A Piping Engineer is a mechanical engineer with specialized knowledge of Process Piping. He is responsible for understanding the materials being conveyed, the process details being applied to the conveyed materials, the environment in which these processes are to take place including space limitations and adjacent process details, and many other considerations. He must also be conscious of the stresses which can be enormous on Process Piping components and support mechanisms. A Process Piping system is always moving, so the supporting structures and all the components of the system must be carefully designed and built to account for the loads encountered by each hanger and bracket throughout the entire system.
A Piping Engineer must also manage the economics of a project. The costs can be as enormous as the stresses on the system. Exotic materials and exacting construction requirements can come at a very high price, and the Piping Engineer must be certain that his solutions for the system are adequate with appropriate margins for the safety and longevity of the project, but still not exceed the budget.
Specialties Within Piping Engineering:
- Piping Layout and Design
- Piping Materials Selection
- Process Stress Analysis
A well-designed Process Piping System can mitigate a great many risks. Design or installation errors can lead to system failure. System failures can be caused by a number of things which the Piping Engineer must anticipate and plan for. We have already mentioned mechanical stress, but there are others as well. Weather can play a significant role as it can lead to pipes bursting if temperatures above or beneath anticipated temperatures are encountered. The Process Piping System can be adversely affected by vibration produced within the system, or emanating from adjacent equipment. Corrosion damage to Piping System components can come from improperly selected or applied incorrectly, and can also lead to failure of the system.
Not surprisingly, Piping Engineers are in great demand and in short supply. It can be very difficult and costly to find and engage competent engineering talent, especially in an urgent situation.
So if you’re ready to get started on a Process Piping project and need competent and experienced Piping Engineering, call us today at 408-295-2182.