Materials[edit]

The material with which a pipe is manufactured often forms as the basis for choosing any pipe.
Materials that are used for manufacturing pipes include:

 Carbon steel
 ASTM A252 Spec Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3 Steel Pile Pipe
 Low temperature service carbon steel
 Stainless steel
 Nonferrous metals, e.g. cupro-nickel, tantalum lined, etc.
 Nonmetallic, e.g. tempered glass, Teflon lined, PVC, etc.

Standards[edit]

Stacking of a connected pipeline for transportation of oil products

There are certain standard codes that need to be followed while designing or manufacturing any
piping system. Organizations that promulgate piping standards include:

 ASME - The American Society of Mechanical Engineers - B31 series

 ASME B31.1 Power piping (steam piping etc.)
 ASME B31.3 Process piping
 ASME B31.4 Pipeline Transportation Systems for Liquid Hydrocarbons and Other
Liquids
 ASME B31.5 Refrigeration piping and heat transfer components
  ASME B31.8 Gas transmission and distribution piping systems
 ASME B31.9 Building services piping
 ASME B31.11 Slurry Transportation Piping Systems (Withdrawn, Superseded by
B31.4)
 ASME B31.12 Hydrogen Piping and Pipelines
 ASTM - American Society for Testing and Materials
 ASTM A252 Standard Specification for Welded and Seamless Steel Pipe Piles [12]
 API - American Petroleum Institute
 API 5L Petroleum and natural gas industries—Steel pipe for pipeline transportation
systems[13]
 CWB - Canadian Welding Bureau
 EN 13480 - European metallic industrial piping code
 EN 13480-1 Metallic industrial piping - Part 1: General
 EN 13480-2 Metallic industrial piping - Part 2: Materials
 EN 13480-3 Metallic industrial piping - Part 3: Design and calculation
 EN 13480-4 Metallic industrial piping - Part 4: Fabrication and installation
 EN 13480-5 Metallic industrial piping - Part 5: Inspection and testing
 EN 13480-6 Metallic industrial piping - Part 6: Additional requirements for buried
piping
 PD TR 13480-7 Metallic industrial piping - Part 7: Guidance on the use of conformity
assessment procedures
 EN 13480-8 Metallic industrial piping - Part 8: Additional requirements for aluminium
and aluminium alloy piping
 EN 1993-4-3 Eurocode 3 — Design of steel structures - Part 4-3: Pipelines
 AWS - American Welding Society
 AWWA - American Water Works Association
 MSS – Manufacturers' Standardization Society
 ANSI - American National Standards Institute
 NFPA - National Fire Protection Association
 EJMA - Expansion Joint Manufacturers Association

Understanding steel grades for piping

procurement
As industrial processes and applications have matured, industry organizations
have developed unique classifications and specifications for the pipe destined
for service in those sectors.

There’s lots of overlap among the organizations’ published specs, and likely
lots of confusion as well.

Buyers can improve their purchasing experience by learning more about how
grades of steel are designated for piping and by understanding all the
information that should be included on a purchase order.

ASTM and ASME

Both the American Society of Testing and Methods (ASTM) and the
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) publish piping specs.
ASTM and ASME pipe designations for grades of steel are very similar.

For example, A106 B is a spec published by ASTM (the ASME spec would
be SA106 B). The “A” designates a ferrous material. ‘106’ is an arbitrary
number that designates it as a seamless carbon steel pipe suited for high-
temperature service. Then, grades (such as A, B or C) are assigned that
indicate certain characteristics of the steel based on differences in its
chemical makeup and mechanical properties.

Pipe sizes are described by using a pipe chart (ANSI/ASME B36.10 and
API5L) that includes the outside diameter and wall thickness. The outside
diameter can be referred by the nominal pipe size (NPS) or the actual
dimension in inches and the wall by stating the schedule or the actual
thickness in inches.

