Pipe Routing Concepts

oilandgas blog
Piping engineering is not as simple as it sounds to be, so do pipe routing. Certain rules and logics to be considered for routing pipes in process plant or in other wise we can say industriall piping is different from other commerical piping system.

Parameters

Here is the list of parameters to meet the process plant design requirement.

  • Simple routing
  • Minimize fitting
  • Routing to ease space for support
  • Provision for high vent and low drain points
  • Avoid downward loop
  • Minimize unnecessary piping loops
  • Head room clearance, bridge crossing clearance, road crossing clearance to be maintained
  • Avoid taking bend in horizontal plane in rack
  • Consider the provision for expansion loops
  • Minimum gap between pipe to pipe
  • Consider valve operation and maintenance space
  • Provision for future piping
  • Clash free routing while compiling with other discipline such as cable tray, instrument trays


In addition to the above mentioned requirements, there are some more requirements specific to the application to be considered.

Pipe routing

Pipe routing therefore refers to the arrangement that is made and the path that is to be taken by the pipe within the process system. It entails the establishment of an overall plan through which pipes can carry fluids or gases and this must be established based on safety, function, ease to maintain and even the look of it. This source reveals that pipe routing is significant in the overall performance of plumbing, HVAC, Industrial, and other operations relating to piping.

System Design Requirements:

  • Learn the niche characteristics of the piping system such as the kind of fluid or gas to transport, flow rates, pressure classes, temperature expectations and any other peculiarities.

System Layout:

  • On sketch the whole pipe layout or plan out the overall piping plan of the plant or factory and in it include all the items that the piping will have to link like the pumps, valves, fittings, and equipment amongst others.

Safety Regulations:

  • Ensure that health standards and measures that measures application and installation of piping systems are met. Make sure that the layout excludes dangerous zones and the position of different elements with regard to one another does not pose any risks.

Space Constraints:

  • Proper consideration of space and clearance should also be considered while working on pipe arrangement. Make sure that the pipes are not also in the way of everyone’s traffic pattern, equipment, or any other important pathways.

Support and Hangers:

Identify positions and kinds of pipe supports, hangers and anchors required to properly support the mineral bearing pipes and prevent sagering or excessive movement. When it comes to support placement and spacing, adhere to the standards commonly used in the given industry.

Material Selection For Piping:

  • An optimal selection should be made of the pipe material, the fitting type, and the supporting structure depending on the fluid to be transported, the temperature of the system and the overall ambient conditions.

Avoid Obstacles:

  • Minimise on disturbances like walls, floor or ceiling beams, wiring and other services that might overlap the path that the pipes are to follow. Reduce whether you will need to go through major changes or have to re-plan the flow.

Expansion and Contraction:

 

  • Take into consideration the size changes that are as a result of heat and cold seasons on the pipes in the system. It is necessary to provide expansion joints or loops when this movement range has to be provided for building structures.

Accessibility and Maintenance:

Make sure that critical operation and mainte- nance valves, control devices, instruments, and other equipment and components are positioned conveniently and are operable from the control room/O&M room/open floor area. There should be possibilities of future maintenance to be considered when constructing the layout.

Efficiency and Flow Considerations:

  • Design pipe runs in a manner that reduces the amount of pressure drop and allowed enough flow rate to the system.

Aesthetics:

  • Think about how pipe layout influences the look of the area, especially in case you are working in production facilities, offices, or homes.

Documentation:

  • Develop technical sketches and all paperwork that reflect the pipe routing in terms of dimensions, materials and support.

Review and Approval:

Co-opt engineer/architects, building regulatory authorities, and the facility owners in order to obtain clearance on the design.

Construction and Installation:

  • Adhere strictly to the pipe routing plan that has been approved during the construction and installation process of the project to avoid any instance of wrong or insecure fixing of any of the components from the piping system.

Testing and Inspection:

 

  • Pressure test and inspect the piping system to ensure it has undergone pressure testing to demonstrate the nonexistence of leaks or any other problem.

It is very important to route the pipes in the right manner as this has impacts on the efficiency, safety and durability of the piping systems. It involves resolving complex questions about the mode of operation of a large number of facilities and preparing for their work with great attention to formal details using best practices and legal requirements.

