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CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction

2.0 Custodian

3.0 Purpose

4.0 Application

5.0 General

6.0 Piping Design

6.1 Design Basis

6.2 Design Conditions
6.3 Future Operating Conditions
6.4 Sizing Criteria
6.5 Sizing Criteria for Liquid Lines
6.6 Sizing Criteria for Single Phase Gas Lines
6.7 Sizing Criteria for Gas/Liquid Two Phase Lines
6.8 Pressure Design
6.9 High Pressure Piping
6.10 Flexibility and Dynamic Analysis
6.11 Small Bore Piping

7.0 General Piping Layout and Arrangement

7.1 General Piping

7.2 Maintenance and Operability
7.3 Corrosion Considerations

8.0 Piping Component Arrangement

8.1 General valve Arrangement

8.2 General Component Arrangement

9.0 Design Consideration for Specific piping Systems

9.1 General
9.2 Compressor piping
9.3 Pump Piping
9.4 Vessel Piping
9.5 Pressure relief Piping
9.6 Utility Piping
9.7 Fired Equipment Piping
9.8 Exchanger Piping
9.9 Atmospheric Storage Tanks
9.10 Sample Point, Vent Instrument, and Drain Connections
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10.0 Piping Supports

10.1 General
10.2 Spring Supports
10.3 Supporting Insulating Lines
10.4 Corrosion Considerations

11.0 Offshore Platform Piping to – API RP 14E

12.0 Approval to Deviate

13.0 Revision History

14.0 Glossary

15.0 Bibliography

Appendix A - Modifications to ASME B31.3 Chapter II

Appendix B – Modifications to API RP 14E

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1.0 Introduction

This Design Guide defines the basic requirements for the design of onshore piping systems and
offshore platform piping, in accordance with ASME B31.3. Some piping systems, however,
are not covered in this guide. These include boiler external piping, in accordance with ASME
B31.1; plus platform risers, piping associated with drilling operations, and pipelines and
related facilities designed in accordance with ASME B31.4, and ASME B31.8.

2.0 Custodian

The Custodian of this guideline is EE, who is responsible for the accuracy and quality of its
contents and for its future revisions, where these are required to reflect industry trends or
changes to QGPC business practices.

3.0 Purpose

The purpose of this guide is to define the QGPC’s basic requirements for the design of
onshore piping systems and offshore platform piping, in accordance with ASME B31.3. Some
piping systems, however, are not covered in this guide.

For example, platform risers and piping associated with drilling operations shall be designed
in accordance with ASME B31.4/31.8 and ASME B31.3 respectively.

4.0 Application

This guideline shall be used by project teams, business units and Contractors or Consultants
employed by them. This guide shall form part of the design specification for the new projects
(both Greenfield and Brownfield projects).

5.0 General

5.1 Piping design shall be in accordance with this design guide and ASME B31.3, except where
superseded by more stringent local regulations. Incase of conflict between QGPC guides and
ASME B31.3, the most stringent requirement shall apply.

5.2 Offshore platform piping shall conform to the requirements of this design guide and those of
API RP 14E, as specified in Section 11 of this guide.

5.3 The piping materials for sour service shall comply with QGPC Standard 153 (Material for
Sour Service) together with NACE Standards MR 01-75.

5.4 Use of this design guide requires that the designer have a working knowledge of ASME B31.3
Chapter II, for all piping, and API RP 14E, for offshore piping.
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6.0 Piping Design

6.1 Design Basis

Prerequisite for piping design calls for detailed information on the fluid characteristics and
property data, mass and volumetric flowrates, and pressures and temperatures for each
stream. This information is based on requirements found in the Process Flow Diagram (PFD),
Piping and Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID), Mechanical Flow Diagram (MFD), Utility Flow
Diagrams (UFD), and other sources. These requirements directly determine piping design.
Other job specific considerations, such as layout, safety, environmental, and local regulatory
requirements, may also have an impact on piping design. The engineer should review all
applicable design information for completeness and accuracy, as it sets the basis for piping
and mechanical design.

6.2 Design Conditions

The most severe combination of coincident pressures and temperatures normally determines
design conditions that comply with ASME B31.3, Sections 301.2 and 301.3. Design
conditions are defined as follows:

6.2.1 Design Pressure - The design pressure of each component in a piping system shall be not less
than:

• When the pressure is not limited by a relieving device: the maximum pressure, which can
be attained in service.

• When the pressure is limited by a relieving device: the maximum pressure that will exist in
the piping system when the pressure relieving device starts to relieve or the set pressure of
the pressure relieving device, whichever is greater.

6.2.2 LNG rundown, loading, and circulation lines, as well as boil-off gas lines, shall be designed
for full vacuum to enable vacuum drying during commissioning (wall thickness may be
increased to avoid the use of stiffeners).

6.2.3 Operating Pressure - The maximum process pressure shown on the PFD.

Piping downstream of equipment, such as exchangers and control valves, should be designed
for the upstream pressure, if the pressure can increase because of downstream fouling or
inadvertent closing of a valve.

Pumps and compressors not protected by a relief valve should be designed for the blocked-in
maximum discharge pressure. Consideration should also be given to conditions outside of the
process area that can cause pressure increases, such as closure of a downstream valve.

The design pressure of lines containing liquefied gases (propane, butane, ammonia, and
similar products) shall permit setting the relief valves high enough to prevent boiloff of line
contents.

6.2.4 Design Temperature - The highest or lowest temperature to which the piping system is
subjected; for example:
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• Design temperatures for piping systems shall be equal to the maximum and minimum
operating temperatures to which the piping will be subjected.

• Metal temperature due to solar radiation.

• The lowest temperature that may be caused by auto-refrigeration.

6.2.5 Operating Temperature - The maximum process temperature shown on the PFD.

6.2.6 Short-time design pressure and temperature conditions (more severe than normal design
conditions) may exist during shutdown, startup, or an interruption in normal operation of the
process. This includes regeneration, decoking, and steamout cycles. Short-term conditions,
when they exist, shall be shown in the design data. These occasional excursions above design
pressure or temperature, or both, are permitted if all of the criteria in ASME B31.3,
Paragraph 302.2.4 are met.

6.3 Future Operating Conditions

The maximum operating pressure and temperature should consider future conditions. For
example:

• Increases in production temperatures as a result of future applications of heat.

• Changes in well head pressures and temperatures due to changing reservoir conditions,
production rates, or artificial lift.

6.4 Sizing Criteria

6.4.1 The following shall be considered when sizing piping:

• Process and equipment requirements (i.e., NPSH for pumps, etc.)

• Flow velocity and pressure drop

• Anticipated instantaneous or surge rates

• Safety and environmental concerns

• Erosion, corrosion

• Hydraulic surge, water hammer

• Noise and vibration

• Cost effectiveness

6.4.2 Consideration shall also be given to layout and arrangement of the piping, including, but not
limited to, the following:

• Origin and destination

• Line length and routing

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• Elevation and direction changes

• Fitting and valve selection

6.4.3 The maximum flow rate expected during the life of the facility shall be considered, rather than
the initial flowrate.

