Pipe Thickness Calculation (Internal Pressure Design Thickness) As Per ASME B31.3

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Pipe Thickness Calculation (Internal Pressure

Design Thickness) as per ASME B31.3
Written by Rehan Ahmad Khan in Piping Design and Layout ,Piping
Materials ,Piping Stress Analysis ,Piping Stress Basics
Table of Contents
 Few Important Points required for Pipe thickness Calculation
 How do I Calculate Pipe Thickness?
 Pipe Wall Thickness Calculation Formula
 Pipe Thickness Calculation Steps
 Use of the Extra thickness available in the pipes
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Pipe wall thickness calculation is one of the important basic activities for every piping
engineer. Process plants deal with the fluids which flow inside the pipe at high-pressure
and temperature. So, the pipe deals with high circumferential pressure which can cause
the bursting of the pipe if the pipe thickness is not enough. Hence, The designers need
to find out the required piping thickness as per section “304.1.2 of ASME B31.3”
to resist the internal line pressure. The operation must be leak-free. In this article, I
have simplified the pipe thickness calculation procedure. A sample pipe wall
thickness calculation problem is discussed mentioning the calculation steps. Process
Piping Code ASME B 31.3 is used as the basis for the Pipe thickness calculation.
Few Important Points required for Pipe thickness

Calculation
Before starting the piping thickness calculation, the engineer should be aware of the
following points:
 Process plants are designed for 20 years or 7200 cycles. (Considering 1 cycle
per day; Total no of cycles in 20 years=20*360=7200 cycles)
 Pressure and temperature can vary from line to line and from time to time.
 Fluid could be corrosive and toxic in the system.
 Corrosion allowance for ferritic mostly taken 3 mm and zero mm for austenitic
steel.
 Mill tolerance for the seamless pipe is 12.50% and 0.3 for the welded pipe.
How do I Calculate Pipe Thickness?

Let’s consider the following details for the pipe thickness calculation of a seamless
Carbon Steel pipe.
 MOC (Material of Construction) of the pipe – A106 Gr. B

 NPS (Nominal Pipe Size) – 4”
 Manufacturing type of the pipe (SMLS, EFW, ERW) – Seamless (SMLS)
 Design Pressure (PSI) – 1200 PSIG
 Design Temperature – 500° F
 Mechanical, corrosion and erosion allowances – 3 mm
 Mill Tolerance – 12.50% of the thickness
Pipe Wall Thickness Calculation Formula

As per clause 304.1.2 (a) of ASME B 31.3, the internal pressure design thickness
for straight pipes with t<D/6 can be calculated using the following formula
(Equation (3a):
Fig. 1: Internal Pressure Design Thickness Equation per ASME B 31.3

Here,
P: Internal Design Gage Pressure=1200 PSIG as per problem

definition
D: Outside Diameter of the pipe

The equation for the pipe wall thickness is based on the outside diameter of pipe,
rather than the inside diameter. This is because the outside diameter of pipe is
constant, it is independent of the wall thickness. Hence, the pipe wall thickness
can directly be calculated easily using the pipe outer diameter.
Outside diameter has to be taken from the below standards-
 ASME B36.10M: for ferritic steel (seamless & welded wrought steel pipes).
 ASME B36.19M: for austenitic steel (stainless steel pipes)
Fig. 2: Outside Pipe Diameter from ASME B 36.10M

So from Fig. 2, D= 114.3 mm
S: Allowable Stress value of the Pipe Material (A 106-B) at Design

Temperature (500° F)
Refer to Table A-1 (or Table A-1M) of the ASME B31.3 (Fig. 3) for getting the value of
the allowable stress. Travel in the horizontal (x) direction for allowable stress value and
vertical (y) direction for pipe material, and the match point to get the value (refer to Fig.
3). If required, use interpolation to calculate the middle value.
Note: the value of the allowable stress in Table A-1 is given in KSI, So we need to
convert the value in PSI.
Fig. 2: Allowable Stress Value from Table A-1 of ASME B31.3
As per Fig. 3, the allowable stress for ASTM A106 Gr.B is 19,000 psi at 500°F.
E: Quality factor
Quality Factors are used in Pressure Design and applied at Longitudinal and
Spiral Weld Joints and for Castings. The maximum Value of quality factors is 1.0.
The value of E, Longitudinal Weld Joint Quality Factor, or Casting Quality Factor can be
found in Table A-1A or Table A-1B of the ASME B31.3. The weld joint factor (E) is 1
for our problem case (Refer to Fig. 4).
Fig. 4: Quality Factor for Longitudinal Weld
W: Weld Joint Strength Reduction Factor

