Pipe Wall Thickness Calculations

Pipe Wall thickness

Introduction to Pipe Thickness

Pipe Wall thickness is all about having the inside dimensions (ID) and the outside dimensions (OD) which allow you to figure out the wall thickness. You would need to subtract the ID from the OD and then divide by two. This number is the wall thickness.

This Course has been organized into 7 lectures & is explained in an organized way. The complete course can be finished within 1 hour.

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Attempt Questions on Pipe Thickness

ASME 31.3 Pipe Wall Thickness Quiz

1. What does ASME B31.3 specify regarding pipe wall thickness?

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2. How is pipe wall thickness determined according to ASME B31.3?

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3. What is the purpose of calculating minimum pipe wall thickness in ASME B31.3?

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What you’ll learn

Following Modules have been captured and explained:

What is Pipe

  • Understanding the Pipe schedule
  • Relationship between outer, inner diameters w.r.t. Pipe wall thickness.
  • Why always minimum thickness is desirable

Dimensional standards

  • Dimensional standards for Carbon & stainless steels (ASME 36.10 & 36.19)
  • Understanding the Standards
  • Total scope covered in standards

Pipe wall Thickness

  • Pipe wall thickness Calculation as per ASME B31.3 (Class conditions & Line Conditions)
  • What are various inputs required to start calculating pipe thickness?
  • Where do we get the inputs from?
  • Understanding Co-relation between Various ASTM Standards
  • Understanding the PT rating concept w.r.t ASME 16.5
  • Understanding the Allowable stresses, Tensile stress & Yield Stress w.r.t Stress-strain diagram
  • Unit system used while referring code & standards while calculating wall thickness?
  • Actual Pipe wall thickness calculations (4” Carbon steel)
  • Pipe wall thickness calculation based on line conditions given in Line list.

Once the basic fundamentals are clear then same parameters can be implemented in any project to calculate pipe wall thickness.

FAQs on Pipe thickness

  • What is ASME B31.3? ASME B31.3 is a standard published by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers that provides requirements for the design, construction, inspection, and testing of process piping.

  • How is pipe wall thickness determined according to ASME B31.3? Pipe wall thickness is determined based on various factors including the design pressure, temperature, material properties, and applicable design code (ASME B31.3).

  • What factors influence pipe wall thickness calculations? Factors include internal pressure, external pressure (if applicable), corrosion allowance, mechanical loads, thermal expansion, and material properties such as yield strength and allowable stress.

  • What methods are used to calculate pipe wall thickness? Common methods include the nominal thickness method, minimum thickness method, and required thickness method, each considering different safety margins and design conditions.

  • How does ASME B31.3 address pipe wall thickness for different materials? ASME B31.3 provides specific requirements and allowable stresses for various materials used in process piping, ensuring adequate wall thickness to withstand operating conditions.

  • What is the importance of corrosion allowance in pipe wall thickness design? Corrosion allowance is added thickness to account for material loss due to corrosion over the design life of the piping system, as specified by ASME B31.3.

  • Does ASME B31.3 provide guidelines for pipe wall thickness inspection? ASME B31.3 includes requirements for inspection and testing of pipe wall thickness during fabrication and installation to ensure compliance with design specifications and safety standards.

  • How are pipe wall thickness calculations affected by fluid properties? Fluid properties such as density, viscosity, and corrosiveness can influence pipe wall thickness calculations, particularly in determining corrosion allowance and material selection.

  • What are the implications of temperature on pipe wall thickness design? Temperature affects material strength and expansion, which are critical in determining the required pipe wall thickness to prevent failure under thermal stresses as per ASME B31.3.

  • Does ASME B31.3 provide allowances for exceptions to standard pipe wall thickness calculations? ASME B31.3 allows for engineering judgment and deviations from standard thickness calculations based on specific design conditions and risk assessments, subject to regulatory compliance and safety standards.

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