6.4.4 Pipe sizes of DN 12 , 33 , 65 , 95 , 115 , 125 , 175 and 225 shall be avoided unless necessary
for mating to equipment. When this is necessary, the piping should be immediately enlarged to
the next larger standard size.

6.4.5 Process line sizes shall be DN 25 and larger, unless flow velocity is critical. Vent, drain, and
equipment auxiliary piping shall be DN 25 minimum.

6.5 Sizing Criteria for Liquid Lines

6.5.1 Pump suction lines shall be sized and/or vessel elevation shall be determined to provide the
required NPSH when pumping at the specified maximum rate for the pump. Pump suction line
velocities greater than 1.8 m/s require QGPC approval.

6.5.2 Pump discharge line velocities shall not exceed the following:

• DN 100 and smaller, 3 m/s maximum

• DN 150 - 300, 4.6 m/s maximum

• DN 350 and larger, 6 m/s maximum.

6.5.3 Non-corrosive liquids not being pumped shall have a maximum velocity of 7.6 m/s.

6.5.4 Corrosive liquids shall have a maximum velocity of 1.5 m/s.

6.5.5 The design of storage tank suction lines is specific. It shall be based on an NPSH taken from a
point, at least 0.3 m below the lowest specified liquid level in the tank, at which the rated
pump capacity is required. If vortex-breaking equipment is required, the pressure drop
through the equipment shall be considered.

6.5.6 Viscous fluids, such as heavy oil, typically should have maximum velocities limited to 1.22
m/s. However, when solids are suspended in the fluid, consideration shall be given to allowing
higher velocities in order to minimize solids deposition in the piping. Piping in heavy oil
service shall be a minimum DN 80.

6.5.7 In pressure reducing applications, where the pressure of a fluid is being reduced by means of a
control valve, a maximum of 50 percent of the total pressure drop may be taken in the piping.
However, in no instance shall the fluid velocity exceed 9 m/s after recovery to a stabilized
flow regime and based on densities downstream of the control valve.

6.5.8 Seawater in lined pipe shall have a maximum velocity of 4.6 m/s.

6.5.9 Where corrosion inhibitors are used, velocity effects shall be considered to prevent stripping
inhibitor film from the pipe wall.
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6.5.10 In cement lined pipe, the maximum velocity shall be restricted to 2.1 m/s.

6.5.11 Maximum velocities with other internal coatings (epoxy, polyethlene, and nylon) should be in
accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.

6.6 Sizing Criteria for Single Phase Gas Lines

6.6.1 Single phase gas lines should normally be sized in accordance with the following conditions.
QGPC approval is required for higher velocities.

• Compressor suction and discharge lines 2.8 kPa/100 m or 9.14 m/s velocity

• Compressor suction headers under 345 kPa - 2.8 kPa/100 m or 9.14 m/s velocity

• Compressor discharge headers and suction headers over 345 kPa - 5.7 kPa/100 m

• Refrigerant Vapor - 5.7 kPa/100 m, headers - 11.3 kPa/100 m, laterals

• Gases not noted above - 11.3 kPa/100 m.

6.6.2 Gas or vapor line velocities higher than 38 m/s requires QGPC approval.

6.7 Sizing Criteria for Gas/Liquid Two Phase Lines

For two phase flow, the pressure drop shall be calculated and provisions for slugging and
surging considered. API RP 14E Section 2.5 provides useful formulas and technical data to
determine sizing for liquid, gas, and two-phase lines.

6.8 Pressure Design

6.8.1 General

The formulas included in Section 304 of ASME B31.3 shall be used for pressure design of
pipe and listed components not having specific pressure ratings.

6.8.2 Allowances and Required Wall Thickness

[Link] Allowances for corrosion or erosion shall be determined by the intended service, and shall be
added to all surfaces exposed to the flowing medium, in accordance with Appendix A,
Paragraph A-1.4 of this guide.

[Link] Mechanical allowances for thread or groove depth shall be included in determining minimum
required thickness, according to the appropriate standard or manufacturer's tolerance.

[Link] The minimum thickness for the pipe selected shall include a percent variation below the
nominal wall thickness, as specified by the pipe manufacturer, or the applicable API or
ASTM Standard.

6.9 High Pressure Piping

Chapter IX of ASME B31.3 for high pressure piping shall not be used without QGPC
approval. Chapter IX contains alternative rules for pressure in excess of that allowed by
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ANSI B16.5 Class 2500 rating. Typically it is not used, but does take advantage of higher
allowable stresses in X-grade pipe at 38°C and less. At 93°C and above, the pressure design
formula is more stringent compared to the standard formula. If compliance with Chapter IX is
specified, all of its requirements shall be met.

6.10 Flexibility and Dynamic Analysis

6.10.1 The following shall be considered when analyzing stresses and external loads in piping
systems:

• Weight of pipe, components, and fluid (including test fluid)

• External loads such as wind, seismic, snow or ice

• Thermal expansion and contraction of piping

• Loads on connected equipment, support points, and anchors

• Wellhead displacement

• Bridges to deck differential displacement

• Bending moments at clamp-type (Grayloc type) connectors

Providing properly designed pipe supports, which are appropriately spaced for the pipe and
valve sizes, will ensure that the stresses due to weight and external loads are within code
allowables. Piping offsets, e.g., elbows and loops, are used to accommodate thermal
expansion. Depending upon the difference between pipe installation temperature and design
temperature, the normal layout of a piping system may, or may not provide adequate
flexibility to keep thermal stresses within code allowables.

6.10.2 The spacing of pipe supports shall not exceed 6 m and shall limit the pipe deflection (sag)
between supports when full of water to 19 mm or ½ of nominal pipe diameter (DN), which
ever is smaller. When anticipated that a line will deflect vertically as a result of thermal
expansion or contraction, and thereby unload some supports and overload others (including
equipment nozzles), spring supports shall be provided.

6.10.3 Piping loads exerted on rotating equipment, such as pump and compressors, shall not exceed
the manufacturer's allowables. When manufacturers make no recommendations, the allowable
loads listed in the applicable equipment standard (API, NEMA, etc.) shall be used. If rotating
equipment is properly supported, then a computer analysis is generally required only for
equipment that operates above or below ambient temperatures.

6.10.4 Piping systems that are not connected to rotating equipment do not require any formal
computer analysis for design temperatures of 121°C or less, unless the system has no elbows
or offsets. For example, a straight pipe between two pieces of equipment or anchor points will
need to be reviewed because it will exert high thermal loads on the equipment.

