Different sizes on a single pipeline

[mufasa1]

Dear All,

At the moment I am working on a project which is about modernisation of an existing 2100 mt cement pipeline that feeds the water treatment plant of our petrochemical complex with fresh water. We are going to replace the existing line with 1400 mm (t=12 mm) diameter steel pipe. In our warehouse I have some closer size steel pipes in stock such as:

52" t=18.6 mm 126 mt
52" t=12.7 mm 140 mt
56" t=12 mm 30 mt
48" t=10mm 138 mt
72" t=18.6 mm 167 mt

My intention is using the above pipes on this line, to utilize them and cut my material cost.

Would you recommend such action, if yes do you have any suggestions for the locations of these different sizes on the pipeline?

Thanks,

 

[JStephen]

My two cents worth:
If I thought I would never use those sizes out of stock, then yes, I'd put them to use here. It looks like the whole thing is just a matter of economics, and you'd have to work out the details, as to whether it was worthwhile. The different sizes would complicate design and detailing somewhat.

On placement, I'd look at starting large and pumping toward the small size, figuring that reducers have lower flow loss than expansions (could vary depending on details).

Another consideration is lining and coating. If you buy the pipe already lined and coated, but have bare steel pipe in stock, it may be cheaper to buy all new pipe just for the coating efficiency.