What is the purpose of expansion loop in piping?
Piping expansion loops are used to increase the flexibility of the piping system. To reduce the generated expansion stress and displacement caused by thermal expansion or contraction, legs perpendicular to the main piping system are provided. This perpendicular length is known as the length of the expansion loop.
Why do pipelines have u bends?
Pipe bends (elbows) are widely used in industrial steel piping and steel pipelines. In industrial piping systems, bends are mainly used because of their flexibility, which allows for the accommodation of thermal expansions and the absorption of other externally-induced loads on the piping system.
How expansion and contraction are allowed for in steam pipes?
The fixed or ‘anchor’ points ‘A’ provide a datum position from which expansion takes place. The sliding support points ‘B’ allow free movement for expansion of the pipework, while keeping the pipeline in alignment. The expansion device at point ‘C’ is to accommodate the expansion and contraction of the pipe.
What is looping a pipeline?
Looping is a pipeline section laid parallel to the main gas pipeline. It is tied-in for increasing flow efficiency of the linepipe or for reducing (decreasing) the pipeline pressure loss, as well as for spacing extension – the distance between the neighboring compressor stations and their reduction in number.
Why do pipelines zigzag?
The pipeline was built in a zigzag pattern to allow the pipe to expand and contract. Because workers welded much of the pipeline at temperatures well below zero, engineers anticipated that the metal would expand once-hot oil began flowing through.
Why use bellows in piping?
Expansion joints (bellows) Expansion joints are installed in a piping system to absorb vibration and shock. They also have advantages such as reducing the noise and compensate caused by misalignment. Special expansion joints can also be designed for thermal expansion in hot applications.
Why is pipeline not straight?
Oil pipelines are often implemented with seemingly unnecessary bends to allow for expansion and contraction of the flowline or pipeline due to changes in pressure and temperature, which can occur due to changes in the weather conditions, thus they absorb significant static and dynamic loads.
Where are expansion loops positioned?
The expansion loop is usually located on the side of the hottest line. The expansion loop, as a rule, should be located in the center of the distance between two anchors. The height of the expansion loop is normally twice the width.
What is an expansion loop?
Expansion loops provide sufficient flexibility to prevent thermal expansion and contraction from causing excessive stresses in the piping system. Expansion loops often are required in high-temperature gas well flow lines and gas and water injection lines.
How hot is the oil in the Alaskan pipeline?
Oil pumped from the Prudhoe Bay field, which is 10,000-to-20,000 feet deep, is about 145 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Using heat exchangers that work like a car’s radiator, the oil companies cool the oil to about 120 degrees before it enters the pipeline.