6.10.5 The recommended criteria for flexibility analysis of piping not connected to rotating
equipment are listed below.
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Table 1
Criteria for Flexibility Analysis of Piping

Size Design Temperature (°C)

DN
40 65 95 120 150 175 205 230 260 290 315 345
(mm)
25 I I I I I I I I M M M M
50 I I I I I I I M M M M M
75 I I I I I M M M M C C C
100 I I I I M M M M C C C C
150 I I I M M M M C C C C C
200 I I M M M M M C C C C C
250 I M M M M M C C C C C C
300 M M M M M C C C C C C C
350 M M M M C C C C C C C C
400 M M M M C C C C C C C C
450 M M M M C C C C C C C C
500 M M M M C C C C C C C C
I- Neither manual nor computer analysis is generally required. A visual review of the
piping drawing or sketch should be made to ensure that the piping system has flexibility.
M-A simplified or approximate analysis method may be used (see 319.4 in ASME B31.3).
C- A computer stress analysis is generally required.
Notes:
1. Systems that duplicate or replace piping systems with a successful service record need
not be analyzed.
2. Pump, compressor, and turbine piping is not included in the above table (see 6.10.3)

6.10.6 For piping systems that require computer stress analysis, the thermal stresses and end
reactions (loads on equipment, etc.) shall be calculated using the conditions that result in the
largest differential temperature, considering the following:

• Installation temperature

• Design temperature (except for calculating loads of rotating equipment where the
maximum operating temperature may be used)

• Heat tracing

• Possible upset temperatures.

6.10.7 Any likely variation in piping temperature, which results from combinations of operating and
non-operating equipment, shall be considered where pumps, compressors, or turbines are
connected with common headers.

6.10.8 Reciprocating pump and compressor systems, and high velocity gas (vapor) lines shall be
evaluated for an appropriate design to limit the vibration to acceptable limits. Reciprocating
pumps and compressors generate pressure pulses that can cause excessive vibration in piping
systems. Additionally, high velocity gas (vapor) lines can cause flow-induced vibration.

6.10.9 Liquid lines with quick closing valves shall be evaluated so that valve closing time is within
acceptable limits, or so surge equipment can be provided. Liquid lines with quick closing
valves are subject to "water hammer," which can be very harmful to piping and equipment.
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QGPC or third party engineering companies should perform a hydraulic surge analysis and
make recommendations on the most appropriate and cost effective solutions.

6.11 Small Bore Piping

6.11.1 Since Small Bore branches (≤ DN 40) to large bore piping are relatively susceptible to failure,
the following points shall be incorporated in the piping design:

• Minimize the number of small-bore branches to piping.

• Small-bore branches shall be shown in full detail on the isometric drawings.

• Small bore branches shall be avoided downstream of reciprocating compressors, positive

displacement liquid pumps, high capacity gas pressure reducing systems such as
compressor recycle systems, high-rate depressurizing valves and safety relief valves
(acoustic fatigue). If this is not possible, branches shall be located well away from these
sources of vibration. Special attention shall be paid to the bracing of these branches to the
run-pipe

• Secondary pipe branches on small-bore branches shall not be installed.

• In services where fatigue is a concern, small-bore branches shall not contain sockolets or
threadolet. Also Monoflange valves shall be used on small bore branches ≤ DN 25.

• Small-bore branches shall be of uniform size until the first flange.

• Unsupported small-bore branches shall be as short as possible.

• Small-bore branches shall only be braced to the parent pipe and shall never be braced to
an independent structure.

• Branches shall not be located in high stress areas

• In branches with flanged valves, branch fittings with flanged outlets shall be used
wherever possible, in order to reduce the number of welds.

7.0 General Piping Layout and Arrangement

7.1 General Piping

7.1.1 Piping shall be routed in a neat and orderly manner, in order to satisfy process and flexibility
requirements, with regard for safety and maintenance considerations. Consideration shall be
given to space requirements for future equipment and possible expansion of facilities, in
accordance with the job specifications.

7.1.2 Fittings should be arranged and selected to minimize pressure drops. For example, the normal
flow should not be directed through the side outlet of tees.

7.1.3 Horizontal drainage piping shall be at uniform grade of not less than 10 mm/m. Pressure relief
piping shall be sloped in accordance with paragraph 9.5.3, unless otherwise approved by
QGPC.
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7.1.4 The minimum clearance (clearance being defined as the clear space between extreme
projections) between adjacent lines shall be 50 mm. Vertical clearance space between pipeway
tiers shall be 1 m. The minimum vertical clearance to the bottom of pipe, supports, insulation,
flanges, valves, or handwheels shall conform to the following restrictions:

• Aisle for equipment and machinery - 3 m from grade, or as required

• Passageway for personnel - 2.3 m from grade

• Process equipment items - as required for removal or service

• Skid bases - 152 mm

• Grade - 0.3 m

• Grade to drains only - 75 mm

Drain valves with plugs or blinds shall clear grade without requiring an elbow.

7.1.5 The minimum horizontal clearance to pipe, insulation, flanges, valves, or handwheels shall
conform to the following:

• Rail siding - 2.4 m from center of track

• Aisle for equipment and machinery -1.5 m wide

• Passageway for personnel - 1 m wide

• Process equipment items - 0.6 m, or as required for removal or service

• Building walls or solid structures - 0.3 m.

7.1.6 Insulated lines passing through earth dikes or firewalls shall be installed in pipe sleeves
equipped with stainless steel bellow seals, so as to maintain dike or firewall integrity. Piping
layout shall be reviewed to ensure that pipe movement is within acceptable limits for the
bellows seals.

7.1.7 The following aboveground piping shall be installed in steel pipe sleeves:

• Lines passing through steel or concrete firewalls. (After the portion of the line that is to be
in the sleeve is coated with a suitable bituminous paint and centered in the sleeve, the
sleeve shall be filled with lean mortar for the full width of the wall, so as to give a liquid-
tight seal.)

• Lines passing through walls of buildings

• Lines passing through concrete deck in locations where external corrosion is expected.
(After a line is installed, the sleeve shall be filled with mastic. Any other line passing
through a concrete deck shall be coated with mastic where the pipe is to be in contact with
concrete.)
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7.1.8 Piping shall be designed with sufficient random lengths and field welds, so as to permit the
efficient installation of spool pieces and the completion of tie-ins, without strain on equipment
or piping.

7.2 Maintenance and Operability

7.2.1 Valve stems and handles shall not project into passageways, nor shall valves be installed with
the stem below horizontal.

7.2.2 Valves, instruments, and other equipment that must be observed, adjusted, removed, or
serviced during operation, shall be conveniently located, accessible from grade or an operating
platform or deck. Where such location is impracticable, valves DN 80 and larger shall be
provided with chain operators or extension handles. Chains shall extend to within 1 m of the
operating level. Valves DN 50 and smaller may be accessed from a fixed ladder.
Consideration should be given to placement of davits, overhead crane proximity, and access
by mobile crane, etc. for convenience of removal and/or maintenance.

7.2.3 Control valves shall be located at main operating levels, unless service conditions require it
elsewhere. (For example, flare dump valves and compressor kickback valves need to be
elevated.) They should generally be located along pipe supports, at tower bases, or adjacent to
equipment, so as not to interfere with the operation or maintenance of other equipment. The
need to avoid stagnant piping flow legs or liquid traps is one service condition that would
necessitate locating a control valve at other than the main operating level. Improper placement
could cause liquid accumulation upstream of the valve.