Note that while ASTM and ASME specs are largely identical, an important
difference is that pipe meant for use in pressure systems sometimes requires
different or additional quality tests before it complies with the ASME
standard.

American Piping Products stocks a full range of A/SA106 and A/SA

53 carbon steel pipe.

AISI and SAE

The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) and the Society of Automotive
Engineers (SAE) share a numbering system to classify steels. AISI/SAE
designations only describe the chemical makeup of a steel. They do not
include manufacturing, heat treating or testing information.

Using 1020 steel as an example, the first digit expresses the steel as a plain
carbon steel. The second digit indicates there are no added alloys. The last
two digits indicate the steel has around 0.20 percent carbon content.

For another example, a popular steel in the piping industry is 4130. The ’41’
indicates the steel contains chromium and molybdenum alloys. The ’30’
indicates the steel has around 0.30 percent carbon content.

Again, AISI/SAE designations only classify steels. For example, a buyer who
says, “I need 100 feet of 4130” has not provided enough information. The
buyer also needs to note specific production and testing information found in
an ASTM or ASME spec to get exactly the pipe they need.

API
Pipe for use in the oil & gas industry are classified by the American
Petroleum Institute’s (API) system.

API 5L is the most common standard to which line pipe in the oil and natural
gas industry is rated. Because that’s merely a standard, additional information
is needed to ensure purchase orders are executed accurately.

API 5L pipe is broken down into PSL1 and PSL2 delivery conditions; those
conditions are further broken down into pipe grades, i.e. Grade B, X42, X52,
X65, etc. Buyers should include the combination of the overarching standard,
the delivery condition and the grade for the API5L pipe they need.
Study grades of steel
Buyers who place incomplete or inaccurate orders put their operations at risk
of delays or cost overruns. When in doubt, consult with an engineer and refer
to the industry standards that govern your application. Also be aware of other
factors that play into your purchase:

 What manufacturer restrictions are in place that may impact your

order?
 Are there any origin restrictions that you need to follow when buying?
 What pipe lengths and end finishes do you need?
 Are there specific chemistry requirements needed for the application?
 Are there age restrictions that may impact your order for export?

Suppliers need detailed purchase orders to ensure you get the right pipe the
first time.

That’s why American Piping Products trains its experts to ask detailed
questions to ensure you identify exactly what you need across all grades of
steel and applications. Download our product catalog to see what we have in
stock, and use this in-depth buyer’s guide as a resource as you consider any
upcoming purchases.

What are ASTM Grades?

ASTM standards define the specific manufacturing process of the material and
determine the exact chemical composition of pipes, fittings and flanges, through
percentages of the permitted quantities of carbon, magnesium, nickel, etc., and are
indicated by "Grade".
For example, a carbon steel pipe can be identified with Grade A or B, a stainless-steel
pipe with Grade TP304 or Grade TP321, a carbon steel fitting with Grade WPB etc..
Below you will find as an example 3 tables with chemical requirements for:
 1. Flanges according to ASTM A182 Grade F304, F304L F316L
2. Pipes according to ASTM A312 Grade TP304, TP304L, TP3016L
3. Fittings according to ASTM A403 Grade WP304, WP304L, WP316L

Furthermore, a table with frequently used ASTM Grades, arranged on Pipes, Fittings,
Flanges, Valves, Bolts & Nuts, which belong together as a group.
As you may be have noted, in the table below, ASTM A105 has no Grade. Sometimes
ASTM A105N is described;
N stands not for Grade, but for normalized. Normalizing is a type of heat treatment,
applicable to ferrous metals only. The purpose of normalizing is to remove the internal
stresses induced by heat treating, casting, forming etc..

CHEMICAL REQUIREMENTS COMPOSITION, %

Flanges according to ASTM A182

Grade C Mn P S Si Ni Cr

F304 0.08 2 0.045 0.03 1 8 - 11 18 - 20

F304L 0.03 2 0.045 0.03 1 8 - 13 18 - 20

F316L 0.03 2 0.045 0.03 1 10 - 15 16 - 18

Note:
Grades F304, F304L, and F316L shall have a maximum Nitrogen content of 0.10%.

