EGP3-03.04 Piping Layout, Support and Flexibility

Parsons document number: EGP3-00-SP-32-605-007
CHEVRON NIGERIA LIMITED
ESCRAVOS GAS PROJECT – PHASE 3 DEVELOPMENT - ONSHORE
SPECIFICATION NUMBER EGP3–03.04
PIPING LAYOUT, SUPPORT AND FLEXIBILITY
REV DATE REVISION BY APPR/CL

0 November 13, Issued for ITB RMK
2002
1 January 28, 2004 Revised for ITB3 RBM DAP
January, 2004 Specification No. EGP3-03-04 Page 1 of 59

REVISION RECORD SHEET
Notes
i.) Revisions numbers shall be A, B, C, etc. up through the issue for Invitation to Bid.
ii.) The issue for Invitation to Bid shall be Revision 0.
iii.) Revisions after the issue for Invitation to Bid shall be 1, 2, 3, etc. Any revisions made after
Revision 0 shall be denoted by a vertical line in the left hand margin against the revised text.
iv.) A brief description of the key changes made in each revision shall be included on this page.
REVISION DESCRIPTION OF REVISION
A Based on EGP1 Specification 03.04, Rev.1.
Issued for Approval
B Issued for Squad Check
C Issued for Chevron Nigeria Approval

● Added Definitions Section 1.2
● Revised References Section 2.0 & added CNL Standards
● Reworked Section 5.0 Layout
● Added Section 5.2 Offsite Requirements
● Revised Section 6.0 & 6.1 Clearances & Accessibility
● Revised Section 11.0 Rack Arrangement
Updated Sections 12.0 & 13.0 Flexibility & Support
D Issued for FEED RFQ
0 Issued for ITB

 Reworked Section numbering and organization
 Incorporated CNL comments
1 Revised for ITB3 – no changes

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
1.0 1.0 SCOPE & DEFINITIONS 7
1.1 Scope 7
1.2 Definitions 7
1.3 Item Definition 7
2.0 REFERENCES 8
2.1 Industry Codes 8
2.2 Project Specifications 9
2.3 Standard Drawings 9
3.0 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION 10
3.1 General 10
3.2 Design Conditions 10
4.0 LAYOUT 10
4.1 General 10
4.2 Piping 11
4.3 Utility Stations 14
4.4 Pumps 14
4.5 Exchangers 14
4.6 Compressors 16
4.7 Fired Equipment 16
4.8 Buried Lines 16
4.9 Vessels and Columns 17
4.10 Tanks and Spheres 17

4.11 Flare 17
5.0 VALVE ACCESSIBILITY 18
5.1 General 18
5.2 Chain Wheels 18
5.3 Emergency Valves at Vessels, Columns, Spheres, Tanks, and

Pumps 19
5.4 Fired Heater Valves 20
5.5 Plot Limit Valves 20
6.0 SPECIAL CONDITIONS 20
6.1 Provisions for Dismantling 20
6.2 Stress, Vibration and Shock 21
6.3 Caustic, Hot, Cold, Insulated and High-Pressure Piping 21
6.4 Rack Arrangement 21
7.0 FLEXIBILITY ANALYSIS 22
7.1 General 22
7.2 Flexibility Calculations 23
7.3 Design Basis 23
7.4 Special Requirements for Stress Calculations 24
7.5 External Load Limits on Equipment 25
7.6 Pipe Flexibility Requirements 26
7.7 Piping Flexibility Analysis Record Keeping 27
7.8 Filing 27
8.0 SUPPORTS AND ANCHORS 28
8.1 General 28
8.2 Supports 29
8.3 Ell Supports 30

8.4 Pipe Shoes 30
8.5 Guides 30
8.6 Anchors 30
8.7 Restraints 30
8.8 Dummy Supports 31
8.9 Materials 31
8.10 Un-insulated Lines 31
8.11 Insulated Lines for Hot Service 31
8.12 Insulated Lines for Cold Service 32
8.13 Supporting Small Lines/Miscellaneous Supports 32
8.14 Take-offs from Main Overhead Runs 32
8.15 Main Runs at Grade 32
8.16 Supports for Hydrostatic Testing 32
8.17 Flare System Piping 33
8.18 Piping for Reciprocating Pumps 33
8.19 Supporting Low Temperature Piping 34
8.20 Pipe Support Documentation 35
8.21 Pipe Support Foundation Summary 36
9.0 SPRING SUPPORTS 36
9.1 General 36
9.2 Variable-Load Supports 36
9.3 Constant-Load Supports 37
9.4 Provisions for Lateral and Axial Movement 37
9.5 Variable Spring Hanger Applications 37
9.6 Constant-Spring Hanger Applications 39
10.0 IDENTIFICATION AND MARKING 39

10.1 General 39
11.0 MATERIALS AND WELDING 40
12.0 PIPE SUPPORT INFORMATION 40
12.1 Study Phase 40
12.2 Detailed Engineering Phase 40
12.3 Pipe Supports on Isometrics 41
TABLE 1. CLEARANCES 42
APPENDIX I – VARIABLE-LOAD SPRING HANGER APPLICATIONS 43
APPENDIX II – CONSTANT-LOAD HANGER APPLICATIONS 44
APPENDIX III – NONADJUSTABLE-BASE ELL SUPPORTS 45
APPENDIX IV – PIPE SHOES FOR PIPING 1-1/2 INCH THROUGH 10 INCHES 46
APPENDIX V – PIPE SHOES FOR PIPING FROM 12 INCHES TO 18 INCHES 47
APPENDIX VI – GUIDES FOR UNINSULATED PIPING 48
APPENDIX VII – GUIDES FOR INSULATED PIPING 49
APPENDIX VIII – ANCHORS FOR INSULATED PIPING 1-1/2 INCH THROUGH

10 INCHES 50
APPENDIX IX – ANCHORS FOR INSULATED PIPING 12 INCHES THROUGH

18 INCHES 51
APPENDIX X – RESTRAINTS FOR UNINSULATED PIPING 52
APPENDIX XI – RESTRAINTS FOR INSULATED PIPING 53
APPENDIX XII – DUMMY SUPPORTS 54
attachment 1 – expansion joint data sheet 57

1.0 1.0 SCOPE & DEFINITIONS
1.1 Scope
This general specification, in addition to the "Piping- Valves, Material and
Service Classification”, General Specification 03.00, covers the minimum
technical requirements for the design, layout, support and flexibility of piping
systems to be installed.
CONTRACTOR shall notify COMPANY of any conflicts between this specification
and other project documents or referenced industry standards.
1.2 Definitions
Definitions used in this specification are as follows:
"COMPANY" is defined as CNL
"CONTRACTOR" is defined as EPC Contractor
"SUPPLIER or SUB-CONTRACTOR" is defined as companies supplying material,

equipment or services to the CONTRACTOR.
"FEED CONTRACTOR" is defined as Parsons
"PROJECT" is defined as the EGP3 Onshore Project
1.3 Item Definition
1.3.1 Layout – Layout of a piping system is the overall piping arrangement.
1.3.2 Supports – Supports provide mountings for a piping system and control
flexibility within the system. Supports consist of the following types.
Spring supports
Base ell supports
Pipe shoes
Guides
Anchors
Dummy supports
1.3.3 Flexibility – Piping flexibility is the degree of pipe movement permitted by

the design and installation of a system.

2.0 REFERENCES
2.1 Industry Codes

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
ASCE 7 - Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
ASME B31.3 - Process Piping
American Petroleum Institute (API)
API 560 - Fired Heaters for General Refinery Service
API 610 - Centrifugal Pumps for Petroleum, Heavy Duty Chemical, and Gas
Industry Services
API 614 - Lubrication, Shaft-Sealing, and Control-Oil Systems and Auxiliaries for
Petroleum, Chemical and Gas Industry Services
API 616 - Gas Turbines for Petroleum, Chemical, and Gas Industry Services
API 617 - Centrifugal Compressors for Petroleum, Chemical, and Gas Service
Industries
API 618 - Reciprocating Compressors for Petroleum, Chemical, and Gas

Industry Services
API 650 – Welded Storage Tanks for Oil Storage
API 661 - Air-Cooled Heat Exchangers for General Refinery Services
API 2510 – Design & Construction Of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Installations
API 2610 Design, Construction, Operation, Maintenance, & Inspection Of

Terminal & Tank Facilities
National Standard
NFPA 30 Flammable & Combustible Liquids Code
Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and Fittings Industry

(MSS)
MSS SP 58 - Materials, Design and Manufacture of Pipe Hangers and Supports
MSS SP 69 - Selection and Application of Pipe Hangers and Supports

Welding Research Council (WRC)
WRC 107 - Local Stresses in Spherical and Cylindrical Shells Due to External
Loadings
WRC 297 - Local Stresses in Cylindrical Shells Due to External Loadings on

