Piping Systems Course

Lesson 1 • Fluid Flow Principles

Introduces pressure, velocity, flow rate, and viscosity as they apply to piping. These concepts underpin system sizing and design decisions.

Lesson 2 • Industry Standards and Codes

Introduces regulatory frameworks, dimensional standards, and pressure ratings governing piping. Compliance ensures safety and interoperability across systems.

Lesson 3 • Piping System Components

Identifies and describes pipes, fittings, flanges, valves, and supports. Component recognition is essential for reading drawings and performing installations.

Lesson 4 • Piping Materials Overview

Surveys common materials including carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, and plastics. Material selection directly affects system performance and longevity.

Lesson 1 • Isometric Drawings and Spools

Teaches isometric drawing interpretation for fabrication and installation. Spool drawings translate design into field-ready pipe segments.

Lesson 2 • Engineering Drawing Basics

Reviews orthographic projection, scale, and drawing conventions used in piping. Accurate drawing interpretation is the gateway to all field and design work.

Lesson 3 • Piping Specifications and Data Sheets

Covers piping class specifications, material requisitions, and data sheets. Specifications define allowable materials and components for each service.

Lesson 4 • Reading Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams

Explains P&ID symbols, line designations, and instrument tags. P&IDs are the primary reference document for system operation and modification.

Lesson 1 • Flow Equations and Continuity

Applies the continuity equation and Bernoulli's principle to piping flow problems. These equations form the mathematical basis for all sizing work.

Lesson 2 • Pipe Sizing for Gas and Vapor Services

Addresses compressible flow considerations for gas and steam piping. Gas sizing requires additional factors not present in liquid calculations.

Lesson 3 • Pressure Drop Calculations

Calculates friction losses using the Darcy-Weisbach equation and Moody diagram. Accurate pressure drop data drives pump and compressor selection.

Lesson 4 • Pipe Sizing for Liquid Services

Determines pipe diameter for liquid systems based on velocity and pressure criteria. Proper sizing prevents erosion, noise, and excessive energy loss.

Lesson 1 • Pipe Rack and Sleeper Design

Covers the layout of pipe racks, sleepers, and overhead structures for pipe support. Rack design balances structural load, thermal movement, and future capacity.

Lesson 2 • Routing Principles and Constraints

Establishes rules for pipe routing including clearances, accessibility, and gravity drainage. Good routing reduces installed cost and simplifies maintenance.

Lesson 3 • Underground and Buried Piping Routing

Covers depth, bedding, and separation requirements for buried piping systems. Underground routing introduces unique corrosion and loading considerations.

Lesson 4 • Valve and Instrument Placement

Positions isolation, control, and safety valves for operability and maintenance access. Instrument placement affects measurement accuracy and system reliability.

Lesson 1 • Allowable Stress and Code Limits

Explains allowable stress values, stress intensification factors, and code compliance checks. Staying within limits prevents fatigue failure and leakage.

Lesson 2 • Thermal Expansion and Flexibility

Calculates thermal growth and designs expansion loops, offsets, and bends. Adequate flexibility absorbs movement without overstressing pipe or equipment.

Lesson 3 • Computer-Aided Stress Analysis

Introduces stress analysis software workflows, model building, and output interpretation. Software tools enable rapid evaluation of complex piping configurations.

Lesson 4 • Sources of Piping Loads

Identifies sustained, thermal, occasional, and dynamic load categories in piping. Load classification determines the applicable stress limits and analysis method.

Lesson 1 • Mechanical and Specialty Joining

Covers grooved couplings, compression fittings, solvent cement, and brazing. Specialty methods serve specific materials, pressures, and installation conditions.

Lesson 2 • Pipe Cutting and Preparation

Covers cutting methods, end preparation, and dimensional tolerances for pipe fabrication. Proper preparation is critical to joint quality and weld integrity.

Lesson 3 • Flanged and Threaded Connections

Explains flange types, gasket selection, bolt torquing, and threaded joint assembly. Mechanical joints must be correctly assembled to prevent leakage under pressure.

Lesson 4 • Welding Processes for Piping

Describes SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, and SAW processes used in piping fabrication. Process selection affects joint quality, productivity, and position capability.

Lesson 1 • Flushing, Cleaning, and Pre-Commissioning

Covers flushing procedures, chemical cleaning, and pre-commissioning checks. Cleanliness protects downstream equipment and ensures safe initial operation.

Lesson 2 • Field Installation Procedures

Covers spool erection, alignment, and bolting sequences for field installation. Correct field practice ensures stress-free assembly and proper support engagement.

Lesson 3 • Pipe Support Installation

Details the installation of structural attachments, clamps, and spring hangers in the field. Support installation must match design drawings to control loads correctly.

Lesson 4 • Hydrostatic and Pneumatic Pressure Testing

Explains test pressure calculation, isolation, filling, and acceptance criteria. Pressure testing confirms system integrity prior to introduction of process fluid.

Lesson 1 • Valve and Equipment Maintenance

Covers valve packing replacement, actuator servicing, and strainer cleaning. Routine maintenance prevents unplanned shutdowns and extends component life.

Lesson 2 • Corrosion Mechanisms and Prevention

Identifies internal and external corrosion mechanisms and mitigation strategies. Corrosion is the leading cause of piping failures and must be actively managed.

Lesson 3 • Troubleshooting and Integrity Management

Diagnoses leaks, vibration, blockages, and flow anomalies using systematic methods. Integrity management programs extend asset life and reduce unplanned failures.

Lesson 4 • System Startup and Shutdown Procedures

Defines controlled startup and shutdown sequences to prevent thermal shock and water hammer. Proper sequencing protects equipment and maintains system integrity.