Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Pipe Wall Thickness Calculation
Pipe Wall Thickness Calculation
Note: The source of the technical material in this volume is the Professional
Engineering Development Program (PEDP) of Engineering Services.
Warning: The material contained in this document was developed for Saudi
Aramco and is intended for the exclusive use of Saudi Aramco’s employees.
Any material contained in this document which is not already in the public
domain may not be copied, reproduced, sold, given, or disclosed to third
parties, or otherwise used in whole, or in part, without the written permission
of the Vice President, Engineering Services, Saudi Aramco.
Section Page
INFORMATION ............................................................................................................... 5
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................. 5
Transportation Piping: ASME B31.4 and B31.8 (Thickness for Internal Pressure) .. 11
Solution .............................................................................................................. 22
Solution .............................................................................................................. 34
Solution .............................................................................................................. 44
Solution .............................................................................................................. 45
MAOP of a Pipeline.................................................................................................. 49
Solution .............................................................................................................. 50
SUMMARY.................................................................................................................... 54
ADDENDUM ................................................................................................................. 55
ADDENDUM A .............................................................................................................. 56
ADDENDUM B .............................................................................................................. 62
ADDENDUM C.............................................................................................................. 69
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 2. Schematic Diagram Explaining the Concept of RER and PDI ...................... 19
Figure 3. Variation of the Basic Allowable Stresses with Temperature for Grade B
Material. ......................................................................................................... 28
LIST OF TABLES
Table 2. Location Class and Design Factors for Transportation Piping ....................... 20
Table 3. The “Y” Factor as Extracted From ASME B1.3 TABLE 304.1.1 .................... 29
Table B-2. Basic Quality Factors for Longitudinal Weld Joints In Pipes,
Tubes, and Fittings E ............................................................................................ 67
INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION
This module discusses the process of determining pipe wall
thickness, which is one of the first steps in specifying the design
of piping system components. Pipe wall thickness is based on
the internal pressure of a pipe and, if necessary, external
pressure or any additional loads. The pipe wall thickness is
calculated by using the equation for internal pressure thickness
in the applicable ASME B31 Code, modifying the thickness for
any external pressure or additional loads, selecting pipe
schedule based on manufacturer's tolerance. Also, calculating
the Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure (MAOP) for the
pipe after determining the pipe wall thickness will be covered.
Equation 2. Sh = P (D – Y t ) / 2 t
Transportation Piping: ASME B31.4 and B31.8 (Thickness for Internal Pressure)
This section outlines the method for calculating the pipe wall
thickness for piping systems that are designated as
transportation piping, ASME/ANSI B31.8, paragraph 841.11
states the rule for calculating the design pressure as follows:
Equation 3. P = [2 S t / D] x FET
Even though this equation is given in the AMSE B31.8 Code for
gas transportation system, Saudi Aramco Standard calls for
applying it for all other transportation piping systems regardless
of the nature of the service. The differences will be in the
design factors and de-rating factors as discussed bellow.
Equation 4 t = P D / [ 2 SETF]
Where:
F = Design factor.
Design Pressure
[P]
Pressure surge
Pipeline Optimization Study: Closer evaluation on Equation –
4, shows us that the wall thickness is directly proportional to the
pressure, i.e. as the pressure becomes higher the thicker the
pipe becomes. On the other hand, as the pipe diameter
increases the pressure required to achieve certain flow drops
down. Consequently, maybe lower wall thickness is needed.
However, both the pipe wall and the diameter contribute to the
pipe cost. On the other hand lowering the discharge pressure
most probably will decrease the overall operating cost.
The allowable
stress [SETF]
Pd = SMYS x [t ET/ D] x F
Pb = U t x [t D]; Assume A= t D
Longitudinal Joint
Factor [E]
Temperature Derating
Factor [T]
Solution
t = P D / [ 2 SETF]
P = 740 psig
D = 48 inches
F = 0.72
t = 0.374 inches
RER = 5000 m for the 48” sour gas pipeline, (based on SAES-
B-064 shown in Addendum A-4)
This means that the industrial park is located within the RER.
Therefore, a formal population density analysis (PDA) must be
conducted to determine the location class, thus the design
factor F.
EDI = N1 + N3
N1 = Number of 3-story
N1 = 11
N3 = 4 x 5 / 3 = 6.666
N3 = 7
EDI = N1 + N3 = 11 + 7 = 18
PDI = 20
F = 0.60
t = 0.449 inches
The first and the second factors are composed in the equation
of paragraph 340 of ASME B31.3 as follows:
Equation 6. tm = t+c
Equation 7. t = PD / [ 2( SE + PY ) ]
where:
For thickness t < D/6, the internal pressure thickness for straight
pipe shall not be less than that calculated in the above equation.
For t > D/6 or for P/SE > 0.385, calculation of pressure design
thickness for straight pipe requires special consideration of
factors such as theory of failure, effects of fatigue, and thermal
stress. This module will not discuss this situation.
Longitudinal Joint
Factor [E]
Generally, the values for E are lower for ASME B31.3 “Process
Piping” Code than those for Transportation piping Codes.
These values are listed in Table A-1B of the Code and attached
in Addendum B-2 of this module. Comparing the value of E in
this table we could tell that they are generally lower than the
Basic Allowable
Hoop Stress [S]
Table 3. The “Y” Factor as Extracted From ASME B1.3 TABLE 304.1.1
Y= ( d + c ) / ( D + d + 2c )
where:
D = outside diameter
d = inside diameter
mm in.