As per section 302.3.5(e) of ASME B31.3, The weld joint strength reduction factor,
W, is the ratio of the nominal stress to cause the failure of a weld joint to that of
the corresponding base material for an elevated temperature condition of the
same duration. It only applies at weld locations in longitudinal or spiral (helical
seam) welded piping components.
Weld Joint Strength Reduction Factors are used because at elevated temperature
the weld joint creep rupture strength can be lower than the base metal.
The value of W can be found from Table 302.3.5 of ASME B 31.3 (Refer to Fig. 5) and
for our problem the value of W=1
Fig. 5: Weld Joint Strength Reduction Factor
Y: Values of Coefficient from Table 304.1.1,

The factor “Y” depends on temperature. At elevated temperatures, the factor Y
increases leading to a decrease in the calculated required pipe wall thickness.
Refer to Table 304.1.1 of ASME B31.3 for finding the value of Y, It is Valid for t <
D/6 and materials shown below The value of Y may be interpolated for intermediate
temperatures. For material A106 Gr. B, Y is given 0.4 (refer to Fig. 6)
Fig. 6: Values of Coefficient Y
Pipe Thickness Calculation Steps

Step 1. Put the above values in the equation shown in Fig. 1
t=(1200*114.3)/{2(19000*1*1+1200*0.4)}=3.52 mm; Hence calculated thickness (t)=
3.52 mm
Step 2. Add the corrosion to the calculated thickness.
tc = t + c = 3.52 + 3
tc = 6.52 mm
Step 3. Add the mill tolerance to the thickness after adding corrosion value.
tm = tc + 12.50 % of the pipe thickness
tm =tc/0.875 =6.52/0.875 = 7.45 mm (This is required thickness)
Step 4. Check the next Ordering thickness available in ASME B36.10M

considering the required thickness.
Fig. 7: Dimensions and weights of Steel Pipes

So from Fig. 7, The Ordering thickness is 8.56 mm or Schedule 80.
Note:
1. Ordering thickness for seamless pipe will always be the next greater value available
from Schedule to schedule.
2. Whereas for welded pipe any next greater value will be the ordering thickness.
3. Extra thickness can be calculated by ordering thickness minus the required thickness
= (8.56 – 7.45) = 1.11 mm.
Use of the Extra thickness available in the pipes

 for calculating the life of a pipe after 20 years.
 For calculating maximum pressure holding capacity of the pipe.
 For checking extra thickness is sufficient to take care of thinning, if the same pipe
is used for manufacturing the bend.
 The extra thickness also minimizes deflection and reduces the number of
support.
 To compare with flange pressure holding capacity, to declare pipe is stronger
than the flange.
Few more useful Resources for you.
Pipeline wall thickness calculation with example

Meaning of Pipe Schedule / Schedule Numbers?
Piping Layout and Design Basics
Few Job Opportunities for you
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Rehan Ahmad Khan

I am a graduate in Mechanical Engineering and have worked in automotive aftermarket
industry as a Service Engineer before. But there was a spark in me to do creative work
which led me to explore opportunities in design world. So, i left my previous job where I
had great experience, and decided to enter the energy industry. Later on, enrolled for
the “Post Graduation Diploma in Piping Engineering” and through which I got the skills
that were required to meet the gap between the industry and my technical skills. I am
still exploring this industry and having a great experience. In the process felt to share
my knowledge with the other Piping Engineers and as a result, I am here with you.
11 thoughts on “Pipe Thickness Calculation (Internal Pressure

Design Thickness) as per ASME B31.3”
1. Bahaa Nassersays:
May 9, 2020 at 2:45 pm
how we use the extra wall thickness available for calculating the life of a pipe after 20
years?
what is the relation between the service life (20 years) and cycles (7200 cycles)? and
how it affect the original wall thickness calculations?
Reply
1. Rehan Ahmad Khansays:
May 9, 2020 at 8:22 pm
Hi,
Corrosion allowance is decided based on the service life of the plant, for our sample
problem it is taken 3 mm for 20 years or 7200 cycles. If the project required plant life
more than 20 years then the corrosion allowance will be taken more as per the
number of years.
Therefore, the thickness of the pipe (Considering the same operating condition) for
plant life 20 years and plant life 30 years will be different (will be greater for 30
years).
For calculating the life of the pipe after 20 years use the below formula
Life of Pipe after 20 years = (extra thickness available in the pipe)/(corrosion
allowance per year)
Where,
extra thickness for our sample problem was 1.11 mm
corrosion per year = 3mm / 20 years = 0.15 mm
So,
Life of the Pipe after 20 years = (1.11)/(0.15) = 7.4 years.
x
x
In the Piping and Pipeline Engineering field, Miter Bend plays an important role
because standard Elbows are not easily available and economical for larger pipe
sizes. Site Engineer or the Fabrication supervisor is responsible for the perfect
delivery of the joints made for the miter bend.
This article will provide detailed calculation procedures for finding out the
required dimensions, angles of cut, and weight of the pipe.
What is a Miter Bend?

