Hi All, I have just started with the analysis of underground piping(Oil water lines, cooling water lines etc.) for an oil refinery. I am a beginner in this field. So doesnt have much idea about it. Code 31.3 does not specify anything about underground piping. But code 31.1 and 31.4 has some details about its analysis. Can someboby guide me about the procedure for analysis of such systems and also some references(preferably online) for the indepth study for the analysis of such systems??

Get an expert.

Piyush,

You must educate yourself and ask your seniors for advice and critical review of the soundness of your work.

Read the L.C. Peng papers on buried piping:

http://www.pipestress.com/Pages/PEpapers.html

and STUDY B31.1 Appendix VII.

You should search the Internet and read every book that you can find on piping design.

Good luck, John.

Thanks for the response. Actually I have gone through Peng Papers but they talk about "Underground pipe lines". Will this analysis be applicable to "underground piping" of a refinery as well??

Hi Piyush,

The METHODOLOGY described in the papers by LC Peng and described in B31.1 Appendix VII for modeling piping systems for analysis are GENERALLY applicable to underground piping within a plant. If the refinery is located in a jurisdiction that prescribes B31.3 as the applicable Code for design, fabrication, erection, examination and testing (and the owner chooses so) then the ASME B31.3 Process Piping rules will apply. I can see no conflicts in applying these methodologies to buries refinery piping.

There may be other issues (e.g., environmental issues) that will require other considerations in the design of underground piping systems. It would therefore be prudent to talk with your local environmental authorities regarding requirements for such things as double containment and leak detection. The corrosion protection of the piping may also be a consideration and you may need to look into cathodic protection and other methods of protecting piping against corrosion.

There are several books available that address all the aspects of the design of underground piping.

Regards, John.

Thanks a lot for the advice John. I will refer to these docs and revert back again in case of any query.