Recommended Practice for

Design and Installation

of Offshore
Production Platform
Piping Systems

API RECOMMENDED PRACTICE 14E (RP 14E)

FIFTH EDITION, OCTOBER 1 , 1991

American Petroleum Instltute

1220 L Street, Northwest
Washington, DC 20005
Issued by
 AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE
Production Department

FOR INFORMATION CONCERNING TECHNICAL CONTENTS OF

THIS PUBLICATION CONTACT THE API PRODUCTION
DEPARTMENT,
1201 MAIN STREET, SUITE 2535, DALLAS, TX
75202-3994 — (214) 748-3841. SEE BACK COVER
FOR INFORMATION CONCERNING HOW TO OBTAIN
ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS PUBLICATION.

Users of this publication should become completely

familiar with its scope and content. This
publication is intended to supplement rather than
replace individual engineering judgment.

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION

REG. U.S. PATENT OFFICE

Copyright 0 1991 American Petroleum Institute

API RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR DESIGN AND INSTALLATION
OF OFFSHORE PRODUCTION PLATFORM PIPING SYSTEMS

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
POLICY 6
FOREWORD
2 American Petroleum Institute

DEFINITIONS 7

SYMBOLS 8
SECTION 1 — GENERAL----

Scope 9
Code for 9
Policy _ 9

Industry Codes, Guides and Standards ---- - 9

American Iron and Steel Institute----- 9

American National Standards Institute- - 9

American Petroleum Institute 10

American Society for Testing and Materials 10

American Society of Mechanical Engineers----- 10

National Association of Corrosion Engineers--------- 10

---
National Fire Protection Association-
10
Gas Processors Suppliers Association-------------

10
Hydraulics Institute
10
Governmental Rules and Regulations
10
Demarcation Between Systems with Different Pressure
Ratings------ 11
Corrosion Considerations
13
General
13
Weight Logs Corrosion
13
Sulfide Stress Cracking
13
Chloride Stress Cracking
13
 Application of NACE MR-01-75
13
SECTION 2 PIPING DESIGN
14
Pipe Grades
14
Non-Corrosive Hydrocarbon Service
14
Corrosive Hydrocarbon Service
14
Sulfide Stress Cracking Service

Utilities Service
14
Tubing 14

Sizing Criteria — General

14
Sizing Criteria for Liquid
15
General - 15

Pump Piping ---

15
Sizing Criteria for Single-Phase Gas - 21
General Pressure Drop Equation
21
Empirical Pressure Drop -
21
Gas Velocity Equation -
22
Compressor Piping
23
General Notes- 23

Sizing Criteria for Gas/Liquid Two-mase Lines---„-----

---- 23
Erosional Velocity
23 Minimum
Velocity 23
Pressure Drop - 23
Pipe Wall Thicknesses-----------------
25
Joint Connections - 25
4 American Petroleum Institute

Expansion and Flexibility----------„--

25
Start-Up Provisions 25
References 26
 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems 5

TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)

Page
SECTION 3 SELECTION OF VALVES 29
General 29
Types of Valves------
29
Ball Valves----------- 29
Gate Valves 29
Plug Valves 29
Butterfly Valves 29
Globe Valves 29
Diaphragm (Bladder)
29
Needle Valves - 30
-

Check - 30
Valve Sizing----e - 30
Valve Pressure and Temperature Ratings------ 30
Valve Materials 31
Non-Corrosive Service 31
Chloride Stress Cracking Service - 31

Sulfide Stress Cracking Service 31

References 31

Corrosive Service - - 31

SECTION 4 — FITTINGS AND FLANGES 32

General 32
Welded Fittings 32

Screwed Fittings 32
6 American Petroleum Institute

Branch Connections 32
Flanges 32
General 32
Gaskets 33
Flange Protectors 34
Bolts and Nuts 34
Proprietary Connectors 34
Special Requirements for Sulfide Stress Cracking Service- 34
Erosion Prevention 34
References

SECTION 5 — DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR

PARTICULAR PIPING SYSTEMS- 35
General 35
Wellhead Accessory 35
Sampling and Injection Connections---------------------- - - 35
Chokes 35
Flowline and Flowline Accessories---------- _ - 35
Flowline Pressure Sensor----e------- - - 35
Flowline Orifice Fitting---------- _ 35
Flowline Heat Exchanger-- 35
Flowiine Check Valve - 35
Flowline - 35
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
Page
SECTION 5 (continued)
Production
Manifolds35
General35
Manifold Branch
Connections-------35
Manifold Valve
Installation--35
Process Vessel
Piping35 Utility Systems.------ -38
 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems 7

Pneumatic
Systems- 38
Air Systems------ 38
Gas Systems -38
Fire Water-
38
Potable Water
Systems----.--38
Sewage
Systems38
Heating Fluid and Glycol
Systems---38
Pressure Relief and Disposal Systems.æ------ - 40
General40
Relief Device Piping_
40
Relief
(Disposal) System Piping-40
Drain
Systems -
Pressure
Drains41
Bridge Piping Between Platforms 41

Risers 41

SECTION 6 — Valves
Sampling CONSIDERATIONS OF RELATED ITEMS - 42
41

General
References 42
41

Layout 42

Elevations 42

Piping Supports 42
8 American Petroleum Institute

Other Corrosion Considerations 42

Protective Coatings for External

Surfaces 42
Types of Platform Piping Coating
Systems 42
Selection of Platform Piping Coating Systems

Risers
42
Corrosion Protection for Internal Surfaces 42
Gravity Drains41
Process
Piping--- 42
Water
.Piping____--

Compatibility of Materials ----- - 42

Non-Destructive Erosion and/or Corrosion 43

Surveys-„----

Cathodic Protection 43

Protective Coatings
Thermal - 43
Noise 43
Pipe, Valves and Fittings Tables 43
Inspection, Maintenance & Repair- - - 43
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
Page
SECTION 7 — INSTALLATION AND QUALITY CONTROL
45
General 45
Authorized Inspector 45
 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems 9

Welding
45 Safety Precautions--- - 45 Welding
Procedure Qualification-.
Welder Qualification -
45
Welding Records-- 45

Welding Requirements
45
Heat Treatment 45
Examination and Inspection
45
Radiographic Inspection
45
Pressure Testing 45

Hydrostatic Tests - 45
Pneumatic Tests 45
Test Record 46
APPENDIX A — EXAMPLE PROBLEMS
47
Introduction - 47
Flowline Piping Design - 47
Pump Suction Piping Design-- - 50

APPENDIX B— ACCEPTABLE BUTT WELDED JOINT DESIGN

FOR UNEQUAL WALL THICKNESSES-52
APPENDIX C — EXAMPLE PIPE, VALVES AND
FITTINGS TABLES 54
APPENDIX D — LIST OF
EQUATIONS - 57

APPENDIX E — LIST OF
FIGURES- 58

APPENDIX F — LIST OF TABLES 59

10 American Petroleum Institute

Attention Users of this

Publication: Portions of this
publication have been changed from
the previous edition. The locgtions
of changes have been marked with a
bar in the margin, as shown to the
left of this paragraph. In some cases
the changes are significant, while in
other cases the changes reflect minor
editorial adjustments. The bar
notations in the margins are provided
as an aid to users as to those parts of
this publication that have been changed
from the previous edition, but API makes
no warranty as to the accuracy of such
bar notations.

NOTE: This is the fifth edition of thi8 Recommended Requests for permission to
reproduce or translate all or Practice. It includes changes to the fourth edition
adopted any part of the material published herein should be at the 1990 Standardization
Conference. addregsed to the Director, American Petroleum Institute Production
Department, 1201 Main Street, Suite 2595, Thi* standard shall become effective on the
date printedTX 75202-3994. on the cover, but may be used voluntarily from the date of
distribution.
POLICY STATEMENT
 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems 11

API PUBLICATIONS NECESSARILY ADDRESS PUBLICATION DATE AS AN OPERATIVE API

PROBLEMS OF A GENERAL NATURE. WITH STANDARD OR, WHERE
RESPECT TO PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES, AN EXTENSION HAS BEEN GRANTED, UPON
LOCAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL LAWS AND REPUBLICATION. STATUS OF THIS PUBLICATION
REGULATIONS SHOULD BE REVIEWED. CAN BE ASCERTAINED FROM THE API AUTHORING
DEPARTMENT (TEL. 214-748-3841). A CATALOG OF
API IS NOT UNDERTAKING TO MEET DUTIES
API PUBLICATIONS AND MATERIALS IS
OF EMPLOYERS, MANUFACTURERS, OR SUP- PUBLISHED ANNUALLY AND UPDATED
PLIERS TO WARN AND PROPERLY TRAIN AND QUARTERLY BY API, 1220 L ST., N.W.,
EQUIP THEIR EMPLOYEES, AND OTHERS EXPOSED, WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005.
CONCERNING HEALTH AND SAFETY RISKS AND
PRECAUTIONS, NOR UNDERTAKING THEIR American Petroleum Institute (API) Recommended
OBLIGATIONS UNDER LOCAL, STATE, OR FEDERAL Practices are published to facilitate the board
LAWS. availability of proven, sound engineering and
NOTHING CONTAINED IN ANY API PUBLICA- operating practices. These Recommended Practices
TION IS TO BE CONSTRUED AS GRANTING ANY are not intended to obviate the need for applying sound
RIGHT, BY IMPLICATION OR OTHERWISE, FOR THE judgment as to when and where these Recommended
MANUFACTURE, SALE, OR USE OF ANY METHOD, Practices should be utilized.
APPARATUS, OR PRODUCT COVERED BY LETTERS
PATENT. NEITHER SHOULD ANYTHING The formulation and publication of API Recommended
CONTAINED IN THIS PUBLICATION BE Practices is not intended to, in any way, inhibit anyone from
CONSTRUED AS INSURING ANYONE AGAINST using any other practices.
LIABILITY FOR INFRINGEMENT OF LETTERS Any Recommended Practice may be used by anyone
PATENT. desiring to do so, and a diligent effort has been made by API
GENERALLY, API STANDARDS ARE to assure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained
REVIEWED AND REVISED, REAFFIRMED, OR herein. However, the Institute makes no representation,
WITHDRAWN AT LEAST EVERY FIVE YEARS. warranty or guarantee in connection with the publication of
any Recommended Practice and hereby expressly disclaims
SOMETIMES A ONE-TIME EXTENSION OF UP
any liability or responsibility for loss or damage resulting
TO TWO YEARS WILL BE ADDED TO THIS from its use, for any violation of any federal, state or
REVIEW CYCLE. THIS PUBLICATION WILL NO municipal regulation with which an API recommendation
LONGER BE IN EFFECT FIVE YEARS AFTER ITS may conflict, or for the infringement of any patent resulting
from the use of this publication.
FOREWORD
12 American Petroleum Institute

a. This recommended practice (RP) is under the juris- IMPACT ENERGY diction of the American
Petroleum Institute (API)1 foot-pound = 1.355818 Joules (J) Committee on
Standardization of Offshore Safety
(ft-lb)
and Anti-Pollution Equipment. It has been prepared with the overall advisory
guidance of the API, Offshore Operators Committee (OOC), and the
Western Oil and Gas Association (WOGA).TORQUE
Corrosion related sections were prepared with the1 foot-pound = 1.355818 newtonassistance
of the National Association of Corro-(ft-lb) metres (N •m) Engineers (NACE).
b. This RP contains information for use Drimarily by design engineers with a working knowledge of pro-
TEMPERATURE duction platform operations. Some of the information may be useful to experienced
operatin per-The following formula was used to convert degrees sonnel. Nothin in this RP is to be
construe as aFahrenheit (F) to degrees Celsius (C): fixed rule witfout regard to Bound
engineeringC = 5/9 (F-32)
judgement nor is it intended to gupercede or override any federal, state, or
local regulation where applicable.VOLUME
c. Conversion of English units to International System1 Cubic Foot (cu ft) 0.02831685 Cubic Metre (m3) (SI) metric
units has been omitted to add clarity to1 Gallon (gal) = 0.003785412 Cubic graphs and empirical formulas. Factors
that may beMetre (rn 3 ) used for conversion of English units to SI units were1 Barrel (bbl) = 0.1589873 Cubic taken
fmm API Publication 2564, and are listed
below:Metre (m 3 )

LENGTHWEIGHT
1 inch (in.) =25.4 millimetres (mm)1 pound (1b) =
0.4535924 Kilograms (kg) exactly
PRESSUREFORCE
1 pound per =0.06894757 Bar1 pound (1b) = 4.448222 Newtons (N) square inch (psi)
NOTE: 1 Bar 100 kilopascals (kPa)FLOW RATE
1 Barrel per day (BPD) = 0.1589873 Cubic Metres
STRENGTH OR STRESSper day (m 3/d)
1 pound per = 0.006894757 Mega-1 Cubic foot per min (CFM) =40.77626 Cubic Metres square inch (psi) bascals (M Pa)
per day (m3/d)

DEFINITIONS
 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems 13

The following definitions apply specifically to theCORROSIVE —Process streams which

conequipment and systems described in this RP.HYDROCARBON tain water or brine and
carSERVICE bon
CHLORIDE STRESS —Process streams which con- dioxide (C02), hydroCRACKING SERVICE tain
water and chlorides un-gen sulfide (H2S), oxygen der conditions of concentra-(02) or other corrosive tion and
temperature highagents under conditions enough to induce stresswhich cause metal weight loss.
cracking of ferrous bage al- DESIGN PRESSURE —Maximum allowable workloy
materials. Other con-
stituents present, such asing pressure at the design
temperature.
oxygen ute to such (02), chloride may contrib-stressEXPANSION —A
corrugated piping device cracking.BELLOWS designed for absorbing expansion
and contraction.
CHOKE —A device specifically in- EXPANSION BEND —A piping configuration
detended
to restrict the flowsigned to absorb expansion rate of fluids.and
contractiom
CORROSION- —The phenomenon of a pro-FIRE WATCH —One or more trained perEROSION tective
film of corrosionsons with operable fire product being eroded awayfighting equipment standby the erosive
action of theing on alert during welding process stream, exposingor burning operations. fresh metal which then
cor-FLOWLINE —Piping which carries well rodes. Extremely high met-fluid from wellhead to al weight
108B may occurmanifold or first process under these conditions.vessel.
CORROSIVE GAS —A gas which when dissolvedFLOW REGIME —The flow condition of a
mulin water or other liquidtiphase process stream such causes metal attack.
Usual-as slug, mist, or stratified ly included are hydrogenflow.
sulfide (H2S), carbon di-FLUID —A generic term meaning a oxide (C02) and
oxygengas, vapor, liquid or combinations thereof.
HEADER —That part of a manifold PRESSURE SENSOR —A device designed to detect which directs fluid
to aa predetermined pressure.
specific process system.PROCESS —A single functional piece of (See
Figure 6.1A)COMPONENT production equipment and
HYDROCARBON —The ability of the processassociated piping such as a WETABILITY
stream to form a protectivepressure vessel, heater, hydrocarbon film on metalpump, etc. surfaces.RISER
—The vertical portion of a MANIFOLD —An assembly of pipe, valvespipeline (including the botand
fittings by which fluidtom bend) arriving on or from one or more sourcesdeparting from a platform. is
selectively directed to various process systems.SHUTDOWN VALVE — An automatically
operated NIPPLE —A section of threaded orvalve used for isolating a socket welded pipe used
asprocess 5 component or procan appurtenance that is lessess system.
than 12 inches in length.SULFIDE STRESS —Process streams which conNON-CORROSIVE
—Process Btreams under con-CRACKING SERVICE tain water or brine and hy-
HYDROCARBON ditions which do not causedrogen sulfide (H2S) in SERVICE significant metal
weightconcentrations high enough loss, selective attack, orto induce stress corrosion stress corrosion
cracking.cracking of susceptible PLATFORM PIPING —A general term referring tomaterials.
any piping, on a platform,WELLHEAD —The maximum shut-in
surintended to contain or trans-PRESSURE face pressure that may exist port
fluid.in a well.
14 American Petroleum Institute

SYMBOLS
The following symbols apply specifically to the equa-= pressure drop, psi/ 100 ft tions contained
in this RP.gas flow rate, million cubic feet/day (14.7 psia and
0
minimum pipe cross-sec'tional flow area60 F)
required, inches2 /1000 barrels fluid/day= liquid flow rate, barrels/day
— mean coefficient of thermal expansion at— gas flow rate, cubic feet/ hour (14.7 psia
operating temperatures normally encoun-and GO O F) tered, inches/ inch/ O F= gas/ liquid ratio,
standard cubic feet/ barc = empirical pump constantrel cempirical constantReynolds number,

dimensionless
= valve coefficient (GPM water flow at 60 0 Fpump speed, revolutions/ minute across
valve with a pressure drop of 1gas density at operating pressure and psi
)temperature, lbs/fta
= pipe inside diameter, feet= liquid density at operating temperature, = pipe inside
diameter, incheslbs/ft3
D = nominal pipe diameter, inchesgas/liquid mixture density at operating
Do = pipe outside diameter, inchespressure and temperature, lbs/ft8
E = longitudinal weld joint factor, dimension-= allowable stress, psi lessgas
specific gravity (air
= modulus of elasticity of piping material= liquid specific gravity (water in the
cold condition, psiO
operating temperature, R (Sec Note (2)) fIMoody friction factor, dimensionless
— pressure design thickness, inches
= gravitational constant, feet/ second2
= temperature change, O F
GPM = liquid flow rate, gallons/minute
= acceleration head, feet of liquid— anchor tance between distance, anchors)feet (straight line
dis-
= friction head, feet of liquid
— gas viscosity at flowing pressure and
= absolute pressure head, feet of liquidtemperature, centipoise
= static head, feet of liquid= liquid viscosity, lbs/ft-sec hvh = velocity head, feet of liquid=
fluid erosional velocity, feet/ second hvpa = absolute vapor pressure, feet of liquid average gas
velocity, feet/second (See Note (3))
A hw = differential static pressure head, inches of
water— average liquid velocity, feet/second
K = acceleration factor, dimensionless= total liquid plus vapor rate, lbs/ hr
L = pipe length, feet= temperature factor, dimensionless
Al = expansion to be absorbed by pipe, inches— gas compresibility factor, dimensionless
NPSHa = available net positive suction head, feet Of liquid
NOTES:
— operating presure, psia (See Note (1)) (1) Also denoted in text as "flowing pressure, pgia. '
= internal design pressure, psig (2) Also denotzd in tect as "flowing temperature, OR. '
Ap = pressure drop, psi (3) Algo demoted in text ag "gas velocity, feet/second '
SECTION 1
GENERAL
 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems 15

