Mechanical design of piping systems

MECHANICAL DESIGN OF PIPING SYSTEMS 5.5.1. Wall thickness pipe schedule... 

Many factors affect the mechanical design of evaporator systems, particularly of the calandrias. The two most important are the temperatures and pressures to which the equipment will be subjected. Not only are the temperatures and pressure during normal operation important, but upset, startup, shutdown, dryout, cycling, pulsating pressure, and safety relief requirements are equally important. Other considerations include external loadings from supports or piping and vibrations transmitted from external sources. Wind loadings and earthquake loads must also be considered. Anticipated life expectancy and future service should be considered. 

The mechanical design of thermosiphon reboiler piping must be carefully examined for (a) system pressures and (b) elevadon reladonship between the liquid level in the disdl-ladon column and the verdcal or horizontal reboiler. Kem provides an excellent presentadon on this topic, including the important hydraulics. AbboT also presents a computer program for this topic. 

These effects are important when considering the design of tritium systems. Damage to components, such as gaskets, valve tips, and 0-rings, must be carefully considered. Component failure during service can cause a major release of tritium. Because elastomer seals often become embrittled, maintenance on nearby sections of piping may cause seals to develop leaks as the result of mechanical movement in the seal area. 

A thickener has several basic components a tank to contain the slurry, feed piping and a feedwell to allow the feed stream to enter the tank, a rake mechanism to assist in moving the concentrated sohds to the withdrawal points, an underflow solids-withdrawal system, and an overflow launder. The basic design of a bridge-supported thickener mechanism is illustrated in Fig. 18-86. 

The physical and mechanical properties of the principal thermoplastics of interest for process plant applications are listed in Table 3.42. Table 3.43 gives typical hydrostatic design stresses for different types of thermoplastic pipe. Plastics widely employed in piping systems are described briefly below. 

Metallic pipe systems comprise the majority of applications. Metallic pipe, tubing, and pipe fittings are divided into two main categories seamless and welded. Both have advantages and disadvantages in terms of economy and function. Specifications governing the production of these products dictate the permissible mechanical and dimensional variations, and code design calculations account for these variations. 

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