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Minimum Pipe Wall Thickness

Hi Folks, new here as it's a bit out of my usual realm of expertise - but hoping for a little help.

I've been commissioned to develop an Java software applet for a client to calculate the 'minimum allowable wall thickness' for pipework in petroleum and gas production and transport facilities.

I'll be handing it over to a qualified Engineer once its functional for proper definition of the applied formulas (so please don't worry that I'll be determining risk without qualified input LOL) but I need to set-up the database and the basic calculations first.

So, I understand the application of Barlows Formula, though I'm not sure the copies I have of it are totally accurate and I don't have ASME B31 standards to hand, so first point is - does anyone have a a handy document detailing the formula for MWT (obviously for pressure containment and structural integrity)?

Additionally, the client will be less than pleased if he has to enter all the data individually, so I need to make sure he has all the relevant info plugged into his materials-library already. To that end I guess I need the tables of pressures etc. for all of the ASTM grades and schedules ... is that right? Each of the clients material-library- entries will need then to simply state the ASTM grade and schedule (again, I think I'm right?).

The process would then be: Take the pipe id - locate its library entry for ASTM and then look-up that ASTM grade and diameter combination in my look-up table to get the design pressure yeild etc.

Is there any easily accessible source for these tables other than ordering the standards themselves (i.e. a cut down version I can use to bulk out the tables I need to create)?

Any other recommendations would be gratefully received(keep it clean though LOL).

Reply to
Kahuna
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Sorry, but what is MWT?

I rhink you are basically on the right track -- instead of having the user input the diameter and wall thickness of the pipe, it would be more convenient to have the standard pipe sizes "built in" to your code, so the user could specify, for example, 2" schedule 40 pipe and your program would automatically know the dimensions.

I think you had best order the ASME B31 standards. It will cost you some money, but if this is for work your employer should be glad to pay. You might possibly find some tables of MAWP somewhere else, such as an engineering handbook, but you'll want to be certain that you can trace your numbers back to the standard(s).

BTW, there will be other factors to consider: 1. Different ASME B31 standards for different applications, 2. Strength of pipe material is different for different materials, 3. Strength of pipe material varies according to temperature, 4. Etc.

For gas pipelines, etc. there is 49 CFR parts 190-195, available on-line here, amoung other places:

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If you use tables from the ASME standards in your program, will this cause copyright problems?

Olin Perry Norton

Reply to
Olin Perry Norton

Thanks Olin - I'm really trying to rough out this calculation before bringing in the 'big guns'!

That's why I'm hoping to get to grips with it without resort to buying the standards, not just cause I'm a cheap-skate (which I am LOL).

I'm aware of the complications of temperature etc and will cater for that in the tables (the client library for the component actually has all of the relevant info for the lines - I just need to make the calc for min wall thickness based on that info).

I don't think reproducing tables will be a copyright issue, but obviously we'll check. The tables must be based on a calculation or publicly available table (for a fee or free) or no one would be able to apply them!

Appreciate the feedback - if anyone has more info on available tables etc I'd be happy to hear about them.

Cheers

Reply to
Kahuna

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