Nozzles - Supplement to WRC 107
2.2 Project Specifications

EGP3-00.01 “Site Conditions”
EGP3-03.00 “Piping Specifications for Valves, Materials & SVC Classes”
EGP3-03.03 “Piping Fabrication and Installation”
EGP3-03-13 “Pressure Testing”
EGP3-03.31 “Pipe Support Spring Design”
EGP3-03.32 “General Welding Procedure”
EGP3-15.00 “Loss Prevention Design Basis”
EGP3-21.15 “Basic Civil & Structural Engineering Design Data”
EGP3-5.1.9.06 “Mechanical Handling and Access Plan”
EGP3-5.1.9.15 “Human Factors Engineering Requirements for the Location and

Orientation of Valves on Onshore Gas Processing Facilities
EGP3-5.1.9.17 “Requirements for Labels and signs for Onshore Gas Processing
Facilities”
Safety In Design Manual
2.3 Standard Drawings

GB-L99961-6 “Valve Installation Guide”
Exclusions
Piping applicable to domestic heating and ventilation, air, water and sewage
systems in buildings, instrument and control piping downstream of the
first block valves and all piping excluded by the chemical plant &
petroleum refinery Piping Code ASME B31.3 (Para. 300.1.3)

3.0 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
3.1 General
3.1.1 Construction shall be in accordance with the design drawings unless

otherwise instructed by the COMPANY.
3.1.2 Design criteria shall include the effects of material, pipe thickness and
insulation requirements.
3.1.3 Calculations should include the weight of insulation where appropriate.
3.2 Design Conditions
3.2.1 Ambient Temperature shall be as stated in Specification EGP3-00.01 –

Site Conditions.
3.2.2 Wind Loads shall be as stated in Specification EGP3-21.15 – Basic Civil

& Structural Engineering Design Data.
3.2.3 Wind Deflection of Columns and Structures
Calculations will use a value of L/200 where L is the elevation of the

column or structure, unless specifically notified by vessels /structural.
3.2.4 Coefficient of Friction factors to be used in calculations shall be
Steel to Steel: Coefficient of Friction = 0.33
Steel to Concrete: Coefficient of Friction = 0.6
Steel to PTFE/ Polished Stainless Steel: Coefficient of Friction = 0.05
3.2.5 A maximum differential settlement figure of 65 mm will be considered

between new equipment & new pipe racks. A detailed analysis on
individual cases will be performed by the CONTRACTOR for piping
between new equipment / racks and existing equipment or racks.
4.0 LAYOUT
4.1 General
4.1.1 Plant and equipment spacing shall satisfy the minimum spacing specified
in Project Specification EGP3-15.00 “Loss Prevention Design Basis” and
the requirements in EGP3-5.1.9.06 “Mechanical Handling and Access
Plan”.

4.1.2 Groups of equipment shall have their centerlines aligned on a plant
north-south or an east-west axis. However, to ensure an effective
design, consideration shall be given to structural requirements within
modularized areas.
4.1.3 Space for future units and equipment shall be provided only when
specifically requested by the COMPANY. The size allocation shall also
be advised.
4.1.4 Equipment shall be located outdoors unless some form of shelter is

essential.
4.1.5 Plant layout shall facilitate construction and erection activities.

Temporary storage and laydown areas shall be provided for use during
the construction phase. These areas along with boundary fences and
any servitude shall be shown on temporary facilities drawings.
4.1.6 All items shown on Plot Plans, including the boundary lines of each
drawing, shall be located by means of their co-ordinates on an overall
grid system. The COMPANY shall specify the base co-ordinates of each
unit.
4.1.7 Equipment shall be arranged generally in the sequence of the main

process flow, unless economic or other considerations dictate otherwise.
4.1.8 Relative elevations of equipment shall be determined only after full

consideration of process requirements.
4.1.9 All proposed Plot Plans shall be checked by the CONTRACTOR before
being submitted to the COMPANY for approval.
4.1.10 Similar equipment shall be grouped together to simplify the piping layout.
4.1.11 Minimum clearances for maintenance shall be provided per Table 1 and
Mechanical Handling and Access Plan, EGP3-5.1.9.06.
4.1.12 Supports shall be provided adjacent to equipment to support piping

when disconnected from equipment. The arrangement of operating
equipment shall be such as not to require the removal of unaffected
parts other than connected piping.
4.2 Piping
4.2.1 Piping and equipment shall be arranged to meet the maximum safety
requirements for the areas through which the piping runs.
4.2.2 Prefabricated piping shall have a sufficient number of properly located

field welds to permit the completion of flanged terminal connections
without strain on the equipment or piping.

4.2.3 Changes in direction shall coincide with changes in elevation. Pockets &
dead legs are not permitted without prior COMPANY approval. High
points in pump suction lines are prohibited. Stainless steel piping
subject to stress corrosion cracking shall be designed and installed for
complete draining of its contents. Any changes from above will require
COMPANY approval.
4.2.4 Piping shall not be placed above equipment such as feed-coolers,

pumps, and compressors. Piping runs may be to the side in front, or in
the rear of such equipment. Drawings of typical piping configuration
details for each equipment type shall be submitted for COMPANY
approval prior to start of detailed piping layout design.
4.2.5 All un-insulated lines shall be located so that the bottom of pipes (BOP)
or top of pipes (TOP) are at the same elevation depending upon the
method of support.
4.2.6 Insulated lines shall have the bottom of shoes at the same elevation as
the bottom or top of pipes of adjacent un-insulated lines, whichever is the
reference.
4.2.7 The difference in elevation between lines running north or south and
lines running east or west shall be a minimum of 610mm (2 foot)
intervals.
4.2.8 Piping shall be routed for the shortest possible run and shall have the
minimum number of fittings adequate for expansion and flexibility.
4.2.9 Block valves used in branch lines at headers shall be located to allow
complete drainage on each side of the closed valve.
4.2.10 Piping shall be arranged for ease of removal of equipment for inspection
or servicing. Maintenance areas shall be clear of piping.
4.2.11 Lines carrying materials of high viscosity shall be designed with a

continuous slope and shall drain into the vessels.
4.2.12 Piping shall be located to avoid overhead or stumbling hazards. See

Table 1 for specific minimum heights.
4.2.13 Diagonal and skewed angles of piping shall be avoided.
4.2.14 Piping terminations at pumps or compressors shall be installed so that

mating flanges are parallel, concentric and in contact prior to bolting the
piping in place. Flanges shall not require "springing" to insert gaskets.
Piping shall not impose loads greater than that allowed by the equipment
manufacturer.

4.2.15 Miscellaneous small piping systems such as pump auxiliary piping, seal
oil piping, etc., shall be installed so that they do not block access for
removal of pumps, compressors, drivers, exchangers and similar
equipment from their foundations. Such piping also shall be arranged to
provide access to pump couplings from both sides of the pump and to
provide access to bearings, packings and seals without pipe or tubing
interference. CONTRACTOR may propose use of tubing in some
services for COMPANY approval. Small piping (such as utility air outlet)
and electrical conduits may not be attached to the top of sides and
handrails. Support 1-1/2-inch minimum distance from the handrail off a
handrail post or, if necessary, by welding a 3-inch channel flange on the
bottom of the rail and attaching the air line with a U-bolt on the other
flange of the channel.
4.2.16 Access shall be provided for the removal of elements at permanent

strainers and filters.
4.2.17 For welded sections, sufficient breakout flanges shall be supplied for
servicing valves and equipment.
4.2.18 In sizes 1-1/2-inch and smaller, joints shall be in accordance with

applicable COMPANY Piping Standards except that flanges shall be
used in the following specific applications:
1) With restriction orifices except for minimum size purge gas and air
to instruments.
2) In place of unions, where connection is frequently broken during

operation or maintenance, e.g., pump vents to a closed system.
3) On equipment side of relief valve bypass valves.
4.2.19 The center-to-center spacing between piping lines shall be dictated by

the flange diameters, insulation requirements, and thermal expansion
characteristics of the piping.
4.2.20 Branch connections in utility lines shall be valved and located in the top
of the header. Valves shall be located in the horizontal section of the
line.
4.2.21 Process branches 2 inches and smaller shall be equipped with valves at
the main unless otherwise specified in the project specifications. The
branch connections shall be located at the top or side of the main.
4.2.22 Branch connections 2 inches and smaller shall be equipped with break
flanges in the following services.
● Chemical, quench, purge and steam injection into process lines
● Flushing