7.2.4 Process and auxiliary piping shall be arranged and supported so that a minimum number of
joints would have to be disconnected, and so that temporary supports are not required when
removing equipment or components. Areas of particular concern are as follows:

• Auxiliary piping at pumps should be arranged so that rotating elements can be removed.

• Burner piping

• Piping at control valves and exchanger channels.

7.2.5 When positive isolation of fluid services is required by blinding, spectacle blinds shall be
designed into the piping system.

7.3 Corrosion Considerations

When joining piping having dissimilar metals and the flow medium makes galvanic cell
possible, they shall be electrically insulated from each other. This shall be done with the use of
insulating flange kits.

8.0 Piping Component Arrangement

The location of piping components shall accommodate both operation and maintenance
functions in a safe and efficient manner.
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8.1 General Valve Arrangement

8.1.1 Isolation valves for independent facility units shall be installed at facility unit limits, with
access for operation and blinding.

8.1.2 Where a failure of connecting piping could empty a hazardous liquid from the vessel, block
valves shall be installed at vessel nozzles. Check valves may be considered as an alternate in
inlet piping.

8.1.3 Block valves shall be installed to isolate each service, such as each stage of separation, the
glycol system, a fired heater, or the heat transfer oil system.

8.1.4 Check valves, where required, shall be installed as close to the block valve as possible. Wafer
checks shall be installed so as to be unaffected by block valve removal. Check valves should
be installed in a horizontal position. If service conditions permit, check valves may be installed
vertically when flow is upward in accordance with manufacturer's specifications.

8.1.5 Check valves shall be required in glycol systems to prevent hydrocarbons from entering the
glycol system.

8.1.6 Valves that are open to the atmosphere shall have their outboard connection either blinded or
plugged.

8.1.7 Gate valves in flare lines should be installed with stems in the horizontal position. If gate
valves are installed with the stems in the vertical position and the stem/gate connection breaks,
the gate may drop and block the flare line.

8.1.8 Where positive isolation/segregation is essential, two block valves with bleeder between them
shall be provided. An acceptable alternative is a double-seated single valve designed to seal
upstream and downstream (for example, Bell Expansion Gate valve or WKM Pow-R-Seal)
with an internal bleeder.

8.2 General Component Arrangements

8.2.1 When piping contains a quick-closing valve, the necessity for shock absorbing equipment
should be investigated if the closing time of the valve cannot be increased to a safe level. The
contractor shall perform a surge analysis of the loading system, from the equipment to the
block valves at the receiving location. Use of surge control methods shall be subject to QGPC
approval.

8.2.2 Temporary strainers with a free area twice the pipe suction area and a mesh size approved by
the downstream equipment manufacturer shall be installed in all equipment suction lines,
except as noted in 8.2.3 below. If a cone type strainer is selected then the cone shall point
upstream. All strainers shall be located in the suction line between the protected equipment
and the block valve, and as close to the equipment as possible. Suction piping shall be
designed so that temporary strainer may be easily installed and removed without springing the
pipe.

8.2.3 Permanent strainers shall be installed in equipment suction lines when shown on the P&ID's.
Strainer type, location, and materials shall be subject to QGPC approval. The permanent
strainer area shall be at least three times the internal pipe area and have a mesh size approved
by the protected equipment manufacturer. Connections shall be provided to measure the
differential pressure across permanent strainers. Permanent strainers should be either "T"
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type, bucket type or similar design, which permit the strainer to be removed without disturbing
the piping.

9.0 Design Considerations for Specific Piping Systems

9.1 General

This section covers some general guidelines for specific equipment piping systems. The
appropriate QGPC Guides for the equipment items, plus industry standards and recommended
engineering principles, should be consulted for other requirements.

9.2 Compressor Piping

9.2.1 Special precaution is necessary in the design and fabrication of the piping at or near
compressors, so as to reduce fatigue failures. Butt-welding fittings should be used for process
piping, with the fit-up as accurate as practical.

9.2.2 Reciprocating compressor header and/or pulsation bottle supports for suction and discharge
piping shall be securely anchored, so as to control vibration. Special shock absorbing supports
may be required for reducing vibration to acceptable levels.

9.2.3 Flexibility and dynamic analysis requirements for compressor piping systems are discussed in
Section 6.10. Small bore piping shall comply with section 6.11.

9.2.4 Compressor suction piping between the knockout vessel and the compressor shall be laid out
to prevent the possibility of trapping or collecting liquid.

9.2.5 Temporary strainers with a free area twice the pipe section and a mesh size approved by the
compressor manufacturer shall be installed in all (non-air) compressor suction lines, as close
to the compressor as practicable. All screens and filters (both temporary and permanent) shall
be sufficiently reinforced to prevent failure and subsequent entry into the compressor.

9.2.6 Check valves used in the discharge of reciprocating compressors shall be suitable for
pulsating flow conditions.

9.2.7 Relief valves shall be provided upstream of the first valve, in the discharge line of positive
displacement compressors, where it is necessary to prevent excessive pressure that may be
harmful to the equipment. The discharge from relief valves shall not be returned to the suction
line unless the relieved fluid has been cooled.

9.2.8 A quick-response check valve shall be installed in the discharge of each centrifugal
compressor. Installation shall be as close to the nozzle as practical, so as to reduce possible
damage to the compressor during surge conditions and to prevent backflow during an
emergency.

9.2.9 Check valves used in the discharge of reciprocating compressors shall be plate or reed type.

9.2.10 Bottom-connected compressor suction lines shall contain a sump or boot with gauge glass and
drain, located at low point in the line below, and as close to the compressor as practicable.
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9.2.11 Air compressor suction piping between the filter-silencer and compressor connection shall be
epoxy-coated steel, hot-dip galvanized steel or stainless steel. Alternative permanent corrosion
resistant materials may be used, subject to QGPC approval.

9.2.12 Compressor suction headers should be sloped and have a liquid collection pot at one end.
Liquid pots should have a sight glass and drain valves.

9.3 Pump Piping

9.3.1 Pump suction piping shall be arranged so that the flow is as smooth (non-turbulent) as
practical at the pump suction nozzle. Suction piping shall be designed to avoid pocketing of
vapor or gas. Reducers at horizontal pump suction connections shall be eccentric with straight
side up. When suction piping is in horizontal plane, provide a minimum of 3 to 5 Dai of
straight pipe before the suction nozzle.

9.3.2 Block valves shall be provided in the suction and discharge lines at pumps. They shall be
located within 3 m of the pump nozzle, and shall be accessible for hand operation without the
use of chains or extension stems. Handwheels and stems shall not interfere with removal of
pumps or any operational passageway.

9.3.3 Suction piping block valves shall be line size. However, where a centrifugal pump suction
nozzle is two or more sizes smaller than suction line size, the valve may be one size larger
than the pump suction nozzle, if pressure drop considerations permit.

9.3.4 A check valve shall be installed in the discharge line of each pump. The check valve shall be
located between the pump and the block valve.

