measure the outside
surface area of the pipe for calculation of heat transfer. The third formulae for the heat transfer
through insulation on a flat surface can be calculated by the following formula too:
Q
q= ------------------------------------------------------------------(7)
A
(tp – ta)
= -------------------------------------------------------------------(8)
(R + Rs)
Where, q = Heat flux or quantity of heat transfer per unit area.; Q = Total heat transferred.; A = Total
area of insulation.; tp = Process fluid temperature.; ta = Ambient temperature.; R = Thermal resistance
of the insulation.; and Rs = Thermal resistance of the insulation’s cladding material
16.5 Insulation Materials
Pipe insulation materials come in a large variety of forms, but most materials fall into one of the
following categories:
a) Hot Insulation: The hot insulation materials consist of Mineral fibre wool in the
blanket of different thickness (2500F to 12000F), Flexible (4000F), Industrial bat (12000F), or Felt
in blanket form or in loose form of different thickness (4000F); Calcium Silicate in the form of
block and boards of different thickness (12000F); Asbestos (12000F), or Cement (12000F) of
different thickness, Cellular Silica in the form of block of different thickness (16000F to 22000F),
Diatomaceous Silica and 85% Magnesia (6000F). The above hot insulating materials are used for
the hot pipe, the temperature varying from 2500F to 22000F.
b) Cold Insulation: The cold as well as cryogenic insulation materials consist of Foam
glass, Polyurethane, Mineral Wool, Polystyrene foam Magnesia, vermiculite and Perlite. Magnesia
and Perlite powder is frequently used in cold box of cryogenic service insulation, such as air
separation plant for manufacturing Oxygen, Nitrogen and Argon: Methane purification plant; low
temperature gas treating plant.
Air Krete: Air Krete (TM) is inorganic foam produced from magnesium oxide (derived from sea
water). It is foamed under pressure with a microscopic cell generator and compressed air; no CFCs
or HCFCs are used. Because of its inorganic composition, Air Krete has very low VOC emissions, is
totally inert, and non-combustible. It is foamed in place in closed wall or masonry block cavities, or
behind mesh in open cavities to form lightweight and rigid, but very friable, foam.
Cellulose: Cellulose is perhaps the best insulation material out of recycled material use in insulation.
Most cellulose insulation material is produced by approximately 80% post-consumer recycled
newspaper by weight. The rest is comprised of fire retardant chemicals and, in some products,
acrylic binders. The cellulose industry used approximately 450 million kg of recycled newspaper.
Now, the cellulose insulation material is produced by new technologies. There is increasing use of
lower-density cellulose produced by "fibre zing" process, because it results in a better product,
cleaner, less dust, slightly higher R-value and, most important, because it stretches the resource base.
The newspaper is breaking down into individual fibres that are fluffier. The industry is switching to
this process from the older technologies known as “hammer mill” process.
Cotton Insulation: Greenwood Cotton insulation is the new kid on the block in the fibre insulation
industry. A small West Texas company using virgin cotton originally developed Cotton insulation as
“Insulcot (TM)”. Promoted initially as a non-irritating alternative to fibreglass, early market research
revealed an interest in use of recycled fibre, and the company switched to mill scraps from denim and
T-shirt mills. The present product is approximately 95% post-industrial recycled fibre, 25% of which
is polyester fibre. The polyester improves tear strength and recoil characteristics. The biggest
concern with cotton insulation has been fire safety. The fire retardants for cellulose insulation were
used in Insulcot, and different chemicals are used today, but he would not be more specific about the
chemicals that are used.
Expanded polystyrene: Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is the only common rigid foam board stock
insulation made with neither CFCs nor HCFCs. During manufacture, polystyrene beads are expanded
with pentane, a hydrocarbon that contributes to smog but is not implicated in ozone depletion or
global warming; the pentane quickly leaks out of the insulation and is replaced by air. To meet strict
air pollution standards in California, several EPS manufacturers have redesigned their plants to
recover up to 95% of the pentane used in production. And one of the largest polystyrene bead
producers, BASF, has shifted to a low-pentane formulation.
Fibreglass: Mainly, for the fibreglass insulation, at least 20% recycled glass cullet is used in
insulation products to comply with the EPA recycled-content procurement guidelines. Fibreglass
contains 25% recycled glass (18% post-consumer bottles and 7% post-industrial cullet). Recycled
glass content in excess of 90% is feasible. Obtaining a consistent supply of quality, clear glass cullet
has been a problem. Each percent of glass cullet (over 10%) substituted for raw sand reduces energy
use by about 1%. The companies have plants using 40% recycled glass, but they claim a 20% average
among all their plants. Most fibreglass insulation is produced using a phenol formaldehyde (PF)
binder to hold the fibres together. Though exact quantities of binder used in manufacture of fibreglass
are not known. A new type of fibreglass known as “Mira flex” (TM) that does not require a binder is
being introduced in the market. Because there are no binders or other chemicals such as colorants in
this product, pollution-control equipment is not required, and pollution emissions during
manufacturing will be much less of a concern.
Flexible Elastomeric Foams: Flexible elastomeric foams are flexible, closed-cell, rubber foams
based on NBR or EPDM rubber. Flexible elastomeric foams exhibit such a high resistance to the
passage of water vapour that they do not generally require additional water-vapour barriers. Such
high vapour resistance, combined with the high surface emissivity of rubber, allows flexible
elastomeric foams to prevent surface condensation formation with comparatively small thicknesses.
As a result, flexible elastomeric foams are widely used on refrigeration and air-conditioning pipe
work. Flexible elastomeric foams are also used on heating and hot-water systems.
