Natural Gas Piping Design

[FraiserCrane]

being new to gas pipeline design, i am looking for seminars or courses in design and code compliance for gas pipeline systems in the southwest. any information would be appreciated. to be frank, i am looking for more than just deciphering IBC, NFPA, IMC, NFGC, ASC, OSHA, ETC.

 

[DSB123]

So you are after the 30 minute guide to being a pipeline engineer!! Don't think there is one out there. You will have to do it the normal way and decipher IBC, NFPA, IMC, NFGC, ASC,OSHA, ETC ETC

 

[PEDARRIN2]

When you say "pipeline systems", do you mean building systems or do you mean transmission systems? By your mentioning the particular codes you do, it lends me to think you mean the former.

If so, you could look to ASPE (American Society of Plumbing Engineers)(

https://aspe.org/)

or you could look to ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) (

https://www.ashrae.org/).

Both these organizations have educational and source references which would lead you in the right direction.

Since you also want to learn about code compliance - you will have to learn to decipher the referenced codes since they will inform your design.

 

[MFJewell]

ASME has the following:

PD370 - B31.8 Gas Transmission & Distribution Piping Systems
PD445 - B31 Piping Fabrication and Examination
PD391 - ASME B31.4 Pipeline Transportation Systems for Liquid Hydrocarbons and Other Liquids
PD410 - Detail Engineering of Piping Systems
Essentials – B31.8 Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems

 

[FraiserCrane]

thanks for the information. to be clear, i was talking about building systems. I have done a few for HVAC equipment, but seem to be learning the hard way with permit rejections. Last was for not providing a seismic valve. Just want to keep informed with upcoming changes (if any) to all required codes.

 

[LittleInch]

I think you confused everyone with the word pipeline. Your header title is better and you will be better off using the words piping, domestic, low pressure, utility.

Pipeline implies higher pressure buried long distance pipes, not piping in a building.

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

 

[PEDARRIN2]

Then you want to look at ASPE for design guidance.

It is always a good idea to contact the AHJ and/or gas company before going too far with design. Doing so would have likely alleviated the seismic valve issue.

 

[bimr]

Here is a link to an outline on how to size natural gas services.

http://www2.iccsafe.org/states/oreg...dix A_Sizing and Capacities of Gas Piping.pdf

 

[dhengr]

FraiserCrane:
Of course you should be interested in future changes to the various codes which govern your designs, but it really sounds like you should first learn (really learn) the codes and design processes/methods you are working with. Are there any workplaces, any longer, where a young engineer is paired with an experienced practitioner, or a mentor, so they can learn their trade with some guidance and help in understanding what they are doing and why? Are there any senior engineers within these companies who actually check and review designs before they leave the office for permitting? Yes, learning any new engineering field is though (“learning the hard way” ?), but it will stick with you a lot longer if you have to do some of your own digging for the right info. and answers. Aren’t there any good textbooks out their on this subject, which would be good reading for the current learning process, and then also good reference books on down the line? The guys/gals who do this every day should have some suggestions on this matter. When was the last time you took a good textbook or a code book home with you to study on your own time? You shouldn’t expect to learn everything in your toolbox on the company clock, you should bring some every expanding knowledge and experience to the job, of your own volition.

 

[dbill74]

Are there any workplaces, any longer, where a young engineer is paired with an experienced practitioner, or a mentor, so they can learn their trade with some guidance and help in understanding what they are doing and why? Are there any senior engineers within these companies who actually check and review designs before they leave the office for permitting?

I've been asking these questions myself for the last couple of years.

It's almost as if companies are hiring kids right out of school expecting them to be experts at designing these complex systems with no real world experience.

 

[DGrayPPD]

It's almost as if companies are hiring kids right out of school expecting them to be experts at designing these complex systems with no real world experience.

That's exactly what's happening.

 

[Gator]

The old guys are too expensive and grumpy, so they dumped all their knowledge and skill into software databases.