Introduction
When it comes to building an efficient and optimised structure, whether for a residential/commercial complex or an industrial plant, smart design is required. There are many factors to consider when designing, and one of the most important is piping design and modeling. In fact, many companies have a separate department that deals with the design and layout of piping roots/networks throughout the plant and along the equipments.
Piping design is an essential component of engineering services. Piping design has two components: Piping Modeling and Piping Stress. Both are necessary for developing efficient piping processes in order to determine the best way to transport fluids or gases. The best way here refers to the process’s safest, most efficient, and most cost-effective design. However, piping systems are complex frameworks that span the industrial complex.
It can be difficult to design a piping system that senses and controls the pressure, load, flow rate, and temperature of the transmitted fluid or gas. Companies developing or outsourcing their underground piping design must be especially cautious and mindful of the numerous challenges that arise while designing their engineering piping.
Select the right material
The accuracy of piping materials suggested and designed during 3D modelling is critical to the project’s success. This is dependent on a thorough understanding of the process, whether it is pharmaceutical, power, or petrochemical. For accurate designing and materials, the design team’s requirement specifications should include process data sheets, equipment data sheets, and other niche disciplinary details. When selecting the construction material, the design engineer must also consider factors such as the amount of pressure, the width of the piping, and the components used in the process.
Weather conditions
Piping design firms must also analyse and customise designs based on the process plant’s temperature and weather conditions. Colder climates and tropical zones have different dimensioning and tolerances. Depending on the location and weather conditions, various codes such as ASME, ASTM, ISO, SAE, ANSI, BS, DIN, and MIL apply to specific oil and gas facilities. The design team/partner must confirm which regulations, codes, and standards will be applicable for the specific process, materials, and project location. Poor design knowledge or implementation of these standards can have serious consequences for the project.
For example, piping design on offshore facilities in the United States is governed by ANSI/ASME Standard B31.3. Whereas most onshore facilities must follow ANSI/ASME Standard B31.4 or B31.8, depending on whether they are oil or gas facilities. Similarly, different codes apply to different engineering disciplines, such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, and power, depending on the fluids and materials used. Failure to correctly interpret and execute can jeopardise the project.
Piping Stress
Pipe Stress Analysis (thermal flexibility analysis) predicts piping stresses and equipment loads caused by thermal gradients, thermal transients, weights, pressure, and bolt-up strain. It is an essential component of piping design because it computes the structural responses and stresses of piping systems in accordance with international codes and standards. This research is especially important for piping systems that will be subjected to high temperature fluctuations, as well as for long pipe runs such as hot piping to coolers or headers. It is also required when the equipment is susceptible to external loads.
Conclusion
Piping Design Engineering is a complex and fascinating science that is critical to the success and efficiency of a plant. Many of the challenges and difficulties encountered in design can be overcome with the right kind of piping design partner.