1.1 Scope. This document recommends minimum B31.3 is not applicable, should be designed and
requirements and guidelines for the design and installed is accordance with the following practices:
installation of new piping systems on production
platforms located offshore. The maximum design a. Design, construction, inspection and testin
pressure within the scope of this document is 10,000 should be in accordance with ANSI B31.4,
psig and the temperature range is -20 0F to 6500 F. For ANS\ B31.8, CFR Title 49, Part 192,
applications outside these pressures and temperatures, and/or CFR Title 49, Part 195, as
special consideration should be given to material appropriate to the application, using a
properties (ductility, carbon migration, etc.). The design stress no greater than 0.6 times
recommended practices presented are SMYS (Specified Minimum Yield
based on years of exoerience in Strength).
developing oil and gas leases. Practically al) of the b. One hundred percent radiography should
offshore experience has been in hydrocarbon service be required for welding in accordance with
free of hydrogen sulfide, However, recommendations API Std 1104.
based on extensive experience onshore are included
for some aspects of hydrocarbon service containing
c. Impact tests should be required at the
hydrogen sulfide.
lowest expected operating temperatures
for pipe grades higher than X-52.
a. This document contains both general and
specific information on surface facility pipin d. Valves, fittings and flanges may be
systems not specified in API Specification GA. manufactured in conformance with MSS
gections 2, 3 and 4 contain general information (Manufacturers Standardization Society of
concerning the design and application of pipe, the Valve and Fittings Industry) standards.
valves, and fittings for typical processes. Pressure/ tempera. ture ratings and
Sections 6 and 7 contain general Information material compatibility should be verified.
concerning installation, quality control, and e. In determining the transition between
items related to piping systems, e.g., insulation, risers and platform pipin8 to which these
etc. for typical processes. Section 5 contains practices apply, the first incommg and last
specific information concerning the design of outgoing valve which blocks pipeline flow
particular piping systems including any shall be the limit of this document's
deviations from the recommendations covered application. Recommended Peractices
in the general sections. included in this document may be utilized
b. Carbon steel materials are suitable for the for riser design when factors such as water
majority of the piping systems on depth, batter of platform legs, potential
production platforms. At least one carbon bubbling area, etc., are considered.
steel material recommendation is included 1.3 Policy. American Petroleum Institute
for most applications. Other materials that (API) Recommended Practices are published to
may be suitable for platform piping facilitate the broad availability of proven, sound,
systems have not been included because engineering and operating practices. These
they are not generally used. The following Recommended Practices are not intended to obviate the
should be considered when selecting need for a plying sound judgment as to when and where
materials other than those detailed in this these ecommended Practices should be utilized.
RP. The formulation and publication of API Recommended
(1) Type of service. Practices is not intended to, in any way, inhibit anyone from
(2) Compatibility with other materials. using any other practices.
(3) Ductility. Nothing contained in any API Recommended Practice
(4) Need for special welding procedures. is to be construed as granting any right, by implication
(5) Need for special inspection, tests, or or otherwise, for the manufacture, sale or use in
quality control. connection with any method, apparatus, or product
(6) Possible misapplication in the field. covered by letters patent, nor as insuring anyone
against liability for infrmgement of letters patent.
(7) Corrosion/erosion caused by internal This Recommended Practice may be used by anyone
fluids and/or marine environments. desiring to do so, and a diligent effort has been made
1.2 Code for Pressure Piping. The design and
by API to assure the accuracy and reliability of the data
installation of platform piping should conform to
contained herein. However, the Institute makes no
ANSI B31.3, as modified herein. Risers for which
representation, warranty or guarantee in connection with the
16 American Petroleum Institute

publication of this Recommended Practice and hereby (6) API Spec 6D, Specification for
expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for loss or Pipeline V(lives.
damage resulting from its use, for any violation of any (7) API RP 14C, Recommended Practice
federal, state or municipal regulation with which an API for Analysis, Design,
recommendation may conflict, or for the infringement of Installation and Testing of
any patent resulting from the use of this publication. Ba,sic Surface Safety Systems for
1.4 Industry Codes, Guides and Standards. Various Offshore Production Platforms.
organizations have developed numerous codes, guides and (8) API RP 510, Pressure Vessel
standards which have substantial acceptance by industry Inspection Code.
and governmental bodies. Listed below are the codes, (9) API RP 520, Recommended Practice
guides and standards referenced herein. for Design and Installation of
Included-by-reference standards shall be the latest published Pressure-Relieving Systems in
edition unless otherwise stated. Refineries, Parts I and 11.
a. American Iron and Steel Institute. (10) API RP 521, Guide for Pressure
AISI Steel Products Manual, Stainless and Heat Relief and Depressuring Systems.
Resisting Steels. (11) API std 526, Flanged Steel Safety
b. American National Standards Institute (Formerly Relief Valves.
"ASA" and "USAS"). (12) API RP 550, Manual on
(1) ANSI B2.1, Pipe Threads. Installation of Refinery
(2) ANSI B16.5, Steel Pipe Flanges, Flanged Valves, Instrument8 and Control Systems,
and Fittings. Parts I and Il.
(3) ANSI B16.9, Factory-Made Wrought Steel (18) API std 600, steel Gate Valves
Buttwelding Fittings. (Flanged or Buttwetding Epdg).
(4) ANSI B16.10, Face-to-Face and End-toEnd (14) API std 602, Carbon steel
Gate valves for Refinery Use
Dimensions of Ferrous Valves.
(Compact De8ign) .
(5) ANSI B16.11, Forged Steel Fittings, Socket- (15) A:PI std 1104, Standard for Welding
Welding and Threaded. Pipelines and Related Facilities.
(6) ANSI B16.28, Wrought Steel Buttwelding Short (16) A:PI Medical Research Report
Radius Elbows and Returns. EA 7301, Guidelines on Noise.
(7) ANSI B31.3, Petroleum Refinery Piping.
(8) ANSI B31.4, Oil Transportation Piping. d. American Society for Testing and
(9) ANSI B31.8, Gas Transmission and Materials.
Distribution Piping Systems. (1) ASTM A53, Specification for Welded and Secmle88
(10) ANSI B36.10, Wrought-Steel and Steel Pipe.
Wrought Iron Pipe. (2) ASTM A 105, Specification for
Forgings, Carbon Steel, for
c. American Petroleum Institute. Piping Components.
(1) API RP 2G, Recommended Practice (3) ASTM A106, Specification for
for Production Facilities on Seamle88 Carbon Steel Pipe for
Offshore Structures. High-Temierature Service.
(2) API Bui 5A2, Bulletin on Thread (4) ASTM A153, Specification for Zinc
Compounds for Casing, Tubing, and Coating (Hot-Dip) on Iron and
Line Pipe. Steel Hardware.
(5) ASTM A193, Specification for and
(3) API Spec 5B, Specification for
Stainle88 Steel Bolting Materia18
Threading, Gaging, and Thread
for High-Temperoture Service.
Inspection of Caring, Tubing, and
Line Pipe 'Th,reads. (6) ASTM A 194, Specification for
Carbon and Alloy Steel Nutg for
(4) API Spec 5L, Specification for
Bolts for High-Pressure and High-
Line Pipe.
Temperature Servwe.
(5) API Spec 6A, Specification for
(7) ASTM A234, Specification for
Wellhead Equipment. Piping Fittings of Wrought Carbon
Steel and Alloy Steel for
 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems 17

Moderate and Elevated agencies have established

Temperatures. certain rules and regulations
(8) ASTM A333, Specification for which may influence the nature
Seamless and Welded Steel Pipe and manner in which platform
for Low-Temperature Service. piping is installed and
(9) ASTM A354, Specification for operated, Listed below are
Quenched and Tempered Allov Steel references to significant rules
Bolts, Studs, and Other and regulations which should be
Externally ThreadedFasteners. e. considered in the design and
American Society of Mechanical installation of platform
Engineers. piping, where applicable. a.
(1) ASME Boiler and Pressure Code of Federal Regulations.
Vessel Code, Section IV, (1) Title 29, Part 1910,
Heating. Occupational Safety and
(2) ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Health Standards.
Code, Section VIll, Pressure Vegge18, (2) Title 30, Part 2509
Division 1.
Oil and Gas and Sulphur
(3) ASME Boiler and Pressure Operations in the Outer
Vessel Code, Continental Shelf.
Section IX, Qualification (3) Title 33, Subchapter
Standard for C, Aids to Navigation,
Welding and Brazing Part 67, Aids to
Procedures, Welders, Navigation on Artificicl
Brazers, and Welding and Islands and Fixed
Brazing Operators. Structures.
f.National Association of Corrosion (4) Title 33, Subchapter
Engineers N, Artificial 181and8 and
(1)NACE std MR-01-75, Sulfide Stress Fixed Structures on the
Cracking Resistant Metallic
Outer Continentaz Shelf,
Materials for Oil Field Equipment.
Parts 140 through 146.
(2)NACE std. RP-01-76,
Corrosion Control on Steel,
(5) Title 33, Part 153,
Control of Pollution by
Fixed Offshore Platforms
Oil and Hazardous
Associated with Petroleum
Production.
Sub8tanceg, Di8charge
Removal.
g.National Fire Protection (6) Title 40, Part 110,
Association. Discharge of Oil.
(1) National Fire Code (7) Title 40, Part 112,
Volume 6, Sprinkler8, Fire Oil Pollution Prevention.
Pumps and Water Tanks. (8) Title 49, Part 192,
(2) National Fire Code Transportation of Natural
Volume 8, Portable and Manual and Other Gas by Pipeline:
Fire Control Equipment. Minimum Federal Safety
h.Gas Processors Suppliers Association Standards.
(formerly Natural Gas Processors (9) Title 49, Part 195,
Suppliers Association). Engineering Transportation of Liquids
Data Books. by Pipeline.
i.Hydraulics Institute. b. Environmental Protection
(1) Standards for Centrifugal, Agency.
Rotary and Reciprocating Pumps. Document AP-26, Workbook of
Atmospheric Dispersion Estimates.
(2) Pipe Friction Manual.
c. Regional Outer Continental Shelf
1.5 Governmental Rules and Orders Promulgated Under the Code
Regulations. Regulatory of Federal Regulations, Title 30,
18 American Petroleum Institute

Part 250, Oil and Gas

SulphurOperations in the Outer
Continental Shelf.
d. State, municipal and other
local regulatory agencies, as
applicable.
1.6 Demarcation Between Systems
with Different Pressure Ratings.
Normally after the wellstream
leaves the wellhead, the pressure
is reduced in stages.
After the pressure is reduced, process
components of lower pressure rating may
be used. A typical example is shown in
Figure 1.1

a. One rule can be used for pressure

design: a pressure containing
process component should either be
designed to withstand the maximum
internal pressure which can be
exerted on it under any conditions,
or be protected by a pressure
relieving device. In this case, a
pressure relieving device means a
safety relief valve or a rupture
disc. In general, when determining
if pressure relieving devices are
needed, high pressure shutdown
valves, check valves, control valves
or other such devices should not be
considered as preventing
overpressure of process components.
See API RP 14C for recommended
practices concerning required safety
devices for process components.

b. One good way to analyze required

system design pressure ratings for
process components is to show
pressure rating boundaries on
mechanical flow sheets. Each
component (vessels, flanges, pipe or
accessories) may then be checked to
determine that it is either designed
to withstand the highest pressure to
which it could be subjected, or is
protected by a pressure relieving
device.
 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems 19

1.7 Corrosion Considerations. platform piping systems are

outside the scope of this
a. General. Detailed corrosion recommended practice. Such
control practices for practices should, in general,
 American Petroleum Institute

be developed by corrosion corrosive gases found in

control specialists. Platform production streams is shöwn
piping systems should, in Table 1.1.
however, be designed to
accommodate and to be Table 1.1 is intended only as
compatible with the corrosion a general guide for corrosion
control practices described mitigation considerations and
below. Suggestions for not for specific corrosivity
corrosion resistant materials predictions. Corrosion
and mitigation practices are inhibition is an effective
given in the appropriate mitigation procedure when
sections of this RP. corrosive conditions are
predicted or anticipated (See
NOTE : The corrosivity of Paragraph 2.1.b).
process streams mav change
with time. The possibilitiv c. Sulfide Stress Cracking.
of changing conditions should Process streams containing
be considered ot the design water and hydrogen sulfide
stage. may cause sulfide stress
cracking of susceptible
b. Weight Loss Corrosion. materials. This phenomenon is
Carbon steel which is affected by a complex
generally utilized for interaction of parameters
platform piping systems may including metal chemical
corrode under some process composition and hardness,
conditions. Production heat treatment, and
process streams containing microstructure, as well as
water, brine carbon dioxide factors such as pH, TABLE 1.1
(C02), hydrogen sulfide QUALITATIVE GUIDELINE FOR WEIGHT
(H2S}, or oxygen (02), or LOSS CORROSION OF STEEL
combinations of these, may be Limiting Values
corrosive to metals used in system in Brine
components. The type of
attack (uniform metal loss, Solu- Nonbility* corrosive
pitting, corrosion/erosion, Corrosive
etc.) as well as the specific Corrosive ga• PPM PPM PPM
corrosion rate may vary in the Oxygen (02) 8 <0.005 >0.025
same system, and may vary with
time. The corrosivity of a Carbon Dioxide 1700 < 600 > 1200
process stream is a complex (C02) 3900
function of many variables Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)
including (1) hydrocarbon, 8t 68 0 F in distilled water at 1
atmosphere partial pressure. Oxygen (02) is for
water, salt, and corrosive
1 atmosphere air pressure. Source: Handbook of
gas content, (2) hydrocarbon Chemistry and Physics, Chemical Rubber Company,
wetability, (3) flow 36th Edition.
velocity, flow regime, and limiting values for weight loss corrosion by
piping configuration, (4) hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are shown in this table
temperature, pressure, and because the amount of cartx)n dioxide (C02)
pH, and (5) solids content and/or oxygen (02) greatly influences the metal
(sand, mud, bacterial slime 1088 corrosion rate. Hydrogen sulfide alone is
and microorganisms, corrosion usually less corrosive than carbon dioxide due to
products, and scale). the formation of an insoluble iron sulfide film
Corrosivity predictions are which tends to reduce metal weight loss
corrosion.
very qualitative and may be
unique for each system. Some
corrosivity information for
 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems 21
hydrogen sulfide concentration, 2.1 Pipe Grades.
stress and temperature. Materials a. Non•Corrosive Hydrocarbon Service. The two
used to contain process streams most commonly used types of pipe are ASTM
containing hydrogen sulfide should A106, Grade B, and API 5L, Grade B. Seamless
be selected to accommodate these pipe is generally preferred due to its consistent
parameters. quality. ASTM A 106 is only manufactured in
d. Chloride Stress Cracking. Careful seamless while API 5L is available in seamless,
consideration should be iven to the electric resistance welded (ERW) and submerged
effect of stress and chlorides if arc welded (SAW). When use of Grade B requires
alloy an stainless steels are excessive wall thickness, higher strength pipe
selected to prevent corrosion by such as API 5L, Grade X52, may be required;
hydrogen sulfide and/or carbon however, special welding procedures and cloge
dioxide. Process streams which supervision are necessary when using API 5L,
contain water with chlorides may Grade X46, or higher.
cause cracking in susceptible Many of the grades of pipe listed in ANSI B31.3
materials, especially if oxyyen is are suitable for non-corrosive hydrocarbon
present and the temperature is over service. The following types or grades of pipe are
140 F. High alloy and stainless specificall excluded from hydrocarbon service by
steels, such as the AISI 300 series A
NSI %31.3:
austenitic stainless steels, (1) All grades of ASTM A120.
precipitation hardening stainless (2) Furnace lap weld and furnace buttweld.
steels, and "A-286" (ASTM A453, Grade (3) Fusion weld per ASTM A 134 and A 139.
660), should not be used unless their (4) Spiral weld, except API 5L spiral weld.
suitability in the proposed
environment has been adequately b. Corrosive Hydrocarbon Service. Design for corrosive
demonstrated. Consideration should hydrocarbon service should provide for one or more of
also be given to the possibility that the following corrosion mitigating practices: (1)
chlorides may be concentrated in chemical treatment; (2) corrosion resistant allo s; (3)
localized areas in the system. protective coatings (See Paragraph 6.5.b . Of these,
e. Application of NACE MR-01-75. MR- chemical treatment of the fluid in contact with carbon
01-75 lists materials which exhibit steels is by far the most common practice and is
resistance to sulfide stress generally recommended„ Corrosion resistant all.oys
cracking. Corrosion resistant alloys which have proven successful in similar applications
not listed in MR-01-75 may exhibit (or by suitable laboratory tests) may be used. If such
such resistance and may be used if it alloys are used, careful consideration should be given
can be demonstrated that they are to welding procedüres. Consideration should also be
resistant in the broposed given to the possibility of sulfide and chloride stress
environment of use (or in an cracking (See Paragraphs 1.7.c and 1.7.d). Adequate
equivalent laboratory environment). provisions should be made for corrosion monitoring
Caution should be exercised in the (coupons, probes, spools, etc.) and chemical treating.
use of materials listed in MR01-75. c. Sulfide Stress Cracking Service. The following
The materials listed in the document guidelines should be used when selecting pipe if
may be resistant to sulfide stress sulfide stress corrosion cracking is anticipated:
corrosion environments, but may not
be suitable for use in chloride (1) Only seamless pipe should be used unless
stress cracking environments. quality control applicable to this service has
14
been

SECTION 2
PIPING DESIGN
exercised in manufacturing ERW or SAW pipe.
 American Petroleum Institute

