Center to center pipe spacing

[hamidun]

Dear All,

I would like to know, if there is any codes/standards that rule the minimum distance between center to center of pipe. Or how do we determine the center to center pipe spacing?

Is it right to space the pipes between flange to flange only?

Thanks for the help!

 

[DSB123]

Each and every main contractor has their own pipe spacing charts depending on the pipe sizes, flange diameters, allowance for insulation, allowances for thermal displacements, allowances for maintenance, allowances for fabrication.

 

[LittleInch]

There are no codes I am aware of.

a good ROT I've seen is D/2 of the larger pipe as a minimum separation edge to edge.

If flanged pipe then clearly the biggest flange sets your min distance or valve or if there are lateral tees with elbows or other fittings coming out the side, insulation etc.

you can stagger flanges to minimize spacing if required but allow for bolt access.

More to do with installation and maintenance issues than anything else.



Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[brimmer]

There a guidelines only, generally nothing in codes that specifies, however some codes may specify that you assess the risks when considering separation distances. Some guidance is in:
Guidelines for parallel construction, INGAA Foundation
Development guidelines form Parallel pipelines, IPC 2010-31287
Pipeline separation: A review of requirements, guidance, and best practices, IPC2014-3329
IGEM TD/1 Edition5, Steel pipelines & associated installations form high pressure gas transmission

IGEM is the only code I see with some guidelines that need to be followed. Need to take into account soil type, if lines can move/by how much, what would happen in the event of a failure on one line, the spacing required to do maintenance, the list goes on, and should be included in the assessment. What I've described is used more in transmission lines, you don't describe what your scenario is, you could be in a facility and not much of this would apply, which is why it is best to give more details in the question.

 

[LittleInch]

Those buried distances come the crater size assessment undertaken by PRCI I think where they calculate crater size for different diameter pipes and different pressures and soil types. It's a really nice paper if you can find it to justify or otherwise buried pipeline spacing for gas pipelines.

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[MJCronin]

https://www.amazon.com/Process-Plant-Layout-Piping-Design/dp/0131386298

No, I won't send you a free copy.... I had to purchase mine ....

MJCronin
Sr. Process Engineer

 

[MickMc]

See attached from Pipingdesigners.com for Above Ground. Note as mentioned before Clients may have their own criteria.

 

[hamidun]

It's clear that there is no standards/codes about pipe to pipe span.

Thanks all and thanks for the reference!

 

[lilliput1]

The Piping Guide Part II (Guide has Part I & Part II) by David Sherwood & Dennis Whistance has Tables A-1, A-2 and A-3 showing minimum pipe spacing.

Table A-1 shows spacing for between similar or between uninsulated desimilar pipe sizes for: lines w/o flanges; 150 & 150 psi flanges; 300 & 300 psi flanged; 150 &b 300 pai flanged; 300 & 600 psi flanged; 150 & 600 psi flanged; 600 & 600 psi flanged. User is instructed to add thickness of insulation and covering to the above uninsulated pipe spacing.

Table A-2 shows pipe spacing between piping with 45 degree jumpovers with formulas to account for insulation thickness and different elevation between piping.

Table A-3 shows pipe spacing between piping with 45 degree rununders with formulas to account for insulation thickness and different elevation between piping.

 

[hamidun]

Thanks lilliput1 for your reference, it really helps!

 

[gerhardl]

Hello hamidun,

You seem to have got your answer, but piping distance (as indicated by the answers) can be anything depending on operating conditions (fluid, pressure, flow temperature), geographical conditions and application and surroundings.

There is, as an example, a difference between an above-ground gas-pipeline in a desert, and a subsea buried pipeline for oil, between hydraulic high-pressure piping, and in-house 'pipe in pipe' for water.

It is always easy to believe that all persons in a worldwide engineering forum have the same picture in mind as yourself.

A more accurate description will always help to give a faster and better answer.

In addition: if we here are talking about parallell, for instance watermains, distance could be down to minimum, with a separating space wide enough only to allow repair and replacement of a stretch. Note, only if all other valves are placed in wider areas/rooms with more space around. (Airvalves will anyway normally fit on top without extra distance.)