Pipes according to ASTM A312

Grade C Mn P S Si Cr Ni

TP 304 0.08 2 0.045 0.03 1 18 - 20 8 - 11

TP 304L 0.035 2 0.045 0.03 1 18 - 20 8 - 13

TP 316L 0.035 2 0.045 0.03 1 16 - 18 10 - 14

Note:
For small diameter or thin walls or both, where many drawing passes are required, a Carbon maximum of 0.040% is
grades TP304L and TP316L. Small outside diameter tubes are defined as those less than 0.50 in. [12.7 mm] in outsid
light wall tubes as those less than 0.049 in. [1.20 mm] in average wall thickness (0.044 in. [1.10 mm] in minimum wal

Fittings according to ASTM A403

Grade C Mn P S Si Ni Cr
(1) (1) (1) (1) (1)
WP 304 0.08 2 0.045 0.03 1 8 - 11 18 - 20

WP 304L 0.03 (2) 2 0.045 0.03 1 8 - 12 18 - 20

WP 316L 0.03 (2) 2 0.045 0.03 1 10 - 14 (3) 16 - 18

Notes:
(1) Maximum, unless otherwise indicated.
(2) For small diameter or thin walls or both, where many drawing passes are required, a Carbon maximum of 0.040%
grades TP304L and TP316L. Small outside diameter tubes are defined as those less than 0.50 in. [12.7 mm] in outsid
light wall tubes as those less than 0.049 in. [1.20 mm] in average wall thickness (0.044 in. [1.10 mm] in minimum wal
(3) On pierced tubing, the Nickel may be 11.0-16.0%.

FREQUENTLY USED ASTM GRADES

Material Pipes Fttg Flg Valves B

Carbon Steel A106 Gr A A234 Gr WPA A105 A216 Gr WCB A

A
A106 Gr B A234 Gr WPB A105 A216 Gr WCB

A106 Gr C A234 Gr WPC A105 A216 Gr WCB

Carbon Steel A335 Gr P1 A234 Gr WP1 A182 Gr F1 A217 Gr WC1 A

Alloy A
A335 Gr P11 A234 Gr WP11 A182 Gr F11 A217 Gr WC6
High-Temp
A335 Gr P12 A234 Gr WP12 A182 Gr F12 A217 Gr WC6

A335 Gr P22 A234 Gr WP22 A182 Gr F22 A217 Gr WC9

A335 Gr P5 A234 Gr WP5 A182 Gr F5 A217 Gr C5

A335 Gr P9 A234 Gr WP9 A182 Gr F9 A217 Gr C12

Carbon Steel A333 Gr 6 A420 Gr WPL6 A350 Gr LF2 A352 Gr LCB A

Alloy A
A333 Gr 3 A420 Gr WPL3 A350 Gr LF3 A352 Gr LC3
Low-Temp

Austenitic A312 Gr TP304 A403 Gr WP304 A182 Gr F304 A182 Gr F304 A

Stainless A
A312 Gr TP316 A403 Gr WP316 A182 Gr F316 A182 Gr F316
Steel
A312 Gr TP321 A403 Gr WP321 A182 Gr F321 A182 Gr F321

A312 Gr TP347 A403 Gr WP347 A182 Gr F347 A182 Gr F347

Material Pipes Fttg Flg Valves B

ASTM Materials
PIPES
 A106 = This specification covers carbon steel pipe for high-temperature service.

 A335 = This specification covers seamless ferritic alloy-steel pipe for high-
temperature service.
 A333 = This specification covers wall seamless and welded carbon and alloy
steel pipe intended for use at low temperatures.
 A312 = Standard specification for seamless, straight-seam welded, and cold
worked welded austenitic stainless steel pipe intended for high-temperature and
general corrosive service.