(2) Cold expanded pipe should not be used unless 2.2 Sizing Criteria — General. In determining
followed by normalizing, quenching and the diameter of pipe to be used in platform
tempering, tempering, or heat treatment as piping systems, both the flow velocity and
described in 2.1.c(4). pressure drop should be considered. Sections
(3) Carbon and alloy steels and other materials which 2.3, 2.4 and 2.5 present equations for calculating
meet the property, hardness, heat treatment and pipe diameters (and. graphs for rapid
other requirements of NACE MH-01-75 are approximation of pipe diameters) for liquid
acceptable for use in sulfide stress cracking lines, single-phase gas lines, and gas/ liquid two-
service. phase lines, respectively. Many companies also
(4) Materials not meeting the metallurgical use computer programs to facilitate piping
design.
recations or systems in which the
external environment and the process stream a. When determining line sizes, the
can be continuously maintained to assure freedom maximum flow rate expected during the
from sulfide stress cracking, or limited to those life of the facility should be considered
materials for which adequate data exists to rather than the initial flow rate. It is also
demonstrate resistance to sulfide or chloride stress usually advisable to add a surge factor of
cracking in the application or system 20 to 50 percent to the anticipated normal
environments to which the flow rate, unless surge expectations have
materials are exposed, (See MR-01-75). been more precisely determined by pulse
pressure measurements in similar systems
The most commonly used pipe grades
or by specific fluid hammer calculation.
which will meet the above guidelines are:
Table 2.1 presents some typical surge
ASTM A 106, Grade B; ASTM A333,
factors that may
Grade 1; and API 5L, Grade B, seamless.
API 5L X grades are also acceptable;
howeverr welding -presents special
problems. To enhance toughness and
reduce brittle fracture tendencies, API 5L
pipe should be normalized for service
temperatures below 300 F. ASTM A333,
Grade 1, IS a cold service piping material
and should have adequate notch toughness
in the temperature range covered by this Service Factor
RP (-200 to 6500 F).
Facility handling primary production
d. Utilities Service. Materials other than carbon steel are from its own platform
commonly used in utilities service. If, however, steel Facility handling primary production from
pipe is used that is of a type or grade not acceptable for another platform or remote well in less
hydrocarbon service in accordance with Paragraph than 150 feet of water
2.1.a, some definite marking system should be Facility handling primary production from
established to prevent such pipe from accidentally another platform or remote well in greater
than 150 feet of water
being used in hydrocarbon service. One way to
Facility handling gas lifted production from its
accomplish this would be to have all such pipe own platform
galvanized.
Facility handling gas lifted production from
e. Tubing. AISI 316 or AISI 316L stainless steel, another platform or remote well
seamless or electric resistance welded tubing is
preferred for all hydrocarbon service, and air service
exposed to sunlight. Tubing used for air service not
exposed to sunlight, or instrument tubing used for gas
service contained in an enclosure, may be made of
other materials. If used, synthetic tubing should be
selected to withstand degradation caused by the
contained fluids and the temperature to which it may be
subjected.
 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems 23
In large diameter flow lines producing AP 0.00115f Q1 2Sl Ea.
liquidvapor phase fluids between platforms 2.2 di5
through riser systems, surge factors have where :
been known to exceed 200% due to slug = pressure drop, psi/ 100 feet.
flow. Refer to liquid-vapor slug flow f — Moody friction factor, dimensionless.
programs generally available to Industry for Q = liquid flow rate, barrels/day. Sl = liquid
evaluation of slug flow. specific gravity (water pipe inside
diameter, inches.
TABLE 2.1
TYPICAL SURGE FACTORS (3) The Moody friction factor, f, is a
function of the Reynolds number and
the surface roughness of the pipe. The
b. Determination of pressure drop in a line modified Moody diagram, Figure 2.3,
should include the effect of valves and may be used to determine the friction
fittings. Manufacturer's data or an factor once the Reynolds number is
equivalent length given in Table 2.2 may known. The Reynolds number may be
be used. determined by the following equation:
c. Calculated line sizes may need to be
adjusted in accordance with good Re Eq. 2.3
engineering judgment. where :
Re Reynolds number, dimensionless.
2.3 Sizing Criteria For Liquid Lines. PI = liquid density, lb/ft3 .
df = pipe inside diameter, ft.
a. General. Singlæphase liquid lines should be sized
primarily on the basis of flow velocity. For lines VI) = liquid flow velocity, ft/sec.
transporting liquids in single-phase from one pressure = liquid viscosity, lb/ft-sec, or
vessel to another by pressure differential, the flow = centipoise divided by 1488, or
velocity should not exceed 15 feet/second at maximum = (centistokes times specific gravity) divided by
flow rates, to minimize flashing ahead of the control 1488.
valve. If practical, flow velocity should not be less
b. Pump Piping. Reciprocating, rotary and
than 3 feet/second to minimize deposition of sand and
other solids. At these flow velocities, the overall
centrifugal pump suction piping systems should
Dressure drop in the piping will usually be small. Most
be designed so the available net positive suction
of the pressure drop in liquid lines between two
head (NPSH) at the pump inlet flange exceeds
pressure vessels will occur in the liquid dump valve
the pump required NPSH. Additionally,
and/or choke. provisions should be made in reciprocating pump
suction piping to minimize- pulsations.
(1) Flow velocities in liquid lines may be Satisfactory pump operation requires that
read from Figure 2.1 or may be essentially no vapor be flashed from the liquid as
calculated using the following derived it enters the pump casing or cylinder.
equation:
.012 Q
(1) In a centrifugal or rotary pump, the
liquid pressure at the suction flange
Eq. 2.1 must be high enough to overcome the
where : pressure drop between the flange and
V) = average liquid flow velocity, the entrance to the impeller vane (or
feet/ second. rotor) and maintain the pressure on the
QI = liquid flow rate, barrels/ liquid above its vapor pressure.
day. Otherwise cavitation will occur. In a
pipe inside diameter, inches. reciprocating unit, the pressure at the
suction flange must meet the same
(2) Pressure drop (psi per 100 feet of flow requirement; but the pump required
length) for single phase liquid lines NPSH is typically higher than for a
may be read from Figure 22 or may be centrifugal pump because of pressure
calculated using the following drop across the valves and pressure
(Fanning) equation : drop caused by pulsation in the flow,
 American Petroleum Institute

Similarly, the available N PSH positive suction head

supplied to the pump suction must available(NPSHa). It is the total head
account for the acceleration in the in feet absolute determined at the
suction piping caused by the pulsating suction nozzle, less the vapor pressure
flow, as well as the friction, velocity of the liquid in feet absolute. Available
and static head. NPSH should always equal or exceed
(2) The necessary available pressure the pump's required NPSH. Available
differential over the pumped fluid NPSH for most pump applications may
vapor pressure may be defined as net be calculated using Equation 2.4.
 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems 25

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 American Petroleum Institute

(8 • qoul)
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 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems

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 American Petroleum Institute

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American Petroleum Institute

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RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems
 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems 31
2
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 American Petroleum Institute
NPSH8 = hp — hypa hst — hf — hvh — ha= 2.0 for most hydrocarbons;
Eq. 2.4= 2.5 for relatively compressible
liquid (hot oil or ethane). where:
— gravitational constant (usually 32.2 = absolute pressure head due to pres-
feet/ second2 ). sure, atmospheric or otherwise, on surface of liquid going to suction,It
should be noted that there is not unifeet of liquid.versal acceptance of Equation 2.5 or of
the 'hvpa = the absolute vapor pressure of theeffect of acceleration head (See References liquid at
suction ternperature, feetb, c and d, Section 2.10). However, Equation of liquid. 2.5 is
believed to be a conservative basis which will assure adequate provision for hBt = static head,
positive or negative,acceleration head. due to liquid level above or below datum line (centerline of
pump) ,(4) When more than one reciprocating pump is feet of liquid.operated
simultaneously on a common feed = friction head, or head loss due to line, at times all
crankshafts are in phase flowing friction in the suction pip.and, to the feed system, of the that
multiple type with pumpsa ing, including entrance and exitact as one pump to that of all pumps
comlosses, feet of liquid.capacity In equal this case, the maximum
instan-
bined.
V12taneous velocity in the feed line would be hvh = velocity head
= feet of liquid.equal to that created by one pump having 2g a capacity equal to
that of all the pumps ha = acceleration head, feet of liquid.combined.
VI = velocity of liquid in piping, feet/If the acceleration head is determined to be
(5) second.following should be eval-
excessive, the = gravitational constant (usually 32.2 uated : feet/
second2 ) .Shorten suction line. Acceleration head (a)
(3) For a centrifugal or rotary pump, the accel-is directly proportional to line length, eration head, ha, is
zero. For reciprocatingL.
pumps, the acceleration head is critical and(b) Use larger suction pipe to reduce velocmay be
determined by the following equa-ity. This is very helpful since velocity tion from the
Hydraulics Ingtitute:varies inversely with the square of pipe LVlRpCinside-diameter.
Acceleration head is
Eq. 2.5directly proportional to fluid velocity, Kg
where :(c) Reduce required pump speed by using — acceleration head, feet of liquid. a larger
size piston or plunger, if permitted by pump rating. Speed required L = length of
suction line feet (actualis inversely proportional to the square length, not
equivalent iength) .of piston diameter. Acceleration head VI = average liquid velocity in
suctionis directly proportional to pump speed, line, feet/second.
= pump speed, revolutions/minute. (d) Consider a pump with a larger number
C = empirical constant for the type ofof plungers. For example: C — .040 pump :a quintuplex
pump. This is about
for
40% less than C = .066 for a triplex
.200 for simplex double acting; pump. Acceleration head is directly — .200 for duplex single
acting;proportional to C.
— .115 for duplex double acting; Consider using A pulsation dampener = .066 for triplex
single or double act-if the above remedies are unacceptable. ing;The results obtainable
by using a damp-
= .040 for quintuplex single or doubleener in the suction system depend on acting;the
size, type, location, and charging pressure used. A good, properly located
.028 for septuplex single or double if kept properly charged,
dampener, acting.used
may reduce L, the length of pipe NOTE: The constant C will varyin
acceleration head equation, to a from- these •values for unusual ratiosvalue of 5 to 15 nominal
 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems 33

pipe diameters. of connecting rod length to crankDampeners should be located as close radius.to
the pump suction as possible.
K = a factor representing the reciprocal(f) Use a centrifugal booster pump to of the fraction of the
theoreticalcharge the suction of the reciprocating accele.ration head which must bepump.
provided to avoid a noticeable dis-(6) The following guidelines may be useful in turbance in the
suction piping:designing suction piping:
= 1.4 for liquid with a.lmost no com-(a) Suction piping should be one or two pressibility (deaerated
water) ;pipe sizes larger than the pump inlet = 1.5 for amine, glycol, water;connection.
(b) Suction lines should be short with will normally result in an
a minimum number of elbows and economical line size for all pumps,
fittings. and will minimize pulsations in
(c) Eccentric reducers should be used reciprocating pumps.
near the pump, with the flat side up (d) For reciprocating pumps, include a
to keep the top of the line level. suitable pulsation dampener (or
This eliminates the possibility of make provisions for adding a
gas pockets being formed in the dampener at a later date) as close
suction i ing. If potential for to the pump cylinder as possible.
accumulation OF Rebris is a con- (8) Table 2.3 may be used to determine
cern, means for removal preliminary suction and discharge line
is recommended. sizes.
(d) For reciprocating pumps, provide a TABLE 2.3
suitable pulsation dampener (or
TYPICAL FLOW VELOCITIES
make provisions for adding a
dampener at a later date) as close Suction Discharge
to the pump cylinder as possible. Velocity Velocity
(e) In multi-pump installations, size (feet per (feet per
the common feed line so the second) second)
velocity will be as close as possible
Reciprocating Pumps
to the velocity in the laterals going
to the individual pumps. This will Speeds up to 250 2 6
avoid velocity changes and thereby Speeds 251-380 RPM Speeds above 330
minimize acceleration head RPM _ 1 3
effects. Centrifugal Pumps--------- 2-3 6-9
(7) Reciprocating, centrifugal and rotary
pump discharge piping should be sized
on an economical basis. Additionally, 2.4 Sizing Criteria for Single-Phase Gas Lines.
reciprocating pump discharge piping Single-phase gas lines should be sized so that the
should be sized to minimize pulsations. resulting end pressure is high enough to satisfy
Pulsations in reciprocating pump the requirements of the next piece of equipment.
discharge piping are also related to the Also velocity may
acceleration head, but are more be a noise problem if it exceeds 60 feet/second; however, the
complex than suction piping pulsations. velocity of 60 feet/second should not be
The following guidelines may be useful interpreted as an absolute criteria. Higher velocities are
in designing discharge piping: acceptable when pipe routing, valve choice and placement are
(a) Discharge piping should be as done to minimize or isolate noise.
short and direct as possible.
The design of any piping system where
(b) Discharge piping should be one or corrosion inhibition is expected to be
two pipe sizes larger than pump utilized should consider the installation of
discharge connection. additional wall thickness in piping design and/or reduction of
(c) Velocity in discharge piping velocity to reduce the effect of stripping inhibitor film from the
should not exceed three pipe wall. In such systems it IS suggested that a wall thickness
times the velocity in monitoring method be instituted.
the suction piping. This velocity
 American Petroleum Institute

a. General Pressure Drop Equation.

P 12 - p; = 25.2 S QÉZTlfL Eq. 2.6
where:

- upstream pressure, psia

- downstream pressure, psia s gas specific
gravity at standard conditions
Qg — gas flow rate, MMscfd (at 14.7 psig and 600F)

z = compressibility factor for as (Refer to

GPSA Engineering Data Boot)
= flowing temperature, O R
f - Moody friction factor, dimensionless (refer to Figure
2.3)
d pipe ID, in.

L = length, feet
Rearranging Equation 2.6 and solving for Qg we have:
2
= 0.199 2 Eq. 2.7

An approximation of Equation 2.6 can be

made when the change in pressure is less
than 10% of the inlet pressure. If this is true,
we can make the assumption:
Eq.
P 12

Substituting in Equation 2.6 we have:

2.8
12.6 s ZTlfL Eq.
2.9
Pld5
b. Empirical Pressure Drop. Several empirical equations
have been developed so as to avoid solving for the
Moody Friction Factor. All equations are patterned
after the general flow equation with various
assumptions relative to the Reynolds Number. The
most common empirical pressure drop equation for
gas flow in production facility piping is the
Weymouth Equation described below:
1. Weymouth Equation.
This equation is based on measurements of
compressed air flowing in pipes ranging from 0.8
Inches to 11.8 inches in the range of the Moody
diagram where the Wd curves are horizontal (i.e., high
Reynolds number). In this range the Moody friction
factor is independent of the Reynolds number and
dependent upon the relative roughness.
22
 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems 35

The Weymouth equation can be expressed as:

 American Petroleum Institute

d2•67 Eq. 2.10

where:
= flow rate, MMscfd (a,t 14.7 psia and
600F)

= pipe ID, in.

PI and P2 — pressure at points 1 and 2 respectively, psia

= length of pipe, ft
= specific gravity of gas at standard conditions
= temperature of gas at inlet, O R
= compressibility factor of gas (Refer to GPSA
Engineering Data Book)
 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems 37

In practice, the Panhandle equation is

Qg
 American Petroleum Institute

commonly used for large diameter (greater and the flow is actually in a high Reynolds
than 10") long pipelines (usually measured in number, the friction factor will in reality be
miles rather than feet) where the Reynolds higher than assumed (the equation assumes
number is on the straight line portion of the the friction factor continues to decline with
Moody diagram. It can be seen that neither increased Reynolds number beyond
the Weymouth nor the Panhandle represent a the horizontal portion of the
"conservative" assumption. If the Weymouth curve), and the actual pressure drop will be
formula is assumed, and the flow is a higher than calculated.
moderate Reynolds number, the friction
factor will in reality be higher than assumed 3. Spitzglass Equation.
(the sloped line Dortion is higher than the This equation is used for near-atmosoheric
horizontal portion of the Moody curve), and pressure lines. It is derived by making the
the actual pressure drop will be higher than following assumptions in Equation 2.7:
calculated. If the Panhandle formula is used
It is important to remember the assumptions 1
used in deriving this equation and when they are 100
appropriate. Short lengths of pipe with high
pressure drops are likely to be in turbulent flow b. T = 520 0 R
(high Reynolds Numbers) and thus the = 15 psi
assumptions made by Weymouth are
appropriate. Industry experience indicates that d. z = 1.0 for ideal gas
the Weymouth equation is suitable for most
piping within the production facility. However, < of PI
the friction factor used by Weymouth is With these assumptions, and expressing pressure
generally too low for large diameter or low drop in terms of inches of water, the Spitzglass
velocity lines where the flow regime is more equation can be written:
properly characterized by the sloped portion of
the Moody diagram.

