DISCUSSION 2 DATE: 17-09-2022

PIPE THICKNESS CALCULATION AND SELECTION

As per clause 304.1.2 of ASME B 31.3

Minimum required thickness, including mechanical, corrosion, and erosion allowances :

tm = t + c

The minimum thickness, T, for the pipe selected, considering manufacturer’s minus tolerance, shall be
not less than tm.

Following nomenclature is used in the equations for pressure design of straight pipe:

c = sum of the mechanical allowances (thread or groove depth) plus corrosion and erosion allowances.
For threaded components, the nominal thread depth (dimension h of ASME B1.20.1, or equivalent)
shall apply. For machined surfaces or grooves where the tolerance is not specified, the tolerance shall
be assumed to be 0.5 mm (0.02 in.) in addition to the specified depth of the cut.

D = outside diameter of pipe as listed in tables of standards or specifications or as measured

d = inside diameter of pipe. For pressure design calculation, the inside diameter of the pipe is
the maximum value allowable under the purchase specification.

E = quality factor from Table A-1A or Table A-1B

P = internal design gage pressure
S = stress value for material from Table A-1 or TableA-1M
T = pipe wall thickness (measured or minimum in accordance with the purchase specification)
t = pressure design thickness, as calculated in accordance with para. 304.1.2 for internal pressure or
as determined in accordance with para. 304.1.3 for external pressure

tm = minimum required thickness, including mechanical, corrosion, and erosion allowances

Credits1: ASME B31.3 2020 para 304.1.2 , ASME B36.10M

Credits2: Whatispiping.com
W = weld joint strength reduction factor in accordance with para. 302.3.5

Y = coefficient from Table 304.1.1, valid for t < D/6 and for materials shown. The value of Y may be
interpolated for intermediate temperatures. For t≥ D/6,

304.1.2 Straight Pipe Under Internal Pressure

(a) For t < D/6, the internal pressure design thickness for straight pipe shall be not less than that
calculated in accordance with either eq. (3a) or eq. (3b)

(b) For t ≥ D/6 or for P/SE > 0.385, calculation of pressure design thickness for straight pipe requires
special consideration of factors such as theory of failure, effects of fatigue, and thermal stress.

Credits1: ASME B31.3 2020 para 304.1.2 , ASME B36.10M

Credits2: Whatispiping.com
 Sample calculation

ASME B36.10M: for ferritic steel (seamless & welded wrought steel pipes

Credits1: ASME B31.3 2020 para 304.1.2 , ASME B36.10M

Credits2: Whatispiping.com
Note:
1. Ordering thickness for seamless pipe will always be the next greater value available from
Schedule to schedule.
2. Whereas for welded pipe any next greater value will be the ordering thickness.
3. Extra thickness can be calculated by ordering thickness minus the required thickness

Use of the Extra thickness available in the pipes

 for calculating the life of a pipe after 20 years.

 For calculating the maximum pressure holding capacity of the pipe.

 For checking extra thickness is sufficient to take care of thinning, if the same pipe is used for
manufacturing the bend.

 The extra thickness also minimizes deflection and reduces the number of support.

 To compare with flange pressure holding capacity, to declare pipe is stronger than the flange.

Parameters Affecting Pipe Thickness

By now you must have understood all the parameters that affect the pipe thickness. The
parameters are mentioned below for easy understanding

 Design Pressure: With an increase in internal design pressure the thickness of a pipe increases.

 Design Temperature: With an increase in the design temperature, the allowable stress value
reduces which, in turn, increases the pipe thickness.

 Pipe Outer Diameter: With increase in piping OD the pipe thickness corresponding to same
pressure increases.

Assumptions for Pipe Thickness Calculation

For the above-mentioned pipe thickness calculation steps following ASME B31.3, the following
assumptions are made

The pipe is a thin cylinder and the value of thickness t is less than D/6.

The value of P/(SE)<0.385

The pipe is subjected to internal pressure only

Credits1: ASME B31.3 2020 para 304.1.2 , ASME B36.10M

Credits2: Whatispiping.com