4.2.23 The break flanges in 4.2.22 above shall be placed outboard of the valve
at the branch connection from or into a main. The break flanges may be
provided by use of a flanged valve or by a pair of flanges outboard of a
welded valve. For utility services, a union shall be provided immediately
outboard of the branch valve unless the branch valve is flanged. For
branches larger than 2 inches, flanges shall be provided as required by
the project specifications.
4.2.24 Lines for air (including instrument air) and hydrocarbon lines shall be
arranged to allow free blow through a full size opening prior to final
closings of the systems to achieve line dryout as described in Project
Specification EGP3-03-13. Suitable precautions shall be taken for
excessive noise.
4.2.25 Branch connections shall be at a 90 deg from intersection to the run

pipe, unless otherwise specified. In no case shall a welded branch
connection be designed with an intersecting angle of less than 45
degree. Special attention shall be made to the stress intensification
factors used for stress analysis when intersecting angle is not 90 degree.
4.3 Utility Stations

Utility stations shall consist of water, air & nitrogen except as noted. They are to
be placed to service equipment within a 15m overlapping radius. There shall be
a utility station at every vessel manway & fin fan platform.
4.4 Pumps
4.4.1 Pumps shall be located close to the equipment from which they take
suction to minimize the length of suction lines. All pump drivers shall be
located adjacent to vehicular access ways.
4.4.2 Centerlines of discharge nozzles for adjacent pumps shall be aligned on

a common co-ordinate.
4.5 Exchangers
4.5.1 Grade location of exchangers and coolers is preferred unless

appreciable economies or improvement in plot layout can be realized by
stacking. Fractionating column overhead condensers shall be located
above their respective reflux drums unless there is economic advantage
in submerged type of design. In this case, approval of the COMPANY is
required. Air-cooled exchangers shall be located so that they can be
removed for maintenance per EGP3-5.1.9.06 “Mechanical Handling and
Access Plan”. Air-cooled exchangers shall preferably be located over
areas where hazards of serious fires are minimal.

4.5.2 When mixed-phase flow must be distributed to parallel identical heat
exchangers (either air-cooled or shell-and-tube or double-pipe) or to
parallel passes of a furnace, the piping shall be symmetrical to achieve
an flow split, and shall run in the plane of symmetry for a least ten
diameters before each point at which it splits. The outlet shall also be
hydraulically balanced, but piping symmetry is not required. Where
mixed flow results from joining a liquid stream and a gas stream, it is
permissible and preferred to provide separate liquid and gas headers to
supply the several heat exchangers or furnace passes. In this case,
there is no need for symmetrical piping.
4.5.3 Stacked shell and tube exchangers shall be limited to two shells high in
similar service unless approved in writing by COMPANY. They shall not
exceed a centerline elevation of 5.5 m above high point of finished
surface unless mounted in a structure. Stacked exchangers do not
require platform access to top channel for bundle removal. Temporary
scaffolding shall be used for this purpose.
4.5.4 Parallel exchangers shall provide space and suitable access to blind if
block valves are not provided.
4.5.5 Channel end and shell covers shall be kept clear of piping, structural
members and other items which could interfere with the unbolting of
exchanger flanges or the removal of heads and tube bundles. Spool
pieces shall be provided as appropriate to facilitate head and bundle
removal.
4.5.6 Exchangers with removable tube bundles shall be provided with a clear
tube pulling area away from the pipe rack, and space for Hydroextractor
504 bundle extractor for channel and flanges up to 84 inches diameter.
Main or secondary site roads shall not be utilized for this purpose unless
approved by COMPANY.
4.5.7 Reboilers shall be located as close as possible to the equipment they

service.
4.5.8 Break flanges shall be incorporated in reboiler feed lines to permit

removal of the bottom bonnets of reboilers.
4.5.9 Centerlines of channel nozzles for adjacent exchangers shall be aligned

on a common co-ordinate.
4.5.10 Air-coolers shall preferably be located on the top of pipe racks.
4.5.11 Air-coolers shall not be installed above any item of equipment handling
flammable products that may be opened or vented for periodic servicing.

4.5.12 Access ways to air coolers located above pipe racks should be provided
at every 30 m from at least one side of the pipe rack. Further access
ways may be required if tube lengths are excessive (typically where
three fans are evident across the bundle).
4.5.13 Access to all air cooler motor drives shall be designed so vibration
monitoring instruments are accessible and so motors and drives can be
readily lowered to the fin fan maintenance deck.
4.5.14 Piping to shell-and-tube units shall be arranged to provide easy removal

of shell covers, channel covers, channels and bundles.
4.6 Compressors
4.6.1 Access for maintenance by fixed overhead crane shall be provided for
large lifts such as bundle pulling and unit removal per specification
EGP3-5.1.9.06. A suitable dropout area shall also be provided.
4.6.2 Lube and seal oil consoles shall be located adjacent to and a minimum
distance from the compressor.
4.6.3 All centrifugal compressors shall have full platforming at operating level.
4.7 Fired Equipment
4.7.1 Platforms within a 21 m radius from the outside edge of a heater stack
shall be at least 4 m below a line extending upward at 45 o from the
projected top of the stack to the end of the 21 m radius.
4.7.2 Isolation equipment for heating medium must be situated to allow

effective isolation in an emergency.
4.7.3 Clear access shall be provided to furnaces for removal of tubes. For
spacing between furnaces and equipment, see Project Specification
EGP3-15.00.
4.7.4 Access and clearance shall be provided at fired equipment for removal of
tubes, soot blowers, air pre-heater baskets, burners, fans and similar
equipment.
4.8 Buried Lines
4.8.1 Underground lines shall be limited to firewater, drinking water, fresh

water, sewer, drainage and lines or lines directed by COMPANY.
Firewater lines shall be routed underground as far as practical. Drinking
water lines to eyewash stations shall be well protected to prevent
excessive water temperature on sunny days.

4.8.2 Steel pipe installed underground shall be protected from soil corrosion by
FBE coating per Project Specification EGP3-20.04 and cathodic
protection per Project Specification EGP3-02.01. Screwed fittings are
not permitted in buried piping unless fully seal welded.
4.8.3 Access shall be provided for underground equipment requiring periodic

operation or maintenance. Concrete boxes shall be provided for
underground valves.
4.9 Vessels and Columns
4.9.1 Vessels shall be located at ground level wherever possible.
4.9.2 Adjacent equipment shall be positioned such that combined platforms

can be furnished on adjacent towers with similar manway elevations.
4.9.3 A clear drop zone at grade shall be provided for vessels within
removable internals or appurtenances and for vessels and reactors
requiring loading or unloading of catalyst.
4.10 Tanks and Spheres
4.10.1 The location and spacing of LPG spheres shall be in accordance with
API 2510 and API 2510A.
4.10.2 Individual spacing may be increased for construction requirements with

the COMPANY’s prior approval.
4.10.3 LPG spheres shall have at least one side adjacent to an access road.
4.10.4 Pumps and other equipment associated with tankage shall be located
outside of the bunded area and grouped together for common operation
and economical pipe routing.
4.10.5 Horizontal pressure storage vessels and spheres shall whenever

possible be located at remote sections of the facility in accordance with
the minimum distances specified in EGP3-15.00.
4.11 Flare
4.11.1 Flares shall be located upwind or crosswind of process units or other

possible sources of flammable vapors according to the prevailing wind
direction.
4.11.2 Flare knockout drums shall be located as close as possible to the flare
stacks with sufficient protection for knock-out product pump away
operation.

4.11.3 Local aviation requirements will be taken into account in the location of
flares.

5.0 VALVE ACCESSIBILITY
5.1 General
5.1.1 Valves shall be accessible from grade or platform per Standard drawing
GB-L99961-6 and EGP3-5.1.9.15, first or second choice position.
Emergency Shutdown valves shall always be accessible from grade .
5.1.2 Control valve actuators shall be oriented in a vertical position.
5.1.3 Utility header valves that are required for infrequent maintenance
purposes may be accessible by portable ladder if approved by
COMPANY.
5.1.4 Valves shall not be installed with stems pointing down (below horizontal)
unless specifically approved by COMPANY.
5.1.5 Valved connections shall be provided at the highest points in piping or

equipment required to be vented. The vents for equipment may be
located on connecting piping provided there are no valves, blinding
locations, or pockets between the vent and the equipment.
5.1.6 Drains for removal of water from hydrocarbon during operation shall be
located so that the operator can see the gage glass while holding the
valve open and throttling the block valves upstream of the valve. For
high-pressure systems (Class 600 and above), double-valved drains
shall be used when the system is routinely opened at full system
pressure.
5.1.7 Vent and drain connections shall be in accordance with Pipe class.
They shall not be less than ¾ inch and shall be as close to vessels,
equipment, headers, etc., as practical.
5.1.8 All vents and drains, as well as any other “open-ended” connections,
shall be provided with threaded plugs, blind flanges, or spectacle blinds,
whichever is required. In socket-weld services, threaded round bar stock
plugs are still required. This will normally require the use of a threaded
valve with a short nipple with one end plain and the other end threaded
on the valve side. Threaded caps are not acceptable. Atmospheric
drains shall not include ells, tees, or other fittings that will prevent
rodding out drain piping.
5.2 Chain Wheels
5.2.1 Chain wheels shall not be used on screwed valves and shall only be
used on flanged valves when specifically approved.