2. Panhandle Equation. = 0.09 Eq. 2.12

This equation assumes that the friction factor where
can be represented by a straight line of constant pressure loss, inches of water gas specific
negative slope in the moderate Reynolds
number region of the Moody diagram. gravity at standard conditions
= gas flow rate, MMscfd (at 14.7 psig and
The Panhandle equation can be written: 600F) = length, feet
- pipe I.D., inches
= O*028E - p; 0.51 d2.53 Eq. 2.11
SO.961ZT1 - upstream c. Gas Velocity Equation. Gas velocities may be
calculated using the following derived equation:
pressure, psia - downstream
pressure, psia
— gas specific gravity
Eq. 2.13
= compressibility factor for gas (Refer to where:
GPSA Engineering Data Book) = gas velocity, feet/second.
— gas flow rate, MMscfd (at 14.7 psia, 60 0F) - pipe inside diameter, inches.
= flowing temperature, O R
= length, miles
- pipe I.D., inches
= efficiency factor
= 1.0 for brand new pipe = 0.95 for good
operating conditions = 0.92 for average
operating conditions = 0.85 for unfavorable
opera,ting conditions
 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems 39

= gas flow rate, million cubic feet/day (at

14.7 psia and 60 0 F).
- operating temperature, O R -
operating pressure, psia
= gas compressibility factor (Refer to GPSA
Engineering Data Book)
 American Petroleum Institute

d. Compressor Piping. Reciprocating and centrifu-where :

gal compressor piping should be sized to minimizeP = operating pressure, psia.
pulsation, vibration and noise. The selection ofSl = liquid specific gravity (water allowable velocities
requires an engineering studyaverage gravity for hydrocarbonfor each specific
application.use at standard conditions. water mixtures)
e. General Notes.R = gas/liquid ratio, ft3/barrel at standard cond itions.
(1) When using gas flow equations for old pipe,T = operating temperature, 'R. build-up of scale, corrosion,
liquids, paraffin, etc., can have a large effect on gas flowgas specific gravity (air = 1) at standard
efficiency.conditions.
(2) For other empirical equations, refer to the= gas compressibility factor,
dimensionless.
GPSA Engineering Data Book.(3) Once Ve is
known, the minimum crosssectional area required
to avoid fluid erosion
2.5 Sizing Criteria for Gas/Liquid Two-Phasemay be determined from the following
Lines.derived equation:
ZRT
a. Erosional Velocity. F lowlines, production mani-9.35 + 21.25P Eq. 2.16
folds, process headers and other fines transportin gas and liquid in two-phase flow
should be size primarily on the basis of flow velocity. Experiencewhere :
has shown that loss of wall thickness occurs by across-sectional flow process of erosion/corrosion. This process is
accel-A = area minimum required, pipe in2 /1000 barrels liquid erated by high fluid velocities, presence of sand,
corrosive contaminants such as C02 and H2S, andper day.
fittings which disturb the flow path such as(4) For average Gulf Coast conditions, T elbows.535 0 R, Sl
= 0.85 (35 0 API gravity oil) and 0.65. For these conditions, Figure 2.5 The following procedure
for establishing an ('ero-may be used to determine values of A for sional velocity can be
used where no specificessentially sand free production. The miniinformation as to the erosive/corrosive
propertiesmum required cross-sectional area for twoof the fluid is available.phase piping may be
determined by multiplying A by the liquid flow rate expressed (1) The velocity above which
erosion may occurin thousands of barrels per day. can be determined by the following
empiri-the minimum cal equation:b. Minimum Velocity. If possible, velocity in two-phase
lines should be about 10 c Eq. 2.14feet per second to minimize slugging of separa-
tion equipment. This is particularly important in long lines with
elevation changes. where:c. Pressure Drop. The pressure drop in a two-phase steel piping
system may be estimated using a sim= fluid erosional velocity, feet/secondplified
Darcy equation from the GPSA EngineerIng Data Book (1981 Revision).
= empirical constant0.000336f
Eq. 2.17
di 5 pm
pm gas/liquid mixture density at flowingwhere : pressure and
temperature, lbs/ft3
— pressure drop, psi/ 100 feet. Industry experience to date indicates that for— pipe
inside diameter, inches solids-free fluids values of c = 100 for continuousf Moody
friction factor, dimensionless.
service and c = 125 solids-free for intermittent fluids where service corrosionarepm = gas/liquid density at flowing
pressure conservative. For or when corrosion is controlledand temperature, lbs Ift3 (calculate as is not
anticipated corrosion resistantshown in Equation 2.15). by inhibition or by employing alloys, values of c = 150 to 200
may be used forW = total liquid plus vapor rate, lbs/ hr. continuous service; values up to 250 have beenThe use of
this equation should be limited to a used successfully for intermittent service. If solids10% pressure drop
due to inaccuracies associated production is anticipated, fluid velocities should bewith changes in density.
significantly reduced. Different values of "c" mayIf the Moody friction factor is assumed to be an
be used where specific application studies haveaverage of 0.015 this
equation becomes: shown them to bc appropriate.
 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems 41

AP
Where solids and/or corrosive contaminants are present or where "c" values higher than 100 forW may be calculated
using the following derived continuous service are used, periodic surveys toequation: assess pipe wall thickness should
where be considered.solids areW = 3180 Qg + 14.6 QI The design of any piping system anticipated
should consider the installation of sandwhere :
probes, cushion flow tees, and a minimum of threegas flow rate, million cubic feet/day feet of straight piping
downstream of choke outlets.(14.7 psia and 60 0 F).
(2) The density of the gas/liquid mixture maygas specific gravity (air = 1). be calculated
using the following derived= liquid flow rate, barrels/day.
equation := liquid specific gravity (water
1 pm 12409SIP + 2.7 RSgP 2.15It should estimate be only.noted this pressure drop calculation is
198.7P + RTZan
.?iii!:

o un Ln
09

ooa III 2 < C5

009
 American Petroleum Institute

: :,: ::: , I Z t III

GAS/LIQUID RATIO, FT3/BARREL

 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems 43

2.6 Pipe Wall Thicknesses. The pipe a corrosion/mechanical strength

wall thickness required for a allowance of zero.
particular piping service is c. Small diameter, thin wall pipe is
primarily a function of internal subject to tanure from vibration
operating pressure and temperature. and/or corrosion. In hydrocarbon
The standards under which pipe is service, pipe nipples % inch
manufactured permit a variation in diameter or smaller should be
wall thickness below nominal wall schedule 160 minimum; all pipe 3
thickness. It is usually desirable to inch diameter or smaller should be
include a minimum echedule 80 minimum. Completely
corrosion/mechanical threaded nipples should not be
strength allowance of 0.050 inches used.
for carbon steel piping. A calculated 2.7 Joint Connections. Commonly
corrosion allowance should be used if accepted methods for making pipe
corrosion rate can be predicted. joint connections include butt
a. The pressure design thickness welded, socket welded, and threaded
required for a particular application and coupled. Hydrocarbon piping 2
may be calculated by the following inch in diameter and larger and
equation from ANSI B31.3: pressurized utility piping 3 inch in
1 Eq. 2.19 diameter and larger should be butt
welded. All piping lh inch or less in
2 (SE + PIY) where :
diameter should be socket welded for:
= pressure design thickness,
inches; a.Hydrocarbon service above ANSI
600 Pressure Rating.
— minimum wall thickness minus
corrosion/ mechanical strength b.Hydrocarbon service above 200 0 F.
allowance or thread allowance c.Hydrocarbon service subject to
(See ANSI B31,3) vibration.
Pi = internal design pressure, d.Glycol service.
psig. Occasionally, it may not be possible
Do = pipe outside diameter, to observe the guidelines given
inches. above, particularly when connecting
= longitudinal weld joint to equipment. In this case, the
factor (see ANSI B31.3) ; = connection may be. threaded or
1.00 for seamless; = 0.85 for threaded and seal (back) welded.
ERW. Threads should be tapered, concentric
Y = temperature factor (0.4 for with the pipe, clean cut with no
ferrous materials at 900 0F burrs, and conform to API STD 5B or
or below when t<D/6). ANSI B2.1. The inside of the pipe on
S = allowable stress in all field cuts should be reamed.
accordance with ANSI B31.3, Thread compounds should conform to
psi. API Bulletin 5A2.
b. The maximum allowable working pressures 2.8 Expansion and Flexibility.
for most of the nominal wall Piping systems may be subjected to
thicknesses in sizes 2 inch through 18 many diversified loadings.
inch are given in Table 2.5 for ASTM A Generally, only stresses caused by
106, Grade B, seamless pipe, using a (1) pressure, (2) weight of pipe,
corrosion/mechanical strength fittings, and fluid, (3) external
allowance of 0.050 inches. The maximum loadings, and (4) thermal expansion
working pressures in Table 2.5 were are significant in the stress
computed from Equation 2.19, for values analysis of a piping system.
of t < D/6. For values of t > D/6, the Normally, most pipe movement will be
Lamé equation from ANSI B31.3 was used. due to thermal expansion.
Table 2.5 considers internal pressure a. A stres analysis should be made for
and temperature only. These wall a two-anchor (fixed points) system
thicknesses may have to be increased in if the following approximate
cases of unusual mechanrcal or thermal criterion from ANSI B31.3-1980 is
stresses. The maximum allowable working not satisfied:
pressure of stainless steel tubing may
be calculated using Equation 2.19 with DAI
 American Petroleum Instit

0.03 Eq. 2.20 piping), swivel joints or

(L —U)2 expansion bellows. Expansion
where : bends are preferred when
D = nominal pipe size, inches. practical. If expansion bends are
not practical; swivel joints
= expansion to be absorbed by should be used. Swivel joints may
pipe, inches (See equation be subject to leakage and must be
2.21), properly maintained. Expansion
U = anchor distance, feet bellows may be subject to failure
(straight line distance if improperly installed and
between anchors). L = actual should be avoided in pressure
length of pipe, feet. piping. Expansion bellows are
may be calculated by the following often used in engine exhaust
equation from ANSI B31.3-1980. systems and other low pressure
Al = 12LBAT Eq. 2.21 1 systems.
where : 2.9 Start-up Provisions. Temporary
Al = expansion to be absorbed by start-up cone type screens should be
pipe, inches. provided in all pump and compressor
L = actual length of pipe, feet. suction lines. Screens (with thé cone
B mean coeffcient of thermal pointed upstream) should be located as
expansion at operating close as possible to the inlet
temperatures normally flanges, with consideration for
encountered
(Approximately 7.0 x 10-6
inches/ inch/ O F for
carbon steel pipe; for an
exact number see ANSI
B31.3).
AT = temperature change, 'F
b. The following guidelines may help
in screening piping or systems
that generally will .not require
stress analysis:
(1) Systems where the maximum
temperature change will not
exceed 50 0 F.
(2) Piping where the maximum
temperature change will not
exceed 75 O F, provided that the
distance between turns in the
piping exceeds 12 nominal pipe
diameters.
c. ANSI B31.3-1980 does not require
a formal stress analysis in
systems which meet one of the
following criteria:
(1) The systems are
duplicates of successfully
operating installations or
replacements of systems with
a satisfactory service
record.
(2) The systems can be judged
adequate by comparison with
previously analyzed systems.
d. Pipe movement can be handled by
expansion bends (including
"Loops", "U", "L", and "Z" shaped
 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems 45

later removal. Sometimes a set of breakout flanges are

required to remove the screens. The screens should be
checked during start-up and removed when sediment
is no longer being collected. Caution should be
exercised in screen selection and use to avoid creating
NPSH problems. Consideration should be given to the
need for small valves required for hydrostatic test,
vent, drain and purge.
2.10 References.
a. Crane Companyp "Flow of Fluids Through Valves,
Fittings, and Pipe", Technical Paper No. 410.
Copyright 1957. b. Hugley, Dale, "Acceleration Effect
is Major Factor in Pump Feed System", Petroleum
Equipment and Services, (January/ February 1968).
c. Hugley, Dale, "Acceleration Head Values are
Predictable But—(not from commonly
accepted formulae) ", Petroleum Equipment
and Services, (March/April 1968).
d. Miller, J. E., "Experimental Investigation of
Plunger Pump Suction Requirements",
Petroleum Mechanical Engineering
Conference, Los Angeles, California,
September 1964.
e. Tube Turns Corporation, "Line Expansion and
Flexibility", Bulletin TT 809, 1956.
f. Tuttle, R. N., "Selection of Materials Designed
for Use in a Sour Gas Environment", Materials
Protection, vol. 9, No. 4 (April 1970).
46 American Petroleum Institute

TABLE 2.5
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE WORKING PRESSURES — PLATFORM PIPING
ASTM A106, GRADE B, SEAMLESS PIPE
(STRESS VALUES from ANSI B31.3 — 1980)

Nominal
Nominal Weight MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE WORKING
Nominal Outside Wall Per PRESSURES — PSIG
Size Diameter Thickness Foot Weight Schedule
In In In Class No. -20/400 0 F 401/500 0 F 501/600 0 F 601/650 å F

2 2.375 0218 5.02 xs 80 2489 2352 2153 2115

0.344 7.46 160 4618 4364 3994 3925
0.436 9.03 xxs 6285 5939 5436 5342
2% 2.875 0.276 7.66 xs 80 2814 2660 2434 2392
0.375 10.01 160 4194 3963 3628 3565
0.552 13.70 xxs 6850 6473 5925 5822
0.750 17.02 9772 9423 8625 8476

3 3.500 0.300 10.25 xs 80 2553 2412 2208 2170

0.438 14.31 160 4123 3896 3566 3504
0.600 18.58 xxs 6090 5755 6268 5176
4 4.500 0.237 10.79 STD 40 1439 1360 1245 1228 1
0.337 14.98 xs 80 2276 2151 1969 1934
0.438 18.98 120 3149 2976 2724 2676
0.531 22.52 160 3979 3760 3442 3382
0.674 27.54 xxs 5807 5015 4591 4511
6 6.625 0.280 18.97 STD 40 1206 1139 1043 1025
0.432 28.57 xs 80 2062 1949 1784 1758
0.562 86.42 120 2817 2663 2437 2395
0.719 45.34 160 3760 8553 3252 8196
0.864* 58.16 xxs 4660 4404 4031 3961

8 8.625 0.277 24.70 30 908 858 786 772

0.322 28.56 STD 40 1098 1038 950 984
0.406 85.66 60 1457 1377 1260 1238
0.500 43.39 xs 80 1864 1762 1612 1584
0.594 50.93 100 2278 2153 1970 1986
0.719 60.69 120 2838* 2682 2455 2413
0.812* 67.79 140 3263 3084 2823 2774
0.875* 72.42 xxs 3555 3359 3075 3022
0.906* 74.71 160 3700 3496 3200 3145

10 10.750 0.250 28.04 20 636 601 550 541

0.279 31.20 733 693 634 623
 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems 47

0.307 34.24 30 827 781 715 703

0.365 40.48 STD 40 1023 967 885 869
0.500 54,74 xs 60 1485 1403 1284 1262
0.594 64.40 80 1811 1712 1567 1540
0.719 77.00 100 2252 2128 1948 1914
0.844* 89.27 120 2700 2552 2336 2295
1.000* 104.13 xxs 140 3271 3091 2829 2780

1.125* 115.65 160 3737 3531 3232 3176 *All welds must be

stress relieved.

NOTE: Includes Corrosion/Mechanical strength allowance of 0.050 inches and 12%% variation below nominal wall
thickness (Manufacturer tolerance).
TABLE 2.5 (Continued)

Nominal
Nominal Weight MAXİMUM ALLOWABLE WORKING
Nominal Outside Wall Per PRESSURES — PSIG

Thickness
12 12.750 0.250 33.38 20 535 506 463 455

0.330 43.77 30 760 719 658 646

0.375 49.56 STD 888 839 768 755

0.406 53,56 40 976 923 845 830

0.500 65.42 xs 1246 1177 1078 1059

0.562 73.22 60 1425 1347 1233 1212

0.688 88.57 80 1794 1695 1552 1525

0.844* 107.29 100 2258 2133 1953 1919

1.000* 125.49 xxs 120 2730 2579 2361 2320

1.125* :139.68 140 3114 2943 2694 2647

1.312* 160.33 160 3700 3496 3200 3145

14 14.000 0.250 36.71 10 487 460 421 414

0.312 45.68 20 645 610 558 549

0.375 54.57 STD 30 807 763 698 686

0.438 63.37 40 971 917 840 825

48 American Petroleum Institute

0.500 72.09 xs 1132 1070 979 962

0.594 85.01 60 1379 1303 1193 1172

0.750 106.13 80 1794 1696 1552 1525

0.938* 130.79 100 2304 2177 1993 1958

1.094* 150.76 120 2734 2584 2365 2324

1.250* 170.22 140 3171 2997 2743 2696

1.406* 189.15 160 3616 3417 3128 8074

16 16.000 0.250 42.05 10 425 402 368 362

0.312 52.36 20 564 533 488 479

0.375 62.58 STD 30 705 666 610 599

0.500 82.77 xs 40 988 934 855 840

0.656 108.00 60 1345 1271 1164 1143

0.843* 137.00 80 1780 1682 1540 1513

1.031* 165.00 100 2225 2103 1925 1891

1.218* 193.00 120 2675 2528 2314 2274

1.437* 224.00 140 3212 3036 2779 2731

18 18.000 0.250 47.39 10 378* 357 327 321

0.312 59.03 20 501 473 433 425

0.375 70.59 STD 626 591 541 532

0.438 82.06 30 752 710 650 639

0.500 93.45 xs 876 828 758 745

0.562 105.00 40 1001 946 866 851

0.718 133.00 60 1319 1246 1141 1121
0.937* 171.00 80 1771 1674 1532 1506

1.156* 908.00 100 2232 2109 1931 1897

1.343* 239.00 120 2632 2487 2277 2237

*All weld8 must be Btresg relieved.