A Miter Bend or Miter Elbow is prepared by mitering (angle cutting) and welding
pipe ends of the cut-pieces, usually at a 45° and 90° to form a corner. There are
two types of miter bend, one non-perpendicular bend & another is 3-D bend. Miter
Elbow/Bend is made from miter cut pieces of pipe. The Miter pieces also called
gores, There are two end gores and two middle gores in a 4-piece Miter bend.
Fig. 1: Miter Bend/Elbow
Standards Associated with Miter Bend

AWWS (American Water Work Association)
For sizing and number of cuts/miter.
ASME B16.9
For end preparation of the miters
Note: according to ASME B 31.3, the number of the miters is
restricted to a maximum of 5.
Important Points about Miter Bend

 Miter bends are not standard fittings.
 It is also called fabricated bend.
 Highly skilled welders and fitters are required for perfect miter bend preparation.
 Used mainly in general services (category “D” fluid).
 If used in process lines then above 14” pipe size.
 Used above 6” for utility lines.
 Miter bend can be fabricated with 2, 3, 4, & 5 miters.
 The numbers of cut will be a maximum of 5.
Note:
1. The numbers of miters will be decided according to the pressure and temperature of
the line.
2. Application size range can vary from company to company.
Limitations of Miter Bend

 Poor strength because of the more number of joints.
 Higher pressure drop.
 Higher turbulence.
 Higher risk of corrosion because of more numbers of weld joints.
 Less strength.
 Not suitable for pigging.
 High skilled manpower required.
Advantages of Miter Bend

 Low cost.
 No thinning required
 It can be made at the site or in the workshop.
Pipe/Line Schedule Bend Number of Radius of
Material Type
Size Number Angle Cut Bend
CS (Carbon
8″ SCH 120 90 3 2.5 D
Steel)
Inputs Required for Calculation

Pipe Thickness Calculation (Internal Pressure Design Thickness) As Per ASME B31.3

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 PIPING DESIGN & LAYOUT

Pipe Thickness Calculation (Internal Pressure

Few Important Points required for Pipe thickness

How do I Calculate Pipe Thickness?

 MOC (Material of Construction) of the pipe – A106 Gr. B

Pipe Wall Thickness Calculation Formula

Fig. 1: Internal Pressure Design Thickness Equation per ASME B 31.3

P: Internal Design Gage Pressure=1200 PSIG as per problem

D: Outside Diameter of the pipe

Outside diameter has to be taken from the below standards-

Fig. 2: Outside Pipe Diameter from ASME B 36.10M

S: Allowable Stress value of the Pipe Material (A 106-B) at Design

Fig. 4: Quality Factor for Longitudinal Weld

W: Weld Joint Strength Reduction Factor

Fig. 5: Weld Joint Strength Reduction Factor

Y: Values of Coefficient from Table 304.1.1,

Fig. 6: Values of Coefficient Y

Pipe Thickness Calculation Steps

Step 2. Add the corrosion to the calculated thickness.

tm = tc + 12.50 % of the pipe thickness

tm =tc/0.875 =6.52/0.875 = 7.45 mm (This is required thickness)

Step 4. Check the next Ordering thickness available in ASME B36.10M

Fig. 7: Dimensions and weights of Steel Pipes

Use of the Extra thickness available in the pipes

Pipeline wall thickness calculation with example

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Rehan Ahmad Khan

11 thoughts on “Pipe Thickness Calculation (Internal Pressure

May 9, 2020 at 2:45 pm

1. Rehan Ahmad Khansays:

May 9, 2020 at 8:22 pm

What is a Miter Bend?

Standards Associated with Miter Bend

Important Points about Miter Bend

Limitations of Miter Bend

Advantages of Miter Bend

Inputs Required for Calculation

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