What is a process pipe?

Share on facebook
Share on google
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin

Within a manufacturing plant you will discover numerous types of pipes. Some move water and sewage in and out of the bathrooms. Others pump chemicals and other materials out of manufacturing areas. Then here are process pipes. Out of the three, these do the most work to maintain productivity.

A process pipe is any set of pipes and its components that aren’t part of the mechanical system. They are used to convert raw materials into usable products. This includes items like fuels, gases like hydrogen, chemicals, and various liquids.

In normal operations, the following occurs in a process piping system.

  • The raw materials are moved through the pipes into some form of mixing chamber.
  • Should water be needed, it also moves through the process pipes to create the end product.
  • At the completion of the first mixing or preparation stage, the combined materials are fed into another set of process pipes for the next step.
  • These materials are moved through interconnected systems that contain pipes, pressure hoses, flanges, strainers, and other components that filter the product.

When pipes are not plumbing

Though they may run along water and sewer lines, process pipes are not connected to the plumbing system. There are a few reasons for this,

First, process pipes are not categorized under plumbing codes and guidelines. Second, manufacturers have some leeway in the types of pipes and the materials that are fed through them. Overall, engineers must prove that the flow of these materials won’t affect the end product. Nor should they cause irreparable damage to the pipes or the plant floor.

Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean the process pipes aren’t inspected. In fact, they should normally be part of the plant’s normal downtime or when problems begin to occur. In either situation, the problems need to be addressed immediately to maintain the safety and productivity of the plant. Once done, the process pipes will be examined and tested one more time to determine if all the issues have been addressed.

For the right process pipes the first time around, work with engineers who design components for environments where space is an issue. In addition, seek out companies that utilize welding and cutting methods of the highest purity.

If you’re ready to get started on refining your process pipes, call us today at 408-295-2182.

Hiring a mechanical engineer for building retrofits, rebuilds, additions, or enhancements is the quickest and surest way to obtain the ideal facilities for supporting your operations. Are you ready to make your workplace more modern, efficient, or compliant? If so, we can help.

Call us today at 408-295-2182.

SERVING THE GREATER SILICON VALLEY, CALIFORNIA.

Scroll to Top
Scroll to Top