SECTION 3
SELECTION OF VALVES
 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems 49

3.1 General. Ball, gate, plug, butterfly, large diameters but tend to provide a
globe, diaphragm, needle, and check valves better seal. Trunnion mounted ball
have all been used in platform production valves turn more easily but may not
facilities. Brief discussions of the advantages, seal as well. Thus, a trade-off
disadvantages and design features for each decision is required to select the
type of valve are given below. Based on these proper type for each application.
considerations, specific suggestions for the (2) Ball valves are not suitable for
application of certain types of valves are given throttling because, in the partially
in the following paragraphs. Valve open position, sealing surfaces on
manufacturers and figure numbers, acceptable the exterior of the ball are exposed to
to a particular operating company, are abrasion by process fluids.
normally given by va)ve type and size in Pipe, (3) In critical service, consideration
Valves, and Fittings Tables (See Appendix C). should be given to purchasing ball
Whenever possible, several different valves with lubrication fittings for
acceptable valves should be listed in the Pipe, the ball seats, as well as for the stem,
Valves, and Fittings Tables to provide a choice since lubrication is sometimes
of valve manufacturers. Valve catalogs contain necessary to prevent minor leaks or
design features, materials, drawings and reduce operating torques. If a double
photographs of the various valve types. block and bleed capability is desired,
a body bleed port independent of the
a. As a general guideline, lever operated lubrication fittings should be
ball valves and plug valves should be provided.
provided with manual gear operators as
follows: b. Gate Valves. Gate valves are suitable for most on-
off, non-vibrating hydrocarbon or utilities service for
ANSI 150 1b through 400 1b --10 inch all temperature ranges. In vibrating service, gate valves
and larger ANSI 600 1b and 900 1b. may move open or closed from their normal positions
6 inch and larger ANSI 1500 1b unless the stem packing is carefully adjusted. Gate
and higher 4 inch and larger valves have better torque characteristics than ball or
b. As a general guideline the following plug valves but do not have the easy operability of
valves should be equipped with power quarter turn action.
operators: (1) In sizes 2 inch and larger, manually operated gate
(1) All shutdown valves. valves should be equipped with flexible discs or
(2) Centrifugal compressor inlet and expanding gates.
discharge valves. These valves (2) Gate valves with unprotected rising stems are not
should close automatically on recommended since the marine environment can
shutdown of the prime mover. corrode exposed stems and threads, making the
(3) Divert, blowdown and other valves hard to operate and damaging stem packing.
automatic valves. (3) Reverse-acting slab gate valves are suitable for
(4) Valves of the following sizes, when automatic shutdown service. With these valves,
frequently operated: simple push-pull operators can be used, thus
ANSI 150 1b 16 inch and larger avoiding the complicated levers and cams
ANSI 300 1b and 400 1b -12 inch and normally required with ball or plug valves. All
larger ANSI 600 1b and 900 1b 10 inch moving parts on gate valves with power operators
and larger ANSI 1500 1b and higher-„-- can be enclosed, eliminating fouling by paint or
8 inch and larger corrosion products.
3.2 Types of Valves. (4) Gate valves should not be used for throttling
service. Throttling, especially with fluids
a. Ball Valves. Ball valves are suitable for most manual
containing sand, can damage the sealing surfaces.
on-off hydrocarbon or utilities service when operating
temperatures are between —20 0 F and 180 0 F. c. Plug Valves. Plug valves are suitable for the same
Application of ball valves above 180 0 F should be applications as ball valves (see Section 3.2.a), and are
carefully con8idered due to the temperature limitations also subject to similar temperature limitations. Plug
of the soft sealing material. valves are available with quarter turn action in either
(1) Ball valves are available in both lubricated or nonlubricated designs. Lubricated plug
floating ball and trunnion mounted valves must be lubricated on a regular schedule to
designs. Valves of the floating ball maintain a satisfactory seal and ease of operation.
design, develop high operating Frequency of lubrication required depends on type of
torques in high pressure services or service. The lubrication feature does provide a remedial
50 American Petroleum Institute

means for freeing stuck valves. In the non-lubricated Diaphragm valves are used primarily for low
design, the seal is accompli8hed by Teflon, nylon or pressure water (200 psig or less) service. They are
other "soft" material. They do not require frequent especially suitable for systems containing
maintenance lubrication but- may be more diffcult to appreciable sand or other solids.
free after prolonged setting in one position. The
application circumstance will generally dictate a
g. Needle Valves. Needle valves are basically
miniature globe valves. They are frequently used for
selection preference based on these characteristics.
instrument and pressure gage block valves; for
throttling small volumes of instrument air, gas or
d. Butterfly Valves. Regular Butterfly valves are suitable hydraulic fluids; and for reducing pressure
for coarse throttling and other applications where a tight
pulsations in instrument lines. The small
shutoff is riot required. It is difficult to accomplish a
passageways through needle valves are easily
leak-tight seal with a regular (non-high performance)
plugged, and this ghould be considered in their use.
butterfly valve. They are not suitable as primary block
valves for vessels, tanks, etc. Where a tight seal is h. Check Valves. Check valves are manufactured in a variety
required, use a high performance valve or limit the valve of designs, including swing check, lift plug, ball, piston.
to low 0differential pressure and low temperature (150F) and split disc swing check. Of these, a full opening swing
service. Because low torque requirements permit check is suitable for most non-pulsating applications.
butterfly valves to vibrate open, handles with detents Swing checks can be used in vertical pipe runs (with flow
should be specified. in the upward direction) only if a stop is included to
prevent the clapper from opening past top-deadcenter.
e. Globe Valves. When good throttling control is required Swing checks should never be used in a downward
(e.g., in bypass service around control valves), globe direction in a vertical piping run. If used where there is
valves are the most suitable. _pulsating flow or low flow velocities, swing checks will
chatter and eventually the sealing surfaces will be
f. Diaphragm (Bladder) Valves. In this valve design, a damaged. The clapper may be faced with stellite for
diaphragm made of an elastomer is connected to the longer life. To minimize leakage through the seat, a
valve stem, Closure is accomplished by pressing the resilient seal should be used. Removable seats are
diaphragm against a metal weir which is a part of the preferred, since they make repair of the valve easier and
valve body. also facilitate replacement of the resilient seal in the valve
body. Swing check valves should be selected with a
screwed or bolted bonnet to facilitate inspection or repair
of the clapper and seats. In many cases, for a high pressure
swing check to be in-line repairable, the minimum size
may be two and one half or three inches.
(I) Swing check valves in a wafer design (which
saves space) are available for installation
between flanges. This type of check valve is
normally not full opening, and requires
removal from the line for repair.
(2) The split disc swing check valve is a variation
of the swing check design. The springs used
to effect closure may be subject to rapid
failure due to erosion or corrosion.
(3) Lift plug check valves should only be used in
small, high pressure lines, handling clean
fluids. Lift plug valves can be designed for
use in either horizontal or vertical lines, but
the two are not interchangeable. Since lift
plug valves usually depend on gravity for
operation, they may be :subject to fouling by
paraffn or debris.
(4) Ball check valves are very similar to lift plug
check valves. Since the ball is lifted by fluid
pressure, this type check valve does not have
a- tendency to slam as does a swing check
valve. It is therefore preferable in sizes 2 inch or
smaller for clean services that; have frequent flow
reversals.
 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems 51

(5) Piston check valves are recommended for Straight Pipe in Feet, or as
pulsating flow, such as reciprocating compressor length/diameter ratios. If such data are
or pump discharge lines. They are not not available for a particular valve, a
P
recommended for sandy or dirty fluid service. roximate values may be read from Table
Piston check valves are equipped with an orifice 2.2. RIock valves and bypass valves, used
to control the rate of movement of the piston. in conjunction with control valves,
Orifices used for liquid services are considerably should be sized in accordance with API
larger than orificeß for gas services. A piston RP 550.
check valve designed for gas service should not 3.4 Valve Pressure and Temperature
be used Ratings. Steel valves are manufactured in
in liquid service unless the orifice in the accordance with API Std 600, API Std 602,
piston is changed. API spec 6A, API spec 61) or ANSI B16.5-
3.3 Valve Sizing. In general, valves should 1981. The API specifications cover complete
correspond to the size of the piping in which manufacturing details, while ANSI B16.5-
the valves are installed. Unless special 1981 covers pressure-temperature ratings and
considerations require a full opening valve dimensional details.
(sphere launching or receiving, minimum a. Most steel valves used in platform
pressure drop required, meter proving, pump facilities are designated ANSI and are
suction, etc.) , regular port valves are designed to the pressuretemperature
acceptable. ratings for steel pipe flanges and flanged
a. The pressure drop across a valve in liquid fittings given in ANSI B16.5. Face-to-
service may be calculated from the following face and end-to-end dimensions for steel
(Fluid Controls Institute) equation: valves are covered in ANSI B16.10. The
allowable working pressure for an ANSI
GPM 2 B16.5-1981, an API 600, an API 602 or
Eq. 3.1 an API 6D valve is a function of the
where : operating temperature.
Ap = pressure drop, psi.
GPM = liquid flow rate, gallons/minute.
valve coeffcient (GPM water flow, at 60 0
F, across valve with a pressure drop of 1
psi).
Sl = liquid specific gravity (water
b. For a valve in gas service, the following
(Fluid Controls Institute) equation may be
used:

941 ( 2s rr Eq. 3.2

where :
pressure drop, psi. gas specific
gravity (air flowing
temperature, e R. flowing
pressure, psia. gas flow rate,
million cubic feet/day (14.7 psia
and 60 0 F).
valve coeffcient (GPM water flow,
at 60 0 F, across valve with a
pressure drop of I psi).
c. Values of cv are usually published in valve
catalogs. In calculating the overall
pressure drop in a piping system, it is
common practice to add the equivalent
length of valves to the length of straight
pipe. Valve manufacturers usually
publish data on their valves, either
directly in terms of Equivalent Length of
52 American Petroleum Institute

b. Steel valves built to API Spec 6A are (3) One-half inch and smaller needle valves
used primarily on wellheads and for process hydrocarbon service should
flowlines. API 6A valves are designated be austenitic stainless steel, such as AISI
API 2000, 8000, 5000, 10,000, 15,000 316 or AISI 316L, for corrosion
and 20,000. The API 6A designation resistance and ease of operation.
numerically denotes the allowable (4) Resilient sealing materials used in
working pressure for temperature valves include Buna N, Neoprene,
between -20 0 F and 250 0F. It should be Delrin, Viton, Teflon, Nylon and
cautioned that although API 6A and tetrafluoroethylene (TFE). Resilient
ANSI B16.5 flanges are similar sealing materials should be carefully
dimensionally, they are fabricated from selected to be compatible with the
different materials and consequently process fluids and temperatures.
have different pressure ratings, corrosion
resistance and weldability. b. Corrosive Service.
c. Cast iron valves are designed in accordance (1) Generally, carbon steel valve bodies with
with ANSI B16.1 and, in sizes 2 inch through corrosion resistant internal trim are used for
12 inch, are rated for either 125 psi saturated corrosive service. AISI 410 type stainless steel is
steam or 200 psi cold water (nonshock). Steel generally used for internal trim. Austenitic
valves are recommended for hydrocarbon stainless steels, such as AISI 316 and higher alloys
service. may also be used for internal trim.
d. The allowable working pressures and
temperatures described above consider (2) For low-pressure (200 psig or lower) salt
the metal valve parts only. For valves water services, butterfly valves with ductile iron
utilizing resilient sealing materials, the body, aluminum-bronze disc, and AISI 316
maximum allowable operating stainless steel stem with Buna N seals are
temperature is normally limited by the satisfactory. Gate valves in this service should be
resilient material. The maximum iron body bronze trim (IBBM). For high pressure
permissible temperatures for valves are (above 200 psig) salt water applications, steel gate
indicated in valve catalogs and should be valves with aluminum-bronze trim give good
included in the Pipe, Valves, and Fittings service.
Tables described in Appendix C. c. Chloride Stress Cracking Service.
3.5 Valve Materials. Consideration should be given to chloride stress
cracking when selecting trim materials, see
a. Non-Corrosive Service.
Paragraph 1.7.d.
(1) For non-corrosive services, carbon
d. Sulfide Stress Cracking Service. Valve
steel meeting the requirements of bodies and internal trim should be in accordance with
API 600, API 6A, API 6D, or ANSI NACE MR-01-75 or constructed of materials which can
B16.5-1981 is satisfactory for valve be demonstrated to be resistant to sulfide stress cracking
bodies because of its strength, in the environment for which it is proposed.
ductility and resistance to damage 3.6 References.
by fire.
a. Cameron Hydraulic Data Handbook, IngersollRand
(2) Cast or ductile iron valve bodies should Company.
not be used for hydrocarbon or glycol
b. Chemical Engineering-Deskbook Issue, "Valves",
October 11,
1971.

SECTION 4
FITTINGS AND FLANGES
services because of their low impact c. Evans, Frank L., ''Special Report on Valves",
properties. Nonferrous valves are not Hydrocarbon Processing, Vol. 40, No. (July 1961).
suitable for process hydrocarbon service d. Fluid Controls Institute, Bulletin FCI 62 1
because they may fail in a fire; they may
be suitable for instrument and control
system service. Cast iron, ductile iron,
and bronze body valves may be used for
water services.
 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems 53

4.1 General. Welded, screwed and flanged piping c. Socket welding elbows and tees are manufactured in
connections are all acceptable for use in platform accordance with ANSI B16..11. Normally, ASTM A
piping within the application limitations discussed in 105 steel forgings are used, Bar stock meeting the
the following sections. Only carbon steel materials requirements of ANSI B16.11 may also be used. It
are discussed since carbon steel is suitable for the should be required that fittings machined from bar
preponderance of platform piping systems. The stock may not have the forging flow lines parallel with
operator should select other materials, if needed, on the axis of the fittings. Socket welding fittings are
an engineering basis (See Section 1.1). supplied in pressure class designations of 3000, 6000,
a. Many of the fittings and flanges described in this and 9000 1b nonshock WOG (water, oil, gas).
section are manufactured using materials in d. The pressure drop due to welded fittings may be
accordance with ASTM A 105. In general, calculated by including their equivalent length in the
ASTM A 105 does not require heat treatment total length of the piping system. Equivalent lengths
(normalizing) for piping components (flanges, for welded elbows and tees are included in Table 2.2.
fittings and similar parts) 4 inch nominal pipe
4.3 Screwed Fittings. When screwed fittings are
size and smaller, except for ANSI flanges above
permitted by Section 2.7, forged steel screwed
300 1b primary service rating.
fittings should be used for both hydrocarbon and
b. Fittings and flanges that do not require utility service to reduce the possibility of accidental
normalizing in accordance with ASTM A105 misapplication. Forged steel screwed fittings are
due to size or pressure rating, should be normally manufactured of ASTM A 105 steel in
normalized when used for service temperatures 2000, 3000, and 6000 1b ratings to ANSI B16.11.
below 30be 0 F. markeä Fittin s and flanges in 4.4 Branch Connections.
this category should H T, N, * , or with some
other appropriate marking to designate a. Branch connections in welded lines
normalizi ng. should be butt weld straight tees or
reducing tees when the branch line is 2
4.2 Welded Fittings. •Material for butt weld fittings inch nominal pipe size or larger, and is
should be seamless ASTM A234, Grade WPB. These equal to or greater than one half of the
fittings are made of carbon steel and are intended for nominal run size. If the branch line is 2
use with Grade B pipe. Unless the purchaser clearly inch nominal pipe size or larger, but less
specifies that the fittings shall be seamless, fittings than one half of the nominal run size,
with welded seams may be furnished at the welded nozzles l may be used. Branch
manufacturer's option. lines 1 /2 1 inch nominal pipe size and
a. Dimensions and tolerances for butt weld, smaller should be connected to runs 1 1/2
longradius elbows and tees are covered by inch nominal and smaller, with
ANS1B16.9. Short radius butt weld elbows are socketweld tees, and to runs 2 inch
covered by ANSI B16.28. If space permits, long nominal and larger with socketweld
radius elbows should be used in platform piping couplings or equivalent. Table 4.1
systems. Short radius elbows are subject to high illustrates the provision of the paragraph.
stress concentrations in the throat of the sharp b. Stub-in connections should generally not
curvature bend, and should be derated to 80 be used (See Paragraph 4.9, Reference
percent of the calculated allowable working c). The disadvantages of an unreinforced
pressure if subject to pulsation or vibration. stub-in connection are numerous. Sharp
b. ANSI B16.9 requires that the pressure rating of changes in section and direction at the
steel butt weld fittings be equal to that of junction introduce severe stress
seamless pipe of the same wall thickness. Butt intensifications. Reinforcement using a
weld fittings should, therefore, be purchased pad or a saddle improves the situation
with a wall thickness to match the pipe to which somewhat; however, the finished
they will be connected, except when thicker connection is diÆcult to examine for
walls are required for short radius elbows which welding and other defects. The
have been derated as outlined above. Otherwism likelihood that stress-intensifying defects
the pressure rating of the system will be limited will escape detection maké stub-ins a
by the lesser wall thickness in the fittings. If it is poor choice for critical services or those
necessary to weld fittings or pipe with unequal wall with severe cyclic operating conditions
thicknesses, the procedure outlined in Appendix B of or loadings. If stub-in connections are
this RP should be used to design the joint

1 ASME Sect. Vlll, Div. 1, Part UW

54 American Petroleum Institute

necessary, the use of full encirclement (1) ANSI flanges are sup lied in raised face (RF)
saddles is recommended. and ring-type joint (RTJ). RF flanges offer
increased ease of maintenance and equipment
c. Branch connections in screwed piping replacement over RTJ. RTJ flanges are
systems should be made using straight
commonly used in higher pressure service of
tees and swage reducers, or reduced
ANSI 900 and above and may also be used.
outlet tees. All screwed piping systems for ANSI 600 in Diping systems subject to
should be isolated from welded piping vibrating service. RTJ flanges should also be
systems by block valves. considered for services with special
4.5 Flanges. temperature or hazard problems. When RTJ
a. General. Welding neck flanges should be flanges are used, the piping configuration
used for piping 2 inch and larger. Slip-on should be designed to allow component
flanges are not generally recommended. removal since additional flexibility is
ANSI type flanges, manufactured in required to remove the ring gasket. Materials
conformance with ANSI B16.5, are used for ANSI flanges are normally manufactured
in most applications. API type flanges, in accordance with ASTM A-105. Flanges
manufactured according to API Spec 6A, manufactured in accordance with ASTM A-
are used primarily near the wellhead. 181 may be suitable for certain noncritical
services, e.g., water or atmospheric drains.
TABLE 4.1
BRANCH CONNECTION SCHEDULE—WELDED PIPING
1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
NOMINAL
BRANCH
NOMINAL RUN SIZE (inches)
SIZE
(inches)
1 2 3 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18

SWT SWT SWT SWT 6SC 6SC 6SC 6sc 6sc 6SC 6sc

1 swrr SWT SOL SOL SOL 6sc 6sc

SWT SOL SOL SOL 6SC 6SC 6SC 6SC 6sc 6SC 6sc
2 WOL WOL WOL WOL WOL WOL WOL

21/2 WOL WOL WOL WOL WOL WOL WOL

3 WOL WOL WOL WOL WOL WOL

4 WOL WOL WOL WOL WOL

6 WOL WOL WOL

6SC 6sc 6SC

 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems 55

Legend
T—Straight Tee (Butt Weld)
RT—Reducing Tee (Butt Weld)
TR—Straight Tee and Reducer or Reducing Tee
WOL—Welded nozzle or equivalent (Schedule of Branch Pi e)
SOL—Socketweld couplings or equivalent—6000# Forged gteel
swrr—Socketweld Tee
Forged Steel Socketweld Coupling ( % inch and smaller threadbolts or screwed couplings
may be used for sample, gage, test connection and instrumentation purposes)