FTTG
 A234 = This specification covers wrought carbon steel and alloy steel fittings of
seamless and welded construction.
 A420 = Standard specification for piping fittings of wrought carbon steel and alloy
steel for low-temperature service.
 A403 = Standard specification for wrought austenitic stainless steel piping
fittings.

FLANGES
 A105 = This specification covers standards for forged carbon steel piping
components, that is, flanges, fittings, Valves, and similar parts, for use in
pressure systems at ambient and higher-temperature service conditions.
 A182 = This specification covers forged or rolled alloy and stainless steel pipe
flanges, forged fittings, and Valves and parts for high-temperature service.
 A350 = This specification covers several grades of carbon and low alloy steel
forged or ring-rolled flanges, forged fittings and Valves for low-temperature
service.

VALVES
  A216 = This specification covers carbon steel castings for Valves, flanges,
fittings, or other pressure-containing parts for high-temperature service and of
quality suitable for assembly with other castings or wrought-steel parts by fusion
welding.
 A217 = This specification covers steel castings, martensitic stainless steel and
alloys steel castings for Valves, flanges, fittings, and other pressure-containing
parts intended primarily for high-temperature and corrosive service.
 A352 = This specification covers steel castings for Valves, flanges, fittings, and
other pressure-containing parts intended primarily for low-temperature service.
 A182 = This specification covers forged or rolled alloy and stainless steel pipe
flanges, forged fittings, and Valves and parts for high-temperature service.

BOLTS & NUTS
 A193 = This specification covers alloy and stainless steel bolting material for
pressure vessels, Valves, flanges, and fittings for high temperature or high
pressure service, or other special purpose applications.
 A320 = Standard Specification for Alloy-Steel and Stainless Steel Bolting
Materials for Low-Temperature Service.
 A194 = Standard specification for nuts in many different material types.

Steel for tubes and pipelines

According to standard EN 10020, steel is defined as a material, where the weight percentage of iron
is higher than that of any other element, and carbon content (C) is less than 2%, which is the usual
boundary between steel and cast iron.

Marking system for steel pipes according to EN

EN 10027 – 1 system of reduced marking, the basic symbols.
EN ECISS IC10 additional symbols.
EN 10027 – 2 system of numerical marking.

According to EN 10027-1 standard steel markings are divided into two main groups:

Group 1 - steels marked by the use and its mechanical properties

S steels for constructions for general use

P steels for pressure purposes
L steels for pipelines
E steels for machine parts (the number indicates the minimum yield strength in N/mm2)
B steels for concrete reinforcement
Y steels for stress reinforcement in concrete
R steels for rails
H flat cold-rolled products
D flat products of mild steel for cold forming
T sheets and strips
M sheets and strips for electrical engineering

S – steels for construction for general use

(e.g. S235JRH, S355J2H, S420NLH)
- 235 – minimum yield strength in N/mm2

for general use 

J – value of impact strength (27J)
R – ambient temperature, 0 – temperature 0°C, 2 – temperature -20°C
H – hollow profile (Hollow Section)

for fine grain steels – basic series 

N – normalized structure 
H – hollow profile 
for fine grain steels – low temperature series 
N – normalized structure 
L – low temperature series (Low)
H – hollow profile

P - Steel for pressure purpose

(e.g. P235TR1, P265GH)
235 - minimum yield strength in N/mm2

T - steel for tubes (T - tube)

R - ambient temperature (R - room temperature)
H - high temperature
L - low Temperature
N - normalized or formed
1, 2 - quality group 
TR1 – steels for tubes for transporting media
TR2 – steels for tubes for pressure equipment and pipelines (PED, AD 2000 Merkblatt)
G - general characteristics, notice for the second character

