piping design regulations 1

[mohssen]

A question to anyone who has experience in design of underground pipelines to transfer food grade, high pressure (600 psi), flammable liquids such as ethanol or alcohol. What are the design regulations that apply to this type of design?

 

[KRSServices]

Food Grade? Are you in Canada or the US? If you are looking for some direction or thoughts, here in Alberta there is a regulatory body that governs high pressure pipelines. They have a number of published guidelines and recommendations that may be useful to you. I refer them to you due to the fact that they are flammable. Here in Alberta, with the oil and gas industry, pipelines abound and are well regulated, for the most part.

The website is

http://www.eub.gov.ab.ca

Hope this helps or gives you a start. KRS Services

http://www.krs-services.com

 

[mohssen]

KRSServices, thanks for your response. The project for the most part relates to underground piping of materials similar to beer. All of the regs that I have found so far relate to petroleum products only, and excludes any other. One of things that I am worried about is the pipe joints where the product could remain for a long period of time and this may raise some sanitary issues.

 

[KRSServices]

Okay, that clarifies things a bit. I'll have to admit that this application is outside of my experience level, however, if there is a risk of detrimental effects at the pipe joints, I would eliminate them by utilizing a a pipe material where minimal joints would exist (ie. welded, butt-fusion, etc.). With pressures at 600 or greater, I would suspect a heavyier schedule stainless steel pipng or something like that. In terms of standards, the pipeline and process industry would likely be a good start for ideas and guidelines. KRS Services

http://www.krs-services.com

 

[jheidt2543]

Here is another thought to consider. You might try to find your answers from someone in the dairy industry, where most of the product (milk) is moved around the plant in pipes. They have to meet very strict sanitary conditions and must clean the piping systems after each shift or batch because of the fast growing bacteria in milk and cheese processing. The dairy industry uses some pretty strong cleaning solutions in their piping systems, most of the pipe is stainless steel and either welded or gasketed joints. It is all above ground, but I should think they may have solved most of the problems you face.