9.3.5 A relief valve shall be provided upstream of the first valve on the discharge line of positive
displacement pumps, unless the pump and the equipment downstream of the pump are
designed to withstand the shut-off or stalling pressures.

9.3.6 The suction and discharge lines of all reciprocating pumps shall be designed to accommodate
pulsation damping equipment.

9.3.7 Casing drains, vents and cooling water shall be piped to open drain funnels for non-sour
services and to closed drains for sour services. Fluids shall not be discharged onto pump
bases.

9.3.8 Strainers shall be installed in pump suction lines when shown on P&I Diagrams. Strainer
type, location, and material shall be subject to QGPC approval.

9.4 Vessel Piping

The piping designer shall coordinate piping requirements with the vessel designer in order to
achieve the optimum nozzle location. This helps assure that valves, instruments, and blanks
are accessible from grade, decks or platforms, and are located so as not to obstruct
passageways. Blanks weighing more than 34 kg shall not be installed in vertical piping.

9.5 Pressure Relief Piping

9.5.1 Pressure relief valve inlet lines shall be kept as short as possible. Pressure drop in inlet piping
shall not exceed 3 percent of the relief valve set pressure.
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9.5.2 Restraints shall be provided at changes of direction in the flare header, to take into account
dynamic forces caused by liquid slugs, unless the line will never contain liquids, even during
upset conditions. The flare header and supports shall be designed for hydrotest conditions,
unless otherwise approved by QGPC.

9.5.3 Headers, and flare or vent piping shall slope a minimum of 2 mm/m of length continuously
downward toward the knockout drum (scrubber).

9.6 Utility Piping

9.6.1 Piping layouts for steam and air systems shall permit blowing through a full-size opening, for
cleaning, prior to the startup of the lines.

9.6.2 Utility stations for service steam and air shall be provided with block valves at the header.
Steam hose outlets shall be provided with gate valves. Air, nitrogen, and water outlets shall be
provided with ball valves. All hose outlets shall have a hose coupling, facing downward. A
different style or size of coupling connection for each service shall be provided to prevent
inadvertent mixing or misuse of service. Nitrogen hose connections should be clearly marked
and should not match air hose connections.

9.6.3 Instrument air systems shall contain plugged connections for future requirements. To help
accomplish this, tees with one opening plugged shall be substituted at elbows and couplings.

9.7 Fired Equipment Piping

9.7.1 Fuel distribution headers shall be fed at the center and burner leads taken from the top. The
headers shall be located above the burners and provided with drains placed at low points. Fuel
regulation to individual burners shall be accomplished by valves located to allow operation
while observing the flame.

9.7.2 Fuel gas piping shall be arranged so there are no pockets in which condensate can collect.
Valves for throttling fuel gas shall be of the globe or needle type. The remainder shall be ball
valves. A block and bleed valve with blank shall be provided in the fuel gas line to each
heater. Bypass valves at automatic control valves shall be Vee-Port type ball or globe.

9.8 Exchanger Piping

9.8.1 Piping for exchangers in parallel service shall be designed for equal pressure drop.

9.8.2 Water piping shall be arranged, or check valves shall be properly located, so as to permit
water to remain in all units upon loss of cooling water supply, except in areas where freezing
can occur. In such a situation, provisions shall be made for draining all water from blocked
exchangers. If specified on the P&ID, a DN 25 valved bypass shall be installed to maintain
adequate flow in the water lines.

9.8.3 DN 25 vent and drain connections shall be provided within the block valves at each
exchanger. The connections on the exchanger nozzles may be utilized. For self-draining
stacked exchangers, drain valves with plugs shall be installed in the lowest exchanger only.

9.8.4 Valved connections shall be provided for determining inlet and outlet pressure for each service
and for each bank of heat transfer equipment. Thermowells shall be provided for obtaining
inlet and outlet temperatures for each service in heat transfer equipment. The preferred
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location for thermowell and pressure gauge connections is in the adjacent piping particularly
when exchanger nozzles are smaller than DN 100.

9.8.5 Inlet and outlet headers for air-cooled exchangers shall not be located over or under the tube
areas or in front of header boxes.

9.9 Atmospheric Storage Tanks

9.9.1 All storage tank nozzles below the roof line shall be equipped with a steel block valve, unless
otherwise approved by QGPC.

9.9.2 Storage tank piping shall be designed to accommodate any expected tank settlement, thermal
expansion, and seismic load, without overstressing the tank or the piping. The first pipe
support shall be located sufficiently far away from the tank to allow for tank settlement and
for the thermal expansion of the vertical pipe leg.

9.9.3 The filling lines in tanks containing flammable liquids should discharge near the bottom of the
tank without free fall to prevent generation of static electricity.

9.10 Sample Point, Vent Instrument, and Drain Connections

9.10.1 Connections for sample points and instruments shall be provided for facility operation and
testing of equipment.

9.10.2 Vent, drain, instrument, and sample connections shall be DN 25 minimum. Larger drains shall
be provided where needed because of special considerations such as flushing and cleaning.

9.10.3 Drains shall be placed at all low points where liquid may collect, such as above a block check
or control valve, and as necessary to completely drain all equipment and lines. Such drains
shall be valved.

9.10.4 Sample connections shall be per the standard installation details as shown on the P&IDs and
include at the minimum a DN 25 shut-off valve. For applications where throttling is required,
a secondary throttling valve (DN 15 minimum) shall be installed. Sample connections shall be
installed in the side of the pipe rather than on top or bottom.

For sample points located on sour process streams, provisions shall be made for a closed
system to collect and route excess fluid and vapor from the sample point and sample container
to the LP flare header or closed drain system as appropriate. System shall be designed so as to
prevent atmospheric release of sour or otherwise hazardous fluids and vapors. The system
shall include provision to allow verification that the piping is depressurized prior to removal of
the sample container.

9.10.5 Valve drains or vents shall be provided where liquid or gas can be trapped under pressure
between any two points. Vents and drains that are provided for hydrostatic testing purposes
only, do not require a valve, but should be provided with a seal welded solid plug.

9.10.6 All vents and drains that may be opened when the system is in service shall be double valved
in pressure Class 600 and higher. Vents and drains piped to closed systems in sour gas service
shall be double valved in all pressure classes. The primary valve for drains shall be a ball
valve when allowed by the line class specification. If ball valves are not used in the line class
specification, use gate valves.
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9.10.7 Where the possibility of auto-refrigeration exists, all vents and drains shall be provided with
two valves in series . The primary valve shall be a non-throttling valve and the second one a
throttling valve.

9.10.8 All vessel drains and drains from gauge glasses and other instruments discharging into an oily
water drain system shall have permanent piping.

9.10.9 In the presence of H2S, all drains required for startup and operation shall be hard piped to a
closed drain system.

9.10.10 Drains used only during shutdown periods do not require double block valves, but shall be
provided with blanks (blinds) or plugs. Vessel drains shall not be used for steamout
connections. Vertical vessels with internal liquid traps shall be provided with bypass drain
connections on the vessel.