L - steels for pipeline tubes

(e.g. L210GA, L245NB)
210 - minimum yield strength in N/mm2

G - General, general characteristics, a letter for notice of the following significance in the second
character
A - grade requirements for pipeline tubes
N - steel normalized or formed
Q – heat treated steel
M - steel, thermomechanically rolled
B - grade requirements for pipeline tubes(napr. L210GA, L245NB)

E – steels for machine parts

Steels for tubes for machining - E355 + AR, E 355 + N:
- 355 – minimum yield strength 

+ AR – no heat treatment is required 

+ N – normalized (annealed) or rolled 

Steel marked according to chemical composition, for example. 20MnV6

- guaranteed mean content of C 0.20%, guaranteed content of Mn and V
+ AR – no heat treatment is required 
+ N – normalized (annealed) or rolled 

Steels for machining without subsequent heat treatment

unalloyed steel E235, E275, E315, E355, state +AR or + N

Steels with specified impact strength properties (fine grain) E275K2, E355K2
- K2 - guaranteed value of impact strength 40J (K) at -20 ° C temperature

Steels for thermal and chemical-heat treatment of parts after machining 

- steels type C22E (C - steel with carbon content 0.22%, E - indicates the maximum controlled
content of S and P)
- steel 38Mn6 (guaranteed medium content of C and guaranteed content of Mn)

Group 2 - steels marked according to chemical composition (4 subgroups)

Non-alloy steel
(with the exception of free-cutting steel)
letter C and the number corresponding to 100 times the mean range value specified for the content
of carbon (C22)

Non-alloy steel
containing Mn> 1% and alloy steels content of individual alloying elements below 5%
a) number corresponding to 100 times the carbon content
b) chemical symbols of alloying elements in order of decreasing content of elements
c) numbers are set up by the alloying elements content (25CrMo4)

Alloy steels containing min. of one element over 5%

a) characteristic letter X (X11CrMo9-1)
b) number - 100-times the mean of carbon content
c) the chemical symbols of alloying elements
d) numbers which are set up according to the alloying elements content

High speed cutting steel – marking

a) characteristic letters HS (HS 6-5-2)
b) numbers which are set up by the alloying elements content

The EN ECISS IC10 Standard provides additional symbols for steels (Groups 1 and 2). These
symbols are placed at the end of the mark of the steel (S 275 J0).
In addition, symbols are added to steel products. These are separated from the previous symbols by
a plus sign (S 275 J0+A).

Symbols for steel tubes

G - other characteristics (depending upon the need 1 or 2 digits)
H - hollow profile if necessary steel for higher temperatures according to the type of steel (S, P)
L - steel for low temperature
R - steel for standard temperature (ambient temperature)
M - thermomechanically rolled
N - normalized or normalized rolled
Q – heat treated
T - steel for tubes

EN 10027-2 contains the system of numerical marking.

The first number is 1 - steel, followed by two digits steel group and of the serial number of steel.

Carbon equivalent
Based on the agreement maximum value of carbon equivalent (CEV) as a measure of the weldability
of steel according to the formula may be set up: 
CEQ = C + Mn /6 + (Cr + Mo + V)/5 + (Ni + Cu)/15

High Yield Seamless Carbon Steel Pipe

API 5L Seamless Pipe – Grades B, X42, X52, X60, X65, X70
We can help supply all of the High Yield Seamless API 5L steel pipe or line pipe supplies that
your company needs for use in the oil or natural gas industries. API 5L Line Pipe Specifications
for these pipes regulate usage for standard Grade A and Grade B pipes, with Grade X
indicating stronger variants for drilling, production, and transport requirements for offshore,
arctic, deep well or harsher environments. Let Worldwide Pipe and Supply help you with your
pipeline requirements.
Worldwide Pipe & Supply stocks & supplies Seamless High Yield Carbon Pipe from mills on
most major AML’s. We will help you get the materials you need to complete your project on time
and on budget.Because we supply API 5L GR B seamless pipe, we can accommodate your
project. Our selection of carbon steel seamless pipes is wide including different sizes and
grades depending on your application. Contact us if you need help finding the steel pipe you
need. 
  Size Range: 2" - 26"
 Schedules: STD, XH, 40, 80, 100, 120, 160, XXH
 Additional Services: Fusion Bond Epoxy, ARO, 3LPE, Tar Epoxy