Glass Wool: Glass wool is a high-temperature fibrous insulation material, similar to mineral wool,
where inorganic strands of glass fibre are bound together using a binder. As with other forms of
mineral wool, glass-wool insulation can be used for thermal and acoustic applications.
Icynene: Icynene (TM) is a product developed and introduced is introduced in the market. The
foaming agent is a mixture of carbon dioxide and water. This eliminates polyurethane's HCFC-related
environmental problems but also means a lower R-value. Like polyurethane, Icynene is foamed into
wall cavities, but the resultant open-cell foam is soft, not rigid. In fact, it is marketed as much for its
air sealing characteristics as its insulation properties. A recent development with Icynene is a second
formulation that can be foamed into closed cavities.
Mineral Wool: Mineral wool is a high-temperature insulation material and is the most common type
of insulating materials. Its market share is large in the market. There are currently several
manufacturers of mineral wool in India and in the U.S. "Mineral wool" actually refers to three
different materials, such as (i) slag wool and (ii) rock wool and (iii) Slag Wools. Slag wool is
produced primarily from iron ore blast furnace slag, an industrial waste product. Rock wool is
produced from natural rocks, such as basalt and debase. Slag wool accounts for roughly 80% of the
mineral wool industry, compared with 20% for rock wool. Given the relative use of these two
materials, mineral wool has, on average, 75% post-industrial recycled content. According to the
survey, over 500 million kg of blast furnace slag are used to produce slag wool. Mineral wools,
including Rock wool and Slag Wools, are inorganic strands of mineral fibre bonded together using
organic binders. Mineral wools are capable of operating at high temperatures and exhibit good fire
performance ratings when tested. Mineral wools are used on all types of pipe work, particularly
industrial pipe work operating at higher temperatures. Mineral wool Insulation, 1600 dpi scans with
the grain.
Perlite: It is used above -150 deg. F, for cryogenic storage tanks and cold box.
Polyethylene: Polyethylene is a semi-flexible plastic foamed insulation that is widely used to
prevent freezing of domestic water supply pipes and to reduce heat loss from domestic heating pipes.
The fire performance of Polyethylene usually prohibits its use in commercial buildings. The heat that
the material can withstand is:
Polyisocyanurate: The Polyisocyanurate foam insulation material uses recycled material in its
products. EPA procurement guidelines call for a minimum 9% recycled content. Rather than using
recycled foam, however, manufacturers buy polyol chemical components with recycled content. The
industry is using some 15 million kg of recycled post-consumer chemicals. In addition to the raw
chemicals having recycled content, the foil facings used on polyiso are typically 70-80% recycled
aluminium.
Polystyrene: Recycled plastic resin is used in manufacturing of some extruded and expanded
polystyrene. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) can also be made out of recycled polystyrene. The simplest
recycling involves crumbling the old EPS into small pieces and re-moulding them into usable shapes.
Any polystyrene can be recycled into building insulation, but because of fire retardants, old building
insulation cannot usually be recycled into non-building applications.
Rigid Foam: Rigid foam is rigid Phenolic, PIR, or PUR foam insulation, which has minimal acoustic
performance but can exhibit low thermal-conductivity values of 0.021 W/(m·K) or lower, allowing
energy-saving legislation to be met whilst using reduced insulation thicknesses.
Silica Aerogel: Silica Aerogel insulation has the lowest thermal conductivity of any commercially
produced insulation. Although no manufacturer currently manufactures Aerogel pipe sections, it is
possible to wrap Aerogel blanket around pipe work, allowing it to function as pipe insulation. The
usage of Aerogel for pipe insulation is currently limited. Aerogels, micro porous silica and ceramic
fibre insulation are three best performing insulators for applications between 200 Celsius and 2000
Celsius.
Tri-Polymer Foam: Tri-Polymer Foam is a non-CFC, non-HCFC, and cavity-fill insulation used
primarily in masonry block walls. It is essentially phenol foam and was developed as an alternative
to urea formaldehyde foam insulation. It has very good fire resistance properties but does exhibit
some shrinkage over time, which degrades its thermal performance.
Water-Blown Polyurethane: Polyurethane insulation products that do not require HCFCs, but these
materials have not yet been released to the building industry. They have both a closed-cell water-
blown polyurethane (RT-2050) with an installed density of about 2 lbs/ft3 (32 kg/m3), and an open-
cell water-blown polyurethane with an installed density of .5-.8 lb/ft3 (8-12.8 kg/m3). The latter is
probably quite similar to Icynene.
Zirconium Fibres: Zirconium fibres have the lowest thermal conductivity of all ceramic fibre
products and are used in applications up to 2000 Celsius.
Thermal Thermal
Material conductivity Material conductivity
[W/(m·K)] [W/(m·K)]
Epoxy
Silica Aerogel 0.004 - 0.04 0.12 - 0.177
(unfilled)
Epoxy (silica-
Air 0.025 0.30
filled)
Wood 0.04 - 0.4 Thermal grease 0.7 - 3
Hollow Fill
0.042 Thermal epoxy 1-7
Fibre Insulation
Polypropylene 0.25 Glass 1.1
Mineral oil 0.138 Soil 1.5
Rubber 0.16 Concrete, stone 1.7
Cement,
0.29 Sandstone 2.4
Portland
16.6 Application of Cold Insulation
Piping should be properly cleaned and primed prior to insulating. Some commonly used insulating
materials are calcium silicate, mineral wool, glass fibre and cellular glass. A vapour barrier should
be applied to the outer surface of the insulation on cold piping. Insulation should be protected by
sheet metal jacketing from weather, oil spillage, mechanical wear, or other damage. If aluminium
sheet metal is used for this purpose, an internal moisture barrier should protect it. To prevent H2 S
from concentrating around the bolts, flanges should not be insulated in H2 S Service. Certain heating
fluids are not compatible with some insulating materials and auto ignition may occur. Caution should
be exercised in selecting materials. Certain insulation materials may be flammable.