(2) Materials for API flanges are specified in API Spec (2) of graphite or other asbestos substitutes for other
6A. Some API material types require special services should be preceded by service-specific
welding procedures. API flanges are available in studies.
2000, 3000, 5000, 10,000, 15,000 and 20,000 psi Ring gaskets for API and ANSI RTJ flanges are
pressure ratings. The maximum working manufactured in accordance with API Spec
pressure ratings are applicable for temperatures GA. API ring-joint gaskets are made of either
between -200F and 2500 F. API flanges rated soft iron, low-carbon steel, AISI 304 stainless
2000, 3000 and 5000 psi are designated API Tyoe steel or AISI 316 stainless steel. Unless
6B, and require Type R or RX gaskets; 10,Ö00, otherwise specified by the purchaser, ring-
15,000, and 20,000 psi ratings are designated API joint gaskets made of soft iron or low-carbon
Type 6BX and require BX ring gaskets. API Type steel are cadmium-plated. For ANSI and API
6B flan es should have a full-face contour. API Type 6B RTJ flanges, either API Type R or RX
Type 6KX flanges should have a relieved-face gaskets are required. Type R ring-joint
contour. gaskets are made in either an octagonal or
b. Gaskets. (3) oval cross-section. Type RX ring-joint gaskets
are pressure energized and have a modified
(1) For ANSI raised face (RF) flanges, octagonal cross-section. Type R and RX
spiralwound asbestos gaskets with stamless gaskets are interchangeable; however, RX
steel windings should be used because of gaskets have a greater ring height so the
their strength and sealing ability. For flat
face ductile or cast iron valves used in water (4) distance between made-up flanges is
greater and longer flange bolts are required.
service, full face compressed asbestos car
Type R ring-joint gaskets of soft iron should
gaskets or arimid or glass reinforced bo
be used in ANSI 600 1b and 900 1b services,
elastomer bound gaskets should be used. If n
Type RX ring-joint gaskets of low-carbon
less than full face gaskets are used on flat an
d
steel provide a better seal at high pressure
faces, flanges may be broken as flange bolts and should be used in ANSI 1500 1b and
are tightened. If gaskets containing asbestos ste
am
higher and in API 2000, 3000 and 5000 1b
are unavailable or cannot be used in a
particular service, other gasket materials are ser services.
available. Flexible graphite sheet laminated vic API Type 6BX flanges require API Type
with stainless steel reinforcement and es. BX pressure energized ring gaskets. These
graphite filled spiral wound gaskets are an Us
e
acceptable alternate for asbestos for hydro-
56 American Petroleum Institute
gaskets, made of low-carbon steel, should be 4.6 Proprietary Connectors. Several proprietary
used for A PI 10,000, 15,000 and 20,000 1b connectors are available to replace :flanges. Such
flanges. connectors are satisfactory if they have sealing,
c. Flange Protectors. Various methods (painting, .qtrength and fire resistant qualities comparable to
wrapping with tape, etc.) have been tried to flanges. Specially machined hubs and ring gaskets are
protect gaskets, bolts and flange faces from required on valves a:nd fittings to mate with the
corrosion; none have been completely connectors. Alignment is critical.
satisfactory. Potential solutions include: (1) the 4.7 Special Requirements for Sulfide Stress
use of soft rubber flange protectors (300 0F limit) Cracking Service. Fitting and flange materials, as
which are installed when the flange is made up; normally manufactured, are generally satisfactory for
and (2) stainless steel or polymer bands with a sulfide stress cracking service with the additional
grease fitting. For H2S service, the bolts should stipulation that they be modified to conform to the
be left open to allow the wind to disperse any requirements of NACE MR-01-75. ASTM A194,
seepage. Grade 2M, nuts and ASTM A 193, Grade B7M, bolts
d. Bolts and Nuts. For flanged piping systems, stud are generally satisfactory for pipe flanges.
bolts, threaded over their length in accordance Consideration should also be given to torque
with ASTM A193, Grade m, or ASTM A354, requirements during installation. Type R and RX rings
Grade BC, should be used. Nuts should be heavy should be made of annealed AISI 316 stainless steel.
hexagon, semi-finished, in accordance with
ASTM A194, Grade 2H. Bolts and nuts should be 4.8 Erosion Prevention. To minimize erosion
protected from corrosion; current methods where sand production is expected, short radius pipe
include cadmium plating, hot-dip galvanizing, ells shouhd not be used. All turns in flowlines should
be made \vith tees and weld caps (or blind flanges),
and resin coatings. cap tees or flow tees, or long radius bends (minimum
bending radius should be in accordance with ANSI
 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems 57
B31.3). For a discussion of maximum velocities to
minimize erosion, see Paragraph 2.5.a.
4.9 References.
a. Assini, John, "Welded Fittings and Flanges",
Southern Engineering (October 1969) .
b. Canham, W. Go, and Hagerman, J. R„ "Reduce
Piping Connection Costs", Hydrocarbon
Processing (May 1970).
c. Tube Turns Division of Chemetron
Corporation, Piping Engineering Handbook
(October 1969) .
58 American Petroleum Institute

SECTION 5
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR PARTICULAR PIPING SYSTEMS
 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems 59
5.1 General. This section presents
60 American Petroleum Institute
considerations for flow schemes, piping used, it should be located near the
layouts, and specific design requirements for wellhead. Additional chokes may be
particular piping systems. located near the manifold, entering low
5.2 Wellhead Accessory Items. temperature separation units, in
conjunction with line heaters, etc. The
a. Sampling and Injection Connections. following general guidelines should be
Connections may be desired near the considered regardless of the number of
wellhead for chemical injection and for chokes or their location :
obtaining samples (See Figures 5.1A and (I) Choke bodies should be installed in a
5.1B). If installed, they should be h inch manner that will permit easy
minimum nominal size and include a removal and trim changes.
closecoupled block valve. Associated piping (2) The downstream flow passage
should be stainless steel tubing or heavy wall within ten nominal pipe diameters
pipe and should be well protected to
should be free of abrupt changes in
minimize the possibility of damage. A spring
direction to minimize flow cutting
loaded ball check valve should be close-
due to high velocity.
coupled to the block valve on injection lines.
(3) Outlet connections. should be
b. Chokes. Chokes are normally installed examined to determine if their bore
to control the flow from oil and gas should be tapered to improve flow
wells. Choke types include adjustable, patterns.
positive and combination. The number
(4) Suitable provisions should be
and location of chokes depend on the
provided to isolate and depressure
amount of pressure drop taken, well
the choke body when changing trim,
fluid, flow rate, and solids in the
removing trash, etc.
wellstream. Usually, if only one choke is
 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems 61
5.3 Flowline and Flowline Accessories. When a well monitoring aid or as a means of
designing flowlines, consideration should be given production allocation.
to pressure, temperature, velocity, erosive and
corrosive effects on the pipe, etc. (See Sections 2, 3 c. Flowline Heat Exchanger. If a flowline
and 4). The accessories discussed below may be heat exchanger is used (See Figures 5.1A
used as necessary. and 5.1B),
the following provisions should be considered:
a. Flowline Pressure Sensor. The (1) Connections should be arranged so the exchanger
installation of a flowline sensor should bundle may be pulled without having to cut or weld
be in accordance with API RP 14C. on inlet and outlet piping.
Further, the connection should be h inch (2) On the flanged end of the shell, exchanger Ubends,
minimum nominal size and located to if used, should either be exposed to the exterior, or
minimize the possibility of plugging and easily accessible for nondestructive testing.
freezing. Connections on the bottom of (3) A flanged end heat exchanger shell of a standard
the line or in turns should be avoided. dimension is desirable so bundles can be
Sensors should be installed with an interchanged, or pulled and repaired.
external test connection and block valve. (4) A relief system in accordance with Section 5.8 should be
Sensing lines should be stainless steel provided.
and secured to prevent whip in case of
severance. d. Flowline Check Valve. A flowline check
valve should be installed to minimize back
b. Flowline Orifice Fitting. A flowline orifice flow due to inadvertent switching of a low
fitting, as shown on Figures 5.1A and 5.1B, pressure well into a higher pressure system,
may be desirable in gas well service for either or in case of line rupture. Provisions should
be made for blowdown of the flowline
62 American Petroleum Institute
segment between wellhead and check valve accordance with ANSI B31.3. Provisions should be
to facilitate periodic testing at check valve. made to allow non-destructive testing of headers.
See Section 3.2.h for a discussion of check Quarter turn valves are preferred in manifold service for
valves. ease of operation. "Above 6000 psig working pressure,
e. Flowline Support. F lowlines should be only gate valves are generally available.
supported and secured to minimize vibration b. Manifold Branch Connections. Manifold branch connections
and to prevent whip. See Section 6.4 for should be in accordance with Table 4.1. If Weldolet8 Ø are
discussion of piping supports. When used, care should be taken to ensure the entrance hole is
designing flowline supports, it should be smooth and free of burrs after it is welded in place. The
recognized that even though the wellhead terminus of the manifold runs should be blind flanyed to
may be fixed to the platform, there is a provide a fluid cushion area and for possible future expansion.
possibility of independent wellhead
movement due to wave action, wind forces, c. Manifold Valve Installation. The manifold arrangement
etc., on the conductor. should provide easy access to each valve for operational
purposes and easy removal. In initial design of the
5.4 Production Manifolds. manifold, it may be desirable to make provisions for the
a. General. For illustration purposes, Figures 5.1A and future installation of valve operators.
5.1B show a six-header manifold. The actual number 5.5 Proce8 Pipin . A typical three-phase process vesel
and function of headers depend upon the specific with standarä accessories and many optional items is shown
application. The pipe routing to the production headers on Figure 52. Different vessels are required for different
should be the- shortest and least tortuous. Each part of functions in processing;
the manifold should be designed to limit maximum
velocity in accordance with Section 2.5.a. Fabricated
components should be stress relieved, if required, in
•
 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems

however, all of the flow streams to and from a vessel are carefully considered. If the outlet
generally handled in a similar manner. All of the items pressure rating is less than the inlet
shown in Figure 5.2 may not be needed, but are shown in source pressure, a relief device should
the:ir recommended location when required. Accessories be closecoupled to the reduction device.
should be installed to permit ready removal for repairs or
replacement. Safety devices should be capable of being
(d) Parallel reduction devices should be
tested in place.
considered to maintain system operation
in the event the primary device fails.
5.6 Utility Systems. This section deals with b. Fire Water Systems. Fire water systems are
pneumatic, fire water, potable water, sewage and normally constructed of carbon steel pipe in
related systems. accordance with Sections 2, 3 and 4. Special
corrosion resistant materials may be desirable.
a. Pneumatic Systems. Pneumatic systems are required to The fire water system may require sectionalizing
provide a dependable supply for pneumatically valves such that if one portion of the system is
operated components. All Pipe, tubing and fittings 3/ inoperable, it can be closed off, and the
inch nominal size and smaller should be AISI 316 or remainder of the system could remain in service.
316L stainless steel, with 0.035 inch minimum wall Accessibility during a fire should be considered
thickness where exposed to the al;mosphere. Synthetic when locating fire hose stations and/or turrets. In
tubing may be used in weatherproof enclosures or in the determination of required flow rates,
fire loop safety systems (See Section 2.1.e). Fire loop consideration should be given to the surface area,
safety systems should be in accordance with API RP location of the equipment and to the maximum
14C. Piping should be installed in a manner that will number of discharge nozzles which could be in
minimize low points or traps for liquid. Outlets from use simultaneously (See NFPA, National Fire
vessels and piping should be from the top of the system code, Volumes 6 and 8; API RP MG).
and drains from the bottom. Blowdown provisions
should be included in the piping system to allow c. Potable Water Systems. Threaded and coupled
removal of condensation.. Pneumatic systems should galvanized steel pipe, and bronze valves should
be tested in accordance with Section 7.4.c. generally be used in potable water service. Cop.
per pipe may be used within the confines of
(I) Air Systems. Main air headers should utilize
buildings. Toxic joint compounds should be
corrosion resistant material such as threaded and
avoided. If water makers are used, consideration
coupled galvanized steel. Piping drops to
instruments should be in accordance with
should be given to potential contamination of the
Paragraph 5.6.a. Care must be exercised in
water from heating sources. When potable water
locat;ing air compressor suctions to preclude the is supplied to other facilities such as engine
introduction of gas or hydrocarbon vapors into the jacket water makeup, etc., care should be
system. No cross-overs, whereby air and gas could exercised to prevent contamination from
be intermixed, should be allowed anywhere in the backflow.
system. d. Sewage Systems. Interior sewage piping, such as in
living quarters areas, should be carbon steel, cast iron
(2) Gas Systems. For .gas systems, vents and
Pipe with babbit, or lead sealed joints or non-metallic
relief valves should be piped to a safe
pipe properly supported per ANSI B31.3. Exterior
location if it is determined that the volumes
piping may be carbon steel, cast iron, or non-metallic
capable of being vented could create an (when properly supported and protected from
abnormal condition. The gas source chosen sunlight). All piping should be well supported and
should be the driest gas available on the have a minimum slope of 1/8 inch per foot. The system
platform. The following guidelines may be should be designed with adequate clean-out
helpful in designing an instrument gas (or a provisions. Discharge lines from sewage treatment
fuel gas) system: plants should terminate near water level and contain
(a) Consideration should be given to the readily accessible sampling connections. Care should
necessity of dehydrating the gas prior to be exercised in locating vents.
taking a significant pressure drop. An 5.7 Heating Fluid and Glycol Systems. The paramount
external heat source may be required to safety consideration in the design of heating fluid systems is
prevent freezing if the gas is not containment of the fluid for personnel protection and fire
dehydrated. prevention. All piping, valves and fittings should be in
(b) The gas should be expanded into a accordance with Sections 2, 3, and 4 except that flanges for
separator to prevent hydrates and liquids other than low pressure steam and hot water systems should
from entering the system piping. be a minimum of ANSI 300 1b to minimize leakage. Piping
should be designed for thermal expansion (See Section 2.8).
(c) The inlet and outlet pressure rating of Thermal insulation should be in accordance with Section 6.6.
pressure reduction devices should be
66 American Petroleum Institute

a. If the process side of a shell and tube heat A relief device may also be required at the heat
exchanger has a higher operating pressure than exchanger. Consideration should also be given to
the design pressure of the heating fluid side, the tube failure in heat exchangers where the
heating fluid side must be protected by a relief operating pressure of the heating fluid system
device. The location of the relief device depends exceeds the test pressure of the process system.
on the actual design of the system. If possible, the b. The effect of mixing hot fluids with cold fluids
relief device should be located on the expansion (see API RP 521, Section 37) should be
(surge) tank which will serve as a separator. All considered when determining how to dispose of
heating fluid should pass through expansion the discharge of a relief device on a heat
(surge) tank to allow venting of any gas present.
RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems
68 American Petroleum Institute
exchanger. A separate scrubber may be required. testing. If a pilot operated relief valve is used, the
c. Heating systems (except hot water or steam) upstream valving is not required for testing
should preferably be pneumatically tested in purposes.
accordance with Section 8.4.c. If hydrostatically (2) Should the relief device have to be removed,
tested, provisions shöuld be made for removal of process systems connected to a common
all water from the system before placing in
service. Additionally, any water remaining after *This section applies to systems covered by ASME Section
vtll, Division l. Refer to ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel
draining should be removed at startup, by slowly
Code Section IV for heating boiler8. relief header must be
bringing the system to 2:12 O F and venting the
shut down. Alternatively, a full opening block or check valve
generated steam. Care should be taken to ensure
may be installed downstream of relief de. vices if connecting
that each branch of the system has circulation
to a common relief header. All block valves installed either
during this period.
upstream or downstream of relief devices should be equipped
d. The exhaust stream from a glycol reboiler con. with locking devices and operated in accordance with ASME
tains steam and hydrocarbon vapors. Caution Section V Ill, Appendix M.
should be exercised in the design of reboiler (3) Piping on the exhaust side of relief devices should
exhaust piping to prevent back pressure, ignition, be designed to minimize stress on the device. The
and condensation problems. piping should also be designed to withstand the
5.8 Pressure Relief and Disposal Systems. maximum back pressure to which it could be
subjected. The allowable working pressure of relief
a. General. Pressure relief and disposal systems are valves is covered by API Spec 526.
requi.red to prevent over pressure of process
components and to dispose of the relieved prod. c. Relief (Disposal) System Piping. The relief system and piping
uct in a safe manner. Some possible causes of should be designed to dispose of the relieved product in a safe
over pressure are downstream blockage, and reliable manner. The system and piping should be
upstream control valve malfunction, and external designed to prevent liquid accumulation so that the
fire. design relieving capacity of any of the pressure
relieving devices IS not reduced. Additionally, the
(1) The commonly used safety relief devices are design should limit back pressure. The maximum
the conventional spring loaded relief valve, possible back pressure at each relief point should be
the balanced bellows spring loaded relief determined. This is particularly important where two or more
valve, the pilot operated relief valve, the relief devices may relieve simultaneously into the same
pressure-vacuum relief valve, and the rupture disposal system. The materials, fittings, welding and other
disc. For a complete description, operation, design criteria should conform to the respective parts of this
sizing, pressure setting, and application RP and to API RP 520, Part 11.
guide, see ASME Section V Ill, API RP 520
Part 1, API RP 521 and API RP 14C. (1) Vent or flare structures should be
(2) Relief devices in gas or vapor service should designed to prevent buckling caused
normally be connected to either the vessel by wind moment. Vent or flare
vapor space or the outlet piping. They should structures should preferably be
be located upstream of wire mesh mist installed on the down wind side of
extractors. Liquid relief devices should be the platform, taking into account
located below the normal liquid level. helicopter and boat approaches, etc.
In determining height and distance
(3) If vessels with the same operating pressure
from the platform, consideration
are in series, a relief device set at the lowest
design pressure in the system may be should be given to accidental ignition
due to lightning, falling burning
installed on the first vessel. If any remaining
fluid, and heat radiation.
vessel can be isolated, a relief device sized
for fire or thermal expansion is required. (2) When hydrocarbon vapors are
Relief devices should be located so they discharged into the atmosphere,
cannot be isolated from any part of the mixtures within the flammable range
system bein< pi•otected. will occur downstream of the outlet.
To determine the location of this
b. Relief Device Piping. * flammable mixture, and the intensity
(1) If a spring loaded relief valve is used, it may of the heat should the mixture
have a full opening block or check valve upstream become ignited, refer to API RP 521
plus an external test port for testing and calibrating. and API Proceedings, Vol 43 (111)
If not, it will be necessary to remove the valve for (1963), Pages 418-433. When toxic
 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems
vapors are discharged into the slope on the order of 1/8 inch per foot. In some
atmosphere, systems should be cases, it may be necessary to install runs in a
designed in accordance with EPA horizontal plane, but in no circumstances
AP-26, Workbook of Atmospheric should upslopes be permitted. Clean-out
Dispersion Estimates. connections should be provided.
(3) If feasible, all relief systems should 5.10 Bridge Piping Between Platforms. Design of bridge
be designed for a minimum pressure piping is similar to other piping design except
of 50 psig in order to contain that platform movement must also be considered. Once the
flashback. In most cases, vents from maximum platform movement has been determined, design should
atmospheric pressure equipment be in accordance with Section 2.8.
should be equipped with flame
arrestors for flashback protection. 5.11 Risers. Risers should be designed for maximum wave
Flame arrestors are subject to loading, internal pressure, marine traffic, and other environmental
conditions. If bottom scouring action is anticipated, the lower end
plugging with ice and should not be of risers should be jetted below the mudline, when feasible, to
used in cold climates. Flame avoid undue stresses. Risers on the exterior of that side of the
arrestors should be inspected jacket normally accessed by boats, should be protected by
periodically for paraffn build-up. bumpers. See Section 6.5.a. (3) for corrosion protection in the
splash zone.
5.9 Drain Systems. Drain systems should be
designed to collect and dispose of 5.12 Sampling Valves. Valves for sampling process streams
contaminants from all sources. A good drain should be provided at appropriate locations. Valves should be
system prevents contaminants from spilling located so that representative samples will be obtained. Sample
overboard; prevents the accumulation of valves may be used in conjunction with sample catchers or with
flammable liquids on the deck or pans; and sample tubes which extend into the center of the pipe.
promotes good housekeeping practices. Consideration should be given to the quality and condition of the
41 stream at each
location. Valve
design and
piping should
allow cleaning
a. Pressure Drains. When pressure (closed) or rodding of valves which may become plugged with solids.
drains from pressure vessels are used, they Valves subject to large pressure drops may be quickly cut out.
should be piped directly to the disposal Double valvmg and proper sampling procedures can minimize
facilities, independent of the gravity drains, to
such problems. Sample valves are usually h inch austenitic
prevent the introduction of fluids from the
pressure drains into the gravity drains. The stainless steels (See Section 3.5.a).
design pressure of the interconnecting piping
and drain valve on each process component 5.13 References.
should equal or exceed the highest pressure to Loudon, D, E., "Requirements for Safe Discharge of
which the system could be subjected and Hydrocarbons to Atmosphere", API Proceedings, vol. 43
correspond to the highest working pressure (111) (1963), Pages 418-433.
process component in the system, Piping
should be m accordance with Sections 2, 3,
and 4. A seDarate closed drain system should
be provided for hydroen sulfide service to
permit safe disposal of the Fluids.
b. Gravity Drains. Platform decks and skid pans
are usually drained by gravity to the disposal
facilities. A wide variety of materials may be
satisfactory for this service. If steel pipe not
satisfactory for hydrocarbon service is used,
it should be marked in accordance with
Section 2.1.d. Consideration should be given
to minimize bends and flow restrictions in the
system. The gravity drain system should be
equipped with one or more vapor traps or
other means to prevent gas migration from
the collection vessel to the open drains.
Piping should be installed with a downward
70 American Petroleum Institute