Pipe routing design

Pipe routing design is defined as the procedure involved in the determination of pipe arrangement in any system. It is important to consider the following factors when designing a pipe routing system:It is important to consider the following factors when designing a pipe routing system:

  • The slipping speed and pressure through the pipe line of the fluid that is being conveyed
  • The type of material in the pipes and the fittings
  • Biological and physicochemical factors of environment like the temperature and relative humidity.
  • The space available
  • The cost of the materials and labor
  • The safety of the system

The pipe routing design process typically involves the following steps:

  1. Collect the basic data about it, including the flow rate that is the flow of water per unit time; pressure that is forcing water through pipes and the type of the pipes used.
  2. Develop a preliminary layout of the pipes.
  3. Consider the environmental conditions and space available.
  4. Optimize the layout to minimize costs and maximize safety.
  5. Create a final design and submit it for approval.

AutoCAD is but one of the software programs that can be used when it comes to pipe routing design. These programs can be useful in order to automate the process and guarantee that the design will be adequate in all the aspects requested by the client.

Here are some of the key considerations for pipe routing design:

  • They also advised the following operating strategies: extension of simple and straight routing as much as possible. This will have a desirable effect of diminishing the amount of fittings and making easier to maintain the system.
  • Group lines together to reduce the number of structures required for pipe support. This will also help to optimize the space usage.
  • Minimize fitting to reduce cost. Fittings can add up quickly, so it is important to use them sparingly.
  • Provide sufficient flexibility (as per pipe stress analysis recommendation for critical lines). This will help to prevent the pipes from buckling or bursting under pressure.
  • Space optimization. Consider the space available when routing the pipes. Avoid routing pipes through areas that are difficult to access or that may require future modifications.
  • Considering and optimizing expansion loop requirements. Expansion loops are necessary to allow the pipes to expand and contract without buckling.
  • Avoid unnecessary piping expansion loops. Expansion loops can add cost and complexity to the system. Only use them where they are necessary.
  • Headroom clearance, proper accessibility of valves, and other engineering items. Make sure that there is enough headroom for the pipes and that valves and other equipment are accessible for piping maintenance.
  • Bridge crossing clearance. If the pipes need to cross a bridge, make sure that there is enough clearance for the bridge to move.
  • Road crossing clearance. If the pipes need to cross a road, make sure that there is enough clearance for vehicles to pass.
  • Keeping provision for future piping. It is important to leave enough space for future piping additions or modifications.
  • Clash checking considering the worst thermal movements of pipes. This will help to prevent the pipes from colliding with each other or other objects.

It can be seen then that pipe routing design constitutes a few factors which are significant and which need to be addressed when designing the pipe route. Thus, by adhering to the above guidelines, it is possible to establish effective and safe pipe routing system at relatively lower costs.

Pipe routing guidelines

 

Here are some of the key guidelines for pipe routing:

  • Simple and straight routing as much as possible. This will reduce the number of fittings and make the system easier to maintain.
  • Group lines together to reduce the number of structures required for pipe support. This will also help to optimize the space usage.
  • Minimize fitting to reduce cost. Fittings can add up quickly, so it is important to use them sparingly.
  • Provide sufficient flexibility (as per pipe stress analysis recommendation for critical lines). This will help to prevent the pipes from buckling or bursting under pressure.
  • Space optimization. Consider the space available when routing the pipes. Avoid routing pipes through areas that are difficult to access or that may require future modifications.
  • Considering and optimizing expansion loop requirements. Expansion loops are necessary to allow the pipes to expand and contract without buckling.
  • Avoid unnecessary piping expansion loops. Expansion loops can add cost and complexity to the system. Only use them where they are necessary.
  • Headroom clearance, proper accessibility of valves, and other engineering items. Make sure that there is enough headroom for the pipes and that valves and other equipment are accessible for maintenance.
  • Bridge crossing clearance. If the pipes need to cross a bridge, make sure that there is enough clearance for the bridge to move.
  • Road crossing clearance. If the pipes need to cross a road, make sure that there is enough clearance for vehicles to pass.
  • Keeping provision for future piping. It is important to leave enough space for future piping additions or modifications.
  • Clash checking considering the worst thermal movements of pipes. This will help to prevent the pipes from colliding with each other or other objects.

