Becht Engineering staff are experts in piping, and include former chairman of various ASME piping committees, including ASME B31.3. Becht Engineering performs detailed design for complex piping systems including very high temperature and pressure systems such as piping for FCC flue gas expanders and high pressure LDPE systems, as well as design, analysis, troubleshooting and fitness for service evaluation of piping.
The evaluation of wall thinning corrosion in steel pipes is addressed in three ASME XI code cases: N-513, N-597, and N-806. I have no ambition here other than to summarize in a table the differences between these three code cases. A brief commentary follows the table. The brief commentary… Line A – While these are […]
The NRC Inspection Manual Chapter 0326 refers to ASME III Appendix F as an acceptable method for the evaluation of “a degradation or nonconformance associated with piping or pipe supports …”. Appendix F provides five alternative methods for the qualification of pressure equipment, piping, and their supports. They are: (1) elastic analysis, (2) plastic analysis, (3) limit collapse analysis, […]
Download/View as PDF Summary – This article assists engineers in selecting ASME XI options for the repair of ASME III nuclear components. In summary, the repair options in ASME XI are dispersed throughout Section XI and Code Cases, while, in contrast, the ASME PCC-2 repair standard (for non-safety related components) lists repair options in a […]
The evaluation of the effects of surcharge loads on buried pipes can be addressed using the Iowa formula. This formula, over 100 years old, matches the results of state-of-the-art finite element analysis with pipe-soil interaction. In 1913, Iowa State University professors Marston and Anderson published the results of their experimental work on the resistance of […]
Settlement of a pipe support foundation is usually not a big deal to assess. A local piping flexibility model will reveal if the settled support keeps the pipe bending stresses within the allowable codes and, if the bending stresses are unacceptable, modifying the support and monitor periodically for further settlement is normally a quite manageable […]
With the advancements in dimensional technology, obtaining accurate measurements at the worksite has become common practice for most owners and engineering companies. New and replacement piping is being designed from behind desks without the designer visiting the worksite. This means there is no need for string lines, tape measures, or auto levels to obtain measurements […]
In addition to the many clarifications, updated references to codes and standards, updates to basic allowable stresses, and added listed materials, there are several substantive changes to the 2016 Edition of ASME B31.3, Process Piping, which is scheduled to be issued on January 4, 2017. These changes are: Severe Cyclic Conditions The definition for severe […]
Have you noticed, looking at the famous ASME B31.1 support spacing Table 121.5, that the spacing between pipe supports is roughly “size + 10”, in other words, the spacing between supports on an 1 inch instrument tubing would be “1 + 10” = 11 ft, while the spacing on a 6 inch line for example […]
In addition to the many clarifications, updated references to codes and standards, updates to basic allowable stresses, and added listed materials, there are several substantive changes to the 2014 Edition of ASME B31.3, Process Piping. These changes are: Category M Fluid Service The definition was revised in the 2014 edition to provide better guidance on […]
Buried steel pipe is prone to pitting due to external (soil-side) corrosion and internal (water-side) corrosion and biofouling. Preventive and mitigative measures include periodic inspection, cleaning, chemical and biocide treatments, and repairs. A cost-effective alternative consists in replacing the buried steel pipe with a non-metallic pipe, in particular high density polyethylene (HDPE). This alternative, widely […]
