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Engineering Encyclopedia

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

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.

Chapter : Mechanical For additional information on this subject, contact


File Reference: MEX-101.03 PEDD Coordinator on 874-6556
Engineering Encyclopedia Piping, Pipelines & Valves

Pipe Wall Thickness Calculation

Section Page

INFORMATION ............................................................................................................... 5

INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................. 5

FACTORS AFFECTING WALL THICKNESS CALCULATION........................................ 6

BACKGROUND ON PIPEWALL THICKNESS................................................................ 7

STEPS FOR CALCULATING PIPE WALL THICKNESS................................................. 9

PIPE WALL THICKNESS FOR THE INTERNAL DESIGN PRESSURE ....................... 11

Transportation Piping: ASME B31.4 and B31.8 (Thickness for Internal Pressure) .. 11

Design Pressure [P]............................................................................................ 12

Pipe Diameter [D] ............................................................................................... 14

The allowable stress [SETF]............................................................................... 14

Longitudinal Joint Factor [E] ............................................................................... 16

Temperature Derating Factor [T] ........................................................................ 16

Design Factors [F] .............................................................................................. 17

RER & PDI.......................................................................................................... 18

Sample Problem 1: Transportation Piping .............................................................. 21

Solution .............................................................................................................. 22

PROCESS PIPING: ASME B31.3, MINIMUM THICKNESS FOR INTERNAL


PRESSURE .................................................................................................................. 25

Design Pressure and Temperature .......................................................................... 26

Longitudinal Joint Factor [E] ............................................................................... 27

Basic Allowable Hoop Stress [S] ........................................................................ 28

The "Y" Factor for Plant Piping ................................................................................ 29

CORROSION, EROSION, AND THREAD ALLOWANCES........................................... 31

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Manufacturer Mill Tolerance .................................................................................... 31

SAES Limitations on Pipe Schedule ........................................................................ 32

Sample Problem 2 ................................................................................................... 33

Solution .............................................................................................................. 34

PIPE WALL THICKNESS FOR EXTERNAL PRESSURE............................................. 36

GUIDELINES FOR EXTERNAL PRESSURE CALCULATIONS ................................... 38

Sample Problem 3: External Pressure for Pipeline ................................................. 44

Solution .............................................................................................................. 44

Sample Problem 4: External Pressure for Plant Piping ........................................... 45

Solution .............................................................................................................. 45

TRAFFIC AND SOIL LOADS OVER BURIED PIPE ..................................................... 46

THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE OPERATING PRESSURE (MAOP).............................. 47

Guidelines for Calculating Maximum Design Pressure....................................... 47

MAOP of a Pipeline.................................................................................................. 49

Sample Problem 5. MAOP of a Pipeline ................................................................ 49

Solution .............................................................................................................. 50

Maximum Design Pressure for Process Plant Piping............................................... 51

Sample Problem 6: Process Piping......................................................................... 52

TYPICAL MISTAKES IN PIPE WALL THICKNESS CALCULATION ............................ 53

SUMMARY.................................................................................................................... 54

ADDENDUM ................................................................................................................. 55

ADDENDUM A .............................................................................................................. 56

ADDENDUM B .............................................................................................................. 62

ADDENDUM C.............................................................................................................. 69

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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Stresses in the Pipe Shell due to Internal Pressure ....................................... 7

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

Figure 4. Effects of External Pressure ........................................................................ 37

Figure 5. Geometrical Factor A for External Pressure Calculations ............................. 41

Figure 5. Geometrical Factor A for External Pressure Calculations (continued) ......... 42

Figure 6. Material Factor B for External Pressure Calculations ................................... 43

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. Level of Safety for Different Pipe Material Grade ......................................... 15

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 4. Minimum Wall Thickness Schedule for Carbon Steel .................................... 32

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

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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

Table C-1. Table of Properties of Pipe ......................................................................... 70

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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.

The previous module discussed an early step in designing a


piping system: selecting pipe material. Selecting pipe material
sets parameters for the other facets of piping design and is
required to determine allowable design stress, which is
necessary to calculate the required wall thickness.

Knowledge of the following is necessary to achieve the


objectives of MEX 101.03:

• Scope and application of the ASME/ANSI B31 piping codes,


as discussed in MEX 101.01.

• Pipe material selection, as discussed in MEX 101.02.

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FACTORS AFFECTING WALL THICKNESS CALCULATION


In the process of calculating the wall thickness of a pipe several
parameters must be considered and accurately specified.
These parameters are listed below.

Pipe material: The pipe material will be specified as has been


discussed in the previous chapter. The material type identifies
basic design parameter, which is the allowable stress to be
explained in the coming sections.

Internal pressure: This the crucial parameter in piping design


because the main purpose pressure piping Codes and
Standards is to contain the pressurized fluid from escaping out
or rupturing the pipe.

Fluid temperature: The fluid temperature affects the allowable


stresses of the material and the designated Code because each
Code has temperature limitation.

External loads: These loads could be caused by external


pressure due to vacuum or water static head for submarine
lines. Also, dead weight of soil, snow or sand over burden load
on the pipe.

Construction: Construction of pipelines whether on land or off


shore could add additional construction requirement that may
increase the wall thickness of the pipe. In fact for off shore
pipeline, stresses on the pipe exerted on the pipe during lay-off
from the barges are the detrimental factor of the pipe wall
thickness. Another example is the elastic bend requirement to
follow the pipeline terrain for on land pipelines.

The industry Codes provide rules and guidelines for establishing


these parameters, however Saudi Aramco have established its
own rules that generally follow the industry Codes but with more
stringent requirement.

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BACKGROUND ON PIPEWALL THICKNESS


The main objective of piping codes is to insure that piping
systems will not under pressure. Piping systems are designed
and constructed to convey pressurized fluid, mostly flammable
and could be toxic, therefore Codes tend to very conservative in
respect to pressure containment of the pressurized fluids. This
explains why there are few failures reported due to
overpressure of the piping systems.

The basic theory for designing of wall thickness of a piping


system that contains the internal pressure is based on limiting
the hope stress developed by this pressure to an acceptable
value by the Code. The calculated hope stress in pipe shell,
refer to Figure-1, is based on Lame’ equation as follows:

Figure 1. Stresses in the Pipe Shell due to Internal Pressure

Equation 1. Sh = P [0.5x(D/t) 2 –(D/t) + 1] / [(D/t)-1]

Boardman's empirical equation has further simplified Lame’


equation based on an intermediate diameter and introduced a Y
factor to correct the difference. Boardman's equation has
become the basis for calculating wall thickness B31 Codes for
pressure containing piping. Boardman's equation is as follows:

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Equation 2. Sh = P (D – Y t ) / 2 t

For thin pipe where D/t > 6, and outside diameter D, Y is


considered 0.4. For thicker pipe Y can be calculated as will be
discussed later.

