Underground Fuel / Compressed Air Piping

[Chris]

Hi All,

We are currently working on an infrastructure project and we have encountered clashes when undertaking BIM modelling.

With various services running parallel to each other (Wet & dry utilities) it is evident that these will cross at some point.

My question is for compressed air pipework (pressure approx 12 Bar G) would there be any issue with elevation changes over a distance of approx 7km i.e. 45's / 90'Deg bends to offset other services.

My next question is the same however relates to fuel pipelines, petrol, diesel and waste fuel.

I'm not overly concerned with air locking etc on the Compressed air line however I am worried about the fuel and the potential for sludge build up on the diesel / waste fuel lines and concerned regarding air locking.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[bimr]

rule of thumb: Always slope the pipe in the main air header and in the branch air lines downward at least 1 inch per 10 foot of pipe, in the direction of the air flow. This will allow condensation to collect at the low points, where it can be trapped and drained from the compressed air systems.

If you are concerned with solids deposition in oil pipelines, the answer is to keep the pipeline velocity high.

 

[LittleInch]

At 7km long my chief concern would be pressure drop, not anything else for compressed air. You should aim not to have condensation in your air supply, but if you do then a slope can be useful, or a trap at the end of the main runs. Velocity is key to literally blowing out the liquid. The more bends the greater the pressure loss.

"waste fuel" - What on earth is that?

"BIM modeling" ?? don't assume we know or use initials the same way you do.

If you've got "sludge" in your diesel lines then you shouldn't be pumping it. Remove the dirt first.

Otherwise as bimr says you need to keep velocities above the 1-2m/sec range to sweep any debris along.

Remember - More details = better answers
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