API 5L Seamless Steel Pipe

High Yield Carbon Steel API 5L Seamless – Grades B, X42, X52, X60, X65, X70

API 5L Seamless Steel Pipe Chemical Composition & Grades

Gr Chemical Composition
ad
e

    C S M P S V N Ti
i n b

API 5L 0. 0. 1. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0.
X42 1 4 6 02 01 0 0 0
6 5 5 0 0 7 5 4

API 5L 0. 0. 1. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0.
X52 1 4 6 02 01 0 0 0
6 5 5 0 0 7 5 4

API 5L 0. 0. 1. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0.
X60 1 4 6 02 01 0 0 0
6 5 5 0 0 8 5 4

API 5L 0. 0. 1. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0.
X65 1 4 6 02 01 0 0 0
6 5 5 0 0 9 5 6

API 5L 0. 0. 1. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0.
X70 1 4 7 02 01 1 0 0
7 5 5 0 0 0 5 6

API 5L Seamless Steel Pipe Yield and Tensile Strength

Gr Yield Tensile Yield to Elong
ad Strength Strength  Tensile  ation
e

     min. min. (KSI) Ratio %

(KSI) (max)
API 5L 42 60 0.93 23
X42

API 5L 52 66 0.93 21
X52

API 5L 60 75 0.93 23
X60

API 5L 65 77 0.93 18
X65

API 5L 70 82 0.93 17
X70

Components Used in Piping Systems

1 Comment

Table of contents:

Pipe system components

Types of pipes
Pipe joints methods
Pipe materials
A Piping System is an assembly of various components put together with a proper method
of joints, functionally to transport fluid from its source to destination. The different
components put together are defined as piping components.
They are designed for withstanding the operating and design conditions specified in the
process parameters. Each component used in piping systems are specified in piping
specification.
Pipe system components used are

1. Pipe
2. Pipe fittings
3. Flanges
4. Gaskets
5. Bolting
6. Valves
7. Specialities
Pipe:

Pipe is a tubular product used to convey a fluid. The pipe sizes are generally identified
as nominal bore (NB) or nominal pipe size (NPS). Pipes have fixed outside diameter (O/D)
and variable inside diameter based on the thickness selected.
The codes used for pipe selection are
ASME B 36.10- Welded and seamless wrought steel pipes
ASME B 36.9- Stainless steel pipes

The different sizes and thickness which are available are specified in above standards.
Thickness of pipe is generally designated by schedule no. and the corresponding thickness
specified.
Types of pipes:
1. Seamless:
Pipe produced by piercing a billet followed by rolling or drawing or both.
They are used for high pressure applications.
2. Welded:
a. Electric fusion welded (EFW): Pipes carrying a single or double longitudinal but weld
joined wherein coalescence is produced by manual or automatic electric arc welding in the
preformed tube.
b. Electric resistance welded: (ERW): Pipe carrying ongitudinal but weld joined wherein
coalescence is produced by heat obtained from resistance of the pipe to flow of electric
current in a circuit of which the pipe is a part and by application of pressure.
3. Forged and bored:
Pipes prepared by forging and then boring to the desired thickness.
Various methods of pipe joints:
1. Butt weld pipe joints
2. Socket weld pipe joints
3. Screwed pipe joints
4. Flanged pipe joints
5. Spigot socket pipe joints

