One
of the most important components of the infrastructure in the
industrialized world is the vast network of pipelines and process
piping—literally millions and millions of miles. The term “pipelines”
generally refers to the network of pipelines that transport water,
sewage, steam, and gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons from sources (e.g.,
reservoirs, steam plants, oil and gas wells, refineries) to local
distribution centers (“transmission pipelines”), and to the network of
pipelines that distribute such products to local markets and end users
(“distribution” pipelines). The term “process piping” generally refers
to the system of pipes that transport process fluids (e.g., air, steam,
water, industrial gases, fuels, chemicals) around an industrial facility
involved in the manufacture of products or in the generation of power.
Pipelines and process piping are generally made of steel, cast iron,
copper, or specialty metals in certain highly aggressive environments,
but the use of plastic materials is growing, especially in
hydrocarbon-based distribution lines and in sewer lines. Very
large-diameter water transmission lines are often made of reinforced
concrete.
The most common method of joining the individual segments of pipe is by welding (or soldering in the case of copper, and gluing in the case of plastics), although bolted flanges or threaded connections are often used in smaller-diameter process piping. In low-pressure piping systems that transport non-hazardous fluids like water and sewage, mechanical joints (e.g., “ball and spigot,” compression) that rely on friction are commonly used. Pipelines and piping are usually constructed and maintained in accordance with national and local regulations and applicable industry standards. For example, the most commonly used industrial code for the transport of liquids is ASME B31.4. B31.8 is most commonly used for the transmission and distribution of gas, and ASME B31.3 most often applies to process piping. Once assembled, pipelines are usually buried, but process piping is usually above ground.
Pipelines and process piping are the safest means to transport gases and fluids across countries or across manufacturing facilities. However, given the extensive network of pipelines and piping, failures do occur, which can be quite spectacular and lead to extensive property damage and loss of life. Given their potential impact, it is important to investigate the cause(s) of such failures, which often involve input from many different engineering and scientific disciplines. As such, Exponent, with its broad range of skill sets, is uniquely positioned to investigate such failures, and has done so on hundreds of occasions, ranging from quarter-inch process tubing to 20-ft-diameter concrete water distribution pipelines.
Equally
important, of course, is the prevention of pipeline and piping
failures. Our scientists and engineers provide in-depth technical
knowledge that has enabled us to make significant contributions to
clients during the design, layout, and construction of pipelines and
piping systems, and in the development and implementation of integrity
and risk management programs. Exponent staff has brought their expertise
to bear on preventive projects ranging in scope from reviewing the
design and construction of the process piping at petrochemical plants to
overall integrity reviews of long-distance oil and gas transmission
pipeline systems.
Clients that have utilized Exponent’s pipeline and process piping expertise have included Fortune 500 manufacturing and petrochemical companies, utilities, pipeline companies, insurers, and capital project lending organizations.
The most common method of joining the individual segments of pipe is by welding (or soldering in the case of copper, and gluing in the case of plastics), although bolted flanges or threaded connections are often used in smaller-diameter process piping. In low-pressure piping systems that transport non-hazardous fluids like water and sewage, mechanical joints (e.g., “ball and spigot,” compression) that rely on friction are commonly used. Pipelines and piping are usually constructed and maintained in accordance with national and local regulations and applicable industry standards. For example, the most commonly used industrial code for the transport of liquids is ASME B31.4. B31.8 is most commonly used for the transmission and distribution of gas, and ASME B31.3 most often applies to process piping. Once assembled, pipelines are usually buried, but process piping is usually above ground.
Pipelines and process piping are the safest means to transport gases and fluids across countries or across manufacturing facilities. However, given the extensive network of pipelines and piping, failures do occur, which can be quite spectacular and lead to extensive property damage and loss of life. Given their potential impact, it is important to investigate the cause(s) of such failures, which often involve input from many different engineering and scientific disciplines. As such, Exponent, with its broad range of skill sets, is uniquely positioned to investigate such failures, and has done so on hundreds of occasions, ranging from quarter-inch process tubing to 20-ft-diameter concrete water distribution pipelines.
Equally
important, of course, is the prevention of pipeline and piping
failures. Our scientists and engineers provide in-depth technical
knowledge that has enabled us to make significant contributions to
clients during the design, layout, and construction of pipelines and
piping systems, and in the development and implementation of integrity
and risk management programs. Exponent staff has brought their expertise
to bear on preventive projects ranging in scope from reviewing the
design and construction of the process piping at petrochemical plants to
overall integrity reviews of long-distance oil and gas transmission
pipeline systems. Clients that have utilized Exponent’s pipeline and process piping expertise have included Fortune 500 manufacturing and petrochemical companies, utilities, pipeline companies, insurers, and capital project lending organizations.
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