Surface Preparation: The surface of the pipe to be cold insulated should be cleaned in such a way
that it is free from dust and loose paint and should be shot blasted, if required, before application of
the primer. The primer coat of Phenolic Resin Medium Pigmented with Zinc Chromate Red Oxide
should be applied on all the Carbon Steel and Alloy Steel surfaces before application of the cold
insulating material. The Stainless Steel and other non-ferrous alloy surfaces should not be painted
with the paint but should be wrapped with 0.1 mm Aluminium Foil with an overlap of minimum 50
mm having Barium Chromate Sealer interposed in the joint before application of the insulation on the
surface. The Aluminium Foils should be secured in the position on the surface with the help of
Aluminium Bands without making any pinhole or crack in the foils.
Special care should be taken for the insulation of stainless steel pipe because of the possibility of
Chloride Stress Cracking of the stainless steel pipe. After insulation, the material with a chloride
content of very little amount as low as 0.05% by weight can cause the chloride concentration of 2% to
5% at the point of stress corrosion on the pipe surface because of the leaching out of chlorides in wet
insulating material. To avoid the problem of chloride concentration on stainless steel pipe, Sodium
Silicate should be used as insulation binder and as coating or 0.1 mm Aluminium Foil should be
wrapped around before application of the insulation on the surface of stainless steel or non-ferrous
alloy pipe before application of the insulation.
Insulation Work: The insulation material such as radial lags or performed sections of the handling
sizes and proper thickness and adhering to each other with applicable joint sealer as specified in the
piping or equipment specification should be installed on the insulating surfaces as per the laid down
and approved procedure. The insulating lags or sections should be secured on the surface in the
position with the help of G.I. Wire Netting and Aluminium Bands at an interval of 250 mm to 300
mm. All the layers of the insulation should be secured with the help of Aluminium bands. The
subsequent layers of insulation should be bonded to the preceding layers with the adhesive and the
circumferential as well as the longitudinal joints should be staggered on each layer with reference to
the preceding layers.
Wire Netting: All the insulating layers, in case of higher thickness & multiplayer insulation, should
be secured in the position on the metallic surface with the help of Aluminium Bands or Metallic
Bands at the same interval of 250 to 300 mm before installation of the succeeding layer except the
final layer. The Aluminium or the Metallic Bands should secure with G.I. Wire Netting and the final
layer of the insulation at the same interval as above by staggering in lengthwise. The insulation should
be stopped 250 mm away from the flange joint to allow their opening during the maintenance of the
plant.
Vapour Barrier: The 3.0 mm thick wet coating of Vapour Seal or Vapour Barrier, i.e. Foster Fire
Retardant Mastic, type 60-30 or Bitumen Emulsion Mastic, “Insulkote”, grade T-12 or equivalent
Material should be applied over the insulation layer immediately after the completion of the
insulation work to reduce the time of exposes of insulation material to the atmospheric weather
conditions. Then, the Glass Cloth embedded in the Mastic should be laid wrinkle free, without air
pocket and smooth over the vapour barrier. The second layer of 3.0 mm thick layer of the vapour
barrier, i.e. mastic should be installed after sufficient time, i.e. after 12 hours approximately. While
wrapping the glass cloth as vapour barrier, the care should be taken to provide a minimum 75 mm
overlap at the edge of the glass cloth. The mastic coat thickness should not be more than 3.0 mm
otherwise, it may develop a crack in the layer and at the same time, the dried film thickness of the
mastic coat should not be less than 2.5 mm.
Aluminium Cladding: The Aluminium Sheet, thickness as per the specification requirement, for
cladding the insulation work over the completely dried vapour barrier, should be applied over the
vapour barrier with a grooved joint and minimum overlap of 25 mm at the joint, with the sheet
longitudinal joints suitably staggering and sealed with the Foster Foam Sealer, type 30-45 or Blown
Bitumen, type 85/25 conforming to IS 702. The Self-Tapping screw should not be used to secure the
Aluminium cladding as it can puncture the vapour barrier.
Aluminium Band: The Aluminium Bands/ Clips should be used for cladding the insulation work over
the Aluminium Cladding at the interval of 225 to 300 mm to secure the Aluminium Cladding.
The Stainless Steel Bands/ Clips in place of Aluminium Bands should be used for cladding the
insulation work in the corrosive environment where Sulphur Dioxide or other corrosive media is
likely to be present.
Expansion/Contraction Joints: The contraction/expansion joints with a gap of 12 mm and to a depth
of 6 mm less than the adjacent thickness of the insulation,, loosely packed with filler insulating
material as per specification at an suitable of 4.0 to 6.0 meter on pipe line or specified intervals,
should be provided on the pipeline or the vessels, if necessary to allow the movement, i.e. expansion
or contraction on the pipe surface without producing any crack in the insulation layer. The balance 6.0
mm gap of the expansion/contraction joints should be filled with an approve non-setting compound
such as Foster Foam Seal 30-45 sealer or equivalent materials and should be flash finished with the
surface of insulation.