5.2.2 Where chain wheels must be used, only hammer blow type with solid
chain will be permitted. Chain shall hang 915mm above the operating
platform level. Valves with chain operators shall be located or have
stems turned so that chains do not hang in working areas or
passageways.
5.2.3 Valves 2 inches and smaller shall not be provided with chain operators.
5.3 Emergency Valves at Vessels, Columns, Spheres, Tanks, and Pumps
5.3.1 The valves shall be located no farther than 9m measured horizontally

from the side of the vessel. The total pipe length from the nozzle to the
valve shall not exceed 15m.
5.3.2 Manually operated valves shall be accessible from grade. Where this is
not physically possible, access may be provided from a platform located
no more than 6m above grade. The platform shall be accessible by
stairway. Access to the platform by ladder is not acceptable.
5.3.3 Block valves shall be provided close to column, vessel and tank
connections below liquid level to provide shutoff in emergencies. They
must, therefore, be located where access is easy from grade. Where
lines from such connections run to pumps or other valved equipment
located within 9100 mm, measured horizontally from the column or
vessel, the valves at such equipment fulfill this requirement, except for
the following:
5.3.3.1 Vessels in LPG service require an additional block valve on

all nozzles below liquid level.
5.3.3.2 All vessels and columns, which normally contain over 25

barrels (1000 gallons) of flammable liquid (i.e., liquids with
flash point less than 38 oC or at a temperature above the
stock flash point) and which have lines running to pumps
located within 9100 mm shall have a gate, plug or ball fire-
resistant flanged valve or a drilled lug body Phoenix III fire
resistant, (or equal) trunnion high performance butterfly
valve installed at the vessel.
5.3.4 These block valves should be operable from grade and be located on
the side away from the pump to allow safe access during a fire
surrounding the pump. If remotely operated, the source of power and the
control wiring or pneumatic tubing should be fireproofed. The fire
resistant butterfly valve is acceptable, subject to COMPANY approval,
only when a gate, ball or plug valve is installed at the connected pump.
5.3.5 The vessel “fire resistant” valves may be eliminated by locating the pump
valves at least five feet horizontally away from the seals or other
potential leaks, and fully fireproofing the valve and operator.

5.4 Fired Heater Valves
5.4.1 Fuel gas or oil piping to fired heaters in a plant shall be provided with a
single block valve in the main line, located a minimum of 15 m
horizontally from the equipment and accessible for rapid operation in an
emergency.
5.4.2 The line to each individual furnace shall have a valve, a valved
connection for a pressure gage and a quick-change blind.
5.4.3 The fuel gas or oil piping to each burner from the branch header shall
consist of a tight shutoff valve, boss, sockolet or weldolet for pressure
connection, and a line blind to insure positive shutoff. Provide sufficient
piping flexibility to permit operation of the blinds.
5.5 Plot Limit Valves
5.5.1 CONTRACTOR shall provide plot limit manifolds at the locations where
plant pipe ways leave the plot limit.
5.5.2 CONTRACTOR shall prepare a plot limit manifold diagram early for
COMPANY approval. This diagram shall show all lines, as well as all
drain, blowdown, flush, and vent connections, valves and auxiliary piping
with an indication of the source and final disposition of all fluid streams.
CONTRACTOR shall also send COMPANY his plot limit layout drawings
early as possible, prior to design of off-plot lines and facilities.
5.5.3 All overhead lines entering or leaving process plants will drop from the
overhead plant pipe way in vertical rows at the plot limit. An exception is
the relief line (and other special lines that do not permit low points),
which will remain overhead. In an integrated process plant area
consideration shall be given to the elimination of the plot limit valve at
one plant with no other connections to the line between the plants.
Elimination of plot limit valves must be approved by COMPANY.
5.5.4 Plot limit valves shall be installed vertically near grade or above pipe way
elevation with appropriate regard for accessibility and shall be made
accessible for operation and maintenance by means of elevated
platforms, with stairways, suitably arranged for such work to be done
without need for personnel to leave platforms.
5.5.5 Plot limit valves and blinds shall be staggered to avoid interference when
operating valves or when changing blinds.

6.0 SPECIAL CONDITIONS
6.1 Provisions for Dismantling
6.1.1 The piping system shall be constructed with flanged joints wherever
disassembly may be required.
6.1.2 Piping that requires frequent servicing shall be arranged to preclude

unnecessary removal of equipment and parallel piping.
6.1.3 Jack screws shall not be provided at spectacle blinds. Provide sufficient
piping flexibility to permit operation of the blinds.
6.2 Stress, Vibration and Shock
6.2.1 The piping arrangement shall provide for sufficient changes in direction
of piping, pipe loops, anchors, and/or expansion joints to keep pipe
stresses, vibration, and mechanical and thermal shock within the limits
allowed by ASME B31.3. Also, any additional codes required by
equipment manufactures.
6.2.2 The locations of anchors and guides shall not cause excessive stress by
severely restricting movement of the piping.
6.2.3 Lines that require expansion loops shall be grouped together.
6.3 Caustic, Hot, Cold, Insulated and High-Pressure Piping
6.3.1 Piping carrying caustic materials, chemicals, acids, and similar

substances shall not be located near equipment or other piping with
temperatures exceeding 200 degrees Fahrenheit (oF) [93 degrees
Centigrade (oC)].
6.3.2 Hot and insulated lines shall be grouped together and separated from
cold lines to control corrosion, condensation, and vapor problems.
6.3.3 High-temperature and high-pressure lines shall be located to avoid close

proximity to potential sources of electrical sparks such as electrical
conduits, electrical trays, electrical connections, and motor-operated
equipment such as valves.
6.4 Rack Arrangement
6.4.1 Piping inside process units shall generally be routed on elevated pipe
racks. No process piping shall be installed in trenches.
6.4.2 Major Electrical and Instrument cables shall be routed on the pipe racks
above the pipe work.

6.4.3 Pipe rack supporting column centerlines shall be shown on plot plans.
Supporting columns for adjacent structures shall be aligned on the same
co-ordinates as the pipe rack columns.
6.4.4 Pipe racks shall be designed to provide proper support for the smallest
diameter line to be run in the rack.
6.4.5 Piping shall not be run over stanchion columns in case future piping
additions require the construction of another level.
6.4.6 Utility and service lines shall be placed on the top level and process lines
on the lower level.
6.4.7 If process lines must run to higher elevations, the process lines shall be
located on the top level.
6.4.8 The outer edges of pipe racks, whether double-level or single-level, shall
be allocated to heavy, large-diameter piping.
6.4.9 The center of pipe racks shall be allocated to light, small-diameter piping
lines for utility service.
6.4.10 Process lines shall be placed on both sides of utility lines. If process
lines run to equipment on the left, the lines shall be placed on the left
side of the rack. If the lines run to equipment on the right, the lines shall
be placed on the right side of the rack.
6.4.11 Pipe way takeoff lines shall be designed to change direction and
elevation from the main piping.
6.4.12 Pipe loops shall be installed over the top of their pipe rack level, except
for flare lines, which shall be horizontal loops. Loops that extend beyond
the limits of the pipe rack shall have COMPANY approval.
6.4.13 Instrument lines, conduit lines, and trays shall be installed on the upper
horizontal member of the rack.
6.4.14 New racks shall allow for 25% future capacity, except where stated
otherwise on the plot plan or other project documents.
6.4.15 The interconnecting pipe way between the process plants shall be
sleeper racks. Other off-plot pipe ways generally will be grade level;
improvement of plant access, or space requirements may require a
different solution in some areas.
6.4.16 The spacing of lines in pipe ways shall not be less than shown on Table
1. Economic insulation thickness selection may dictate wider spacing.

7.0 FLEXIBILITY ANALYSIS
7.1 General
7.1.1 Static and cyclic movement of piping shall be within the stress range
allowed by this specification throughout the service life of the piping
installation.
7.1.2 All piping systems shall be evaluated and analyzed for applicable
conditions in accordance with ASME B31.3 (henceforth referred to as
the Code) and the requirements of this section.
7.1.3 CONTRACTOR shall consider the most severe anticipated coincident

pressure and temperature condition(s).
7.1.4 The flexibility analysis shall consider the most severe specified
temperature condition anticipated during start-up, normal operation,
depressuring, shutdown, defined upset, cold branch, and regeneration.
Analysis of this situation may require the combination of more than one
load case to determine the total displacement stress range. Cold branch
shall include cases dealing with parallel lines where at least one line (not
always the same one) may be cold at any time. An example is parallel
pumps where one pump (not always the same one) is normally shut
down.
7.2 Flexibility Calculations
7.2.1 Any computerized piping flexibility calculations shall be performed using

COMPANY approved software.
7.2.2 Piping systems shall be analyzed for expansion, contraction, differentia

settlement, relief valve reactions, and effects due to weight, wind,
seismic, and other mechanical loading per the Code.
7.2.3 Expansion joints shall not be used unless approved by COMPANY.