Each code provides an equation that is used to calculate


internal pressure thickness. The equations may look different
and / or the approach varies, but the basic concept is the same.
The main concept is to limit the hoop stress, Sh, to an
acceptable and safe level.

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STEPS FOR CALCULATING PIPE WALL THICKNESS


Each engineer should be familiar with the steps followed to
determine the wall thickness of the pipe. He should be aware
that the thickness shall not be less than the minimum required
by the Code otherwise this would be a basic violation to the
relevant Code. At the same time it should not be over specified
because that would be reflected as unnecessary capital cost.
Over specifying wall thickness mostly will have significant
impact on capital investment in terms of millions of dollars. The
cost of line pipe is determined mainly by the tonnage, i.e. the
pipe diameter, wall thickness, length of order, as well as the
pipe grade and the type of alloying elements.

The steps to be followed during the process of wall thickness


calculation are as follow:

1. Determining the applicable ASME/ANSI B31 Code for the


piping system of concern. This has been discussed in MEX
101.01. The latest SAES should be always referenced, and
if there are potential savings by using different Code other
than specified, the issue should be highlighted to the
concerned specialists in CSD.

2. Identifying the applicable formula from the code for


calculating the wall thickness to sustain the internal design
pressure.

3. Setting the design parameters as specified in the design


data and in compliance with SAES-L-002 and SAES-L-003,
Design Stress Criteria for Pressure Piping.

4. Evaluating whether the minimum thickness is adequate for


structural rigidity (excessive deflection or buckling under the
pipe own weight.

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5. Increasing the calculated thickness, as needed, to account


for corrosion allowance and mill tolerance. This is
dependent on the Code and the SAES.

6. Checking if the calculated thickness for internal pressure is


also acceptable for external pressure and other applied
loads, as applicable such as traffic load, sand dunes dead
weight, etc.

7. Selecting a thickness from an ANSI/API table of standard


pipe thickness and checking the thickness against the Saudi
Aramco minimum thickness requirements. Selecting a
scheduled pipe is not always applicable for pipeline projects
involved with long distances and large diameter pipe.

The text of MEX 101.03 refers to ASME/ANSI B31.3 for plant


piping and B31.8, for transportation piping. The process
discussed in this module is consistent for all the B31 piping
codes. However, the equations, variables, and definitions or
values for allowable stress differ.

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PIPE WALL THICKNESS FOR THE INTERNAL DESIGN PRESSURE


Calculating the required pipe wall thickness to contain internal
pressure is the first step in determining pipe wall thickness. As
explained earlier the applicable Code for a particular piping
system will determine the method and rules governing the pipe
wall thickness calculations. Identifying the Code has been
already discussed in MEX-101.01. Therefore, in the following
two sections the calculation procedure and requirement for the
internal pressure design will be discussed. One section will
focus on the transportation piping and the other one will explain
internal pressure design for plant piping.

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.

This equation could be re-arranged to calculate the wall


thickness required for internal pressure containment for gas
transmission and distribution piping (as well as other
transportation piping) as follows:

Equation 4 t = P D / [ 2 SETF]

Where:

t = Internal pressure wall thickness, in.

P = Design pressure, psig.

D = Outside diameter of pipe, in.

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S = Specified Minimum Yield Strength (SMYS), psi.

E = Longitudinal-joint quality factor.

T = Temperature derating factor.

F = Design factor.

Each of the above parameters will be discussed thoroughly


next.

Design Pressure
[P]

In order to understand the significance of the pressure term in


the Equation - 4 the following topics will be discussed:

ƒ Pipeline optimization study

ƒ Pump & compressor shutoff

ƒ Static head and pressure drop

ƒ 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.

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Therefore, the designer should go through a very detailed


exercise trying to optimize between the design pressure, pipe
diameter and pipe wall thickness in one side and the operating
cost in the other hand. These kind of studies are called
“Pipeline Optimization Study”. Details of this studies are
beyond the scope of this course.

Pumps & compressors shutoff: The design pressure is


dictated by the hydraulic requirement to achieve certain flow
rate through the pipeline. Also, the source of the pressure
upstream, such as the oil reservoir shut-in pressure, dictates the
design pressure. For a pipeline system connected to a pump or
a compressor, the design pressure will be affected by the pump
or compressor shut-off pressure in case the flow downstream
these rotating machinery was blocked and the pump or
compressor continue to operate. The pipeline will be subjected
to the highest pressure that the machine can produce.

Static head and pressure drop: Also, the hydrostatic head in a


liquid-filled piping system could also could be a detrimental
factor in cases where there is a large difference in elevation
along the pipeline route. In all cases the static head must be
considered when it is positive and adding to the internal of the
fluid. Our Standards do not allow taking advantage of or
pressure reduction due to pressure drop or due to negative
static head.

Pressure surge: The pressure surge condition in liquid


transportation pipeline must be considered, because sudden
change in the flow velocity caused by closure of a down stream
isolation or sudden stop of a downstream pump will create a
pressure surge in the line. This pressure surge will be
transmitted backward at the speed of sound in the transported
fluid and will create radial pressure in the line. The
development of pressure surges must be accounted in the
design of a pipeline. There are several approaches to reduce
the effect of pressure surges, for example increasing the closure
time of the valve that is creating the surge, slowing down the
rate at which the pump is stopped, or installing pressure surge
relief systems.

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However, assuming that pressure surges are not avoidable, or it


is not practical to install surge relief systems, then the wall
thickness of the line must be designed to withstand these
pressure surges. The ASME B31.4, paragraph 402.2.4 states
that the MATP, maximum allowable transient pressure due to
the pressure surges, shall not exceed 110% of the design
pressure (MAOP) in the line.

Saudi Aramco SAES requires that a formal surge analysis shall


be made for liquid-packed services. In case that it is not
economical to increase the pipe thickness and pressure surge
could not be eliminated, then, surge protection systems shall be
installed if surge pressures are calculated to exceed 110% of
the MAOP. The Surge protection systems shall be of fail-safe
design with an installed, spare, surge-relief valve for each surge
protection system.

Pipe Diameter [D]

The design Equation-4 is based on the actual outside diameter


of the pipe. The engineer must be aware that the designated
outside diameter in the pipe data in API-5L or ASTM A53 or
other source of information provides NPS, nominal pipe sizes.
The nominal pipe size is less than the actual outside diameter
for NPS 12 inches and lowers and it is equal to the actual
outside diameter for 14 inches and above. Therefore, careful
review should be exercised during the calculation otherwise
fatal mistakes could happen. The table showing pipe
dimensions and other data are provided in Addendum A of this
module.

The allowable
stress [SETF]

The combined term of SEFT is actually gives the limiting


allowable hope stress for produced by internal pressure.
Accordingly, this term will determine the minimum pipe wall
thickness required for holding the internal pressure. A key
parameter in this combined term is S. The parameter SA is the
Specified Minimum Yield Strength (SMYS) of the material as
explained previously in MEX-101-02. The ASME codes B31.4 &

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B31.8 provide the acceptable materials together with their


SMYS. These tables are shown in Appendix A-1 of this chapter.

