The Basics of Piping Design

Piping Types and Materials

A primary consideration in piping design is the piping type and material. Selecting the best piping type and material can impact how long the piping will last, how well it can handle the fluid being transported, and, ultimately, how successful your plant operations will be. 

Pipes are generally classified into two categories: metallic pipes and non-metallic pipes.

Metallic Pipes

Metallic pipes can be further subcategorized into either ferrous or non-ferrous pipes. Ferrous pipes are typically heavier and stronger, featuring iron as the primary element. Common materials used for ferrous pipes include carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron, alloy steel, and galvanized steel. This category of piping is well-suited for applications exposed to higher temperatures and pressures, such as those found in refineries, power plants, chemical processing facilities, and more. 

For non-ferrous piping, iron is not the main element, meaning this type of piping is more lightweight and features improved corrosion resistance. Non-ferrous piping is commonly made from materials such as aluminum, copper, nickel, and titanium. Their resistance to rust and corrosion makes non-ferrous materials a popular choice for process piping in numerous industries. 

Non-Metallic Pipes

Non-metallic pipes are typically used for applications where the temperature is not significant, such as drainage systems and water industries. Non-metallic pipes can be made from a variety of materials, including HDPE, PVC, PP, ABS, composites, cement, reinforced thermoplastics, and more. The primary advantage of non-metallic pipes is their durability and corrosion resistance. While metallic pipes are typically designed for approximately 25 years of service, non-metallic pipes, such as those made from composites and reinforced plastic, can last up to 50 years. 

Applications of Piping Design

Piping design is critical to various industries, including:

• Oil and Gas. Piping design is critical to the oil and gas industry, as it facilitates the transportation of natural gas, petroleum products, and other fluids between the stages of extraction, refining, storage, and distribution. Proper piping design is needed for systems such as offshore platforms, pipelines, petrochemical plants, and refineries. 
• Chemical and Pharmaceutical Processing. Chemical and pharmaceutical plants depend on adequate piping design for transporting raw materials, chemicals, and finished products efficiently and safely. Piping design for chemical and pharmaceutical processing facilities includes proper material selection, appropriate sizing, and layout of pipes to prevent contamination, leaks, and other hazards. 
• Power Generation. Piping design is crucial in various types of power plants, including nuclear power plants, thermal power plants, and renewable energy facilities such as wind and solar farms. Pipes are used to transport water, cooling fluids, fuel, and steam within the plant, and proper piping design can ensure the safe and efficient operation of power generation equipment.

Our Piping Design Capabilities

At Re:Build Optimation, we offer piping design as part of our process design and engineering, mechanical design and engineering, chemical engineering, and instrumentation and electrical design and engineering services. Our specific piping design capabilities include:

• Extensive knowledge of piping material applications
• Selection of optimal joining methods
• 3D rendering for pipe routing
• Determine pipe specifications based on required flow and working pressure
• Capable of incorporating cleaning technologies, such as CIP
• Ability to incorporate control elements (flow controls, valves, gauges, sensors, pressure regulators) to accommodate your process conditions
• Sanitary considerations in pipe components and construction
• Design for Manufacturability

We have a broad range of expertise in various industries, including chemical, energy, pharmaceuticals, and more. Through this knowledge, we can work with our clients to create the ideal piping design that will improve efficiency and safety while adhering to all necessary codes and regulations.

Why Re:Build Optimation Technology?

Proper piping design is integral to various industries and applications. It’s important to consider everything from the piping material and layout to joining techniques, applicable codes, and more. Re:Build Optimation Technology offers custom piping design solutions to meet your unique challenges and needs. We stay up-to-date on emerging and cutting-edge technologies to help our clients stay at the forefront of the industry, and prioritize sustainability and environmental considerations in all of our solutions. 

For more information about our piping design capabilities, contact us today.