9.10.11 Care should be exercised in the design of small branch connections to prevent mechanical
damage or breakage due to vibration or excessive external forces. Connections that may
require bracing include sample points, instruments, purges, thermal relief valves, corrosion
probes, and vent and drain connections (particularly where double blocks and bleeds are
required). The bracing method shall be subject to QGPC approval. Care must be taken in the
location of small connections in piping subject to thermal movement.

10.0 Piping Supports

Piping shall be supported, anchored, and guided to prevent undue line deflection, stresses,
excessive vibration, and to protect piping and connected equipment from excessive loading
and expansion stresses. Flexibility analysis of supported piping shall be in accordance with
Section 6.10 of this guide.

10.1 General

10.1.1 Larger lines shall not support small lines. Instrument tubing shall be continuously supported
in areas where mechanical damage is possible.

10.1.2 Piping shall be supported such that control valves and equipment can be removed for
maintenance, and flanges can be parted to install blanks.

10.1.3 If clamp-type or U-bolt supports are used for vertical lines, a lug (same material as the pipe)
shall be welded to the pipe to prevent slippage. U-bolts shall not be used as anchors. When U-
bolts are used as guides, they shall be double-nutted to provide a minimum of 2 mm clearance
between the pipe and U-bolt.

10.1.4 Shims under pipe supports shall be continuously welded to the support beams.

10.1.5 Hanging type supports shall be used only where resting type supports are not practical. When
used, hanging supports shall meet the following requirements:

• Trunnions or lugs (welded to the pipe) shall be used for hanger support. Bolted clamps
require QGPC approval.

• Hanger rods shall not be less than 16 mm diameter.

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10.2 Spring Type Supports

10.2.1 Variable and constant spring supports shall be calibrated and preset by the manufacturer.
They shall be provided with upper and lower limit stops that preset the spring to the installed
load.

10.2.2 Spring supports shall be provided with stops capable of accommodating hydrotest loads up to
twice the normal operating load. For hydrotest loads greater than twice the operating load,
additional temporary supports are normally required.

10.2.3 All spring supports shall be hot-dip galvanized, except that the spring coil shall be coated with
neoprene or plastic for corrosion protection. Supports shall be provided with a position
indicator and load scale marked with the installed and operating loads.

10.2.4 The selection of spring supports should be based upon operating conditions.

10.2.5 The maximum allowable variation in supporting effect (load) for variable spring supports
shall be 25 percent for the total vertical travel between hot and cold positions. When deflection
is 50 mm or greater, constant-support springs shall be used.

10.3 Supporting Insulated Lines

10.3.1 Insulated piping DN 25 and larger, supported by resting type supports, shall have steel sliding
supports whose bearing surfaces are outside the insulation. All sliding supports shall extend
76 mm on either side of the support member or be a minimum of 305 mm in length.

10.3.2 Low temperature insulated piping shall be supported so the insulation will not be crushed or
damaged, and no metal projects through the insulation. Use of special cold insulation supports
is recommended for cold lines and for LNG lines.

10.4 Corrosion Considerations

10.4.1 Spring supports shall be hot-dipped galvanized, except for the spring itself, which shall be
neoprene coated.

10.4.2 Where the environment makes a galvanic cell possible, insulating material shall be required
between dissimilar clamp type supports and the pipe (for example, carbon steel supports and
copper-nickel pipe).

10.4.3 The use of welded attachments of a material, which differs from that of the piping, requires
QGPC approval. Galvanized attachments shall not be welded to stainless steel piping.
Galvanized steel (for example, pipe clamps) shall not be in direct contact with stainless steel
piping. It is also recommended that galvanized steel not be placed overhead of stainless steel
piping.

10.4.4 For steel pipe lined with a nonmetallic material, attachments shall not be welded to the pipe
without QGPC approval.
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11.0 Offshore Platform Piping — API RP 14E

Offshore production platform piping shall be in accordance with ASME B31.3, as modified in
Appendix A; API RP 14E as modified in Appendix B; and with the requirements of this
Engineering guide. Where conflicts occur, the most stringent requirements shall apply, except
regarding piping clearances, which are relaxed due to space restraints on an offshore platform.

12.0 Approval to Deviate

Strict compliance with this guideline is required. Any deviation must obtain prior written
approval from its custodian.

13.0 Revision History

A log is kept of the revision history of this document, and incorporated in the electronic
“readme” file (ES.5.06.0008R).

14.0 Glossary

Within the context of this Design Guide the following words shall have the meanings stated:

"must/shall" - Indicates a mandatory requirement.

"should" - Indicates a preferred course of action.

"may" - Indicates one acceptable course of action.

"approval" - Indicates agreement/sanction and shall be in writing only.

QGPC - Qatar General Petroleum Corporation

Manufacturer - The company responsible for the manufacture - not necessarily

the Vendor.

Contractor - The QGPC appointed main Contractor for a defined piece of

work.

Consultant - A company awarded a contract by QGPC for the company to

advise or give guidance on specific subjects. The Scope of Work
may include instructions to act as an Agent for QGPC (see
Agent).
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15.0 Bibliography

The following standards, codes and specifications shall, to the extent specified herein, form a
part of this Design Guide. Except where a specific edition or revision is identified by date or
revision/edition number, the edition in effect at the time of the contract shall govern.

15.1 National/International Standards

ASME B31.3 - Process Piping

ASME SEC VIII - Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code

Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels

API RP 14E - Design and Installation of Offshore Production Platform Piping

Systems

API RP 14C - Recommended Practice for Analysis, Design, Installation and

Testing of Basic Surface Safety Systems on Offshore Production

NACE MR 01-75 - Sulphide Stress Cracking Resistant Metallic Material for Oil Field
Equipment

NEMA - National Electrical Manufacturers Association USA

15.2 QGPC Documents

ES.5.06.0010 - Piping Fabrication, Erection, Inspection and Testing

QGPC Std 153 - Material for Sour Service

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APPENDIX A
MODIFICATIONS TO ASME B31.3 CHAPTER II

Use of this design guide requires that the designer have a working knowledge of ASME B31.3
Chapter II for all piping. This section modifies and supplements the requirements of ASME
B31.3.

A-1.0 Design Conditions

Design conditions are defined in Section 6.2 of this Design guide.

A-1.1 Required Pressure Containment or Relief

Piping downstream of equipment, such as exchangers and control valves, shall not be designed
for a lower pressure resulting from a pressure drop through the equipment, if the pressure can
increase because of downstream fouling or inadvertent closing of a valve. Consideration
should be given to conditions outside of the process area that can cause pressure increases,
such as closure of a downstream valve.

The design pressure of lines containing liquefied gases (propane, butane, ammonia, and
similar products) shall permit the setting of relief valves high enough to prevent boiloff of the
line contents.

A-1.2 All piping components shall meet the design temperature.