The engineer should be aware that the allowable stress for


transportation piping is based on material yield point. The main
reason for that is economical, because pipelines usually extend
for long distances therefore the intent of the Code is to utilize
the material to its limits of yielding. This approach is simple
which has some reasoning behind it because pipeline
construction and configuration are also relatively simple and not
complicated. However, grater caution should be exercised
when dealing with higher-grade materials.

To make this point clear, we must understand that the pipe


bursting pressure is governed by the ultimate tensile strength of
the material rather than the yield strength. Equation 5.

Equation 1 for the design pressure can be re-arranged as


follows:

Pd = SMYS x [t ET/ D] x F

Pd = SMYS x [t / D] x F; Assuming E & T equal to 1

It is known fact and tested that the rupture pressure depend on


the tensile strength of the material and defined as follows:

Pb = U t x [t D]; Assume A= t D

P = S x A; (A is a factor combining all other


parameters)

Table 1. Level of Safety for Different Pipe Material Grade

Material SMYS Ultimate Design Bursting


Pb / Pd
Grade psig Tensile U t Pressure Pressure
psig Pd Pb
B 35000 60000 35000xAF 60000xA 1.71 / F
X52 52000 66000 52000xAF 66000xA 1.27 / F
X60 60000 75000 60000xAF 75000xA 1.25 / F

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X70 70000 82000 70000xAF 82000xA 1.17 / F

The above table provides parametric calculations for the design


and burst pressure. The last column which gives the ratio
between the burst pressure to the design pressure shows that
as the pipe material become higher, the ration becomes less.
This implies that the actual safety factor is jeopardized as
materials with higher grade are used.

Longitudinal Joint
Factor [E]

The longitudinal joint factor is safety factor that represents the


quality of the pipe seam weld. As explained earlier in MEX-
101.2, this factor is dependent on both the manufacturing
process and the intended Code. Seamless pipe has a
longitudinal joint factor of on1 because in seamless pipes there
is no seam weld. All other welded pipe must have an E factor
ranging from 1 to 0.6. This factor will reduce the allowable
stress; consequently the wall thickness will increase. Appendix
A-2 of this chapter is an extract from AMSE B31.8, Table
841.115A.

The engineer should always refer to the latest edition of the


Code because this factor could be revised to be higher due to
improvement in the manufacturing process and inspection
techniques. At the same time it could be lowered due to
lessons learned or a more conservative approach by the Code
Committee.

Temperature Derating
Factor [T]

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In general, the design temperature of transportation piping is


constant and relatively low. Also, we should remember that
both ASME B31.4 & B31.8, as mentioned in MEX-101.01, are
limited in the design temperature to 250o F and 450o F
respectively. The temperature derating factor accounts for the
fact that the yield strength of materials is reduced as the metal
temperature increases. ASME B31.4 has no temperature
derating factor because it is limited to 250o F while ASME B31.8
provide Table 841.116A for these values. This table is in
Appendix A-3.

The design temperature is mostly dictated by the upstream


condition of the fluid transported in the pipeline. However, there
are cases when the temperature will increase as the fluid
progress due to turbulence in the flow or picking heat from sun
radiation. These effects should be carefully studied because
they could have adverse impact either on the safety of the
piping system if ignored. On the other hand, they have
significant cost impact if very conservative approach is utilized.

For example, a conservative approach may lead to assigning a


temperature derating factor which will be translated into heavier
pipe wall and more cost to be spent. Also, it may lead to
installing coolers downstream the pipeline that will never be
operated but have added cost to the initial investment and
additional cost for operation and maintenance.

Design Factors [F]

The design factor [F], sometimes called DF, is a safety factor


that accounts for the relative hazard created by the presence of
the pipeline to the surrounding population, environment, and
facilities. This design factor is affected by many factor some of
which are:

1. The nature of the fluid transported, service, whether it is


farmable, toxic, explosive or pollutant.

2. The density of the population in the area where this line is


passing through. The higher the population density the more
safety factor should be imposed.

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3. Government laws and regulations.

4. Level of conservatism of the Committee members


developing the Standards

ASME B31.4 has identified one single design factor equals to


0.72, while ASME B 31.8 goes further step and assign a
different design factor for a different area classification. Saudi
Aramco is further step ahead in this issue, where the concept of
location classification has been applied to liquid hydrocarbon
pipelines as well as gas pipelines. To determine the design
factor, F, both Standards SAES-B-064 and SAES-L-003 shall be
used identify the piping system location class.

RER & PDI

In the case of pipelines, to determine the design another factor


another two concepts need to be explained. Those are the
Rupture Exposure Radius (RER) and the Population Density
Index (PDI). As shown in Figure-2, RER is a measure of the
extent of the risk that a pipeline could make to the surroundings
when it ruptures. The second, PDI, is a measure of the
vulnerability of people to that risk. The rules and guidelines for
calculating RER and PDI are given is AMSE B31.8 paragraph
840.2 and further superseded by SAES-B-064. The, SAES-B-
064 specifies the values for RER based on pipeline service,
True Vapor Pressure, H2S concentration and the line size. The
values of RER based on SAES-B-064, issue 1997, are
summarized in a table in Addendum A-4.

PDI is measured by the number of existing buildings intended


for human occupancy and the land area planned for future
development, all falling within the RER as shown in Figure-2. It
is worth mentioning that temporary facilities which will be in
place for less than six consecutive months are not to be
included in these calculations The method of calculation is
detailed in the next Sample Problem 1.

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Figure 2. Schematic Diagram Explaining the Concept of RER and PDI

The values of the design factor, F, corresponding to the location


class and the PDI are provided in Table-2. Most probably, a
single transportation pipeline may have multiple location
classifications associated with it, based on the PDA results
along its length. It is very essential that engineers must
understand the intent of these factors rather than using them as
they are. These factors if not well understood and regularly re-
evaluated, this may lead to situation where some of the
pipelines may become safety hazard to people and
environment. On the other hand, these factors could
substantially increase the pipeline construction cost with no
logical reason.

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Table 2. Location Class and Design Factors for Transportation Piping

Location Design Population Commentary and Examples


Class Factor F Density
Index PDI
1 0.72 10 Desert area non developed areas
Water service lines.
2 0.60 11-29 Hydrocarbon service, in populated
areas or parallel to highways
3 0.50 30 and above Plant piping designed to B31.4 /
B31.8
4 0.40 Special Highly populated complexes such
Cases as hospitals and malls.