Note: Schedule 160 nipples shall be used for 50 mm (2 in.) and smaller
pipe sizes in vibration service where bracing cannot be effectively provided.
Sample Problem 2
Temperature: 1000 oF
Temperature: 400 oF
Solution
t = PD / [ 2( SE + PY ) ]
CASE 1:
P = 300 psig
T = 1000 oF
t = 0.369 inches
CASE 2:
P = 900 psig
T = 400 oF
t = 0.354 inches
t = 0.369 inches
tm = t + c = 0.369 + 0.0625
tm = 0.4315 inches
The left photo shows the pipe that buckled under external
pressure developed between the pipe and the sleeve. The right
shows the section after removal from the sleeve.
Nomenclature
Solution
D / t = 48 / 0.374 = 128
A = 0.00007
B = 9500
Use Equation 9
Pa = 2AE/3(D/t)
6
Pa = 2 x 0.00007 x 29.7x10 / (3 x 128 ) = 10.8 psia
Solution
t = 0.449 inches
L = 80 x 12 = 960 inches
L/D = 960 / 16 = 60
D/t = 16 / 0.4315 = 37
T = 900 F: B = 9500
Pa = 4B/3(D/t)
Guidelines for
Calculating
Maximum Design
Pressure
T = ( 1 – m ) x Tn
t =T–c
2St
MAOP= FET
D
MAOP of a Pipeline
Solution
P = [2 S t / D] x FET
P = MAOP psig.
D = 36 in.
S = 52000 psi.
E = 1
T = 1
F = 0.72
by 33% for continuous 10 hours but not more than 100 hours
per year
T = (1-m)
t n = Tu - c
MDP = 2 t n S E / ( D – 2 t n Y )
SUMMARY
MEX 101.03 discussed the process of determining pipe wall
thickness, one of the first steps in specifying the design of piping
system components. Pipe wall thickness is based on the
internal pressure of a pipe, and if necessary, on any additional
external pressure or loads. The pipe wall thickness is
determined by using the equation for internal pressure thickness
in the applicable code, adjusting the thickness as necessary for
any applicable external pressure or additional loads, adding the
corrosion or other allowances, accounting for the manufacturer's
mill tolerance, and selecting pipe schedule. After selecting the
pipe schedule, the Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure for
the pipe may be calculated.
ADDENDUM
ADDENDUM A .............................................................................................................. 56
ADDENDUM B .............................................................................................................. 62
ADDENDUM C.............................................................................................................. 69
LIST OF TABLES
Table A-1. ASME/ANSI B31.8 (Appendix D: Specified Minimum Yield Strength for
Steel Pipe) ................................................................................................. 56
Table A-2. ASME/ANSI Code B31.8, Table 841.115A, (Excerpt) Longitudinal Joint
Factor E ..................................................................................................... 59
Table A-3. ASME/ANSI B31.8 Table 841.116A (Excerpt)Temperature Derating
Factor for Steel Pipe.................................................................................. 60
Table A-4. SAES B-064 Rupture Exposure Radius..................................................... 61
Table B-1. ASME/ANSI B31.3 (Excerpt) Basic Allowable Stresses In Tension
for Metals................................................................................................... 62
Table B-2. Basic Quality Factors for Longitudinal Weld Joints In Pipes, Tubes,
and Fittings E ............................................................................................ 67
ADDENDUM A
GENERAL NOTE: This Table is not complete. For the minimum specified yield
strength of other grades and grades in other approved specifications, refer to the
particular specification.
NOTES:
Electric-Resistance 1.00
Welded
0.60
Furnace Welded
Electric-Resistance 1.00
Welded
1.00
Electric-Flash Welded
1.00
Submerged Arc Welded
0.60
Furnace Butt-Welded
TEMPERATURE TEMPERATURE
DERATING FACTOR, T
o o
C F
120 OR LESS 250 OR LESS 1.000
150 300 0.967
177 350 0.933
204 400 0.900
232 450 0.867
Society of Mechanical
Gas/ liquid < 24 > 14.5 < 1.5 1000 RER study can be
hydrocarbon done by LPD
Gas/ liquid < 24 > 14.5 > 1.5 3000 RER study can be
hydrocarbon done by LPD
Gas/ liquid > 24 > 14.5 < 1.5 2000 RER study can be
hydrocarbon done by LPD
Gas/ liquid > 24 > 14.5 > 1.5 5000 RER study can be
hydrocarbon done by LPD
General Notes:
2. RER study can be done for services other than the first two. The RER shall not be
less than the value specified in the first two items for the respective diameter.
3. Regardless of calculations, RER shall not be greater than the values specified in the
last for items for the respective pipeline diameter.
ADDENDUM B
51. Special P-1, Sp-2, SP-3, SP-4, and SP-5 of carbon steels
are not included in P-No 1 because of possible high-carbon,
high-manganese combinations, or micro-alloying, which
would require special consideration in qualification.
Qualification of any high-carbon, high-manganese grade
may be extended to other grades in its group.
Table B-2. Basic Quality Factors for Longitudinal Weld Joints In Pipes, Tubes,
and Fittings E
Table B-2. (TABLE A-1B) Basic Quality Factors for Longitudinal Weld
Joints In Pipes, Tubes, and Fittings E (continued)
ADDENDUM C
Engineering and Design Data Table of Properties of Pipe