When used, the bellow element shall be protected by a bolted,
removable external cover and an internal line sleeve. Bellow design
fatigue curve shall be based on ASME B31.3.
7.3 Design Basis
7.3.1 Thermal Effects - The analysis shall be for the maximum temperature
differential. Metal design temperature and climatic effects shall be
considered in determining maximum differential temperature.
7.3.2 Wind Effects - The wind loads on piping systems shall be determined by
the procedure outlined in ASCE 7 or as specified by COMPANY site
conditions EGP3-00.01.

7.3.3 Seismic Effects - Seismic loads are not applicable for this project.
7.3.4 Friction Effects – The effect of frictional resistance to thermal movement

shall be considered.
7.3.5 Pressure Relief Systems - The discharge piping shall be restrained to

contain thrust loads. Forces and moments due to valve discharge may
be calculated ASME B31.1, Appendix II, or another method approved by
the COMPANY.
7.3.6 Water Hammer – Piping systems subject to water hammer shall be

analyzed accordingly. Forces due to water hammer shall be determined
and suitable pipe restraints shall be provided.
7.3.7 Flanges – External bending moments on flanges shall be considered.

External loads may be analyzed by the equivalent pressure method or
other methods acceptable to COMPANY. Acceptance criteria shall be in
accordance with project specifications.
7.4 Special Requirements for Stress Calculations
7.4.1 The increased stiffness of piping systems caused by a refractory lining

shall be included in the piping flexibility analysis. The increased stiffness
due to refractory shall not be included in either the span calculations or
the sustained load case (to protect against incremental collapse due to
creep).
7.4.2 Both axial and torsion stresses shall be included in all stress cases
7.4.3 When analyzing the sustained load case, 75% of the normal stress
intensification factors (SIF) is acceptable, provided the resulting factor
(0.75 X Normal SIF) is not less than 1.0.
7.4.4 Use of the liberal stress allowable formula shall be permitted.
7.4.5 During initial piping layout and design of pump suction and discharge
with temperatures over 149 deg. C, and all compressor piping, nozzle
loads shall be limited to 50% of specified allowable load. Only where it is
not possible to achieve this limit by changing piping layout, shall higher
loads be considered. COMPANY approval is required.
7.4.6 Large diameter thin wall (D/T ≥ 100) lines shall be analyzed for crushing
loads at local stress points and reinforced as necessary.
7.4.7 When piping lifts off a support due to thermal movements, either that
support shall be removed for sustained load calculations or spring
supports shall be considered.

7.4.8 Attachments on welded ells or within two pipe diameters of the welds of
an ell decrease its flexibility. This reduced flexibility shall be considered
in the piping flexibility analysis. In the absence of better information, this
decreased flexibility may be simulated (in a computer analysis) by
placing a flange pair at the nearest weld. Although not addressed directly
by Appendix D of the Code, 45 degree ells shall have their flexibility
reduced by placing a flange pair at each end.
7.4.9 Branches at angles other than 90 degrees are not addressed by

Appendix D of the Code. For flexibility purposes, testing has shown that
these branches act like un-reinforced connections. In the absence of
applicable data or rigorous analysis, these branches may be modeled by
doubling the default stress intensification factor for un-reinforced
fabricated tees.
7.4.10 Tees with aspect ratios of 3:4 have been found to be non-conservative.
These tees shall have their stress intensification factor increased by
25%.
7.4.11 Piping systems supported primarily by rod hangers shall accommodate

the rod’s rotation and the consequent load impact on near by nozzles.
7.4.12 Use of cold spring shall not be allowed.
7.4.13 Piping to spared pumps in high-temperature service shall be flexible

enough to permit removing one of the pumps from service and cooling it
down for in-place maintenance, suction screen removal, etc., without
overstressing it or the operating pump.
7.4.14 Flexibility shall be provided in piping to exchangers subject to

reciprocating compressor vibration so that tubes will not be damaged by
transmitted vibration.
7.4.15 CONTRACTOR shall take special precautions to assure that furnace

tube and piping designs mutually provide for flexibility at header terminal
connections.
7.4.16 In calculating flexibility of piping to air coolers, advantage shall be taken

of the available movement of the headers within the header support.
The isometrics shall specify the initial location of the air cooler header.
Note that air cooler manufacturers will frequently raise their nozzle
allowable load limits if pressed; this possibility should be investigated
before making expensive modifications to piping systems.

7.5 External Load Limits on Equipment
7.5.1 Loads imposed on equipment by the piping shall not exceed the lesser
of that allowed by the equipment manufacturer or that listed in the table
below.
Equipment Applicable Reference for

Allowable Nozzle Load
1) Steam Turbines NEMA SM 23

(NEMA 23, API 611, API 612)
2) Gas Turbines API 616
3) Centrifugal Compressors API 617
4) Centrifugal Pumps (API 610) API 610
5) Centrifugal Pumps (ASME B73.1M, B73.2M) 75% of API 610
6) Reciprocating Compressors API 618
7) Fans & Blowers or Per Manufacturer

Others not covered by specific standard
8) Air Cooler Heat Exchangers API 661
9) Heat Exchangers / Pressure Vessels WRC 107 or WRC 297
10) Atmospheric Storage Tanks API 650
11) Fired Heaters API 560
7.5.2 For Pressure Vessels and Heat Exchangers, if the nozzle/vessel

geometry is outside the geometry limit of WRC 107 or WRC 297, other
acceptable COMPANY approved local stress analysis methods shall be
used; extrapolation of the curves in these documents is not acceptable.
Allowable stresses shall be based on ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel
Code, Section VIII, Division 1 or 2, as applicable.
7.6 Pipe Flexibility Requirements
7.6.1 A formal flexibility analysis shall be performed as required by code on all

of the following piping systems:
7.6.1.1 All process lines NPS 10 or larger.
7.6.1.2 Pipe size NPS 2 or larger with line temperature in excess of 149
deg C or minus 10 deg C and below.

7.6.1.3 All lines connected to load/stress-sensitive equipment
7.6.1.4 All process, regeneration, and decoking lines to and from steam
generators and fired heaters
7.6.1.5 Process lines to and from centrifugal compressors, turbo-

expanders, and blowers
7.6.1.6 All working fluid lines to and from turbines
7.6.1.7 Suction and discharge lines to and from reciprocating pumps

and compressors
7.6.1.8 Lines NPS 3 and larger to and from centrifugal pump nozzles
7.6.1.9 Lines NPS 4 and larger to air cooled heat exchangers
7.6.1.10 All relief systems, whether closed or relieving to atmosphere,

with considerations for attached or detached tail pipes
7.6.1.11 All piping requiring proprietary expansion devices (e.g., bellows

expansion joints)
7.6.1.12 Lines NPS 3 and larger subject to differential settlement of

approximately 26MM or more connected to vessels, tanks,
equipment, or supports. CONTRACTOR shall provide
calculations to confirm potential differential settlement has been
considered.

7.6.1.13 Lines subjected to mixed phase flow (liquid and vapor) and
lines identified as severe cyclic or vibrating service
7.6.1.14 Jacketed piping
7.6.1.15 Piping as required by applicable codes and standards (e.g.,

ASME B31.3 Category M)
7.6.1.16 All plastic lined piping systems
7.6.1.17 Analysis for other materials other than steel shall be per
agreement with COMPANY.
7.6.1.18 Special consideration shall be given to the potential effect of

excessive settlement on the underground services, particularly
where a service leaves a raft foundation to run underground
where differential settlement could be very high. All above
ground/underground interfaces shall be approved by
COMPANY.
7.7 Piping Flexibility Analysis Record Keeping
7.7.1 The Design CONTRACTOR shall assign calculation numbers and store
the flexibility analysis files.
7.7.2 When the project has been completed, the Design CONTRACTOR shall
furnish all stress calculations and documentation as required by
COMPANY.
7.8 Filing
7.8.1 Pipe Support Calculations.
All Pipe Support calculations shall be filed in a general pipe support

calculation file and have individual calculation numbers.
7.8.2 Pipe Support Drawings.
All new drawings (Special support drawings etc) shall have a master
copy filed by drawing number for reference by the piping design and
stress sections.
8.0 SUPPORTS AND ANCHORS
8.1 General
8.1.1 Piping shall be supported by hangers or supports of proper structural

design.