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Sample Problem 1: Transportation Piping

A 48-inch cross-country pipeline conveying sour gas from


Uthmaniyah to Shedgum. Refer to Fihgure-2 for clarification.
Most of the pipeline passes through a desert except for 2-Km
section that traverses along the border of an industrial park.
The industrial park is 400 meters away from the pipeline. Also,
within this industrial park, there is an area planned for future
development. Identify the design factor for this pipeline and
calculate the minimum wall thickness required for internal
pressure. The following data is given.

Pipe Diameter: 48 inches

Design Pressure: 740 psig

Design temperature: 175oF

Pipe specification: API 5L carbon steel,

Material grade: X65

Pipe manufacturing: Double Submerge Arc Welded (DSAW)

Two-story building is: 11 buildings

Five-story building is: 4 buildings

Future development: 1200 m2

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Solution

Since this is a transportation piping system,

Equation 2 applies as follow:

t = P D / [ 2 SETF]

P = 740 psig

D = 48 inches

S = 65000 psi (Addendum A-1 for API 5L X-65)

E = 1 (Addendum A-2 for DSAW pipe)

T = 1 (Addendum A-3 for T < 250 oF)

What is left to identify is the design factor F. At this point we


should be aware that there is a possibility that two design
factors may be assigned to this pipeline.

F for the undeveloped and desert area:

Based on Table-1 the pipeline is considered in location class1,


therefore

F = 0.72

t = 730 x 48 / ( 2 x 1.0 x 1.0 x 0.72 x 65000 )

t = 0.374 inches

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F for the section area close to the industrial Park:

To determine the design factor, F, a population density analysis


must be performed.

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.

PDI = Existing DI + Virtual DI

PDI = EDI + VDI

EDI = N1 + N3

N1 = Number of 3-story

N3 = Number of more than 3-sorty x Number of the


stories / 3 (rounded to the next number)

N1 = 11

N3 = 4 x 5 / 3 = 6.666

N3 = 7

EDI = N1 + N3 = 11 + 7 = 18

VDI = 0.00075 x 1200 = 0.9 = 1

PDI = EDI + VDI =18 + 1

PDI = 20

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Based on Table-1, for PDI = 20, this section of the pipeline is


considered in location class-2, therefore

F = 0.60

t = 730 x 48 / ( 2 x 1.0 x 1.0 x 0.60 x 65000 )

t = 0.449 inches

Since no corrosion or other allowance was specified, the


calculation is complete.

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PROCESS PIPING: ASME B31.3, MINIMUM THICKNESS FOR


INTERNAL PRESSURE
This section outlines the method for calculating the minimum
pipe wall thickness for plant piping systems designated as
process plant piping ASME B31.3., as discussed in earlier in
MEX-101.01. The minimum pipe wall thickness for Process
Piping requires meeting three criteria. Those are:

1. Internal pressure requirement

2. Corrosion, erosion and mechanical requirement

3. Mill under-tolerance must be considered

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

t = minimum wall thickness for pressure or mechanical


strength

c = corrosion, erosion and mechanical allowance.

Calculation of t for internal pressure is detailed as follows.


ASME B31.3, paragraph 304 gives the rule for calculating the
wall thickness requirement. Also, it provides several equations
to conduct the calculation. The following equation is the mostly
used one.

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Equation 7. t = PD / [ 2( SE + PY ) ]

where:

t = Internal pressure design thickness, in.

P = Internal design pressure, psig.

D = Outside diameter of pipe, in.

E = Longitudinal-joint quality factor.

S = Basic Allowable (hot) hoop stress, psi.

Y = Wall thickness correction factor.

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.

The parameters for calculating wall thickness of the process


plant piping are similar to the transportation piping, but the
parameters are different. These parameters will be explained
afterward.

Design Pressure and Temperature

The design pressure and temperature are used to calculate the


internal pressure thickness of pipe. The design pressure is
used directly in the thickness calculation equation, as previously
shown. The design temperature is used to determine the
allowable stresses from the ASME B31, 3 tables for Basic
Allowable Stress. The worst combination of design pressure
and temperature should be used for piping thickness
calculations. The process engineer based on process
requirements typically determines these values for design
pressure and temperature

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Piping system design conditions generally are determined


based on the design conditions of the equipment to which the
piping is attached. Determining the piping design conditions
consists of:

1. Identifying the equipment to which the piping system is


attached.

2. Determining the design pressure and design temperature for


the equipment.

3. Considering contingent design conditions, such as upsets


not protected by pressure-relieving devices.

4. Verifying values with the process engineer.

For example, a plant piping system that is attached to two


process vessels, each with different design conditions, will have
specified design pressure and design temperature based on the
more severe design conditions of the two vessels.

In another example regarding variation of T and P is a


regeneration line which may be subjected to different
combination of pressure and temperature. During steaming out
the temperature is very high but the pressure is low, while
during processing the pressure is high and the temperature is
low.

Longitudinal Joint
Factor [E]

As stated earlier the longitudinal joint factor is dependent on


piping Code as well as manufacturing process itself. Therefore,
there is possibility that for the same pipe manufacturing
process, two different factors E will be assigned by the two
different Codes.

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

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corresponding values for transportation piping. For ASME


B31.3 piping, only seamless pipe has a longitudinal weld factor
equivalent to one.

Basic Allowable
Hoop Stress [S]

The basic allowable hoop stress (stress in the circumferential


direction) is the allowable stress in tension for the pipe material
It is defined by ASME B31.3 and appears in Table A-1 in an
appendix-A of B31.3. An excerpt for these tables are shown in
Addendum B-1.

For plant piping, the allowable hoop stresses is a function of


temperature and material, and considers the yield, tensile, and
creep strengths of the material at the design temperature.
Figure 3 gives graphical presentation of how these allowable
stresses are defined and developed.

Figure 3. Variation of the Basic Allowable Stresses with


Temperature for Grade B Material.

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Table A-1 is used in the following manner to determine


allowable stress for plant piping.

• Pipe material and design temperature must be known.

• Identify material Spec. No. and Grade in the table.

• Obtain the allowable stress by looking under the appropriate


temperature column at the specified material, and use linear
interpolation between temperatures if required.

• Using a pipe material at temperatures beyond the single


solid line is not recommended. Going beyond the double
solid line is prohibited.

The "Y" Factor for Plant Piping

The Y factor is a correction factor for simplifying the original


Lame’ equation. It accounts for geometrical relation between D
& t. The "Y" factor is a function of the type of steel and the
temperature, and is determined from Table 304.1.1 of
ASME/ANSI B31.3, which is shown in Table 3 next.

Table 3. The “Y” Factor as Extracted From ASME B1.3 TABLE 304.1.1

o 900 950 1,000 1,050 1,100 1150


Temperature, F and
and above
below

o 482 and 510 538 566 593 621 and


Temperature, C below above

Ferritic Steels 0.4 0.5 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7

Austenitic Steels 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.7

Other Ductile 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4


Metals
General Note: The value of Y may be interpolated between 0 0.

