Friends:
I want to do an analysis about terminal pipeline.Most lines are buried.
I want to know which code to use,31.3 or 31.4? And why?
Thank you!

You must use the code specified in the Design Basis.

B31.3 is for process piping.

B31.4 is for oil pipelines.

Look at the introduction to each code. There is a graphical definition that defines the limits of application.

In basic design there is no code be specified.
B31.3 or B31.4 ,both OK
In introduction of each code,both codes can use in oil storage terminal ,but i don't know which better.
In B31.3 there is no OPE case, i want to know to buried pipeline,is the OPE case must to be analysed.
Thank you very much!

I think you have to understand the definition of piping and pipeline first before go further in selecting the code in analysis...[php][/php]

Dear 0508,

Understand the difference of the code you are comparing, B31.3 and B31.4.


B31.3 - 2002 - Process Piping
Design of chemical and petroleum plants and refineries processing chemicals and hydrocarbons, water and steam. This Code contains rules for piping typically found in petroleum refineries; chemical, pharmaceutical, textile, paper, semiconductor, and cryogenic plants; and related processing plants and terminals.
This Code prescribes requirements for materials and components, design, fabrication, assembly, erection, examination, inspection, and testing of piping. This Code applies to piping for all fluids including: (1) raw, intermediate, and finished chemicals; (2) petroleum products; (3) gas, steam, air and water; (4) fluidized solids; (5) refrigerants; and (6) cryogenic fluids. Also included is piping which interconnects pieces or stages within a packaged equipment assembly.


B31.4 - 2002 - Pipeline Transportation Systems for Liquid Hydrocarbons and Other Liquids
This Code prescribes requirements for the design, materials, construction, assembly, inspection, and testing of piping transporting liquids such as crude oil, condensate, natural gasoline, natural gas liquids, liquefied petroleum gas, carbon dioxide, liquid alcohol, liquid anhydrous ammonia and liquid petroleum products between producers' lease facilities, tank farms, natural gas processing plants, refineries, stations, ammonia plants, terminals (marine, rail and truck) and other delivery and receiving points.
Piping consists of pipe, flanges, bolting, gaskets, valves, relief devices, fittings and the pressure containing parts of other piping components. It also includes hangers and supports, and other equipment items necessary to prevent overstressing the pressure containing parts. It does not include support structures such as frames of buildings, buildings stanchions or foundations
Requirements for offshore pipelines are found in Chapter IX. Also included within the scope of this Code are:
(A) Primary and associated auxiliary liquid petroleum and liquid anhydrous ammonia piping at pipeline terminals (marine, rail and truck), tank farms, pump stations, pressure reducing stations and metering stations, including scraper traps, strainers, and prover loop;
(B) Storage and working tanks including pipe-type storage fabricated from pipe and fittings, and piping interconnecting these facilities;
(C) Liquid petroleum and liquid anhydrous ammonia piping located on property which has been set aside for such piping within petroleum refinery, natural gasoline, gas processing, ammonia, and bulk plants;
(D) Those aspects of operation and maintenance of liquid pipeline systems relating to the safety and protection of the general public, operating company personnel, environment, property and the piping systems.

If you still cannot decide? Use both? then decide which code will satisfy you,...

Thank you very much！