A-1.3 Allowance for Pressure and Temperature Variations

If allowance for pressure and temperature variations are used, the piping system shall be
pressure tested hydrostatically rather than pneumatically. However, for non-metallic piping
and metallic piping lined with non-metals, this allowance shall not be used without QGPC
approval.

A-1.4 Allowances

The allowance for corrosion or erosion in piping shall be determined by the intended service,
and shall be added to all surfaces exposed to the flowing medium. Unless stated otherwise in
the job specifications, the minimum values for corrosion allowance for carbon steel pipe shall
be as follows:

Allowance
1. Sweet service and utility piping with an expected corrosion rate less 1.5 mm
than 0.150 mm per year
2. Mildly corrosive service with an expected corrosion rate between 3.00 mm
0.150 mm and 0.30 mm per year.
3. Corrosive service with an expected corrosion rate greater than 0.30 4.00 mm
mm per year.

When corrosion allowances exceed 3 mm, the wall thickness of DN 25 and smaller valves and
fittings shall be reviewed for adequacy. When the corrosion allowance exceeds 4 mm,
consideration shall be given to the economy of chemical inhibitors, use of coatings or a more
corrosion resistant alloy.
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A-1.5 Mechanical Strength

To assure that adequate mechanical strength remains in the pipe, after the specified corrosion
allowance has been expended, the pipe shall be designed using the following retirement
thicknesses.

DN Retirement Thickness
15 1.65 mm
19 1.78 mm
25 1.85 mm
40 2.00 mm
50 2.30 mm
75 2.80 mm
100 3.30 mm
150 3.80 mm

The design wall thickness will therefore be the larger of 1) the retirement thickness plus
corrosion allowance and mill tolerance, or 2) the wall thickness required for pressure
containment (T=PD/2SE), plus corrosion allowance and mill tolerance.

DN 25 carbon steel nipples between equipment and the first block valve shall have a minimum
thickness of Schedule 160. For these nipples in corrosion resistance alloy material and
galvanized steel, the minimum thickness shall be Schedule 80.

A-1.6 Straight Pipe under External Pressure

When designing for external pressure (for example, in steam jacketed piping), the possible
absence of internal pressure in the inner pipe shall be considered.

A-2.0 Branch Connections

Branch connections in hydrocarbon, steam or glycol service shall be DN 25 minimum.

Branch connection block valves shall be installed as close to the run as possible. However, the
length of the nipple between a header and a branch valve shall be adequate to ensure that the
valve and its handwheel (or handle) has 25 mm clearance beyond any insulation.

Branch connections up to and including the first block valve shall conform to the same design
and material specifications as the line or vessel to which it is connected.

In corrosive two-phase environments, branch connections shall be made from the top of the
main header.

Full-sized or reducing branches at angles other than 90 degrees shall not be employed without
QGPC approval.

Typically, branch connection angles less than 90 degrees are not recommended due to
increased cost and fabrication difficulties. Contemporary design philosophy considers the
pressure drop benefits of branch connection angles less than 90 degrees to be overstated.
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A-2.1 Reinforcement of Welded Branch Connections

Care must be exercised in the design of small branch connections, so as to preclude

mechanical damage or breakage due to vibration or excessive external forces. Connections
that may require bracing include sample points, instruments, purges, thermal relief valves,
corrosion probes, and vent and drain connections (particularly where double blocks and bleeds
are required). Use of forged extended body valves (for example API STD 606, Compact Steel
Gate Valves - Extended Body) generally eliminates the need for bracing.

A-2.2 Added Reinforcement

Pad-type reinforcement rings, or each segment thereof, shall be provided with a tapped telltale
hole. The telltale hole is used to relieve gas pressure during welding and to pressure test the
branch welds. The hole should not be plugged, but filled with grease to prevent the ingress of
moisture.

The use of ribs and gussets shall not be used for pressure strengthening of branch connections.
Ribs and gussets may be used to help prevent cracking and fatigue problems caused by
vibration, etc. However, from a pressure design viewpoint, the pipe wall thickness (plus
reinforcing pad, when required) shall be adequate without considering the ribs/gussets.

A-3.0 Pipe Fittings

Fittings with welded seams shall not be substituted for seamless fittings, without QGPC
approval. When welded pipe is used to form pipe fittings, any defects that exist in the weld
seam may become worse during the bending and/or forming process. If the fitting is 100
percent X-rayed following forming, then it may be used interchangeably with seamless
fittings. If the fitting is not X-rayed, the joint factor of the fitting may be less than 1.0, and the
pressure design of the fitting may not be equal to the pipe.

A-3.1 Short radius elbows shall not be used without QGPC approval. Short radius elbows have
greater pressure drop and less flexibility than long radius elbows.

A-3.2 Contoured insert branch fittings (for example, Sweepolet or Vesselet) that have been qualified
in accordance with ASME B 31.3 can be used in place of tees or laterals

A-4.0 Pipe Bends

Bends shall be considered where turbulence in fittings may cause excessive erosion and/or
corrosion; especially for reciprocating compressor suction and discharge piping, vapor relief
valve discharge piping, and piping conveying corrosive or erosive fluids.

Bends shall be used when required to accommodate intelligent pigs. Minimum bend radius
shall be specified on P&ID's. Bends with centerline radii larger than five times the nominal
pipe diameter may be required, so as to meet flattening tolerances for flow purposes or for
light- walled pipe. They may also be needed where gauging pigs will be used.

Bends with a minimum radius of three diameters may be used, instead of elbows, in flowlines
with sand production. Blind-end tees, installed so that the flow will impinge against the blind,
may also be considered, provided the piping design can accommodate the resulting increased
pressure drop and decreased flexibility. Refer to API RP 14E, for other acceptable
alternatives.
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When bends are substituted for butt-welding elbows, the pipe wall thickness at the thinnest
point after bending, less corrosion allowance, shall not be less than the calculated thickness
required for design conditions.

Only seamless pipe, or welded pipe with 100 percent radiographic or ultrasonic inspection of
the longitudinal seam, may be used.

A-4.1 Mitered Bends

Mitered elbows shall not be used in hydrocarbon service without QGPC approval. Typically,
miter bends are not used except in low pressure large diameter service, such as air intakes and
tank manifolds. It is recommended that miter bends be used only where pipe fittings or pipe
bends are not available or feasible. When they are used, the following conditions apply:

• Two-miter bends shall be used only in Class 125 Utility piping. Three-miter bends shall
be used only in utility piping. Four-miter bends may be used in both utility and process
piping.

• They shall be made from the pipe material specified for the service

• They shall have a nominal radius of not less than one and one-half times the diameter of
the pipe

• They shall not be used without checking pressure drop and flexibility

• Miter bend welded joints shall be full penetration welds, merged smoothly with pipe
surfaces. Gusset plates shall not be used for reinforcement.

A-4.2 Miter Bends shall not be used for cyclic service.

A-5.0 Specific Requirements for Flanges

When used with high yield pipe the thickness of Weldneck flange hubs shall be checked for
adequacy at the design conditions. In no case shall the hubs of Weldneck flanges be thinner
than the pipe to which they are attached.