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The following notes should be clarified regarding Y factor in


relation to Equation 4:

For D/t > 6 , Y can be calculated as:

Y= ( d + c ) / ( D + d + 2c )

where:

D = outside diameter

d = inside diameter

c = mechanical, erosion and corrosion allowance

For a conservative approach and simplicity, Y can be assumed


equals to 0.4 or ignored.

The Y factor becomes significant for the combination of very


high pressure and small diameter. The factor should be used in
the case of high temperature and pressure because significant
saving in material could be achieved specially for alloy
materials.

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CORROSION, EROSION, AND THREAD ALLOWANCES


Allowances for corrosion, erosion, or threads must be
accounted for in determining the required pipe wall thickness.
This is more of a problem in plant piping because high fluid
velocities or changes in the pressure of the fluid can corrode a
pipe. Thread allowances apply only to smaller diameter pipes,
which may be threaded. Corrosion, erosion, and thread
allowances are determined in conjunction with the corrosion or
process engineer and are often specified in a pipe specification.
The appropriate allowance is added to the thickness that was
calculated for internal pressure to arrive at a total required pipe
wall thickness.

The following Sample Problems-2 will be used to illustrate the


method of calculating the pipe wall thickness for the process
piping.

Manufacturer Mill Tolerance

The pipe specification for manufacturing pipe such as API 5L


and ASTM A 53 or ASTM-A106, allow the manufacturer certain
tolerance in the wall thickness positive and negative. There are
some legitimate reasons for these tolerances because any
manufacturing process always works within some specified
range. The maximum manufacturer's under-tolerance for pipe
wall thickness is 12.5% for carbon and low-alloy steels. For
high-alloy steels it is 10%. Most seamless piping systems will
be in the 12.5% category. When pipe is supplied, the actual
thickness can be minus 12.5% of the nominal thickness.

Therefore, for ASME B31.3 piping, after the required minimum


wall thickness is determined, the next greater available standard
pipe thickness must be selected, taking into account the
manufacturer's under tolerance. In other word, the pipe wall

thickness after deducting the negative mill tolerance must be m,


equal to or more than t, specified in Equation 7.

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However, this process of correcting the wall thickness for mill


tolerance was not addressed for transportation pipelines. One
reason is that it is not economical to add for the mill tolerance,
because pipelines usually extend for long distances, could be
thousands of kilometers. Another reason is that the Code
consider the mill tolerance indirectly in the design safety factor.

SAES Limitations on Pipe Schedule

SAES-L-005 and SAES-L-006 impose additional requirement


over the calculated wall thickness. The minimum wall thickness
(Schedule) of carbon steel pipe shall be as follows:

Table 4. Minimum Wall Thickness Schedule for Carbon Steel

Nominal Size Hydrocarbon Low-Pressure


Service
Utility Service

mm in.

≤2 ≤ 50 SCH 80 SCH 40 (see 3.9)

3-6 75 - 150 SCH 40 SCH 40

8 - 32 200 - 800 6.5 mm (0.250 in.) 6.5 mm (0.250 in.)

≥ 34 ≥ 850 Diameter /135 Diameter/135

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.

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Sample Problem 2

A 16” re-generation line will be installed to connect to the


reactor at Ras Tanura Refinery.

The following data is provided:

Pipe Diameter: 16 inches

Pipe specification: ASTM 335, (1/1-4 Cr - 1/2 Mo)

Pipe material grade: P11

Pipe manufacturing: Seamless

CASE 1: Design Pressure: 300 psig

Temperature: 1000 oF

CASE 2: Design Pressure: 900 psig

Temperature: 400 oF

Corrosion allowance: 0.0625 inches

Perform the following calculations:

1. Find the minimum wall thickness for the internal design


pressure

2. The minimum wall thickness by ASME B31.3 code

3. Select the pipe schedule that meets the Code requirements.

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Solution

The minimum wall thickness for the internal design pressure:

Since this is a process plant piping system, Equation 6 applies


as follows:

t = PD / [ 2( SE + PY ) ]

E = 1 (Addendum B-2, for seamless pipe, per B31.3 Appendix


A-1B)

In order to determine the thickness the calculation must be


performed for both cases independently.

CASE 1:

P = 300 psig

T = 1000 oF

S = 6300 psi (Addendum B-1, B31.3 Appendix A-1)

Y = 0.7 (based on Table-3)

t = 300 x 16 / [2 x ( 6300x1 + 300x0.7 ) ]

t = 0.369 inches

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CASE 2:

P = 900 psig

T = 400 oF

S = 2000 psi (Addendum B-1, B31.3 Appendix A-1)

Y = 0.4 (based on Table-3)

t = 900 x 16 / [2 x ( 20000 x 1 + 900 x 0.4) ]

t = 0.354 inches

Therefore the required t, thickness for internal pressure case is

t = 0.369 inches

The minimum wall thickness by ASME B31.3 code:

In this case, a 15 mm (0.0625 in.) corrosion allowance has been


specified. Therefore:

tm = t + c = 0.369 + 0.0625

tm = 0.4315 inches

The pipe schedule which meets the Code requirements:

Checking the pipe data available in Addendum C-3:


m
The next pipe schedule above t = 0.4315 “, is XS with T =
0.500

Tu = T x (1- 12.5/100) = 0.5 x 0.875 = 0.4375 inches

Therefore 16” XS pipe meets the Code requirement.

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PIPE WALL THICKNESS FOR EXTERNAL PRESSURE


A piping system may be exposed to an external pressure, and
external pressure rather than internal pressure may govern the
required wall thickness. This might be the case for large-
diameter/thin-walled process plant piping that is subject to
vacuum conditions, or underwater pipelines, which must
withstand the hydrostatic head of the water above them.
Therefore, calculations must be conducted to ensure that the
pipe wall thickness is adequate for a given external pressure. If
it is not adequate, the thickness must be increased.

Pipe is subject to compressive forces such as those caused by


dead weight, wind, earthquake, and vacuum. The process
engineer often identifies these forces. For example, a
submarine pipeline may be exposed to an external pressure due
to the liquid head of surrounding water being greater than the
internal pressure. Piping components behave differently under
these forces than when they are exposed to internal pressure.
This difference in behavior is due to buckling or elastic instability
that makes the pipe weaker in compression than in tension.

In failure by elastic instability, the pipe may collapse or buckle.


This applies particularly to pipe that has a fairly low internal
pressure, large diameter, and thin wall. Figure 4 shows a
section of pipe that bucked under external pressure.

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Figure 4. Effects of External Pressure

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.

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GUIDELINES FOR EXTERNAL PRESSURE CALCULATIONS


The pressure piping Codes do not outline procedure to perform
the calculation for external pressure but refer to the ASME
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, Division 1,
Paragraph UG-28. That paragraph provides a procedure for
evaluating cylindrical shells under external pressure. Pipe
geometry factors, (unsupported length, outside diameter, and
thickness), material strength, and design temperature are used
to determine the thickness required to resist external pressure.