8.1.2 Piping shall be provided with suitable anchors, sway braces, or vibration
dampeners to prevent excessive vibration and excessive expansion
forces on equipment.
8.1.3 Pipe supports or anchor shoes in services for carbon steel and stainless
steel lines, shall be of similar metal materials & welded directly to the
pipe.
8.1.4 Load-bearing sleeves on insulated piping shall be of sufficient size and

thickness to prevent damage to the insulation material.
8.1.5 Spans shall be based on one-half the allowable stress value specified in
ANSI B31.3, and the deflection shall not exceed 1/4 inch for line sizes 2"
& smaller, or 1/2-inch for line sizes 3" and larger.
8.1.6 Piping anchors shall transmit the entire load directly to the supporting
structural member.
8.1.7 Pipe supports at pumps, compressors and drivers shall be attached to

structural members capable of withstanding the design forces. The
supports, either resilient or fixed supports, guides and anchors, may be
attached to the equipment skid or a structural member of the platform,
but not on members used for equipment alignment. Pipe supports shall
not be anchored to equipment base plates or soleplates.
8.1.8 Supports for suction and discharge piping at pumps and compressors
shall be anchored to the pump or compressor foundation and not to an
independent foundation. Spring supports in these locations shall not be
used without specific COMPANY approval.
8.2 Supports
8.2.1 Piping supports, anchors and struts shall be designed to withstand the
wind and earthquake loads specified in the latest edition of ASCE 7,
Minimum Design Loads in Buildings and Other Structures. The basic
wind speed, exposure and earthquake risk zone is given in the project
specifications EGP3-00.01.
8.2.2 Pipe supports shall not be attached to removable spools. Piping

connected to removable spools shall not depend upon the removable
spool for support.
8.2.3 If a line turns out of a pipe way and needs support at the next stanchion,
this shall be accomplished by welding a smaller size pipe extension to
the outside of the ell to form a dummy leg.

8.2.4 Suction Piping for Double Suction Pumps: Excessive axial thrust can
result when there is unequal flow into the two sides of double suction
pumps. Elbows in the suction line shall be either 1) oriented in the
vertical plane of 2) have at least 5-diameter separation between the
elbow and the pump suction nozzle.
8.2.5 Piping supports for valves, control valves, and mechanical equipment,
such as pumps requiring periodic maintenance, shall be designed for
easy removal of the valves and equipment.
8.2.6 CONTRACTOR standards that will be used to design pipe supports,

including spacing, shall be submitted to the COMPANY for approval.
8.2.7 Piping that shifts vertically shall be supported by variable support spring
hangers. If thermal movement is not overstressing pipe, rigid supports
may be used.
8.2.8 If vertical movement of the piping is excessive or the limitations on

reactions and stresses tightly controlled, piping shall be supported by
constant support hangers.
8.2.9 Sizes and types of spring supports shall be selected so that the supports
can carry the full design load through a displacement 50 percent more
than the calculated amount.
8.2.10 Supports for piping to facilitate removal of valves and equipment is

required if location of the piping (such as vertical piping at towers and
either side of large valves in overhead piping) makes installation of
temporary supports difficult.
8.2.11 If concrete is used for pipe supports, top of concrete shall have a steel
plate or steel structural shape to act as a sliding surface.
8.2.12 All lines shall have support systems detailed on piping drawings. Lines
shall have supports indicated on isometrics.
8.2.13 Supports shall be of permanent construction and shall be of the resting

type rather than the hanging type where possible. Spring-loaded or
hanging-type pipe supports shall be used only with COMPANY approval
and then only in conjunction with resting type supports which will catch
supported lines if spring or hanging type supports fail due to fire
damage.
8.3 Ell Supports
8.3.1 Nonadjustable-base ell supports shall conform to the supports illustrated

in Appendix III unless otherwise approved by the COMPANY.
8.3.2 Adjustable-base ell pipe supports shall be approved by the COMPANY.

8.4 Pipe Shoes
8.4.1 Pipe shoes for piping 1-1/2-inch through 10 inches shall comply with the
requirements shown in Appendix IV unless otherwise approved by the
COMPANY.
8.4.2 Pipe shoes for piping from 12 inches to 18 inches shall comply with the
requirements shown in Appendix V unless otherwise approved by the
COMPANY.
8.5 Guides
8.5.1 Guides for un-insulated piping shall comply with the requirements shown
in Appendix VI unless otherwise approved by the COMPANY.
8.5.2 Guides for insulated piping shall comply with the requirements shown in
Appendix VII unless otherwise approved by the COMPANY.
8.6 Anchors
8.6.1 Anchors for piping 1-1/2-inch through 10 inches shall comply with the
requirements of Appendix VIII unless otherwise approved by the
COMPANY.
8.6.2 Anchors for piping 12 inches through 18 inches shall comply with the
requirements of Appendix IX unless otherwise approved by the
COMPANY.
8.7 Restraints
8.7.1 Restraints for un-insulated piping shall comply with the requirements of
Appendix X unless otherwise approved by the COMPANY.
8.7.2 Restraints for insulated piping shall comply with the requirements of
Appendix XI unless otherwise approved by the COMPANY.
8.8 Dummy Supports
8.8.1 Dummy supports shall comply with the requirements of Appendix XII
unless otherwise approved by the COMPANY.
8.8.2 Mechanical stresses and size shall be calculated for dummy supports
longer than 1.8m.
8.9 Materials
8.9.1 Fabricated piping supports shall be constructed of carbon steel meeting

the requirements of ASTM A36, Specification for Structural Steel, unless
an alternative is approved by the COMPANY.

8.9.2 Piping supports shall not be fabricated of cast iron, ductile iron, or
malleable iron. Built-up supports shall be fabricated of 3/8-inch plate, as
a minimum.
8.9.3 For ferrous piping materials with design temperatures less than 500º F
(260º C), piping supports shall be carbon steel.
8.9.4 For higher design temperatures or lines using low temp carbon steel, the
support material shall be the same material as the piping.
8.9.5 Material for load-bearing sleeves on insulated piping (hot and cold
service) shall be galvanized steel.
8.10 Un-insulated Lines

Low temperature un-insulated lines shall be provided with pipe shoes or wear
plates where contacting supports.
8.11 Insulated Lines for Hot Service
8.11.1 Piping 1-1/2 inches and smaller shall be supported directly from the
insulation by addition of a load-bearing metal sleeve outside of the
insulation.
8.11.2 Piping 2 inches and larger shall be supported on pipe shoes or saddles
that allow for the full insulation thickness.
8.11.3 Pipe shoes for insulated hot piping shall include slots, as required, for
continuous metal bands to secure the insulation weather-proofing jacket
near the shoe.
8.12 Insulated Lines for Cold Service

Piping shall be isolated from structural support members by a load -bearing
metal sleeve outside of the insulation.
8.13 Supporting Small Lines/Miscellaneous Supports
8.13.1 Small lines shall not be supported by larger lines.
8.13.2 If practicable, small lines shall be grouped together to simplify supporting

methods. If economical, line size may be increased to eliminate an
intermediate support for a small line. (Small lines are defined as 3
inches or smaller.)
8.13.3 Unit areas shall not be cluttered with scattered columns supporting
randomly placed overhead lines.

8.13.4 Small lines shall only be routed in an overhead racks if spans are
sufficient for proper support.
8.13.5 Electrical conduit shall not be supported by piping.
8.14 Take-offs from Main Overhead Runs
8.14.1 Small lines that branch off from main piping runs shall be routed with
other lines unless the shortest direct route is required. The small lines
shall be supported on supports of the other lines.
8.14.2 If additional support is required, rod-type hangers may be provided to

avoid supporting the branch line from the above line. The hangers shall
be suspended from the horizontal struts between columns. Dummy pipe
extensions from elbows may be used to reach beams or brackets
beyond the turn. Dummy pipe extensions shall be capped and weep
hole shall be installed for expansion.
8.15 Main Runs at Grade

If support spacing exceeds allowable spans for small lines, the lines may be
supported by the method described in Section 11.8 if ample space is available
between the two larger supporting lines for easy access to the small lines from
above.
8.16 Supports for Hydrostatic Testing
8.16.1 Lines and supports shall be designed to accommodate hydrostatic test

loading with water.
8.16.2 Supports for flare lines may be designed for pneumatic testing; other
certain large vapor lines may be designed for pneumatic testing with
COMPANY approval.
8.16.3 Springs and lever arms shall be protected against overload during
hydrostatic testing. Restraints or stops installed for testing shall be
removed immediately after testing has been satisfactorily completed.

