What is process piping and power piping?

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In the world of manufacturing and utilities, there are more pipes installed than those utilized for water and sewage. These lines and their components are also added to promote productivity and to maintain safety of machinery and personnel. The most important of these are process piping and power piping.

There are critical differences to these two setups. Process piping is used to deliver liquids, gasses, and chemicals to areas of a manufacturing plant that handle the mixing of products. These mechanisms are a combination of components. They may include pipes, rubber hoses, flanges, and gaskets. In addition, traps, filters, and strainers can be installed within the pipes to ensure the cleanest end product.

Power piping, on the other hand, is installed in electric power generating buildings and central heating and cooling systems for a large area. These pipes may carry or process boiler steam, high-temperature water, liquid formed by condensation, and compressed air. Furthermore, they can be used as an initial stop valve for a system distribution header.

Power and Process Pipe Similarities

Despite the different elements these pipes carry through plants, they do have a few similarities.

  • They are not part of the plumbing system. Nor are they used as emergency runoffs for that system.
  • They are engineered differently than other pipes to handle high-temperature and/or caustic materials.
  • Unlike plumbing pipes, permits are not needed for the installation of process and power pipes.
  • Inspection are required during scheduled downtimes to prevent future issues and damage.

In the end, power and process pipes are not items to purchase at the local big-box store. They are custom components that require engineering. One reason is many of these must be installed in areas where space is an issue. Another is they must be insulated from the effects of extremely hot or caustic materials. Without this protection, the pipes would quickly erode. In turn, productivity would slow down as end products needed to be constantly remixed.

This is why it’s so important for you to start considering these power and process pipes if building or upgrading a facility. In addition, it needs to be done with experts in this field who have worked with similar companies. So, if you’re ready to get started, call us today at 408-295-2182 for a consultation and cost estimate. It’s the first step to top-notch power and productivity.

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.

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