Generally used pipe materials are

Carbon steel:
ASTM A53- welded and seamless pipe, black and galvanised.
ASTM A106- Seamless cs pipe for high temperature services.
ASTM A672- Electric fusion welded steel pipe for high pressure service at moderate
temperature services.
Stainless steel:
ASTM A312- Seamless and welded steel pipe for low temperature services.
A409-welded large diameter austenitic steel pipe for corrosive and high temperature
services.
ASTM A358- Electric fusion welded austenitic chrome -nickel steel pipe for high
temperature services.
Low alloy steel:
ASTM A335- Seamless ferritic alloy steel pipe for high temperature services.
ASTM A691- Carbon and alloy steel pipe, electric fusion welded for high pressure service at
high temperature.
Low temperature carbon steel:
ASTM A333- Seamless and welded steel pipe for low temperature services.
ASTM A671- Electric fusion welded steel pipe for atmpospheric and low temperature
services(sizes >=16in NB)

Pipe
Basics of Pipe for Oil & Gas Engineer. 
To fully understand about pipe class and piping specification you must know basics of
the piping.

Pipe covers a very large part of any process plant. If you look at the Oil Exploration
platform, Refinery and Petrochemical complex one thing that catches the attention is
a complex network of piping. Piping is used to transport various process materials
from one equipment to another. But why?

Process Plant is a place where a series of activities are performed in particular

ordered to convert raw material into a useful product. Interconnected pipe and pipe
components are used to transport raw material, intermediated product and final
product to the desired location

What is Pipe?
The pipe is a straight pressure tight cylindrical hollow, used in the piping system to
transport liquid, gas and sometimes solids.

Classification of Pipes (Types of Pipe Used in Oil and

Gas)
Different types of pipes used in various design conditions, considering technical and
commercial parameters. For small & medium sizes requirement, seamless pipes are
more popular whereas, for larger diameter, welded pipes are more economical.

Based on the way pipe manufacturing, Pipes are mainly classified into two categories
seamless and welded. Welded pipes are further classified based on the method of
welding. There are two ways to weld pipe 1st is with filler metal and 2nd is without
filler metal.

Submerged Arc Welding process is with filler metal welding whereas ERW/EFW and
HFW are no filler welding methods to weld the pipe. SAW pipes are further classified
as straight seam and spiral seam pipe. Straight seam pipes are also known as L-SAW or
long seam SAW pipes. Medium diameter straight SAW pipe has single seam whereas
large diameter pipe has a two-weld seam.

Check the image below for the easy understanding.

Pipe Classification
What is Pipe Class?
Piping class or Pipe Class is a document that specifies the type of the components
such as a type of pipe, schedule, material, flange ratings, branch types, valve types
and valve trim material, gasket and all the other components specific requirements to
be used for different fluids under different operating conditions in a plant.

Pipe class is developed considering Operating Pressure, temperature and corrosive

environment. Different material specifications are segregated in separate “Piping
Class”.  Pipe class is part of the Piping specification.
Shortcode is used to cover all the information applicable to the given pipe class. This
pipe class is also included in the line number so that field construction engineer can
easily identify the material required.
Check the link for the example of a piping class specification.

You can watch this video, where I have explained the above Pipe class in great
detail.

What is piping Specifications?

Piping Specifications are technical documents that are generated by private
companies to address additional requirements applicable to a specific product or
application.

Piping Specs provides specific/additional requirements for the materials, components

or services that are beyond the code and standard requirements. For Example, if you
want A106 Gr B pipe with Maximum carbon of 0.23% against standard requirements of
0.3% Max, you must be specified this requirement in your purchase specification.

Why did Specification require?

 It allows a purchaser to include special requirements as per design and service

condition.
 It also allows customization of the product.
 Please note requirement in the specification is Must meet requirements.

Normally, oil & gas facilities generate their own specification during FEED stage that
is front-end engineering and design or sometimes uses readily available specification
from well-established company such as Shell, Bechtel, EIL and chevron.

What is Piping Components?