8.17 Flare System Piping
8.17.1 Flare system piping shall be designed, anchored, and guided to resist
the forward, lateral and upward dynamic forces developed at bends due
to high-velocity vapors and condensed liquids, as well as to
accommodate sudden thermal expansion or contraction. The design
values for forces to be restrained shall be in accordance with the
following table.
Pipe Size Force
(inches) (tons)
4 0.75
6 1.5
8 2.5
10 4
12 6
14 7
16 10
18 12
20 15
24 and above 15
8.17.2 Supporting members subject to stresses produced by the forces above,

in combination with other loads, may be proportioned for stresses 33-1/3
percent greater than the basic allowable stress.
8.17.3 Flare piping within process units and flare headers shall slope
continuously downward toward the flare knockout drum. The total drop
produced by a minimum slope of 1mm in 200mm shall be added to the
sum of the calculated deflections of empty pipe between supports. The
total slope shall be as uniformly distributed as practicable throughout the
entire length of the lines by shimming the pipe where necessary. After
installation, shims shall be welded into place to prevent displacement
and loss.
8.18 Piping for Reciprocating Pumps
8.18.1 Pulsation suppression devices shall limit the peak-to-peak pulsation

levels at the line side nozzle of the pulsation device to 2 percent of the
line pressure or to a value calculated from the following formula,
whichever is smaller.
__10__
P1 (percent) = (PL)1/3
Where: P1 (percent) = Percentage of maximum allowable peak-to-peak

pulsation (percentage of absolute pressure)
Where: PL (percent) = Average absolute line side pressure in pounds per

square inch absolute (PSIA)

8.18.2 Pulsation suppression devices shall comply with API STD 674, Positive
Displacement Pumps - Reciprocating.
8.18.3 Unless otherwise specified, pulsation suppression equipment shall be

designed and fabricated in accordance with ANSI B31.313.14 Manifolds
And Separation Systems.
8.18.4 Manifold Systems
a. Short-radius ells in manifold assemblies are specifically prohibited

without prior written approval of the COMPANY.
b. Manifold headers shall be terminated with blind flanges to provide a

fluid cushion area.
c. Manifold inlet and outlet connections shall be provided with an

isolation block valve. Header block valves shall include body bleed
valves to facilitate testing for leaks.
d. Manifold headers shall be located and installed so that future

expansion will not be obstructed by other piping or equipment.
8.18.5 Single/multiphase Separation Systems
a. Piping design layout shall avoid wet legs and vertical risers if
possible.
b. Piping supports for vertical risers handling two-phase flow shall be

designed to withstand reaction forces resultant from slug flow, live
and dead loads.
c. The typical arrangement for a separation-vessel piping system shall

be in accordance with API RP 14E Fig. 5.2. Required piping
system components shall be provided as shown unless otherwise
specified.
8.19 Supporting Low Temperature Piping

The purpose of this section is to define the problems associated with the
support of low temperatures pipe way lines and to give design procedures
whereby economical and technically satisfactory solutions, taking design and
construction into account, may be achieved.
8.19.1 The term "Low Temperature" applies to any system below ambient
design dew temperature and including cryogenic systems.
8.19.2 The CONTRACTOR shall develop a philosophy of design and the

requirements for the support of low temperature lines and submit to the
COMPANY for approval.

8.19.3 Pipe Support Shoe Requirements
a) The support shoe must protect the supporting structure from the
effects of low temperatures where the structure would otherwise
fail due to notch embitterment.
b) Pipe support shoes for low temperature piping have to be

carefully designed and constructed. The insulation must be
protected from the ingress of moisture, which would freeze and
lead to a breakdown of the insulation. Certain lines can be
subjected to both high and low temperatures and the insulation
must be suitable for all design conditions.
8.19.4 Types of Low Temperature Piping Systems
Two basic types are considered:
a) Flare systems.
b) Process systems.
The types of support shoe can vary considerably between the systems
because flare systems are only cold intermittently, whilst generally
process systems are continuously cold.
8.19.5 Types of Supporting Structure
Types of supporting structures made from various materials are

considered, namely:
a) Ordinary carbon steel.
b) Low temperature carbon steel.
c) Reinforced concrete sleepers at grade.
8.19.6 Line Spacing
The importance of line spacing for constructability is stressed, together

with the manufacturing requirements of the support shoes
8.20 Pipe Support Documentation

The CONTRACTOR shall prepare & submit the following documents to the
COMPANY for approval.
 Pipe support notes and standard support material details.
 Standard pipe support drawings.
 Spring support drawings.

 Spring Supports Design Summary Sheet.
 Vessel / Equipment support clip details.
 Special support drawings.
 Pipe support foundation summary.
 Pipe support index (list of pipe supports), List of pipe supports to include:
line number, type, standard detail number, piping drawing number,
coordinate location of support.
8.21 Pipe Support Foundation Summary

All the supports with foundations shall be indexed to include the following:
 The Support Number. If a special foundation is required, a special

support sketch of the foundation shall be drawn, and the sketch number
quoted on the summary.
 Any applied loads to the foundation in excess of 5 KN. (This is given by

the Stress Engineer)
 Any modification to the coordinate shown on the pipe support index, or

additional modifications to take in account of offset support structures.
9.0 SPRING SUPPORTS
9.1 General
9.1.1 Any application of spring supports requires COMPANY approval.
9.1.2 Pipe spring supports shall comply with project specification EGP3-03.31.
9.1.3 Pipe supports shall be capable of supporting the pipe under all con-
ditions of operation.
9.1.4 Pipe supports shall allow free expansion and contraction of the piping.
9.1.5 Pipe supports shall prevent excessive stress induced by transfer of

weight to the pipe or connected equipment.
9.2 Variable-Load Supports
9.2.1 When spring supports are specified or required, variable-load spring

hangers shall be provided unless the vertical movement of the piping or
the additional stress due to load fluctuations make constant-load spring
hangers necessary.

9.2.2 Variable springs shall be furnished with travel stops. The travel stops
shall be factory installed so that the piston cap is set at the non-operating
installed position. The travel stop shall be easily removable, but
capable of acting as a rigid hanger during erection.
9.3 Constant-Load Supports
9.3.1 When spring supports are specified or required, constant-load supports

shall be provided if the vertical movement of the piping or the stress of
load-fluctuations make variable-load supports unsuitable.
9.3.2 Constant-load supports shall be installed with travel stops. The travel
stops shall be factory installed so that the hanger level is at the non-
operating installed position. The travel stops shall permit future
re-engagement without making hanger rod adjustments even if the lever
is not in the non-operating installed position.
9.3.3 Constant-load supports shall provide a means of vertical adjustment

after erection.
9.4 Provisions for Lateral and Axial Movement
9.4.1 Hanger rods shall be subjected to tensile loading only. Linkages to

permit swing shall be provided at hanger locations where lateral or axial
movement is anticipated.
9.4.2 If horizontal movement between the non-operating installed and

operating positions of piping is such that the hanger rod is more than 4
degrees from the vertical during operation of the piping system, pipe
hangers and structural attachments shall be offset so that the rod is
vertical during operation.
9.4.3 Hangers shall be designed so that the hangers cannot become

disengaged by movement of the supported pipe.
9.5 Variable Spring Hanger Applications

Appendix I illustrates the acceptable types of variable spring hangers. The type
of hanger selected depends on the following factors.
 Orientation of the pipe (vertical or horizontal)
 Amount of thermal and seismic movement expected
 Headroom available
 Structure supporting the hanger

9.5.1 Type A Hangers
a) Type A hangers are suitable for both vertical and horizontal pipe
runs that are supported from above.
b) Type A spring supports are attached to supporting members by

means of a rod screwed into a hole in the top cap of the hanger.
The hole is tapped to the full depth of the cap. The hanger load is
adjusted by turning a coupling or turnbuckle on the lower hanger
rod until the load is completely supported by the hanger and the
load indicator points to the desired position.
9.5.2 Type B Hangers
a) Piping is supported with Type B spring hangers primarily in locations

where headroom is limited.
b) Type B hangers consist of a single lug plate, which is attached to

the supporting structure, and a clevis, which provides for attaching
the hanger to the lug plate.
9.5.3 Type C Hangers
a) Type C hangers are suitable for mounting pipe where headroom is

limited.
b) Type C supports shall be furnished with two lug plates at the top for
attachment to a building or structure. The hangers permit
attachment of piping by means of eye rods or a single plate.
9.5.4 Type D Hangers
a) Type D hangers have a piece of structural tubing passing through a

hole in the top of the cap, which permits adjustment of the hanger
from the top.
b) The hanger is set above the supporting beams with the pipe
suspended below.
9.5.5 Type E Hangers
a) Type E hangers are installed on top of the supporting member with

the pipe suspended below.
b) Type E hangers are designed to permit adjustment either from

above or below the hanger. A large turnbuckle is to be furnished
with this arrangement.