SECTION 6
CONSIDERATIONS OF RELATED ITEMS
6.1 General. This section contains miscellaneous (f) Abrasion expected.
considerations related to piping systems. (g) Application of coating system.
6.2 Layout. The following items should be considered (h) Maintenance.
when planning piping layout on production platforms: a. After the above requirements have
Safety of personnel. been determined, they should be
b. Compatibility with vessel, equipment, and skid submitted to the operator's
arrangement (See API RP 2G). Corrosion Engineer, a reputable paint
c. Accessibility to equipment. manufacturer's representative, or a
d. Use of natural supports. consulting engineering firm for specific
e. Necessity of su:itable walkways. recommendations,
6.3 Elevations. Piping elevation on Platforms should be specifications, and inspection services.
determined by such things as fluid handled, temperature, Tapes and extruded coatings should
purpose and personnel access. Piping should not be generally not be used on platform
installed on grating or flooring; it should have adequate piping. Experience has shown that
clearance for maintenance. Overhead i in should be severe corrosion can occur beneath
arranged to provide sufficient personne ea clearance. these protective materials without any
6.4 Pi ing Supports. Platform piping should be supporte visible evidence. Because of the
on racks, stanchions or individual standoffs. The location diffculty in sandblasting on platforms,
and design of supports are dependent upon routing, media, it is desirable to sandblast, prime,
weight, diameter, shockloads, vibration, etc. and/or paint pipe and accessories
Consideration should also be given to seal welding to onshore.
minimize corrosion; providing sufficient clearance to (8) Risers. Risers should be protected in
permit painting; and installing doublers (additional metal) the splash zone.
under clamps and saddles. Valve supports should not
b. Corrosion Protection for Internal
interfere with removal of the valve for repair or re
Surfaces. The best method to
lacement. See Sections 2.8 and 5.3.e of this RP and AkSI
alleviate internal metal loss depends on
B31.3 for a discussion of piping flexibility and support
the type and severity of the
requirements.
corrosion. Each case should be
6.5 Other Corrosion Considerations. a. Protective Coatings considered individually. NACE
for External Surfaces. Desigru selection and inspection of an Standard RP-01-76 provides
external piping system should be based on NACE Standard RP- guidelines on detecting and
01-'76, Sections 10, 12, 13 and 14. Additional points to consider controlling piping internal
with external coatings are provided below. corrosion.
(1) Types of Platform Piping Coating Systems. All (1) Process Piping. Protective type
steel piping should be protected with a coating coatings are not generally
(painting) system which has been proven recommended for process piping
acceptable in a marine environment by prior internals. Potential solutions include:
performance or by suitable tests. (a) Dehydration of process streams.
(2) Selection of Platform Piping Coating Systerns. (b) Use of corrosion inhibitors.
When selecting coating systems, the following (c) Sizing of pipe for optimum
points should be considered: velocity. (d) Use of corrosion resistant
(n) Surface preparation. metals.
(b) Temperature ranges (maximum-minimum) (2) Water Piping. Potential solutions to
expected. minimize internal corrosion of water
(c) Dry and/or wet surfaces. service piping include:
(d) Chemical contamination expected. (a) Oxygen removal and/or exclusion.
(e) Location of equipment under consideration (b) Chemical treatment (corrosion inhibition,
(height above splash zone, maximum wave biocides, scale and pH control).
height, etc.).
 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems
(c) Protective coating and linings (plastics and d. Non-Destructive Erosion and/or Corrosion
cement). Sur• veys. Access should be provided to points
(d) Non-metallic piping. in the piping system where erosion and/or
corrosion is anticipated. These points should
(e) Control of solids (sand, mud, sludge).
be examined, as soon as practical after start-
(3) Protective Coatings. If internal coatings up, by radiographic or ultrasonic methods and
are used, the piping should be designed to documented for comparison with future
facilitate fabrication without damage to surveys. Special emphasis should be given to
the coatings. well flowlines, bends and production
c. Compatibility of Materials. When different manifolds.
metals are coupled together in the presence of e. Cathodic Protection. If the submerged portion
an electrolyte, galvanic action will occur. The of a pipeline is to be cathodically protected by
greater the difference in electromotive force a system other than that used to protect the
(emf) of the metals in the galvanic series, the platform, its riser should be isolated from the
more severe the corrosion. The possibility of platform. This may be accomplished with an
galvanic corrosion should be taken into insulating flange above the water and
account when selecting the materials of insulating material inserts within the stand-off
construction for piping, valves and fittings. clamps below the insulating flange.
Some general guidelines follow: 6.6 Thermal Insulation. Thermal insulation should
(1) Whenever possible, use the same metal be used on Platform piping for personnel protection,
throughout, or metals close together on prevention of combustion from hot surfaces, heat
the galvanic series. The carbon steel conservation, freeze protection and prevention of
materials recommended in Sections 2, 39 moisture or ice on piping. For personnel protection, all
and 4 are compatible. readily accessible surfaces operating above 160 0F
(2) The following alternatives should be should be insulated. Surfaces with a temperature in
considered if it is necessary to utilize excess of 400 0 F should be protected from liquid
differing metals : hydrocarbon spillage, and surfaces in excess of 900 0F
should be protected from combustible gases.
(a) break the couple with unions,
nipples, bushings or sleeves made of a. Guidelines for proper insulation include:
a nonconducting material. (1) Piping should be properly cleaned and
(b) exclude the electrolyte by the primed prior to insulating.
application of a protective coating to (2) Insulating material should be selected
one or both metals, for the particular temperature
(c) keep the less noble or anodic conditions. Insulating material, such as
member large in comparison with magnesia, that could deteriorate or
the more noble metal. cause corrosion of the insulated
43 surface if
wet, should
not be used.
Some commonly used insulating
materials are calcium silicate, mineral
slagwool, glass fiber and cellular glass.
(3) A vapor barrier should be applied to
the outer surface of the insulation on
cold piping.
(4) Insulation should be protected by sheet
metal jacketing from weather, oil
spillage, mechanical wear, or other
damage. If aluminum sheet metal is
used for this purpose, it should be
protected by an internal moisture
barrier.
(5) To prevent H2S from concentrating
around the bolts, flanges should not be
insulated in H2S service.
72 American Petroleum Institute
(6) Certain heating fluids are not (2) Select control valves of a type or with special trim
compatible with some insulating to minimize noise.
materials and autoignition may occur. c. Methods that may be effective in minimizing noises
Caution should be exercised in in piping systems include:
selecting materials.
(7) Certain insulation materials may be (1) Avoid abrupt changes in flow direction.
flammable. (2) Use venturi (conical) type reducers to avoid abrupt
(8) Preformed insulation and jacketing are changes in flow pattern.
available for various size pipe and (3) Use flow straightening vanes to reduce large scale
fittings. turbulence.
b. Tables 6.1 to 6.3 provide typical minimum (4) Use extra heavy wall pipe and fittings to attenuate
insulation thicknesses for various conditions of sound and vibration (See API Medical Research
temperature and service. Report EA 7301).
(5) Use acoustic insulation and/or shielding around
6.7 Noise. In the design of platform piping systems, Drovisions
pipe and fittings to absorb or isolate sound.
should be made to protect personnel from harmful noise.
Problems and solutions are discussed in depth in API Medical (6) Use flow stream silencers for extreme cases. 6.8
Research Report EA 7301, Guidelines on Noise. A general Pipe, Valves and Fittings Tables. Detailed
discussion of noise related to piping systems is included in this information concerning pipe, valves and fittings
section. may be readily shown using tables. Information
a. Noise in a piping configuration is caused by the that may be shown in the tables includes size
turbulence of a fluid passing through the system. ranges, general specifications, valve figure
Turbulence is created downstream of restricted numbers, pressure ratings, temperature limitations,
openings and increases as the fluid velocity in. pipe schedules, material specifications, special
creases. Most noises in piping systems may be notes, etc. Such tables are generally prepared by an
attributed to the various types of control valves. The operator for use as a general companywide guide.
sound pressure level may be calculated for control Examples of Pipe, Valves and Fittings Tables are
valves from formulas and data supplied by the various provided in Appendix C.
manufacturers. 6.9 Inspection, Maintenance, Repairs and Alterations are
b. The fundamental approach to noise control in piping Important considerations after a platform piping system has
systems should be to avoid or minimize the generation been commissioned. API 510, which is written for Pressure
of harmful noise levels. Methods that may be effective Vessels, contains guidelines on these topics which can also
in avoiding such levels in piping systems include: be applied to piping systems.
(1) Minimize fluid velocities. The noise levels
generated by the recommended velocities in
Section 2 should be acceptable.
TABLE 6.1
TYPICAL HOT INSULATION THICKNESS (INCHES)
1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9

Maximum Nominal Pipe Size, Inches

Temperature
lh & Smaller 2 3 4 6 8 10 12 & Larger
250 1 1 1
500 1
lh lh lh 2
2 2 2 2
600 lh 2
2
2h
750 2 2 2 2
21/5 3 3 3
TABLE 6.2
TYPICAL COLD INSULATION THICKNESS (INCHES)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Minimum Nominal Pipe Size, Inches

 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems

Temperature

TABLE 6.3
TYPICAL INSULATION FOR PERSONNEL PROTECTION
(Applicable Hot Surface Temperature Range ( O F))

160-620 621-960 961-1160 1161-1200

3 160-600 601-810 811-1000 1001-1200
112GZiioo
4 160-600 601-790 791-970 971-1125 1091-1200
6 160-550 551-740 741-930 931-1090 1091-1200
8 160-740 741-900 901-1090
10160-750 751-900 901-1060 1061-1200
12160-740 741-900 901-1030 1031-1170
117iZiioo
14160-700 701-850 851-1000 1001-1130
1131-1200
16160-690 691-840 841-980 981-1120 1121-1200
18160-690 691-830 831-970 971-1100 1101-1200

20 160-690 691-830 831-970 971-1100 1101-1200 24 160-680 681-820 821-960 961-

1090 1091-1200

30 160-680 681-810 811-950 951-1080 1081-1200

Flat Surfa,ce* 16ö%io 521-660 661-790 791-900 901-1010 1011-1120 112iäioo

*Application range also applies to piping and equipment over 30 inches in diameter.
SECTION 7
INSTALLATION AND QUALITY CONTROL
74 American Petroleum Institute

7.1 General. This section covers fabrication, qualification methods and requirements are
assembly, erection, inspection, testing and related detailed in ANSI B31.3.
operations associated with the installation and c. Welder Qualification. Welders should be
quality control of metallic and non-metallic qualified using the specific qualified welding
platform piping systems. Fabrication, assembly, procedure for the proposed job. ANSI B31.3
erection, inspection, testing and related operations contains details for qualifying welders,
should comply with ANSI B31.3, except as including the variables that make
modified herein. requalification necessary. d. Welding
7.2 Authorized Inspector. A minimum of 5 years Records. Test records of the welding
experience in design, fabrication or inspection of procedure qualification and the welder
industrial pressure piping should be required to performance qualification should be
qualify as an authorized inspector. maintained per ANSI BSI.3.
7.3 Welding. e. Welding Requirements. ANSI B31.3 covers
a. Safety Precautions. Prior to and during welding requirements and in addition welding
burning and welding in any area on a platform should not be done if there is danger that the quality
which contains hydrocarbon process of the weld may be affected by atmospheric
equipment, thorough checks should be made conditions.
visually, and with a portable combustible gas f. Heat Treatment. ANSI B31.3 covers heat treatment,
detector, to determine that the area is free of including pre-heat and stress relieving.
flammable liquids and combustible gas
mixtures. The supervisor on the platform g. Examination and Inspection. Visual, radiographic
should have knowledge of all simultaneous and ultrasonic examination and insoecåon should
activities. comply with ANSI B31.3. Additional
recommendations are provided below.
(1) An inspection should be made prior to
the commencement of any burning or (1) Radiographic Inspection. It is recommended that
welding to ensure the welding machines platform piping in hydrocarbon service
are equipped with spark arrestors and regardless of service temperature and pressure
drip pans; welding leads are completely be radiographically examined in accordance
insulated and in good condition; oxygen with Table 7.1.
and acetylene bottles are secured
properly; and the hoses are leak free and TABLE 7.1
equipped with proper fittings, gages, and MINIMUM EXTENT OF RADIOGRAPHIC
regulators.
WELD EXAMINATION
(2) During welding or burning operations in
an area which contains hydrocarbon FOR CARBON STEEL MATERIAL
process equipment, one or more persons,
as necessary, should be designated for Pressure Class Percent of Welds
fire watch. Persons assigned to fire watch
should have no other duties while actual 150 1b to 600 1b ANSI---- 10%
burning or welding operations are in 900 1b and 1500 1b ANSi-----
progress. They should have operable fire 2500 1b ANSI, 5000 1b API, and Higher„-- 100%
fighting equipment in their possession
and be instructed in its use. No welding 7.4 Pressure Testing. Prior to being placed in operation,
or burning (except hot taps) should be piping should be pressure tested for leaks. Preparation for
permitted on lines or vessels until they testing, hydrostatic and pneumatic testing are covered by
have been isolated and rendered free of ANSI B31.3 except as modified below.
combustible hydrocarbons.
(3) Adequate lighting ghould be provided on a. Hydrostatic Tests. Water should be used in all
a platform when welding or burning at hydrostatic testing unless it would have an adverse
effect on the piping or operating fluid. Any
night.
flammable liquids used for testing should have a
b. Welding Procedure Qualification. Tests flash point above 150 0F.
should be conducted to qualify welding
procedures to be utilized. Procedure
 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems

(1) When a system is to be tested, the following

equipment should be isolated: (a) Pumps,
turbines and compressors.
(b) Rupture discs and relief valves.
(c) Rotometers and displacement meters.
(2) The following equipment should be tested to
design pressure and then isolated:
(a) Indicating pressure gages, when the test
pressure will exceed the scale renge.
(b) External float type level shutdown devices
and controllers, when the float is not rated
for the test pressure. The float should be
subjected to design pressure; then the float
chamber should be isolated from the
system.
(3) Check valves should be held open and block and
bleed ball valves shoulä be in the one half open
position during testing.
b. Pneumatic Tests. Pneumatic tests should be
performed in accordance with ANSI B31.3 when
hydrostatic tests would be undesirable, such as in
instrument air, heating fluid, and refrigeration
systems. Inasmuch as pneumatic testing may create
an unsafe condition, special precautions should be
taken, and careful supervision should be provided
during testing. Only air or nitrogen (with or without
tracers) should be used as the test medium. Each test
system should be kept as small as practical.
(1) The test pressure should be 1.1 times the ma:ximum
design pressure, or 100 psig, whichever is the lesser.
To guard against brittle fracture hazards, the
minimum metal temperature for all components
during the test should be 60 0 F.
(2) Pressure should be gradually increased to not more
than 25 psig, and held until all joints have been
inspected for leaks with soap solution. If no leaks are
found, the pressure should be increased in increments
of approximately 15 psi until the
final test pressure is reached. The
pressure should then be reduced to
90% of test pressure, and held for a
suffcient length of time to permit
inspection of all joints, welds, and
connections with soap solution.
7.5 Test Record. Test records including
welding procedure qualifications, welder
performance qualifications and pressure
testing should be in accordance with ANSI
B31.3.
76 American Petroleum Institute

APPENDIX A
EXAMPLE PROBLEMS
Introduction. This appendix demonstrates, by means of solutions to example problems, applications of the piping
design guidelines presented in this RP.

