Pipe thickness calculations are a critical aspect of piping engineering, ensuring the safety and longevity of process piping, hydrogen piping, power plant piping, and other high-pressure piping systems. Different types of piping systems require different codes and criteria to be followed while calculating the thickness. In this article, we will explore the different codes and criteria used in pipe thickness calculations and how they impact the safety and performance of piping systems. ASME B31.1 and ASME B31.3 Codes ASME B31.1 and ASME B31.3 are two commonly used codes in piping engineering. ASME B31.1 is used for power plant piping, while ASME B31.3 is used for process piping. These codes have different application, allowable stress, design life, factor of safety, pipe wall thickness, post-weld heat treatment, random inspection, and testing requirements. The ASME B31.1 code is used for power plant piping systems that transport steam, water, or gas at high temperatures and pressures. This code requires a higher factor of safety and thicker pipe walls than the ASME B31.3 code. The design life for power plant piping is typically longer than that for process piping. The ASME B31.3 code is used for process piping systems that transport various fluids, such as water, chemicals, and gases, at lower temperatures and pressures than power plant piping systems. The allowable stress for process piping is typically higher than that for power plant piping. The design life for process piping is typically shorter than that for power plant piping. ASME B31.12 and ASME B31.3 Codes ASME B31.12 and ASME B31.3 are two other commonly used codes in piping engineering. ASME B31.12 is used for hydrogen piping, while ASME B31.3 is used for process piping. These codes have different application, thickness calculation, branch connection requirements, materials, NDE requirements, and welding requirements. The ASME B31.12 code is used for hydrogen piping systems that transport hydrogen at high pressures and temperatures. This code requires a higher factor of safety and thicker pipe walls than the ASME B31.3 code. The thickness calculation, materials, NDE requirements, and welding requirements for hydrogen piping are different than those for process piping. [adinserter block="9"] Thickness Calculations The thickness calculation is a critical part of pipe thickness calculations. The thickness of a pipe is determined based on various parameters, including the pressure rating, diameter, material, temperature, and external pressure. The thickness calculation is based on different codes, including ASME B31.1, ASME B31.3, ASME B31.12, high-pressure piping, and external pressure. High-Pressure Piping High-pressure piping systems require thicker pipe walls than low-pressure piping systems to withstand the high pressures. The thickness calculation for high-pressure piping is based on the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC), Section VIII, Division 2, which provides rules for the design, fabrication, inspection, testing, and certification of pressure vessels and piping systems. External Pressure External pressure can also affect the thickness calculation of piping systems. External pressure can occur due to the soil, water, or other external factors that put pressure on the piping system. The thickness calculation for external pressure is based on the ASME BPVC, Section VIII, Division 1, which provides rules for the design, fabrication, inspection, testing, and certification of pressure vessels and piping systems. Actual Calculations and Comparison The actual calculations and comparison are critical to ensure the safety and performance of piping systems. The actual calculations involve determining the actual thickness of the pipe based on the parameters and codes used in the thickness calculation. The comparison involves comparing the actual thickness with the required thickness to ensure that the pipe can safely withstand the pressure and temperature of the fluid being transported. ASME B31.1, ASME B31.3, and ASME B31.12 codes require that the actual thickness of the pipe should not be less than the required thickness. High-pressure piping systems and external pressure systems also require the actual thickness of the pipe to be greater than the required thickness to ensure the safety and longevity of the piping system. Direct Link to the Course: Enroll Now Discount Code Mar2023 (Three Letters of current month followed by current year) In conclusion, pipe thickness calculations are an essential aspect of piping engineering, ensuring the safety and performance of piping systems. Different types of piping systems require different codes and criteria to be followed while calculating the thickness. ASME B31.1, ASME B31.3, ASME B31.12, high-pressure piping, and external pressure codes are commonly used in pipe thickness calculations. The thickness calculation is based on various parameters, including pressure rating, diameter, material, temperature, and external pressure. Actual calculations and comparison are critical to ensure that the pipe can safely withstand the pressure and temperature of the fluid being transported. By following these codes and criteria, piping engineers can design and build piping systems that are safe, reliable, and long-lasting.