16.7 Application of Hot Insulation
The insulation of the steel surface above 800C is considered as hot Insulation. For the pipe
temperature 6000F and above, the double layer of hot insulation, with overlapping on the construction
joint of insulation, is recommended because of the considerable expansion of the pipe at 6000F to
22000F and the single layer of insulation will crack and deteriorate.
Insulation Work: The insulation material such as Slag Wool or Glass wool or performed sections of
the handling sizes and proper thickness as specified in the piping or equipment specification should
be installed on the insulating surfaces as per the laid down and approved procedure. The insulating
lags or sections should be secured on the surface in the position with the help of G.I. Wire Netting
and Aluminium Bands at an interval of 250 mm to 300 mm. All the layers of the insulation should be
secured with the help of Aluminium bands. The subsequent layers of insulation should be bonded to
the preceding layers with the adhesive and the circumferential as well as the longitudinal joints
should be staggered on each layer with reference to the preceding layers.
Wire Netting: All the insulating layers, in case of higher thickness & multiplayer insulation, should
be secured in the position on the metallic surface with the help of Aluminium Bands or Metallic
Bands at the same interval of 250 to 300 mm before installation of the succeeding layer except the
final layer. The Aluminium or the Metallic Bands should secure with G.I. Wire Netting and the final
layer of the insulation at the same interval as above by staggering in lengthwise. The insulation should
be stopped 250 mm away from the flange joint to allow their opening during the maintenance of the
plant.
Aluminium Cladding: The Aluminium Sheet, thickness as per the specification requirement, for
cladding the insulation work over the completed insulation, should be applied with a grooved joint
and minimum overlap of 25 mm at the joint, with the sheet longitudinal joints suitably staggered. The
Self-Tapping screw should be used to secure the Aluminium cladding.
Aluminium Band: The Aluminium Bands/ Clips should be used for cladding the insulation work over
the Aluminium Cladding at the interval of 225 to 300 mm to secure the Aluminium Cladding.
The Stainless Steel Bands/ Clips in place of Aluminium Bands should be used for cladding the
insulation work in the corrosive environment where Sulphur Dioxide or other corrosive media is
likely to be present.
Expansion/Contraction Joints: The contraction/expansion joints with a gap of 12 mm and to a depth
of 6 mm less than the adjacent thickness of the insulation,, loosely packed with filler insulating
material as per specification at an suitable of 4.0 to 6.0 meter on pipe line or specified intervals,
should be provided on the pipeline or the vessels, if necessary to allow the movement, i.e. expansion
or contraction on the pipe surface without producing any crack in the insulation layer. The balance 6.0
mm gap of the expansion/contraction joints should be filled with approved equivalent materials and
should be flash finished with the surface of insulation.
16.8 Insulation Inspection
The sample of the insulating materials should be sent in the approved laboratory for the testing before
application on the pipe. The test result should be compared with the properties of the insulation
material to conform the specification requirements. The thickness of the ready-made mat should be
checked by a standard engineering method. The continuous vigilance and visual inspection shall be
carried out for the correct installation of the insulation.
17
Non-Metallic Piping
17.1 Plastic Piping Systems
Thermoplastic piping systems, commonly referred to as plastic piping systems, are composed of
various additives to a base resin or composition. Thermoplastics are characterized by their ability to
be softened and reshaped repeatedly by the application of heat. Following is the list and the chemical
names and abbreviations for a number of plastic piping materials. Properties of plastic piping
materials, such as, polyvinyl chloride-PVC, may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer because of
the slightly different formulations. Therefore, designs and specifications need to consider specific
material requirements on a type or grade basis as mentioned below:
a. Deterioration of Plastic Piping: Unlike metallic piping, thermoplastic materials do not display
corrosion rates. That is, the deterioration of thermoplastic materials, which is dependent totally on the
material’s chemical resistance rather than an oxide layer. So the material is either completely
resistant to a chemical or it deteriorates. Plastic piping system corrosion is indicated by material
softening, discoloration, charring, embrittlement, stress cracking, blistering, swelling, dissolving, and
other effects. Corrosion of plastics occurs by the following mechanisms:
- Absorption;
- Salvation;
- Chemical reactions such as oxidation (affects chemical bonds), hydrolysis (affects ester
linkages), radiation, dehydration, alkylation, reduction, and halogenations (chlorination);
- Thermal degradation, which may result in either depolymerization or plasticization;
- Environmental-stress cracking (ESC) which is essentially the same as stress-corrosion
cracking in metals;
- UV degradation; and
- Combinations of the above mechanisms.
If reinforcing is used as part of the piping system, the reinforcement is also a material that is resistant
to the fluid being transported. Material selection and compatibility review should consider the type
and concentration of chemicals in the liquid, liquid temperature, duration of contact, total stress of the
piping system, and the contact surface quality of the piping system.
b. Operating Pressures and Temperatures: The determination of maximum steady state design
pressure and temperature is similar to that described for metallic piping systems. However, a key
issue that must be addressed relative to plastic piping systems is the impact of both minimum and
maximum temperature limits of the materials of construction.
