Piping Design and Engineering Course

Lesson 1 • Piping Components and Their Functions

Surveys fittings, flanges, valves, and supports as system building blocks. Understanding component function is prerequisite to layout and specification work.

Lesson 2 • Core Piping Terminology and Concepts

Defines essential vocabulary: pipe vs. tube, nominal pipe size, schedule, and pressure class. Accurate terminology underpins every design and specification task.

Lesson 3 • Applicable Codes and Standards Framework

Explains the hierarchy of international piping codes, standards bodies, and regulatory requirements. Compliance awareness is compulsory before any design work begins.

Lesson 4 • Piping Materials Fundamentals

Covers carbon steel, stainless steel, alloys, and non-metallic options with selection drivers. Material choice directly affects cost, safety, and service life.

Lesson 1 • Document Control and Revision Management

Addresses drawing numbering systems, revision clouds, and transmittal procedures. Proper document control prevents costly construction errors.

Lesson 2 • Engineering Drawing Conventions

Covers orthographic projection, line types, scales, and title block requirements. These conventions are the universal language of all piping documentation.

Lesson 3 • Isometric Drawings and Spool Sheets

Covers isometric drawing production, bill of materials, and fabrication spool sheets. Isometrics drive material procurement and shop fabrication.

Lesson 4 • Piping General Arrangement Drawings

Explains plan, elevation, and section views used in general arrangement drawings. GA drawings translate P&ID intent into physical spatial layouts.

Lesson 1 • Piping Class and Specification Structure

Explains how pipe classes are organised by pressure rating, material, and service. Pipe classes are the primary tool for standardising component selection across a project.

Lesson 2 • Gasket and Fastener Selection

Details gasket types, materials, and bolt load requirements for flanged joints. Proper selection ensures leak-free joints across the full operating range.

Lesson 3 • Material Selection for Process Services

Applies corrosion, temperature, and fluid compatibility criteria to material decisions. Correct selection prevents in-service failures and reduces lifecycle cost.

Lesson 4 • Valve and Specialty Item Specification

Covers valve datasheets, actuator requirements, and specialty item procurement. Valve specifications directly affect process control and safety system performance.

Lesson 1 • Pump and Compressor System Hydraulics

Analyses system curves, NPSH requirements, and compressor suction conditions. Correct hydraulic design prevents cavitation and ensures reliable rotating equipment operation.

Lesson 2 • Pipe Sizing Criteria and Velocity Limits

Establishes velocity limits for liquids, gases, and two-phase flow to prevent erosion and noise. Sizing criteria balance hydraulic efficiency with mechanical integrity.

Lesson 3 • Pressure Drop Calculation Methods

Covers Darcy-Weisbach, Hazen-Williams, and equivalent length methods for friction loss. Accurate pressure drop prediction ensures adequate flow and avoids over-design.

Lesson 4 • Fluid Flow Fundamentals

Reviews continuity, Bernoulli, and Reynolds number concepts as applied to piping. These principles are the analytical foundation for all hydraulic sizing work.

Lesson 1 • Wall Thickness Calculation Procedure

Applies the standard thickness formula including mill tolerance, corrosion, and thread allowances. Systematic calculation prevents under-design and unnecessary material cost.

Lesson 2 • Pressure Design Principles

Explains hoop stress, design pressure, and allowable stress as the basis for wall thickness. These principles apply universally across all pressure piping code families.

Lesson 3 • Pressure Testing and Leak Testing

Defines hydrostatic, pneumatic, and sensitive leak test requirements and acceptance criteria. Pressure testing is the final verification of pressure boundary integrity before commissioning.

Lesson 4 • Bends, Elbows, and Reducers Under Pressure

Addresses pressure design of curved pipe, mitered bends, and reducers. Component geometry creates stress intensification that must be accounted for in design.

Lesson 1 • Valve and Instrument Accessibility

Establishes elevation and reach criteria for manual valves, control valves, and instruments. Inaccessible valves and instruments create operational and safety hazards.

Lesson 2 • 3D Model Development and Review

Guides the progression from preliminary routing to clash-checked 3D model and design review. 3D models are the primary deliverable for construction and procurement.

Lesson 3 • Pipe Rack and Sleeper Design

Addresses pipe rack tier layout, line spacing, and thermal expansion accommodation. Pipe racks carry the majority of plant piping and must be efficiently organised.

Lesson 4 • Equipment Piping Layout Principles

Applies layout rules for pumps, compressors, heat exchangers, and vessels. Equipment-specific layout rules ensure operability, maintenance access, and stress compliance.

Lesson 1 • Flexibility Analysis Methods

Covers simplified span tables, guided cantilever method, and computer-based analysis. Method selection depends on system complexity and code requirements.

Lesson 2 • Pipe Support Design and Placement

Establishes support span limits, anchor and guide placement, and spring hanger selection. Support design controls deflection, vibration, and load transfer to structures.

Lesson 3 • Expansion Loops and Expansion Joints

Designs L-shaped offsets, U-loops, and bellows expansion joints for thermal growth. Proper flexibility design protects equipment nozzles and structural attachments.

Lesson 4 • Nozzle Load Evaluation and Equipment Protection

Evaluates allowable nozzle loads for pumps, vessels, and heat exchangers. Excessive nozzle loads cause misalignment, seal failure, and equipment damage.

Lesson 1 • Field Erection and Construction Sequence

Addresses spool erection sequence, field fit-up, and construction interface management. Proper sequencing minimises rework and supports safe construction site operations.

Lesson 2 • Flushing, Cleaning, and Pre-commissioning

Covers hydroflushing, chemical cleaning, and pre-commissioning punch list resolution. System cleanliness is critical to protecting rotating equipment and instrumentation.

Lesson 3 • Weld Inspection and NDE Methods

Explains radiographic, ultrasonic, magnetic particle, and liquid penetrant examination. NDE method selection is driven by material, joint type, and code requirements.

Lesson 4 • Commissioning and Startup Support

Defines the piping engineer's role during system startup, leak checks, and performance verification. Active commissioning support ensures safe and efficient first operation.