Basic of Pipe

Piping systems are like arteries and veins. They carry the lifeblood of moderncivilization. In a modern city they transport water from the sources of water supplyto the points of distribution; convey waste from residential and commercial buildingsand other civic facilities to the treatment facility or the point of discharge. Similarly,pipelines carry crude oil from oil wells to tank farms for storage or to refineriesfor processing. The natural gas transportation and distribution lines convey naturalgas from the source and storage tank forms to points of utilization, such as powerplants, industrial facilities, and commercial and residential communities. In chemicalplants, paper mills, food processing plants, and other similar industrial establishments,the piping systems are utilized to carry liquids, chemicals, mixtures, gases,vapors, and solids from one location to another.The fire protection piping networks in residential, commercial, industrial, andother buildings carry fire suppression fluids, such as water, gases, and chemicals toprovide protection of life and property. The piping systems in thermal power plantsconvey high-pressure and high-temperature steam to generate electricity. Otherpiping systems in a power plant transport high- and low-pressure water, chemicals,low-pressure steam, and condensate. Sophisticated piping systems are used to processand carry hazardous and toxic substances. The storm and wastewater pipingsystems transport large quantities of water away from towns, cities, and industrialand similar establishments to safeguard life, property, and essential facilities.In health facilities, piping systems are used to transport gases and fluids formedical purposes. The piping systems in laboratories carry gases, chemicals, vapors,and other fluids that are critical for conducting research and development. In short,the piping systems are an essential and integral part of our modern civilization justas arteries and veins are essential to the human body.The design, construction, operation, and maintenance of various piping systemsinvolve understanding of piping fundamentals, materials, generic and specific designconsiderations, fabrication and installation, examinations, and testing and inspectionrequirements, in addition to the local, state and federal regulations.Piping includes pipe, flanges, fittings, bolting, gaskets, valves, and the pressurecontainingportions of other piping components. It also includes pipe hangers andsupports and other items necessary to prevent overpressurization and overstressingof the pressure-containing components. It is evident that pipe is one element or apart of piping. Therefore, pipe sections when joined with fittings, valves, and othermechanical equipment and properly supported by hangers and supports, are called piping.