Piping Layout

There is no stablished code exists for Piping Layout, even though it is one of the most important
aspect of Piping Design. Piping Layout is all about arrangement of Piping. Layout Preparation
doesnt deal with the ability of piping system to handle fluid under given design condition,
rather deals with efficient and safe operation of the plant.
A talented Piping Layout Engineer should posses good craftmanship with great personal skills,
creative imaginations abilities etc. in preparing a good Layout. Depending upon particular
situation, piping arrangement will vary from case to case. To ensure a well laid out piping,
logical approach is necessary with intelligent and careful study by the Piping Engineer.
Piping Plans are usually made area wise.
Piping Plans:
A piping Plan is usually made in 1:33 1/3 scale for process units, 1:50 scale for pipe racks and
validity units 1:50 scale for pipe racks and validity units and 1:100 for Storage Tank Area.
Generally Piping Plans will be of with floor wise plans and local sectional views are given as
required.
Normally, a piping plan is prepared in two stages. In the first stage, it is called as a study Piping
Plan. Piping study plan is basically a conceptual proposal consisting of pipe routings in plans
and sections of all pipe sections of all pipe lines. (2 NB and above) fulfilling all conditions
laid down in P & ID s and identifying schematically locations of all control stations, rotameter
stations, valves, online-instruments, etc. The Piping study plan should necessarily show all
platform sizes, locations and elevations required for operations and maintenance of
piping/instrument components. Lines less than 50 NB are generally not shown. However,
depending on the criticality and extent of small sized lines in a particular unit, lines less than
50 NB may be required be shown. Usually the study plan starts with laying of the critical lines
first-Critical lines are those with either a Large diameter or having high temperature or gravity
lines.
The study piping plans along with ISO sketches is discussed with other departments in order
to get their comments at conceptual stage. Technically Speaking, there is no difference between
a study piping plan and a final piping plan except a study piping is minus
beautification/cosmetic look. While the main purpose of a study piping plan is obtaining
approval on conceptual routing from PE & IC as early as possible without spending much time
o beautification of drawings, also
1)Freeze the equipment locations after piping study satisfying all requirement s as far as
possible.
2)Finalise the Nozzle orientation and cleats for platforms & Ladders associated with
equipment.
3)Feed data to stress group for thermal analysis of the lines.
4)Furnish top of foundation elevations & other related data
5)Furnish information to model group for preparation of a scaled model where applicable.
6)Preparation of order for Bill of Material for Pipes & Fittings
7)Other department reference such as Instrumentation and electrical for finalisation of their
cable routings.
Study piping Plans are usually updated after getting comments from other departments, as well
as from stress group and also review of model by licensor/Client at different stages.
Following Guidelines are very important for any good Piping Plan:
1) All the Process Requirements as per P& ID demand should be meet
2) Lines should be arranged in a orderly and neat manner with proper grouping of lines or
banks wherever it is practically possible to achieve
3) As far as possible the line routing should permit the use of standard Pipe Fittings as per
Pipe Spec
4) Routing should be made such that , it will be easy to support from available structures
5) Piping should not be located at grade, specially specially at areas where frequent traffic
is likely. This is important when choice is to be made between sleepers and piperack
6) Piping should not block materil handle. Crane, hoists etc should be easy to operate
7) In line components which need regular maintenance shouud be easy to access
8) Clear working space should be there around equipment demands the same.
9) All Valves should be easily accessible from grade or from permanent platforms
10) Adequate arrangement for platforms and laders for column manways
11) Removal of equipment for maintenance if any, should cause minimum dismantling to
the Pipe.
12) Pocket formation should be avaoided, specially in relief lines
13) Hot lines and condensate lines sould be away from electrical electrical conduits
14) Flexibility of Hot lines should be provided