1. Determine the maximum unstiffened length of the pipe, L.

2. Use the value of “t” as determined for internal pressure


thickness as a starting point. Calculate L/D and D/t (D is
equivalent to DO in the ASME Code procedure).

3. Enter Figure G of part D, subpart 2 of the ASME Code,


Section II, with L/D. For L/D greater than 50, use L/D = 50.
This figure is excerpted in Figure 5.

4. Move horizontally to the line for D/t. Use linear interpolation


for intermediate values of D/t. Move vertically downward to
find Factor A.

5. Using the value of A, enter the applicable figure from Section


II, Part D of the ASME code based on the pipe material,
such as Figure CS-2, excerpted in Figure 8. Move vertically
to an intersection with the material/temperature line. Use
linear interpolation for intermediate temperatures. If A falls
to the right of the material/temperature line, use the
horizontal projection of the line. If A falls to the left of the
material/temperature line, go to Step 8. Note that the ASME
Code contains figures similar to Figure 6 for different
material categories, and the correct figure must be used for
this evaluation.

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6. From the intersection in Step 5, move horizontally to the right


and read the value of Factor B.

7. Calculate the maximum allowable external pressures, Pa, as


follows:
Equation- 8 Pa = 4B/3(D/t)

8. If factor A falls to the left of the material/temperature line,


then:
Equation- 9 Pa = 2AE/3(D/t)

9. Note that in this case, “E” is equal to Young’s Modulus of


Elasticity at the design temperature, not the longitudinal-joint
quality factor. “E” is found from the applicable material figure
from Section II of the ASME Code as shown in Figure 6.

10. If Pa is smaller than the external design pressure, select a


larger value of t and repeat the design procedure until Pa is
equal to or exceeds the external design pressure. As an
alternative, external stiffening rings may be added or the
distance between them reduced, to reduce the value of L
that is used in the calculations.

11. Calculate tm = t + c to obtain the pipe thickness required for


external pressure and mechanical, corrosion, and erosion
allowances.

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Nomenclature

t = Pressure design thickness for external pressure, in.

L = Unstiffened length of pipe section, taken as largest of


(1) distance between flanges or welded stiffening rings
or ring girders, (2) distance between the point of
tangency on an elbow or cap and a flange or stiffening
ring, or (3) the distance between the points of
tangency of two elbows or caps if there are no
intermediate flanges or stiffening rings, in.

D = Actual outside diameter of pipe, in.

A = Factor from ASME Code, Section II.

B = Factor from ASME Code, Section II, psi.

E = Modulus of elasticity of material at design


temperature, psi.

Pa = Allowable external pressure, psi.

tm = Required external pressure thickness, including


allowances, in.

c = Corrosion, erosion, other allowances, in.

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Figure 5. Geometrical Factor A for External Pressure Calculations

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Figure 5. Geometrical Factor A for External Pressure Calculations


(continued)

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Figure 6. Material Factor B for External Pressure Calculations

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Sample Problem 3: External Pressure for Pipeline

Assume the pipeline discussed in Sample Problem 1 also must


be capable of withstanding full vacuum [100 kPa (15 psi)
external pressure].

Solution

T = 0.374 inches ( use the thinner section)

L / D > 50 because no stiffening is present.

D / t = 48 / 0.374 = 128

Based on Figure-5 the A factor is found as:

A = 0.00007

Refer to Figure-6 for B factor, use the upper curve:

B = 9500

The A factor is on the left side of the curves, therefore

Use Equation 9

Pa = 2AE/3(D/t)
6
Pa = 2 x 0.00007 x 29.7x10 / (3 x 128 ) = 10.8 psia

The pipe is not adequate for vacuum, therefore alternative shall


be evaluated a follows:

1. Increase the pipe wall thickness, which is very costly

2. For underground this may need more analytical study.

3. Impose operational guideline to avoid vacuum.

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Sample Problem 4: External Pressure for Plant Piping

For Sample Problem-1, assume the longest straight pipe section


is 80 feet, otherwise there might be flanges, tee or valves acting
as stiffener. Verify if the line is capable of withstanding full
vacuum [100 kPa (15 psi) external pressure].

Solution

t = 0.449 inches

L = 80 x 12 = 960 inches

L/D = 960 / 16 = 60

D/t = 16 / 0.4315 = 37

Based on Figure-5 the A factor is found as: A = 0.001

Refer to Figure-6 for B factor, use the upper chart.

T = 900 F: B = 9500

Therefore, use Equation- 8:

Pa = 4B/3(D/t)

Pa = 4 x 9500 / (3 x 37 ) = 342 psia

Therefore, the line is adequate for vacuum condition.

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TRAFFIC AND SOIL LOADS OVER BURIED PIPE


Transportation pipelines often have buried sections of pipe. The
required thickness of these buried sections will be affected by
soil and traffic loads, in addition to the design pressure. These
loads cause a circumferential bending stress in the pipe. The
Saudi Aramco engineer needs to determine if the pipe is thick
enough for these soil and traffic loads.

Specific requirements for how traffic loads are determined are


found in SAES-L-046, Pipeline Crossings Under Roads and
Railroads. The pipe must be designed for the traffic load, soil
weight, and passive soil reaction.

At railroad and highway crossings where the loads may apply,


the pipe must be designed according to API Recommended
Practice 1102, Liquid Petroleum Pipelines Crossing Railroads
and Highways. It provides the formula for determining
circumferential stress in a carrier pipe with internal pressure due
to external loads at highway and railroad crossings. The
equation gives a stress that is based upon the thickness,
internal pressure soil and traffic loads as follows:

The stress calculated in accordance with this equation is limited


to the Specified Minimum Yield Stress times the design factor,
F, without considering the longitudinal joint factor.

It should also be noted that SAES-L-046 contains criteria for


when a protective casing is required, and how the casing should
be designed.

Saudi Aramco has a computer program that makes the


calculation. This can be done through the Consulting Services
Department (CSD.) All the load factors required by SAES-L-046
are in the computer program, as well as the required
parameters. It is beyond the scope of this course to determine
the stress.

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THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE OPERATING PRESSURE (MAOP)


There are many cases where the purchased pipe wall is thicker
than what is required for the design pressure. This would allow
the designer to increase the actual design pressure of the pipe
as long as it is not limited by other factors, such as flange rating
as would be discussed in MEX-101.04. For transportation
piping system, this maximum permissible pressure is called
maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP). For process
plant piping this is called design pressure.

The engineer must determine MAOP for pipe as well as other


piping components. This module discusses MAOP for pipe.
The MAOP of a pipe or other piping component will be at least
equal to the design pressure. However, the MAOP can be
higher than the design pressure since use of a standard wall
thickness will typically provide an additional margin.