c. Sizing: The sizing for plastic piping systems is performed consistent with the procedures of
metallic piping systems. However, one of the basic principles of designing and specifying
thermoplastic piping systems for liquid process piping pressure applications is that the short and long
term strength of thermoplastic pipe decreases as the temperature of the pipe material increases and its
deterioration. Thermoplastic pipe is pressure rated by using the International Standards Organization
(ISO) rating equation using the Hydrostatic Design Basis (HDB) as contained in ASTM standards and
Design Factors (DFs). The use of DFs is based on the specific material being used and specific
application requirements such as temperature and pressure surges
The minimum pipe wall thickness can also be determined using the requirements of ASME B31.3 as
described in Paragraph Design. This procedure is not directly applicable to thermoplastic pipe
fittings, particularly in cyclic pressure operations due to material fatigue. Therefore, it should not be
assumed that thermoplastic fittings labelled with a pipe schedule designation would have the same
pressure rating as pipe of the same designation. A good example of this is contained in ASTM D 2466
and D 2467, which specify pressure ratings for PVC schedule 40 and 80 fittings. These ratings are
significantly lower than the rating for PVC pipe of the same designation. For thermoplastic pipe
fittings that do not have published pressure ratings information similar to ASTM standards, the fitting
manufacturer shall be consulted for fitting pressure-rating recommendations.
d. Joining: Common methods for the joining of thermoplastic pipe for liquid process waste treatment
and storage systems are contained in following table. In selecting a joining method for liquid process
piping systems, the advantages and disadvantages of each method are evaluated and the manner by
which the joining is accomplished for each liquid service is specified. Recommended procedures and
specification for these joining methods are found in codes, standards, and manufacturer procedures
for joining thermoplastic pipe. Following lists the applicable references for joining thermoplastic
pipe.
Table: Thermoplastic Joining Methods
e. Thermal Expansion: When designing a piping system where thermal expansion of the piping is
restrained at supports, anchors, equipment nozzles and penetrations, large thermal stresses, and loads
must be analyzed and accounted for within the design. The system PFDs and P&IDs are analyzed to
determine the thermal conditions or modes to which the piping system will be subjected during
operation. Based on this analysis, the design and material specification requirements from an
applicable standard or design reference are followed in the design. A basic approach to assess the
need for additional thermal stress analysis for piping systems includes identifying operating
conditions that will expose the piping to the most severe thermal loading conditions. Once these
conditions have been established, a free or unrestrained thermal analysis of the piping can be
performed to establish location, sizing, and arrangement of expansion loops, or expansion joints,
generally, bellows or slip types.
f. Piping Support and Burial: Support for thermoplastic pipe follows the same basic principles as
metallic piping. Spacing of supports is crucial for plastic pipe. Plastic pipe will deflect under load
more than metallic pipe. Excessive deflection will lead to structural failure. Therefore, spacing for
plastic pipe is closer than for metallic pipe. Valves, meters, and fittings should be supported
independently in plastic pipe systems, as in metallic systems. In addition, plastic pipe systems are not
located near sources of excessive heat. The nature of thermoplastic pipe is that it is capable of being
repeatedly softened by increasing temperature, and hardened by decreasing temperature. If the pipe is
exposed to higher than design value ambient temperatures, the integrity of the system could be
compromised. Contact with supports should be such that the plastic pipe material is not damaged or
excessively stressed. Point contact or sharp surfaces are avoided as they may impose excessive stress
on the pipe or otherwise damage it.
Support hangers are designed to minimize stress concentrations in plastic pipe systems. Spacing of
supports should be such that clusters of fittings or concentrated loads are adequately supported.
Valves, meters, and other miscellaneous fittings should be supported exclusive of pipe sections.
Supports for plastic pipe and various valves, meters, and fittings, should allow for axial movement
caused by thermal expansion and contraction. In addition, external stresses should not be transferred
to the pipe system through the support members. Supports should allow for axial movement, but not
lateral movement. When a pipeline changes direction, such as through a 90E elbow, the plastic pipe
should be rigidly anchored near the elbow.
Plastic pipe systems should be isolated from sources of vibration, such as pumps and motors.
Vibrations can negatively influence the integrity of the piping system, particularly at joints. Support
spacing for several types of plastic pipe are found in following Tables. Spacing is dependent upon the
temperature of the fluid being carried by the pipe. The determining factor to consider in designing
buried thermoplastic piping is the maximum allowable deflection in the pipe. The deflection is a
function of the bedding conditions and the load on the pipe.
Proper excavation, placement, and backfill of buried plastic pipe are crucial to the structural integrity
of the system. It is also the riskiest operation, as a leak in the system may not be detected before
contamination has occurred. A proper bed, or trench, for the pipe is the initial step in the process. In
cold weather areas, underground pipelines should be placed no less than one foot below the frost
line. The trench bottom should be relatively flat, and smooth, with no sharp rocks that could damage
the pipe material. The pipe should be bedded with a uniformly graded material that will protect the
pipe during backfill. Typical installations use an American Association of State Highway
Transportation Officials (AASHTO) aggregate, or pea-gravel for six inches below and above the
pipe. These materials can be dumped in the trench at approximately 90-95% Proctor without
mechanical compaction. The remainder of the trench should be backfilled with earth, or other
material appropriate for surface construction, and compacted according to the design specifications.
