Application ASME Code for Buried Pipe
Application ASME Code for Buried Pipe
(OP)
Dear All,
I just want to know what is the applicable ASME Code should I use in the stess analysis of the following pipeline:
- Material: Stainless steel (jacketed w/ HDPE material)
- Temperature: 45-50degC
- Pressure: 4.9-6.0bar
- Pipeline Diameter: 750 mm
- Service Fluid: Cooling Water (Supply and Return)
- Purpose: District Cooling System
- Connected equipment: Pump and Plate Heat Exchanger
Please help me to identify the code to be use.
Thank you in advance...
Sincerely,
marchie
I just want to know what is the applicable ASME Code should I use in the stess analysis of the following pipeline:
- Material: Stainless steel (jacketed w/ HDPE material)
- Temperature: 45-50degC
- Pressure: 4.9-6.0bar
- Pipeline Diameter: 750 mm
- Service Fluid: Cooling Water (Supply and Return)
- Purpose: District Cooling System
- Connected equipment: Pump and Plate Heat Exchanger
Please help me to identify the code to be use.
Thank you in advance...
Sincerely,
marchie





RE: Application ASME Code for Buried Pipe
Distinct cooling could be b31.1 or B31.4. If the length is significant I would go for 31.4 but maybe that's because I'm more familiar with it.
Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.
RE: Application ASME Code for Buried Pipe
I agree with your suggestion. But I was thinking of using B31.4 only for underground pipes (which has significance in length) then on the aboveground it will be B31.1 (due to connected pump and heat exchangers/valve manifold).
What are the difference between the two codes? Regarding the allowable, SIF etc..
Thank you.
Sincerely,
marchie
RE: Application ASME Code for Buried Pipe
B31.1 WILL TYPICALLY APPLY
You know somethings wrong when you are thinking of changing codes from above to below ground. Piping design codes are based on TYPE OF SYSTEM, not location, or wether the pipe happens to be above or below ground.
RE: Application ASME Code for Buried Pipe
RE: Application ASME Code for Buried Pipe
There are AWWA standards for steel piping. I don't know if they cover stainless at all. Generally, municipal piping is not "stress analyzed" like ASME piping, so it may provide less guidance on that than ASME standards. The AWWA standards would be for ambient temperatures.
RE: Application ASME Code for Buried Pipe
Are you saying that some AWWA code applies to district cooling systems?
RE: Application ASME Code for Buried Pipe
The scope of B-31.1 is as follows:
B31.1 Power Piping: piping typically found in electric power generating stations, in industrial and institutional plants, geothermal heating systems, and central and district heating and cooling systems.
Based on the design criteria as specified,if the intended application is in a power plant scenario, then B-31.1 would be the most appropriate code.
Thanks.
Pradip Goswami,P.Eng.IWE
Welding & Metallurgical Specialist
Ontario,Canada.
ca.linkedin.com/pub/pradip-goswami/5/985/299
RE: Application ASME Code for Buried Pipe
Very interested to read
"You know somethings wrong when you are thinking of changing codes from above to below ground. Piping design codes are based on TYPE OF SYSTEM, not location, or wether the pipe happens to be above or below ground.
and very interested to learn.
I have worked on numerous projects (in the Southern Hemisphere) where the pipe is API 1104 underground and when it comes out of the ground it changes to B31.3 (usually at the entrance to a refinery or petro-chem plant).
I always thought the reason API 1104 radiographic acceptance criteria was so low compared to B31.3 was compensation had been made for the tons of dirt on top of the buried pipe.
Is my assumption incorrect ?
Cheers,
Shane
RE: Application ASME Code for Buried Pipe
I've seen B31.3 used (in error) in many pipeline facilities (pump stations and compressor stations, meter stations, valve stations) in the mideast and other regions, probably because the guys that design pipelines are refinery piping engineers and don't know very much about the pipeline design codes. My advice is to read the scope of each code and you will know what they cover. I always say that, "There is no process in pipelines".
RE: Application ASME Code for Buried Pipe
RE: Application ASME Code for Buried Pipe
Regardless, my point was that you can generate a combination of application, materials, sizes, procedures, pressures, etc. that may not fall under any specific code- happens quite often in the tank/vessel world.
On the reference to the AWWA- I was trying to think of what other options were available for large steel pipe- and as noted, I don't think that range of temperature/material is addressed there. I think there are fire-protection standards for grooved piping, and they likely have similar issues.
RE: Application ASME Code for Buried Pipe
Google "B31.1 Scope" and a large number of links come up all quoting the same.
What can be true for tanks and pressure vessels is not necessarily true for piping as many piping codes reference the same ASME BVP code for tank and pressure vessel design, but some other piping codes may reference others. Does AWWA reference API 650? My point is that if you use the B31.1 code you will automatically be using the correct ASME code and any subsequent provisions for tanks and other components referenced therein specificcally for design of district heating and cooling systems.
RE: Application ASME Code for Buried Pipe
Cheers,
Shane
RE: Application ASME Code for Buried Pipe
RE: Application ASME Code for Buried Pipe
I clearly stated what was the most appropriate code - if they want to design and fabricate in accordance with B31.3 as steam and water are clearly acceptable what are you going to reject it on ?
The fact they are not using the most appropriate code ?
I worked on a Nickel Refinery (US$4.5 billion) where Outukumpu (who are a pretty big player in fabrication world-wide) installed a major acid plant with all steam and condensate piping in accordance with B31.3.
The code break was where the boiler installation contract and the acid plant contract met.
I thought it should have been in accordance with B31.1 but was voted down by a lot more experienced personnel than myself.
Cheers,
Shane
RE: Application ASME Code for Buried Pipe