Guidelines for
Calculating
Maximum Design
Pressure

1. Subtract mill tolerance, (expressed as a decimal fraction), m,


from the nominal pipe wall thickness, Tn, for ASME B31.3
piping to determine the minimum possible as - supplied
thickness, T , as follows:

T = ( 1 – m ) x Tn

Where: Tn is the nominal pipe wall and m is the mill


tolerance; “m” shall be taken as zero for ASME
B31.4 and B31.8 piping systems.

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2. Subtract any other allowances, such as corrosion allowance,


c, to calculate the minimum possible pipe thickness, t, as
follows:

t =T–c

Usually c is zero for transportation piping.

3. Reverse the applicable internal pressure equation to


calculate a value for maximum design pressure

For ASME/ANSI B31.3, Process Piping, use the following


equation to calculate Maximum Design Pressure:
2tSE
MDP =
D −2tY

For ASME/ANSI B31.4 or B31.8, Transportation Piping, use


the following equation to calculate MAOP:

 2St 
MAOP= FET
 D 

4. Calculate maximum design pressure with the factors


identified earlier.

5. For ASME/ANSI B31.3, Process Piping, the following


equation should be used to calculate maximum design
pressure:

Maximum Design Pressure = 2x t x SE / ( D – 2xtxY)

6. For ASME/ANSI B31.4 or B31.8, Transportation Piping, use


the following equation to calculate MAOP:
 2St 
MAOP =  FET
D

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MAOP of a Pipeline

For transportation piping, the MAOP is calculated by Equation 3.


The pipe wall thickness to be used in the equation is the
nominal wall thickness. There should be no deduction for mill
tolerance. This is illustrated in the next sample problem.

Sample Problem 5. MAOP of a Pipeline

A 36 inch pipeline carrying crude oil passing through an area


classified as Class 2. The required design pressure is 500 psig,
and design temperature is 200 F. A double submerge arc
welded (DSAW) API 5L grade X52 pipe was specified. A 36
inch pipe with 0.375 inch wall is available. Verify if this pipe is
adequate for the design pressure by calculating the MAOP of
this pipe.

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Solution

Since this a pipeline, it would be designed to ASME B31.4/


B31.8, Equation-3 will be used to find The MAOP:

P = [2 S t / D] x FET

P = MAOP psig.

D = 36 in.

S = 52000 psi.

E = 1

T = 1

F = 0.72

MAOP = 2 x 52000 x 0.375 (0.6x1x1) / 36

MAOP = 650 psig

The MAOP is higher than the design pressure of 500 psig,


therefore the line pipe is acceptable for the design condition.

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Maximum Design Pressure for Process Plant Piping

From a terminology point of view, the word MAOP is not used


by the Process Piping Code ASME B31.3. Paragraph 302.2.4
gives the rules on how to exceed the design pressure. The
design pressure can be exceeded as follows:

ƒ by 33% for continuous 10 hours but not more than 100 hours
per year

ƒ or by 20% for continuous 50 hours but not more than 500


hours in a year.

However, similar to what has been made for the transportation


piping, a pipe could be purchased thicker to what is deeded for
the actual design condition. The back calculation of the
maximum design pressure (not the MAOP) will be illustrated in
the following steps. This maximum design pressure can be
used for the pressure exceeding criteria as set by the ASME
B31.3.

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Sample Problem 6: Process Piping

Using the results of Sample Problems 2, determine the


maximum design pressure that can be sustained by the pipe
and maximum permissible pressure.

T = (1-m)

Tu = (1 - 0.125) (0.50) = 0.6563 in.

t n = Tu - c

t n = 0.0.4375 - 0.0625 = 0.375 in.

MDP = 2 t n S E / ( D – 2 t n Y )

Apply Case-1 ( T = 1000 o F)

MDP = 2 x 0.375 x 6300 x 1/ ( 16 – 2 x 0.375 x0.7 )

MDP = 305 psig

33% over MDp = 405 psig ( for 10 hours)

20% over MDp = 366 psig ( for 50 hours)

Apply Case-2 ( T = 400)

MDP = 2 x 0.375 x 20000 x 1/ ( 16 – 2 x 0.375 x0.4 )

MDP = 955 psig

33% over MDp = 1270 psig ( for 10 hours)

20% over MDp = 1146 psig ( for 50 hours)

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TYPICAL MISTAKES IN PIPE WALL THICKNESS CALCULATION


Even though the calculation for wall thickness is relatively
simple and straight forward, people do make mistakes that most
of the time cost the company more capital investment than
necessary. These mistakes are summarized as follows:

1. Specifying a design pressure that is higher than what is


required to fulfill the operational requirement.

2. Selecting the wall thickness to match the flange rating and


thickness. This might be acceptable for plant piping but for
pipelines it could add additional cost.

3. Setting the design pressure based on a pre-selected or


existing flange rating more what is actually required for
operation.

4. Applying the wrong Code.

5. Specifying the wrong allowable stresses in the formula

6. Inaccurate interpretation of the SAES-L-006 regarding the


minimum wall thickness requirement. Some of these
requirements are intended for inventory purposes, therefore
for line pipe purchased to be installed for a specific project
the criteria should not be applied if there is great economic
incentives. Following the standards without understanding
the intent could lead to purchasing of line pipe thicker than
what is required which means additional material and
construction cost.

7. Surprisingly, pure mathematical mistakes are frequently


made in the calculations reflected in possibly unsafe designs
or costly material.

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Engineering Encyclopedia Piping, Pipelines & Valves

Pipe Wall Thickness Calculation

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.

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ADDENDUM

Index of Addendum Page(s)

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

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ADDENDUM A

Table A-1: ASME/ANSI B31.8


(Appendix D: Specified Minimum Yield Strength for Steel Pipe)

SPEC. NO. GRADE TYPE (NOTE 1) SMYS, PSI


API 5L (Note 2) A25 BW, ERW, S 25,000
API 5L (Note 2) A ERW, S, DSA 30,000
API 5L (Note 2) B ERW, S, DSA 35,000
API 5L (Note 2) X42 ERW, S, DSA 42,000
API 5L (Note 2) X46 ERW, S, DSA 46,000
API 5L (Note 2) X52 ERW, S, DSA 52,000
API 5L (Note 2) X56 ERW, S, DSA 56,000
API 5L (Note 2) X60 ERW, S, DSA 60,000
API 5L (Note 2) X65 ERW, S, DSA 65,000
API 5L (Note 2) X70 ERW, S, DSA 70,000
API 5L (Note 2) X80 ERW, S, DSA 80,000
ASTM A 53 TYPE F BW 25,000
ASTM A 53 A ERW, S 30,000
ASTM A 53 B ERW, S 35,000
ASTM A 106 A S 30,000
ASTM A 106 B S 35,000
ASTM A 106 C S 40,000
ASTM A 134 EFW (NOTE 3)
ASTM A 135 A ERW 30,000