Table: Support Spacing for Schedule 80 PVC Pipe
25 (1) 1.83 (6.0) 1.68 (5.5) 1.52 (5.0) 1.07 (3.5) 0.91 (3.0)
40 (1.5) 1.98 (6.5) 1.83 (6.0) 1.68 (5.5) 1.07 (3.5) 1.07 (3.5)
50 (2) 2.13 (7.0) 1.98 (6.5) 1.83 (6.0) 1.22 (4.0) 1.07 (3.5)
80 (3) 2.44 (8.0) 2.29 (7.5) 2.13 (7.0) 1.37 (4.5) 1.22 (4.0)
100 (4) 2.74 (9.0) 2.59 (8.5) 2.29 (7.5) 1.52 (5.0) 1.37 (4.5)
150 (6) 3.05 2.90 (9.5) 2.74 (9.0) 1.83 (6.0) 1.52 (5.0)
(10.0)
200 (8) 3.35 3.2 (10.5) 2.90 (9.5) 1.98 (6.5) 1.68 (5.5)
(11.0)
250 (10) 3.66 3.35 3.05 2.13 (7.0) 1.83 (6.0)
(12.0) (11.0) (10.0)
300 (12) 3.96 3.66 3.2 (10.5) 2.29 (7.5) 1.98 (6.5)
(13.0) (12.0)
350 (14) 4.11 3.96 3.35 2.44 (8.0) 2.13 (7.0)
(13.5) (13.0) (11.0)
Note: The above spacing values are based on test data developed by the
manufacturer for the specific product and continuous spans. The piping
is insulated and is full of liquid that has a specific gravity of 1.0.; The
use of continuous supports or a change of material (e.g., to CPVC) is
recommended at 60EC (140EF).
Source: Harvel Plastics, Product Bulletin
As the operating temperature increases, the use of jacketed or reinforced hose should be considered
to accommodate lower pressure ratings of the elastomeric materials. Like plastic piping systems,
rubber and elastomeric systems do not display corrosion rates, as corrosion is totally dependent on
the material's resistance to environmental factors rather than on the formation of an oxide layer.
Material softening, discolouring, charring, embrittlement, stress cracking, blistering, swelling, and
dissolving indicate the corrosion of rubbers and elastomeric. Corrosion of rubber and elastomeric
occurs through one or more of the following mechanisms: absorption, salvation, chemical reactions,
thermal degradation, and environmental stress cracking. General compatibility information for
common elastomeric is listed in following table. In addition, standards for resistance to oil and
gasoline exposure have been developed by the Rubber Manufacturer’s Association (RMA). These
standards are related to the effects of oil or gasoline exposure for 70 hours at 100 0C (ASTM D 471)
on the physical/mechanical properties of the material. Table 6-4 summarizes the requirements of the
RMA oil and gasoline resistance classes.
b. Operating Conditions
In most cases, the flexible nature of elastomeric will compensate for vibration and thermal expansion
and contraction in extreme cases. However, designs should incorporate a sufficient length of hose to
compensate for the mechanical effects of vibration and temperature.
c. End Connections
Hose couplings are used to connect hoses to a process discharge or input point. Methods for joining
elastomeric hose include banding/clamping, flanged joints, and threaded and mechanical coupling
systems. These methods are typically divided into reusable and non - reusable couplings. Following
lists common types of couplings for hoses. Selection of the proper coupling should take into account
the operating conditions and procedures that will be employed.
d. Environmental Requirements
Hose is also manufactured with conductive, non - conductive, and uncontrolled electrical properties.
Critical applications such as transferring aircraft hose or transferring liquids around high-voltage
lines require the electrical properties of hose to be controlled. Unless the hose is designated as
conducting or non-conducting, the electrical properties are uncontrolled. Standards do not currently
exist for the prevention and safe dissipation of static charge from hoses. Methods used to control
electrical properties include designing contact between a body reinforcing wire and a metal coupling
to provide electrical continuity for the hose or using a conductive hose cover. ASTM D 380 describes
standard test methods for the conductivity of elastomeric hoses. For a hose to be considered non-
conductive, it should be tested using these methods.
Sizing
The primary considerations in determining the minimum acceptable diameter of any elastomeric hose
is design flow rate and pressure drop. The design flow rate is based on system demands that are
normally established in the process design phase of a project and which should be fully defined by
this stage of the system design.
Class Description
Reusable with 1. Short Shank Coupling
clamps 2. Long Shank Coupling
3. Interlocking Type
4. Compression Ring Type
Reusable without 1. Screw Type
clamps 2. Push-on Type
Non-reusable 1. Swaged-on
couplings 2. Crimped-on
3. Internally Expanded Full Flow Type
4. Built-in Fittings
Specialty 1. Sand Blast Sleeves
couplings 2. Radiator and Heater Clamps
3. Gasoline Pump Hose Couplings
4. Coaxial Gasoline Pump Couplings
5. Welding Hose Couplings
6. Fire Hose Couplings
Source: Compiled by SAIC.
Pressure drop through the elastomeric hose must be designed to provide an optimum balance between
installed costs and operating costs. Primary factors that will impact these costs and system operating
performance are internal diameter and the resulting fluid velocity, materials of construction and length
of hose.
Support and Burial
Support for rubber and elastomeric-piping systems should follow similar principles as metallic and
plastic pipe. However, continuous pi ping support is recommended for most applications due to the
flexible nature of these materials. Also due to its flexible nature, elastomeric piping is not used in
buried service because the piping is unable to support the loads required for buried service. When
routing elastomeric hose, change in piping direction can be achieved through bending the hose rather
than using fittings. When designing a rubber or elastomeric piping system, it is important to make sure
that the bend radius used does not exceed the maximum bend radius for the hose used. If the maximum
bend radius is exceeded, the hose may collapse and constricted flow or material failure could occur.
As a rule of thumb, the bend radius should be six times the diameter of a hard wall hose or twelve
times the diameter of a soft wall hose.
Fluoroelastomer
Fluoroelastomer (FKM) is a class of materials, which includes several fluoropolymers used for hose
products. Trade names of these materials include Viton and Fluorel. Fluoroelastomers provide
excellent high temperature resistance, with the maximum allowable operating temperatures for
fluoroelastomer varying from 232 to 3150C (450 to 6000F), depending upon the manufacturer.
