Stainless Steel Process Piping Estimating Guide 1

[bekirk]

I've been tasked with developing a rough cost estimate for replacing the piping system in a spring water processing facility. The existing system is comprised of sch. 40 PVC and various nylon and PE fittings. The replacement system must be entirely stainless steel.

Are there any good, simple design / spec resources that I could use effectively without purchasing and/or delving into a $300-$400 complete design guide and ASME specs.?

 

[BigInch]

Not sure, but you might see how far you can go with these,

http://www.usace.army.mil/publications/eng-manuals/em.htm

http://virtualpipeline.spaces.msn.com

 

[bekirk]

Thank BigInch,

That's quite a bank of engineering manuals! I took a quick look at the Process Piping Manual and it is helpful to the point at which it references the ASME B31.3 Code. Unfortunately there's not enough there to determine roughly what grade / schedule pipe I will need for the project.

If I have to buy the standard I will, but since I don't expect to be engineering this system I was trying to avoid it.

I might draw on that Army Corps website in the future though...

-bekirk

 

[BigInch]

If you're not doing the engineering, just reference your B31.3 criteria in the Engineering Contract Specification when you go select your engineering contractor.

If you know a range of line diameters and pressures you will be using, it shouldn't be too hard to find enough info about B31.3 to develop a list of associated wall thicknesses.

http://virtualpipeline.spaces.msn.com

 

[HEC]

bekirk
I presume that the spring water is being bottled for sale. It wouold appear that the original installation using PVC has developed a microbial problem, giving high counts in the bottles. Thoes microbes just love PVC, had a similar problem in a pharma R&D facility.
So the move to Stainless steel is driven by the need to clean and disinfect the pipe system. A 304 grade SS would be suitable for this either tube or schedule pipe depending upon system pressures. As you are dealing with spring water, the analysis will need to be closely looked at. If there are high levels of chlorides present then 316SS or higher grades may be needed.
Cheers

Mark Hutton

 

[JohnBreen]

bekirk,

You might also be interested in this B31.3 Piping Guide from Los Alamos National Laboratory (you tax dollars at work).

http//engstandards.lanl.gov/engrman/6mech/pdfs/D20-AppA-ASME_B31.3-r1a.pdf

 

[JohnBreen]

bekirk,

Here is another free guide for stainless steel piping and tubing in the biotechnology industries. This is a lot of information on stainless piping in a small package.

http://www.asepco.com/docs/PDF_files/Stainless_tubing.pdf

Regards, John.

 

[bekirk]

Thanks Folks,

Those sources helped, but it still seems that I might need to get the ASME standard to do what I want. Perhaps its the engineer in me that wants more detail than I probably need.

Barton

 

[JohnBreen]

Hello again Barton,

Another thought - maybe you should also take your question to Eng-Tips forum 1125 - the stainless steel for engineers Forum.

There is also a Eng-tips forum 723 - Steel and Stainless engineering Forum.

Part of the cost will be fabrication and NDE of the system and those guys might be able to give you additional insight.

Just a thought.

Regards, John.

 

[HEC]

Barton,
Just had another read of your OP. Try the New Zealand Stainless Steel fabricators site. A number of years ago they developed a "Blue Book" on SS fabrication and specification.

Cheers

Mark Hutton

 

[stanier]

There is always the classic txt by Page & Nation Estimator's Piping Manhour Manual. Establish the hourly and gang rate for your area and you can come up with an estimate.

Also ask propoestive sub contractor's for their schedules of rates for the necessary trades and equipment.

Geoffrey D Stone FIMechE C.Eng;FIEAust CP Eng

http://www.waterhammer.bigblog.com.au