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Table A-1. ASME/ANSI B31.8


(Appendix D: Specified Minimum Yield Strength for Steel Pipe), Continued

ASTM A 135 B ERW 35,000


ASTM A 139 A EFW 30,000
ASTM A 139 B EFW 35,000
ASTM A 139 C EFW 42,000
ASTM A 139 D EFW 46,000
ASTM A 139 E EFW 52,000
ASTM A 333 1 S, ERW 30,000
ASTM A 333 3 S, ERW 35,000
ASTM A 333 4 S 35,000
ASTM A 333 6 S, ERW 35,000
ASTM A 333 7 S, ERW 35,000
ASTM A 333 8 S, ERW 75,000
ASTM A 333 9 S, ERW 46,000
ASTM A 381 CLASS Y-35 DSA 35,000
ASTM A 381 CLASS Y-42 DSA 42,000
ASTM A 381 CLASS Y-46 DSA 46,000
ASTM A 381 CLASS Y-48 DSA 48,000
ASTM A 381 CLASS Y-50 DSA 50,000
ASTM A 381 CLASS Y-52 DSA 52,000
ASTM A 381 CLASS Y-56 DSA 56,000
ASTM A 381 CLASS Y-60 DSA 60,000
ASTM A 381 CLASS Y-65 DSA 65,000

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:

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Pipe Wall Thickness Calculation

(1) Abbreviations: BW - furnace butt-welded; ERW - electric-resistance welded; S -


seamless, FW - flash-welded; EFW - electric-fusion welded; DSA - double-
submerged arc welded.

(2) Intermediate grades are available in API 5L.

(3) See applicable plate specification for SMYS.

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Table A-2. ASME/ANSI Code B31.8, Table 841.115A,


(Excerpt) Longitudinal Joint Factor E.

Spec. Number Pipe Class E Factor

ASTM A53 Seamless 1.00

Electric-Resistance 1.00
Welded
0.60
Furnace Welded

ASTM A106 Seamless 1.00

ASTM A134 Electric-Fusion Arc 0.80


Welded

ASTM A135 Electric-Resistance 1.00


Welded

ASTM A139 Electric-Fusion 0.80


Welded

ASTM A211 Spiral-Welded Steel 0.80


Pipe

ASTM A381 Double-Submerged 1.00


Arc Welded

ASTM A671 Electric-Fusion 1.00*


Welded

ASTM A672 Electric-Fusion 1.00*


Welded

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Table A-2. ASME/ANSI Code B31.8, Table 841.115A,


(Excerpt) Longitudinal Joint Factor E (Continued)

Spec. Number Pipe Class E Factor

API 5L Seamless 1.00

Electric-Resistance 1.00
Welded
1.00
Electric-Flash Welded
1.00
Submerged Arc Welded
0.60
Furnace Butt-Welded

*1.00 for classes 12,22,32,42,52

0.80 for classes 13,23,43,53

Table A-3. ASME/ANSI B31.8 Table 841.116A


(Excerpt)Temperature Derating Factor for Steel Pipe

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

Note: For intermediate temperatures, interpolate for derating factor.

Source: ASME/ANSI B31.8 - 1992. With permission from the American

Society of Mechanical

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Table A-4. SAES B-064 Rupture Exposure Radius

Service Diameter TVP H2S RER Comments

inches psig % Mole meters

Crude < 24 < 14.5 < 1..5 200 RER study by


LPD not required

Crude > 24 < 14.5 < 1.5 400 RER study by


LPD not required

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:

1. LPD: Loss Prevention Department, which is responsible for SAES-B-064.

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.

4. TRV: is the true vapor pressure for flammable liquid lines

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ADDENDUM B

Table B-1. ASME/ANSI B31.3 (Excerpt)


Basic Allowable Stresses In Tension for Metals

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Table B-1. ASME/ANSI B31.3


(Excerpt) Basic Allowable Stresses In Tension for Metals (Continued)

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Table B-1. ASME/ANSI B31.3


(Excerpt) Basic Allowable Stresses In Tension for Metals (Continued)

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Table B-1. ASME/ANSI B31.3


(Excerpt) Basic Allowable Stresses In Tension for Metals (Continued)

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Table B-1. ASME/ANSI B31.3 Table A-1


(Excerpt) Basic Allowable Stresses In Tension for Metals (Continued)

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.

52. Copper-silicon alloys are not always suitable when exposed


to certain media and high temperature, particularly above
212°F. The user should satisfy himself that the alloy
selected is satisfactory.

53. Stress relief treatment is required for service above 450°F.

54. The maximum operating temperature is arbitrarily set at


500°F because hard temper adversely affects design stress
in the creep rupture ranges.

55. Pipe produced to this specification is not intended for high-


temperature service. The stress values apply to either
nonexpanded or cold-expanded material in the as-rolled,
normalized, or normalized temperature conditions.

56. Because of thermal instability, this material is not


recommended for service above 800°F.

57. Conversion of carbides to graphite may occur after


prolonged exposure to temperatures over 800°F.

58. Conversion of carbides to graphite may occur after


prolonged exposure to temperatures over 875°F.

59. For temperature above 900°F, consider the advantages of


killed steel.

Source: ASME/ANSI B31.3 - 1990. With permission from the


American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

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Table B-2. Basic Quality Factors for Longitudinal Weld Joints In Pipes, Tubes,
and Fittings E

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Table B-2. (TABLE A-1B) Basic Quality Factors for Longitudinal Weld
Joints In Pipes, Tubes, and Fittings E (continued)

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Pipe Wall Thickness Calculation

ADDENDUM C
Engineering and Design Data Table of Properties of Pipe

References for Pipe Data

Standard pipe wall thickness are specified in the following


standards:

• ASME/ANSI B36.10, Welded and Seamless Wrought Steel


Pipe (for carbon and low-alloy steel pipe).

• ASME/ANSI B36.19, Stainless Steel Pipe.

• API/5L, Specification for Line Pipe (only for carbon steel


pipe that meets this specification).

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Table C-1. Table of Properties of Pipe

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Table C-1. Table of Properties of Pipe (Cont’d)

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Table C-1. Table of Properties of Pipe (Cont’d)

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Pipe Wall Thickness Calculation

Table C-1. Table of Properties of Pipe (Cont’d)

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Pipe Wall Thickness Calculation

Table C-1. Table of Properties of Pipe (Cont’d)

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Pipe Wall Thickness Calculation

Table C-1. Table of Properties of Pipe (Cont’d)

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Pipe Wall Thickness Calculation

Table C-1. Table of Properties of Pipe (Cont’d)

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Pipe Wall Thickness Calculation

Table C-1. Table of Properties of Pipe (Cont’d)

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Engineering Encyclopedia Piping, Pipelines & Valves

Pipe Wall Thickness Calculation

Table C-1. Table of Properties of Pipe (Cont’d)

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 78

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