Gas Pipeline Branch Reinforcement
Gas Pipeline Branch Reinforcement
(OP)
Howdy all,
I am trying to put together a worst case scenario reference table for our construction crews for the natural gas pipeline we have in the ground for when they branch off of (perpendicular to main) the existing main. We know the minimum wall thickness, maximum pressure, minimum yield strength, and range of sizes for the distribution pipeline we have. For the pipe that I am referencing the MAOP is 99 psig, the minimum wall thickness is .188” for both the main and branch. The minimum yield strength is 35,000 psig for both, and the nominal sizes for the main are 4”, 6”, 8” and 12”, and the nominal sizes of the branches are 3”, 4”, 6” and 8”. I am using the ASME code for pressure piping (B31.8) for the correct equations and exceptions, but so far all of my calculations show that no reinforcement is needed for any of the combinations of main sizes and branch sizes. My question is: are any of you all familiar with this enough to tell me if this sounds about right, or should I go back and check my calculations and equations again?
Thanks
~GasRookie
I am trying to put together a worst case scenario reference table for our construction crews for the natural gas pipeline we have in the ground for when they branch off of (perpendicular to main) the existing main. We know the minimum wall thickness, maximum pressure, minimum yield strength, and range of sizes for the distribution pipeline we have. For the pipe that I am referencing the MAOP is 99 psig, the minimum wall thickness is .188” for both the main and branch. The minimum yield strength is 35,000 psig for both, and the nominal sizes for the main are 4”, 6”, 8” and 12”, and the nominal sizes of the branches are 3”, 4”, 6” and 8”. I am using the ASME code for pressure piping (B31.8) for the correct equations and exceptions, but so far all of my calculations show that no reinforcement is needed for any of the combinations of main sizes and branch sizes. My question is: are any of you all familiar with this enough to tell me if this sounds about right, or should I go back and check my calculations and equations again?
Thanks
~GasRookie





RE: Gas Pipeline Branch Reinforcement
while it has been many years since i've done saddle calcs, there are occasions where a reinforcement is not needed. i simply do not recall the conditions where this is applicable. however, re-verifying the analysis is prudent. i would think there are in-house people that can verify your analysis.
good luck!
-pmover
RE: Gas Pipeline Branch Reinforcement
RE: Gas Pipeline Branch Reinforcement
RE: Gas Pipeline Branch Reinforcement
I agree that you may not need any reinforcement on a 99 psig main. But there are other considerations. If your gas system is in a high consequence area with a lot of third party excavations that may impose some external loads on you pipe, you may want to install some reinforcement. Consider using Weld-O-Lets. See the attached thread.
thread378-138853
RE: Gas Pipeline Branch Reinforcement
RE: Gas Pipeline Branch Reinforcement
RE: Gas Pipeline Branch Reinforcement
RE: Gas Pipeline Branch Reinforcement
RE: Gas Pipeline Branch Reinforcement
RE: Gas Pipeline Branch Reinforcement
Thank again.
GasRookie