Fluoroelastomers also provide very good chemical resistance to a wide variety of chemical classes.
Sobutylene Isoprene
Isobutylene isoprene (Butyl or II R) has excellent abrasion resistance and excellent flexing
properties. These characteristics combine to give isobutylene isoprene very good weathering and
aging resistance. Isobutylene isoprene is impermeable to most gases, but provides poor resistance to
petroleum-based fluids. Isobutylene isoprene is also not flame resistant.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene
Acrylonitrile butadiene (nitrile, Buna-N or NBR) offers excellent resistance to petroleum oils,
aromatic hydrocarbons, and many acids. NBR also has good elongation properties. However, NBR
does not provide good resistance to weathering.
Polychloroprene
Polychloroprene (neoprene or CR) is one of the oldest synthetic rubbers. It is a good all-purpose
elastomeric that is resistant to ozone, ultraviolet radiation, and oxidation. Neoprene is also heat and
flame resistant. These characteristics give neoprene excellent resistance to aging and weathering.
Neoprene also provides good chemical resistance to many petroleum based products and aliphatic
hydrocarbons. However, neoprene is vulnerable to chlorinated solvents, polar solvents, and strong
mineral acids.
Natural Rubber
Natural rubber (styrene butadiene, gum rubber, Buna-S, NR, or SBR) has high resilience, good tear
resistance, and good tensile strength. I t also exhibits wear resistance and is flexible at low
temperatures. These characteristics make natural rubber suitable for general service outdoor use.
However, natural rubber is not flame resistant and does not provide resistance to petroleum-based
fluids.
17.3 Thermoset Piping
Thermoset piping systems are composed of plastic materials and are identified by being permanently
set cured or hardened into shape during the manufacturing process. Thermoset piping system materials
are a combination of resins and reinforcing. The four primary Thermoset resins are epoxies, vinyl
esters, polyesters, and furans. Other resins are available.
a. Thermoset Piping Characteristics
Advantages of Thermoset piping systems are a high strength-to-weight ratio; low installation costs;
ease of repair and maintenance; hydraulic smoothness with a typical surface roughness of 0.005 mm
(0.0002 in); flexibility, since low axial modulus of elasticity allows lightweight restraints and
reduces the need for expansion loops; and low thermal and electrical conductivity. Disadvantages of
thermo Set piping systems are low temperature limits; vulnerability to impact failure; increased
support requirements, a drawback of the low modulus of elasticity; lack of dimensional standards
including joints since pipe, fittings, joints and adhesives are generally not interchangeable between
manufacturers; and susceptibility to movement with pressure surges, such as water hammer.
Following Table lists applicable standards for Thermoset piping systems.
b. Corrosion Resistance
Like other plastic materials, Thermoset piping systems provide both internal and external corrosion
resistance. For compatibility of Thermoset plastic material with various chemicals, see Appendix B.
Due to the different formulations of the resin groups, manufacturers are contacted to confirm material
compatibility. For applications that have limited data relating liquid services and resins, ASTM C
581 provides a procedure to evaluate the chemical resistance of thermosetting resins.
c. Materials of Construction
Fibreglass is the most common reinforcing material used in Thermoset piping systems because of its
low cost, high tensile strength, lightweight, and good corrosion resistance. Other types of
commercially available reinforcement include graphite fibres for use with fluorinated chemicals such
as hydrofluoric acid; aramid; polyester; and polyethylene. The types of fibreglass used are E-glass; S-
glass for higher temperature and tensile strength requirements; and C-glass for extremely corrosive
applications.
Most Thermo Set piping systems is manufactured using a filament winding process for adding
reinforcement. This process accurately orients and uniformly places tension on the reinforcing fibres
for use in pressure applications. It also provides the best strength-to-weight ratio as compared to
other production methods. The other main method of manufacturing is centrifugal casting, particularly
using the more reactive resins. Thermo Set piping can be provided with a resin-rich layer (liner) to
protect the reinforcing fibres. The use of liners is recommended for chemical and corrosive
applications. Liners for filament wound pipe generally range in thickness from 0.25 to 1.25 mm (0.01
to 0.05 in), but can be custom fabricated as thick as 2.8 mm (0.110 in) and are often reinforced. Liner
thickness for centrifugally cast Thermoset piping generally ranges from 1.25 to 2.0 mm (0.05 to 0.08
in); these liners are not reinforced. If not reinforced, liners may become brittle when exposed to low
temperatures. Impacts or harsh abrasion may cause failure under these conditions. Fittings are
manufactured using compression moulding, filament winding and spray-up, contact moulding, and
metered processes. Compression moulding is typically used for smaller diameter fittings, and
filament winding is used for larger, 200 to 400 mm (8 to 16 in), fittings. The spray-up, contact
moulding and mitered processes are used for complex or custom fittings. The mitered process is
typically used for on-site modifications.
d. Operating Pressures and Temperatures
Loads; service conditions; materials; design codes and standards; and system operational pressures
and temperatures are established as described in Chapters 2 and 3 for plastic piping systems. Table
7-2 lists recommended temperature limits for reinforced thermosetting resin pipe.
Standard Application
ASTM D Machine-made reinforced thermosetting pipe.
2310
ASTM D Filament wound fibreglass reinforced Thermoset
2996 pipe.
ASTM D Centrifugally cast reinforced Thermoset pipe.
2997
ASTM D Fibreglass reinforced Thermoset pipe conveying
3517 water.
ASTM D Fibreglass reinforced Thermoset pipe conveying
3754 industrial process liquids and wastes.