The number of non-welded (flanged) joints shall be kept to a minimum. Provide only those
necessary for cleaning, maintenance, operation, and inspection.

A-6.0 Gaskets

Insulating flange gasket sets shall be used where indicated on P&ID's, and shall be suitable for
the design pressure and temperature.

A-7.0 Threaded joints shall not be used in hydrocarbon service.

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APPENDIX B
MODIFICATIONS TO API RP 14E

This section modifies and supplements the requirements of API RP 14E. In case of conflict,
this section shall govern.

B-1.0 General

Design, construction, inspection, and testing of risers shall be in accordance with relevant
pipeline design specifications.

B-2.0 Piping Design

B-2.1 The use of non-metallic materials shall be subject to QGPC approval.

B-2.2 Consideration shall be given to forces and moments imposed upon piping and equipment due
to: 1) module deflection during load out and placement; 2) relative module/deck deflection
during operation; 3) relative module/deck deflection due to change in operating condition (e.g.,
removal of drilling rig); 4) relative well-head/platform deflection due to settlement; and 5)
sealing of piping at fire walls and pressurized rooms.

B-2.3 The piping acceleration loading shall be 1.0 g up/down and 1.4 g horizontal (all directions).

B-2.4 The anticipated movement of the wellhead to be used for wellhead flowline design shall be 75
mm vertically up.

Where the routing of a piping system does not inherently provide adequate flexibility, the
needed flexibility shall be provided by additional bends, loops, or offsets. Expansion bends
shall preferably be located in a horizontal plane.

B-2.5 Where RTJ flanges are used, the piping system should provide adequate flexibility for ease of
removal.

B-3.0 Design Considerations for Particular Piping Systems

B-3.1 For manifold branch connections, extruded outlets may be used provided all of ASME B31.3
requirements are met. The manifolds and headers shall be properly supported, with the
necessary allowance made for thermal expansion.

B-3.2 Proprietary manifolds and valves may be used, subject to QGPC approval.

B-3.3 Sanitary sewage disposal systems shall be separate from laboratory drains, chemical disposal,
and process drains. The drilling and tapping of drains, waste or vent pipes, and the use of
saddle hubs and bands are prohibited.

B-3.4 All safety devices, pressure safety valves, emergency shutdown valves, and flow safety
(check) valves shall be provided in accordance with ASME SEC VIII, with the P&ID's, with
this specification, and with API RP 14C. Test connections shall be supplied in accordance
with API RP 14C Appendix D, so as to facilitate testing of pressure safety valves and flow
safety (check) valves.
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B-3.5 Drain systems shall conform to the following requirements:

1. The pressure (closed) drain sump shall be vented to the flare stack(s). Back pressure
controllers shall be provided to regulate pressure in the sump. Liquids shall be pumped to
the condensate return vessel.

2. Each piece of equipment in the chemical, glycol, and heat media systems shall have closed
drains to the appropriate storage tanks. Where necessary, liquid hydrocarbons shall be
separated and removed from the system storage tank(s).

3. Open drains shall connect the following and similar sources to the atmospheric drain
sump: 1) contaminated areas and floor drains and 2) pump base plates. Liquid seals are
required for all atmospheric drain sump inlets.

4. The atmospheric drain sump shall have an atmospheric vent to a safe location, and shall
be designed so that the pump can be easily maintained.

5. Fire seals shall be provided for open drains, catch basins, exits from hazardous areas,
penetrations through firewalls, and to sectionalize the drainage system. Neither "P"- nor
"U"-type seals shall be used, except at pump and equipment drains. A minimum seal of
152 mm shall be required. Seals in hazardous areas containing ignition sources, such as
furnaces, shall have sealed covers and be vented to a safe location. All floor drains, catch
basins and other open drain system inlets shall be of a seal-type design as shown in the
P&IDs.

6. Floor drains shall consist of elongated catch basins welded flush with the floor. They shall
be a minimum of 300 mm wide and be covered with removable grating. Catch basin
lengths and locations shall be varied to suit the individual platform arrangement and area.

7. In small confined areas, circular bell-type drains (concentric reducers) welded flush with
the floor may be used in place of catch basins. Bells shall be a minimum of 150 mm in
diameter with a removable strainer plate locked in place.

8. Bells may also be used above deck to convey equipment drainage to the atmospheric drain
system. Bells shall be accessible and visible to an operator from the drain valve.

9. The minimum design fluid velocity in an open drain line shall be 0.86 m/s. For liquids
with solids entrainment, the minimum velocity shall be 1.22 m/s. Subject to the foregoing
limiting fluid velocities, open drain lines shall be DN 100 minimum.

10. All drain lines shall have a minimum slope of 1:100. This minimum slope shall exist in
piping runs after due allowance for platform, module, or permitted deck slope deflection
under operating conditions. Connections for cleaning open drain lines shall be provided
where changes of direction occur.

11. Drain fluids shall be treated where required to prevent freezing or hydrate formation in the
drain system. In such cases, provide a DN 19 (minimum) connection for methanol
injection.
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B-3.6 Bridge Piping Between Platforms

The requirements for expansion and analysis in API RP 14E, Section 2.8 as modified herein,
shall also apply to bridge-supported piping between platforms.

B-3.7 Piping shall be installed in banks and above deck levels. Where lines must be routed below
cellar deck level, runs shall be as short as practicable. Lines requiring loops for flexibility
shall be grouped together as much as possible.

A welded or flanged spool piece for interconnecting piping shall be provided between adjacent
modules if it is to be installed offshore.

Headers shall be terminated with blind flanges or similar means of inspection and cleaning.

B-3.8 Specific elevations shall be established for lines running north and south, and other specific
elevations for lines running east and west. These elevations shall be maintained throughout a
deck. Pockets shall be avoided where practicable. Pipes shall change elevation where entering
or leaving a pipeway and, where practical, at each change of direction.

Overhead clearance (between pipe or support and deck) in the main operating area shall be 2.9
m. Lines near the deck shall be no closer than 0.3 m. Minimum head room and aisle width for
personnel access shall be 2.3 m and 0.9 m, respectively. Piping, instruments, ladder cages,
valve handles, etc., shall not project within these limits.

B-3.9 Piping, tubing, electrical conduits and cable trays shall not be supported by deck penetration
sleeves.

Deck penetration sleeves shall extend above the deck 150 mm, and below the deck 13 mm.
The sleeve shall provide 50 mm clearance (minimum) all around the piping, tubing, conduit or
tray to allow for maintenance. The sleeve shall have at least 6 mm wall thickness and may be
made from steel pipe or plate. Sleeves shall be inserted through the deck and be seal welded all
around, above and below, at the deck penetration. As an alternative, a full penetration weld
from the top of the deck may be used if the piping, tubing, conduit or tray in the hole is metal
shielded from any welding splatter.

All deck penetrations between decks separating areas of different electrical classification shall
be sealed. After painting is complete, the area between the piping, etc. and sleeve shall be
packed with a resilient, non-corrosive, long life seal compound.