These are some of the general facts that have to be taken into consideration when routing pipes, however there are also some specific codes and standards that should be obeyed. codes and standards change from one industry to the other and from one region to the other. One should seek the services of an engineer who will advise on the correctness of the pipe routing design in aspects of requirement.

Here are some additional tips for pipe routing:

  • With a 3D modeling software, look at the pipe routing in order to plan and look for all the issues that may be present.
  • Seek opinions from other engineers and the end-users, from the mechanical, electrical and structural engineers.
  • Pay attention to such aspects of the pipe routing as potential ground disturbance, or possible water contingency.
  • Materials and techniques which may be employed in the given project have to be chosen with consideration for the peculiarities of a concrete assignment.
  • It is recommended that periodic checks and adjustments be made to the system of pipe routing software so that the system provides the optimum safe and efficient service.

By following these guidelines and tips, you can design a pipe routing system that is safe, efficient, and cost-effective.


 

pipe routing drawing

 

Pipe routing drawings or simply piping layout or piping arrangement drawings represent the detailed engineering drawings that relate to the means, manner, and location where by the particular pipes, together with the fittings, valves, and other related components of the piping system are to be positioned. These drawings are used to point the construction and installation of the piping system in the right direction. Here are some key elements typically included in pipe routing drawings:Here are some key elements typically included in pipe routing drawings:

Piping Routes: The main idea of the drawing is the definition of the location of the piping system in the given facility or system. This plan indicates the point of pipe start and end of the run as well as connections with other equipments, fixtures and several other apparatus.

Pipe Sizes and Specifications: Pipe routing drawing describe commodity, dimensions type and other parameters of every pipe segment. The information makes sure that appropriate pipes are adopted in the construction process.

Pipe Identification: Every pipe is usually numbered or named with a combination of an alphabetic and numeric characters or a label within the system. These labels are connected to a key/legend or a table that contains more info about the pipe, what it contains, etc.

Fittings and Valves: This figure also indicates positions of the fittings such as the elbows, tees, reducers and valves such as the gate valves, ball valves among others along the pipe lines. It also describes the type and size of each of the fitting or valve.

Supports and Hangers: Pipe supports systems, hangers, and anchors are depicted on the drawing, showing their positions and attachment points on the pipes. This helps ensure proper support and alignment during installation.

Equipment Connections: The sketch shows how pipes are fitted and they connect to other accessories inclusive of the pumps, tanks, heat exchangers and other apparatus. It depicts the inlet and outlet points of every equipment that is used in the process.

Elevation Changes: If the piping system requires pipes to be installed vertically or horizontally, going up the stairs or ramps, for instance, the drawing includes elevation signs on the drawing.

Isometric Views: Some pipe routing drawings contain isometric view or the three dimensional view of the piping system to help the viewer understand the joints of the pipes.

Pipe Color Codes: At times, colour codes will be utilized to separate pipes from one another or even the substances they convey. The drawing may be to scale and may also have a key identifying the color used in the drawing.

Clearances and Spacing: The drawing indicates clearances from walls, floors, and other obstacles. It also shows the spacing between parallel pipes and any other relevant spatial considerations.

Flow Direction: Arrows or other symbols may be used to indicate the direction of fluid flow within the pipes. This helps ensure that the system operates as intended.

Notes and Annotations: Pipe routing drawings often include notes, annotations, and dimensions to provide additional information, instructions, or clarifications for the construction team.

Legend and Key: A legend or key is typically included on the drawing to explain the various symbols, labels, and notations used throughout the drawing.

Pipe routing drawings are created using computer-aided design (CAD) software, and they are an essential part of the overall piping design documentation. These drawings serve as a visual guide for contractors and installers, helping them accurately construct the piping system according to the engineer's design. Properly executed pipe routing drawings contribute to the safety, functionality, and efficiency of the piping system.


 

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