ASTM D Reinforced Thermoset flanges.
4024
ASTM D Fibreglass reinforced Thermoset pipe joints using
4161 elastomeric seals.
ASTM F Epoxy Thermoset pipe conveying seawater and
1173 chemicals in a marine environment.
AWWA Fibreglass reinforced Thermoset pipe conveying
C950 water.
API 15LR Low-pressure fibreglass reinforced Thermoset
pipe.
Source: Compiled by SAIC,
The same principles for pipe support for reinforced polyester apply to reinforce vinyl ester and
reinforced epoxy Thermoset pipe. Span distances for supports vary from manufacturer to
manufacturer. The design of piping systems utilizing reinforced vinyl ester or reinforced epoxy pipe
reference the manufacturer’s recommendations for support spacing. Each section of Thermoset piping
has at least one support. Additionally, valves, meters, flanges, expansion joints, and other
miscellaneous fittings are supported independently. Supports are not attached to flanges or expansion
joints. Supports allow axial movement of the pipe.
f. Thermoset Piping Burial
Reinforced polyester, vinyl ester, and epoxy pipe may be buried. The same basic principles, which
apply to burying plastic pipe, also apply for Thermoset pipe regarding frost line, trench excavation,
pipe installation, and backfill. For operating pressures greater than 689 kPa (100 psi), the internal
pressure determines the required wall thickness. For operating pressures less than 689 kPa (100 psi),
the vertical pressure on the pipe from ground cover and wheel load dictates the required wall
thickness of the pipe.
g. Joining
Common methods for the joining of Thermoset pipe for liquid process waste treatment and storage
systems include the use of adhesive bonded joints, over wrapped joints, and mechanical joining
systems. The application requirements and material specification for these fittings are found in
various codes, standards, and manufacturer procedures and specifications, including:
- ASME B31.3 Chapter VII;
- ASME B31.1 Power Piping Code;
- The Piping Handbook,
- Fibber cast Company Piping Design Manual.
h. Thermal Expansion
When designing a piping system in which thermal expansion of the piping is restrained at supports,
anchors, equipment nozzles, and penetrations, thermal stresses and loads must be analyzed and
accounted for within the design. The system PFDs and P&IDs are analyzed to determine the thermal
conditions or modes to which the piping system will be subjected during operation. Based on this
analysis, the design and material specification requirements are determined from an applicable
standard or design reference.
The primary objective of the analysis is to identify operating conditions that will expose the piping to
the most severe thermal loading conditions. Once these conditions have been established, a free or
unrestrained thermal analysis of the piping can be performed to establish location, sizing, and
arrangement of expansion joints or loops. Due to the cost of Thermoset piping, the use of loops is not
normally cost-effective.
The following procedure can be used to design expansion joints in fibreglass piping systems. The
expansion joint must be selected and installed to accommodate the maximum axial motion in both
expansion and contraction. This typically requires that some amount of preset compression be
provided in the expansion joint to accommodate for all operating conditions. In addition, suitable
anchors must be provided to restrain the expansion joint; guides must be installed to assure that the
pipe will move directly into the expansion joint in accordance with manufacturer requirements; and
pipe supports, which allow axial movement, prevent lateral movement, and provide sufficient support
to prevent buckling, must be included in the design.
Table: Loop Leg Sizing Chart for Fibber cast RB-2530 Pipe
Reinforced Epoxies
Although epoxies cure without the need for additional heat, almost all pipes are manufactured with
heat-cure. Reinforced epoxy piping systems are not manufactured to dimensional or pressure
standards. Therefore, considerable variation between manufacturers exists in regard to available size,
maximum pressure rating and maximum temperature rating. Performance requirements, including
manufacturing, conform to ASTM standards in order to not sole-source the piping system.
Reinforced Polyesters
Reinforced polyester Thermoset piping systems are the most widely used due to affordability and
versatility. The maximum continuous operating temperature for optimum chemical resistance is 710 C
(1600 F). Like the epoxies, reinforced polyester piping systems are not manufactured to dimensional
or pressure standards. Variation of available piping sizes, maximum pressure rating, and maximum
temperature ratings exist between manufacturers. Performance requirements, including manufacturing,
conform to ASTM standards in order to not sole-source the piping system.
Reinforced Vinyl Esters
The vinyl ester generally used for chemical process piping systems is biphenyl-A fumarate due to
good corrosion resistance. Reinforced vinyl ester piping systems vary by manufacturer for allowable
pressures and temperatures. Performance requirements, including manufacturing, conform to ASTM
standards in order to not sole-source the piping system.
Reinforced Furans
The advantage of furan resins is their resistance to solvents in combination with acids or bases.
Furans are difficult to work with and should not be used for oxidizing applications. Maximum
operating temperatures for furan resins can be 189C (300F). Furan resin piping is commercially
available in sizes ranging from 15 to 300 mm (½ to 12 in) standard.
Testing of Non-Metallic Piping Systems
Testing requirements, methods, and recommendations for plastic, rubber and elastomeric, and
Thermoset piping systems are the same as those for metallic piping systems, with the following
exceptions. The hydrostatic leak test method is recommended. The test pressure shall not be less than
1.5 times the system design pressure. However, the test pressure is less than the lowest rated pressure
of any component in the system.
PT = 1.5 P; and, PT < Pmin
Where: PT = test pressure, MPa (psi); P = system design pressure, MPa (psi); Pmin = lowest
component rating, MPa (psi).
The documents should be prepared in the same way as in case on the metallic piping system testing.