9.5.6 Type F Supports
a) Type F supports are mounted under base elbows, dummy supports,

or pipe that is supported directly from the floor.
b) Type F supports have a base flange for fastening the mounting to

the floor, to a structural beam, or for adapting the support to pipe
rollers.
9.5.7 Type G Hangers
Type G hangers consist of two standard spring units and a pair of

back-to-back channels or steel attachments. The assembly creates an
enclosed hanger casing and trapeze arrangement similar to Type E
hangers.
9.6 Constant-Spring Hanger Applications

Appendix II shows eight basic applications of constant-spring hangers. The
application and configuration of constant-load hanger types correspond closely
to the types shown in Appendix I for Types A, A1, B1, C1, D1, and G.
10.0 IDENTIFICATION AND MARKING
10.1 General
10.1.1 Reference EGP3-5.1.9.17 “Requirements for Labels and Signs for

Onshore Gas Processing Facilities” for general identification and marking
requirements.
10.1.2 Piping system and fabricated pipe supports shall be identified by color
code, labels, or special marking in accordance with individual project
specifications.
10.1.3 Spring hangers shall be furnished with a 316 stainless steel nameplate
attached with stainless steel screws or rivets. The nameplate shall show
the following information.
 Manufacturer
 Figure number of series
 Size of spring unit
 Type of spring unit
 Guaranteed load
 Travel scale with load & deflection markings

 Operating / non-operating load markings
10.1.4 Detail drawings of piping supports shall include the following information
for spring hangers.
 Reference number
 Manufacturer and model number
 Hot and cold load settings
 Set spring load
 Direction and movement of the line at the support point going

from operating to non-operating installed
11.0 MATERIALS AND WELDING
Any support or trunnion welded to a pipe shall match the parent pipe material. Most
supports shall be attached to the pipe in the "Shop". For this application, "Field" is
designated as the location where pipe spools are erected. "Shop" welded supports are
those supports welded to the pipe during spool fabrication and are shown on the
isometrics.
Field welding of supports on Stress Relieved lines shall be minimized or eliminated.
For fabrication and installation requirements, refer to EGP-3.03 'Piping Fabrication and
Installation'.
12.0 PIPE SUPPORT INFORMATION
12.1 Study Phase
12.1.1 CAD piping studies shall show the following and shall be submitted to
the COMPANY for review:
 Vessel / Equipment clip requirements. These are to be designed

in detail.
 Pipe supports transmitting major piping loads to structures.
 Preliminary pipe support design to confirm routing of major

lines.

12.2 Detailed Engineering Phase
12.2.1 All supports shall be fully detailed: If it is a standard support, structural

steel should be available for it to be installed, if it is a special support, a
detailed drawing should be produced & submitted to the COMPANY for
review & comment.
12.2.2 On completion of the checking, a pipe support index will be extracted

from the model, giving the type and quantity of supports required, and
the lines that they are associated with, and submitted to the COMPANY
for review & comment.
12.3 Pipe Supports on Isometrics
12.3.1 All isometrics are to be submitted to COMPANY for review & comment.
12.3.2 The pipe supports will be identified and located.
12.3.3 Welded attachments include all items welded directly to the pipe except
for anchors and shoes for non-stress relieved lines.

TABLE 1 - CLEARANCES
(Reference EGP3-5.1.9.06 for additional Requirements)
Item Minimum Clearances*

Pump maintenance access way:
Horizontal clearance, not necessarily in a 3m
straight line
Maintenance passageways and walkways:
Horizontal clearance, not necessarily in a 900m
straight line
Headroom
Equipment maintenance areas 2450mm
Other areas 2000mm
Pipe on Sleepers:
Clearance, bottom of pipe to deck, unless
otherwise specified in the project
380mm
specifications
Equipment:
Minimum maintenance space required
between shells of exchangers or other
900mm
equipment arranged in pairs
Minimum maintenance space required
between structural members and pipe or
300mm
equipment
Minimum to pull tube bundles **
Minimum to pull tubes **
Removal and replacement of Reboilers **
Minimum beside pumps and drivers 760mm
Pipe:
Clearance between outside diameter of
flange and the outside diameter of pipe or
25mm
insulation
Clearance between outside diameter of 25 mm
pipe or insulation and structural member
Clearance between bottom of pipe or 50mm
insulation and grade or platform
*Clearance is defined as the clear space between extreme projections.

**As required, areas reserved for pulling exchanger bundles, reboilers and compressors shall be
free of overhead piping.

APPENDIX I – VARIABLE-LOAD SPRING HANGER APPLICATIONS

APPENDIX II – CONSTANT-LOAD HANGER APPLICATIONS

APPENDIX III – NONADJUSTABLE-BASE ELL SUPPORTS

APPENDIX IV – PIPE SHOES FOR PIPING 1-1/2 INCH THROUGH 10 INCHES

APPENDIX V – PIPE SHOES FOR PIPING FROM 12 INCHES TO 18 INCHES

APPENDIX VI – GUIDES FOR UNINSULATED PIPING

APPENDIX VII – GUIDES FOR INSULATED PIPING

APPENDIX VIII – ANCHORS FOR INSULATED PIPING 1-1/2 INCH THROUGH 10
INCHES

APPENDIX IX – ANCHORS FOR INSULATED PIPING 12 INCHES THROUGH 18
INCHES

APPENDIX X – RESTRAINTS FOR UNINSULATED PIPING

APPENDIX XI – RESTRAINTS FOR INSULATED PIPING

APPENDIX XII – DUMMY SUPPORTS

APPENDIX XII - Continued Sheet 3 of 3
GENERAL NOTES FOR DUMMY SUPPORTS
1. If dimension, L, is greater than 6 feet, dummy support size shall be calculated or increased
to line size.
2. Dummy supports on heat-treated carbon steel or stainless steel shall be of the same
material as the ell up to the field weld. The remaining portion of the dummy support shall be
carbon steel.
3. On insulated lines, the dummy support shall be insulated from the weld for a minimum
distance of four times the line insulation thickness.
4. On heat-treated carbon steel or stainless steel lines, the dummy support shall be insulated
a distance equal to four times the insulation thickness plus 1 inch or for a total of 9 inches,
whichever is greater.
5. The dummy support shall be insulated for a minimum distance of four times the insulation
thickness, plus one half of the line outside diameter, plus the distance the line moves.

ATTACHMENT 1 – EXPANSION JOINT DATA SHEET
January, 2004 Specification No. EGP3-12.07 Page 59 of 59

EGP3-03.04 Piping Layout, Support and Flexibility

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Parsons document number: EGP3-00-SP-32-605-007

CHEVRON NIGERIA LIMITED

ESCRAVOS GAS PROJECT – PHASE 3 DEVELOPMENT - ONSHORE

SPECIFICATION NUMBER EGP3–03.04

PIPING LAYOUT, SUPPORT AND FLEXIBILITY

REV DATE REVISION BY APPR/CL

January, 2004 Specification No. EGP3-03-04 Page 1 of 59

ii.) The issue for Invitation to Bid shall be Revision 0.

REVISION DESCRIPTION OF REVISION

A Based on EGP1 Specification 03.04, Rev.1.

Issued for Approval

B Issued for Squad Check

C Issued for Chevron Nigeria Approval

D Issued for FEED RFQ

0 Issued for ITB

January, 2004 Specification No. EGP3-03-04 Page 2 of 59

1.0 1.0 SCOPE & DEFINITIONS 7

1.3 Item Definition 7

2.1 Industry Codes 8

2.2 Project Specifications 9

2.3 Standard Drawings 9

3.0 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION 10

3.2 Design Conditions 10

4.3 Utility Stations 14

4.7 Fired Equipment 16

4.8 Buried Lines 16

4.9 Vessels and Columns 17

4.10 Tanks and Spheres 17

January, 2004 Specification No. EGP3-03-04 Page 3 of 59

5.0 VALVE ACCESSIBILITY 18

5.2 Chain Wheels 18

5.3 Emergency Valves at Vessels, Columns, Spheres, Tanks, and

5.4 Fired Heater Valves 20

5.5 Plot Limit Valves 20

6.0 SPECIAL CONDITIONS 20

6.1 Provisions for Dismantling 20

6.2 Stress, Vibration and Shock 21

6.3 Caustic, Hot, Cold, Insulated and High-Pressure Piping 21

6.4 Rack Arrangement 21

7.0 FLEXIBILITY ANALYSIS 22

7.2 Flexibility Calculations 23

7.3 Design Basis 23

7.4 Special Requirements for Stress Calculations 24

7.5 External Load Limits on Equipment 25

7.6 Pipe Flexibility Requirements 26

7.7 Piping Flexibility Analysis Record Keeping 27

8.0 SUPPORTS AND ANCHORS 28

8.3 Ell Supports 30

January, 2004 Specification No. EGP3-03-04 Page 4 of 59

8.8 Dummy Supports 31

8.10 Un-insulated Lines 31

8.11 Insulated Lines for Hot Service 31

8.12 Insulated Lines for Cold Service 32

8.13 Supporting Small Lines/Miscellaneous Supports 32

8.14 Take-offs from Main Overhead Runs 32

8.15 Main Runs at Grade 32

8.16 Supports for Hydrostatic Testing 32

8.17 Flare System Piping 33