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Requirements for oil pipeline being used a part of structure?

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jeg1234

Mechanical
Mar 2, 2005
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What are the requirements for an oil pipeline that will be part of the structure. Oil line will be running on a bridge/tressle. There is a suggestion of using the pipeline as part of the structure. My concern is the number of welds it will have along the trestle. Any DOT, ANSI/ASME, API requirements out there? Thanks
 
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Why would one do that? For an artistic look? Not knowing where you are located, I'd be concerned with the heated pipeline (because of the oil) as compared to a freezing day and the other steel in the structure adding all new stresse.

B31.8 (DOT) does not allow fillet welds on a line build under that code. So you could not do it if it were subject to DOT regulations. B31.3 (ANSI) would allow such welds and you could perform the stress analysis for the bridge structure and pipeline. It would be a tough road to convince the DOT that you wanted to switch to B31.3 at the bridge.
 
You can't weld directly to an oil or gas line. You will then be forced to clamp the rest of the structure to the pipe line. Under any code, the structure loads transmitted to the pipe will add stresses that will cause the maximum allowed operating pressure to be reduced, thus making poor use of your piping material. As piping material is more expensive than structural steel, it will not be an efficent and cost effective design method for either the pipeline or the bridge. There is no benefit to be had, other than some possible asthetic effects, which would come at a great possible detriment to the safety of both the pipe and the structure.

BigInch[worm]-born in the trenches.
 
jeg...

I think that this is a great idea !!!! In fact,why don't you place most of the structural loads on the pipe itself !! Pay no attention to any of the piping codes and get that sacrifical PE ready and primed to seal those drawings !!!

Think of the money that can be saved by using expensive piping material to support structural loads instead of cheaper carbon steel !!

Tell us,....do you have a freshly graduated MBA in your organization who developed this....ummm.. plan..???



 
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