Equipment support column locations

Such equipment as drums and deaerators is often located above pipe rack columns. To avoid wasting valuable rack space with the large support columns, the inside face of the pipe rack column must line up with the inside face of the equipment support column, as shown in Exhibit 11-26. This approach also allows the feed-water outlet piping to run venically down to the pump before the expansion loq> is added. 

The location of exchangers is the key to maintenance. Usually the back head is kept at a distance of about three meters from the piperack support columns. Access equipment must be able to get in and remove the sheU cover and flange head. Access area must also be provided to handle and remove the sheU cover usually located under the piperack. The tube-pulling or rodding-out area must be kept clear to allow access to the channel end. This space should be at least equal to the tube length and about two meters from the tube sheet location. Tube removal space should be allowed for but is not mandatory if grade-mounted heat exchangers are used and mobile maintenance equipment employed to pick up the entire unit and transfer it to the repair shop. 

Figure 12 shows the plan and elevation views of a process unit piping (9). A dmm is supported off the piperack. Heat exchangers are located far enough back from the support columns so that they are accessible and their shell covers can be removed. Pumps are located underneath the piperack, but sufficient room is provided for maintenance equipment to access the motors and to remove the pump if necessary. The motor is always oriented away from the process equipment and located on that side of the piperack. Instmment valve drops are shown supported from the columns. The instmment trays themselves mn on the outside of the support columns. Flat turns are only made from the outside position of the piperack. Nozzle-to-nozzle pipe mns are made whenever possible. Larger lines are located on the outside of the piperack. Connections to nozzles above the rack are made from the top... 

Fireproofing of pipe rack columns is shown in Exhibit 11-27. If hydrocarbons are prevalent, it is common to fireproof the columns to a level just below the lower rack supp>ort beam. If air coolers or other equipment is located above a pipe rack, the fireproofing is extended to the equipment support beam. This issue must be reviewed with the client allowances may need to be made for as much as 4 in (100 mm) of fireproofing. 

Locating the sensitive equipment adjacent to a building support column would reduce the impact of vibrations in a floor system by walking. 

This structure is located under the equipment access hatch at the 270° azimuth. It consists of a wall, two columns, two beams, and a thin slab. The wall provides door support during normal plant operation. The 300-kip (1334 KN) door is mounted on a rail and opens toward a decreasing azimuth providing access to the primary containment during maintenance operations. A long beam supported by one column provides door support in the open position. The... 

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