Piping Components are mechanical elements suitable for joining or assembling into a
pressure tight fluid containing piping system. Components include pipes, tubes,
fittings, flanges, gaskets, bolt-nuts, valves, expansion joints, hose pipes, traps,
strainers, separators, control valves, safety valves, blind flanges, spectacle blinds and
drip rings etc.

What is Piping System?

Piping System can define as when piping components are joined together to perform
some specific activities such as convey, distribute, mix, separate, discharge, meter,
control, or stop the fluid flows is known as a piping system.

If you want to become an expert in piping components you can buy my full course
that covers all details related to piping components.

Pipe Dimension
Pipe dimensions are given in size and schedule number. Three different terms are
commonly used to define the size of the pipes.

 NPS – Nominal Pipe Size

 NB – Nominal Bore
 DN – Diameter Nominal
Pipe Size NPS NB DN
You can check the complete guide on Pipe Size and Schedule (Click on the link) for in-
depth understanding.

Dimensions of the pipes are covered in following Standard

 ASME B36.10 – Welded and Seamless Wrought Steel Pipe (Carbon & Alloy Steel)
 ASME B36.19 – Stainless Steel Pipe

What is Small Bore Pipe and Large Bore Pipe?

In the project, you will come across the terms such as small Bore & big bore or large
bore pipe.

Small Bore Pipe

Pipe Size up to 2” are considered small bore pipe. However, some company
considered up to 2.5″ pipe as a small bore.

Large Bore Pipe (Big Bore Pipe)

Pipe Size above 2″ are considered large bore or big bore pipe

Pipe Length
Pipe length is mentioned in either meter or feet. During production, pipes are not
manufactured in same lengths, and during construction of process plant, you required
various lengths of pipes. To address this issue standard has defined pipe lengths in
single random and double random categories.

Single random pipes:

These pipes come in 4.8m to 6.7m in lengths with 5% of lengths in between 3.7 to 4.8
m

Double random pipes:

These pipes have a minimum average of 10.7 m and a minimum length of 4.8 m with 5
% of lengths in between 4.8 m to 10.7 m

Pipe End
Pipes come in following end types

Plain Ends – This kind of end are used when socket type weld fittings are used.
Advantages

1. Easier Alignment than butt welding

2. No weld metal intrusion into a bore

Disadvantages

1. The 1/16″(1.5 mm) recess pockets liquid

2. Use not permitted by code if Severe Erosion or Crevice Corrosion is anticipated.

Beveled Ends – This kind of end are used when butt type weld fittings are used.
Advantages

1. The most practical way of joining big bore piping

2. Reliable leak-proof joint
3. Joint can be radiographed

Disadvantages

1. Weld intrusion will affect the flow

2. End preparation is necessary

Threaded Ends – This kind of end are used with threaded connections in a piping
system.
Advantages

1. Easily made at the site

2. Can be used where welding is not permitted due to fire hazard

Disadvantages

1. Joint may leak when not properly sealed

2. Use not permitted by code if severe erosion, crevice corrosion, shock or
vibration are anticipated.
3. A strength of pipe is reduced as threads reduce the wall thickness
 4. Seal welding may be required
5. The code specifies that seal welding shall not be considered to contribute for
the strength of joint

Socket & Spigot Ends – This type of end generally used in Ductile iron pipeline and
non-metallic piping pipeline such as PVC, GRE/GRP.

Advantages

1. Can be easily made at the site.

2. Can accept misalignment up to 10° at pipe joints.

Disadvantages

1. Suitable for low pressure application.

2. Special configuration at pipe ends required.

Flanged Ends – Use where a bolted connection is required.

 Ad
vantages

1. Can be easily made at the site

2. Can be used where welding is not permitted due to material properties or fire
hazard.
3. Dismantling is very easy

Disadvantages

1. It is a point of potential leakage

2. Cannot be used when piping is subjected to high bending moment.
Buttress Ends – Used in glass piping and are joined by bolting with the use of backing
flanges.

1. Used only for glass piping and not capable of holding high pressure.