EXAMPLE Al
FLOWLINE PIPING DESIGN
Al.l Problem Statement. Design a flowline fluid erosional velocity, feet/second.
for a gas-condensate completion, C empirical constant;
Al.l.l The completion is expected to have = 100 for continuous service with minimum
the following initial characteristics: solids. pm = gas/liquid density at operating
a. Shut-in wellhead pressure = 5500 psig. pressure and temperature, lbs/ftg.
b. Maximum test and production flow rate Al.2.2.1 pm will be calculated for initial and final
expected (including surge) : flowing conditions, to determine which conditions
Qg = 15 million cubic feet/ day controt, using Equation 2.9.
[Sg = .65 (air 12409 st P + 2.7 R P
Q = 50 barrels condensate/million pm
cubic feet gas [SI = .80 (water — 198.7P + RTZ

= where :
c. Flowing tubing pressure = 4500 psig. P = operating pressure, psia.
d. Flowing temperature = 120 0 F. = liquid specific gravity (water = 1; use average gravity
Al.1.2 The completion is expected to have for hydrocarbon-water mixtures) at standard
the fol lowing characteristics at depletion: conditions.
a. Flowing tubing pressure = 1500 psig. R = gas/liquid ratio, cu ft/barrel at standard conditions.
QC = 10 million cubic feet/day T = operating temperature, O R.
[Sg = .65 (an• gas specific gravity (air = 1) at standard conditions.
— 20 barrels condensate/million cubic gas compressibility factor, dimensionless.
feet gas — - .80 (water = and 1500 For Initial Conditions:
barrels of produced water per day — .80
[SL = 1.08 (water = 1)],
P = 4500 psig + 14.7 = 4515 psia
Al.1.3 Equivalent length of flowline = 50 = 20,000 cu ft/barrel
feet.
50 barrels
Al.1.4 Flowline to be designed for wellhead
pressure. Sg — .65
T = 120 0 F + 460 = 580 0 R
Al.2 Solution. z = 0.91
Al.2.1 General. The following items should Inserting in Equation 2.9:
be considered : 12409 x .80 x 4515 + 2.7 x 20,000 x .66 x 4615
a. Erosional velocity. pm
b. Pressure containment. 198.7 X 4515 + 20,000 X 580 x 0.91 = 17.8
c. Noise. lbs/ft3 (initial)
d. Pressure drop. For Final Conditions :
10mmcf/d X 20 bbl/mmcf X .80 + 1500bbl/day x 1.08
A12.2 Erosional Velocity. Since the well
10 mmcf / d X 20 bbl/mmcf+ 1500 bbl/day
will flow continuously and little or no sand
= 1.04
production is anticipated, Equation 2.8 with
= 1500 psig + 14 . 7 = 1515 psia
an empirical constant of 100 will be used to
calculate the maximum allowable eroBional 10 mmcf/d
velocity (See Section 2.5.a). 10 mmcf Id X 20 bbl/mmcf + 1500 bbl/day
= 5880 cu ft/barrel
pm Eq. 2.8 = .65
where : T = 120 0 F + 460 = 580 O R z — 0.81
 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems 77

Inserting in Equation 2.9 : A = minimum pipe cross-sectional area required, in2 / 1000
12409 x 1.04 x 1515+2.7 x 5880 x .66 x 1515 barrels liquid per day
pm
For Initial Conditions :
198.7 x 1515 + 5880 x 580 x 0.81
20,000 x 580 x 0.91
= 11.5 lbs/ft3 (final)
Al.2.2.2 Using the above values in Equation 2.8 gives : 9.35 + -21.25 x 4515
100 23.7
Ve (initial) 23.7 ft/sec = 5.04 in2/1000 bbl/day
100 A = 5.04 in2/1000 bbl/day x (15 mmcf/d x 50 bbl/mmcf) = 3.78 in2
Ve (final) — 29.5 ft/sec (initial)
For Final Conditions :
A.1.22.3 Using Equation 2.10, the minimum allowable 5880 x 580 x 0.81
cross-sectional areas can be determined 9.35 +
RTZ 21.25 x 1515 = 3.23 in2/1000
21.25P Eq. 2.10

where : Actual yield strength 5500 psig

bbl/day di2
29.5
A = 3.23 in2/1.000 bbls/day x
(1500 bbl/day + 10 mmcf/d X
20 bbl/mmcf/d)
= 5.49 in2 (final)
A 1.2.2.4 Although the allowable erosional velocity is
higher for the final conditions, the line Mize will still be
controlled by the final conditions since the liquid volume is
higher.
Al.2.2.5 A will be converted into an inside pipe diameter as
follows:
4

di (initial) — = 2.19 inches inside

diameter.
(final) = 2.64 inches inside
diameter.
Al.2.3 Pressure Containment. A preliminary line size can
now be selected using Table 2.5. The required pressure rating
cf the line must be greater than 5500 psig.
Al.2.3.1 The two obvious choices are listed below:
Grade B Pipe N ominal
Inside Max Working
Line Size Schedule Diameter Pressure 3 inch xxs 2.80 inch
6090 psig
4 inch xxs 3.15 inch 5307 psig
The 3 inch nominal pipe has the required pressure rg.ting,
but the internal diameter is too small for the final conditions.
The 4 inch nominal pipe has sumcient internal diameter for
the final conditions, but the required working pressure is
slightly deficient if Grade B pipe is used.
A 1.2.3.2 The final selection requires engineering judgment. The
following •alternatives should be evaluated :
78 American Petroleum Institute

a. Recheck the source of the shut„in wellhead pressure For Final Conditions:
requirements. Often, nominal values somewhat weight flow of gas
higher than actual requirements are supplied to 10 mmcf/d X .65 X 29 lbs/lb mol air
piping designers. If the actual shutin pressure was 86,400 sec/day X 379 cu ft/lb mol
less than 5307 psig, the 4 inch nominal XXS would be = 5.75 lbs/ sec weight
the proper choice. flow of condensate
b. Check the mill certification for available 4 inch 10 mmcf/day x 20 bbl/mmcf X .80 X 350 lbs/ bbl
nominal XXS pipe, to determine the actual yield
water 86,400 sec/day
strength. Although the specified minimum yield
strength for Grade B pipe is 35,000 psi, most pipe = .65 lbs/ sec
weight flow of water
exceeds the minimum yield by 10% or so. In this
case, if the actual yield strength were 36,272 psi, the 1500 bbl/day X 350 lb8/bbl
4 inch nominal XXS pipe would 86,400 sec/day
35,000 psi — 5307 psig = 6.08 lbs/ sec
Actual yield strength = 36,272 psi Total weight now of wellstream (final) = 12.48 lbs/ sec
c. Check availability of 4 inch nominal XXS Grade X42 A 12.4.1.1 The flowing velocity will be determined
pipe which will meet the required 5500 psig above for erosional velocity, the total volume flows
pressure requirement. would be:
d, Consider using a pressure relief device 12.48 lbs/sec
on a 4 inch nominal XXS line until the final flow volume= 1.1 ft9/sec
wellhead shut-in pressure declines to 11.5 lbs/ftg
5307 psig. 11.07 lbs/sec
e. Recheck the final well conditions initial flow volume = = .62 ft3/sec
prediction to determine if slightly 17.8 lbs/ft8
lower flows might exist which would Thus the final conditions control the maximum velocity.
allow a 3 inch nominal XXS line to A 1.2.4.1.2 The flowing velocity will be determined for
sumce for the life of the well. The 3 and 4 inch nominal XXS line sizes.
amount of surge included in the 1.1 ftysec
maximum flow rate should be Velocity (3") — x (2.3/12) 2 = 38.2 ft/sec
examined in detail to see if it ig 1.1 ft8/sec
be the proper choicen Velocity (4") —
=
reasonable.
20.4 ft/sec
f. Consider installing a 3 inch nominal Al.2.4.2 Since the velocity is less than 60 ft/sec (See
XXS line initially, then replacing it with Section 2.4) in both cases, noise should not be a
a larger (inside diameter) line later in problem and would not influence the line Bize
the life. selection.
Al.2.4 Noise. The velocity (and relative Al.2.5 Pressure Drop in the line may be determined
indication of the noise) in the line will be using Equation 2.11.
determined for initial and final conditions to 0.000336f W2
determine which conditions control. Eq. 2.11 dL5pm where :
AP = pressure drop, psi/ 100 feet. di = pipe inside
Al.2.4.1 The velocity can be determined as follows: diameter, inches.
For Initial f — Moody friction factor, dimensionless.
Conditions: weight pm = gas/liquid density at flowing pressure and temperature, lbs/ft3
(Calculate as shown in Equation 2.9).
flow of gas
W = total liquid plus vapor rate, lbs/ hr.
15 mmcf/d x .65 x 29 lbs/ 1b mol air
Al.2.5.1 W may be determined using Equation 2.12.
86,400 sec/day X 379 cu ft/lb mol W = 3180 Qg Sg + 14.6 QI st Eq. 2.12
= 8.64 lbs/sec where :
weight flow of Qg = gas flow rate, million cubic feet/day (14.7 psia
condensate and 60 0 F).
15 mmcf/d X 50 bbls/mmcf X .80 X 350 lbs/bbl Sg = gas specific gravity (air
water 86,400 sec/day Q = liquid flow rate, barrels/day. S] =
= 2.43 lbs/sec
liquid specific gravity (water
Total weight flow of wellgtream (initial) = 11.07 lbs/sec
 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems 79

W (initial) = 3180 X 15 X .65 + 14.6 X 15 mmcf/d

X 50 bbl/mmcf x .80
= 39,765 lbs/hr
W (final) = 3180 X 10 x .65 + 14.6 X (10 mmcf/d
X 20 bbl/mmcf + 1500 bbl/day) X 1.04 =
46,483 lbs/hr
Al.2.5.2 Using the above values in equation 2.11 gives:
0.000336 x 0.019 x (39765) 2
AP (initial 3") — (2.3) 5 x
17.8
— 8.9 psi/100
ft
.000336 0.0196 x (39765) 2
AP (initial 4")
(3.15) 5 x 17.8
= 1.9 psi/ 100
ft
.000336 x 0.0200 x (46483) 2
AP (final 3")
(2.3) 5 x 11.5
19.6 psi/100 ft
.000336 x (46483)2 x 0.0196
AP (final 4")
(3.15) 5 x 11.5
4.0 psi/100 ft
Refer to Figure 2.3 for Moody friction factor (f).
Al.2.5.3 Since the line is only 50 feet long, the
total pressure drop would not be critical in most
cases and probably would not influence line size
selection.
80 American Petroleum Institute

A2.2 Trial
Solution. From
Table 2.3, a suction
EXAMPLE A2 velocity of 2
PUMP SUCTION PIPING DESIGN feet/second is
A2.1 Problem Statement. A single reciprocating selected to
pump will be used to transfer crucle oil from a determine a preliminary line size. From Figure 2.1,
production separator to a remote oil treating facility. for 7500 barrels/day flow rate, a 6 inch Sch. 40 line gives a
Select a su.ction line size for this pump application. velocity of 2.4 feet/sec; and an 8 inch Sch. 40 line gives a
Data for the pumping system is listed below: velocity o.f 1.4 feet/ sec. From this, an 8 inch line (7.98
inch inside diameter) is selected for the first trial.
A2.1.I Operating Conditions of Separator:
A2.2.1 Determine line equivalent length using Table
a. Operating pressure = 60 psig. 2.2:
b. Inlet oil volume = 5000 barrels/day. Equivalent Line Length = 121 ft
c. Inlet water volume = zero. A2.22 Next calculate line friction losses using
d. Oil gravity = 40 0 API (Sr = .825). Equation 2.2:
e. Oil viscosity = 1.5 centipoise at pumping 0.00115 f Sl
temperature. Eq. 2.2 di5 where:
f. Level in separator will be controlled constant by = pressure drop, psi/ 100 feet.
bypassing pump discharge back to separator. f = Moody friction factor, dimensionless.
g. Vessel outlet nozzle = 8 inch ANSI 150. QI = liquid flow rate, barrels/day. Sl =
A2.1.2 Pump liquid specific gravity (water
pipe inside diameter, inches.
a. Volume handled, 150% of oil inlet (to ensure
ability to maintain liquid level during surges) = A2.2.2.1 The friction factor, f, may be
7500 barrels/day. found from Figure 2.3 using the Reynolds
b. Type Pump = Triplex. number calculated from Equation 2.3:
c. Pump RPM = 200. Eq. 2.3
d. Suction Connection = 6 inch ANSI 150. where :
e. Discharge Connection = 3 inch ANSI 600. Re = Reynolds number, dimensionless.
f. Required NPS.H 4 psia at operating = liquid density at flowing
condition. temperature, 1b/ft3.
pipe inside diameter,
Elbow equivalent length = 4 x 9ft = 36 feet. VI = liquid flow velocity,
Ball valves equivalent length ft/sec. = liquid viscosity,
Tee Run equivalent length ft lb/ft-sec;
Reducer equivalent length = centipoise divided by 1488 or;
Vessel outlet contraction = 2 x 6ft = 12
8 inch line length = (centistokes times specific
ft gravity) divided by 1488. For this problem :
PI = 62.4 lbs/ft3 water X .825 = 51.49 1b/ft3
= Ix 9ft= 9 ft
= 7.98 in/12 = 0.665 feet
= I X 2 ft = 2 V] = 1.4 ft/sec (Fig. 2.1)
0.001 lb/ft-sec
= 1.5 cp/1488 =

ft Re —
51.49 x .665 x 1.4
= 47,937
= 1 X 12ft = 12 ft .001
= 50 ft
Using Re and the steel pipe curve, f may be found
g. Discharge Pressure = 500 psig.
from Figure 2.3.
h. Pump datum located 15 feet below the separator f = 0.023
fluid level. A2.2.2.2 All of the required values for Equation 2.2
A2.1.3 The suction line is 50 feet long and con_tains are now known:
one Tee, four 90 0 elbows, two full open ball valves, and Q = 7500 barrels/day
one 8 inch x 6 inch standard reducer. Sl = 0.825 dl = 7.98
inches
 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems 81

0.00115 x 0.023 x 7500 2 x 0.825 hvh = velocity head = V) 2 /2g, feet of liquid, ha
AP/IOO ft = = acceleration head, feet of liquid. VI = velocity
(7.98)5 of liquid in piping, feet/gecond. g =
= 0.038 psi/ 100 feet gravitational constant (usually 32.2ft/sec2 )
0.038 x 121 A2.2.3.1 Since the oil is in equilibrium with the
Ap Total = = 0.046 psi gas in the separator, the vapor pressure of the
100 oil will be 60 psig also. Thus:
(60 + 14.7) psia = 209 feet hvpa = hp =
A2.2,3 Nexi determine available NPSH from
Equation 2.4. .433 psi/ft X
NPSH a —— hp — hvpa + hßt — — hvh — ha Eq. 2.4 .825 het = 15 feet
where : (given)
hp = absolute pressure head due to 0.046 psi = 0.09 feet hr =
.433 psi/ft X .825
pressure, atmospheric or
hvh = (1.4 ft/sec) 2 = 0.03 feet 2 X 32.2 ft/sec 2
otherwise, on surface of liquid
A2.2.3.2 ha may be determined from Equation 2.5.
going to suction, feet of liquid.
hypa = the absolute vapor pressure of the liquid Eq. 2.5
at suction temperature, feet of liquid. Kg where :
h8t = static head, positive or negative, ha = acceleration head, feet of liquid.
due to liquid level above or below L = length of suction line, feet (not equivalent
datum line (centerline of pump), length).
feet of liquid. VI = average liquid velocity in suction line, feet/
hr = friction head, or head loss due to second.
flowing friction in the suction Rp = pump speed, revolutions/minute.
piping including entrance and
C = empirical constant for the type of pump; =
exit losses, feet of liquid.
,066 for triplex, single or double acting.
K = a factor representing the reciprocal of the
fraction of the theoretical acceleration head
which must be provided to avoid a noticeable
disturbance in the suction piping;
= 2.0 for crude oil.
g = gravitational constant (32.2 ft/sec2 ).
Substituting Known Values Into Equation 2.5 yields:
50 x 1.4 x 200 x .066
= 14.4
feet
2.0 x 32.2
A2.2.3.3 The available net positive suction head is:
NPSHb = 209 - 209 + 15 - .09 - .03 - 14.4 — .48
feet

— 4 psia = 11.2 feet

A2.2.4 NPSH required
— .483 psi/ft X .825
A2,2.5 Conclusion. The pump would not operate
under these conditions.
A2.3 Alternate Solutions. Referring to Section 2.3.b(5), the
following alternatives may be considered as ways to increase
NPSH8.
A2.3.1 Shorten Suction Line. Although it might be possible
to shorten the line length somewhat, the acceleration head
needs to be reduced by at least

] 100% 80%;
so this alternative would not be feasible.
82 American Petroleum Institute

A2.3.5.3
Since the

APPENDIX B
ACCEPTABLE BUM' WELDED JOINT DESIGN FOR UNEQUAL WALL THICKNESSES

SECTION Bl
GENERAL EXPLANATORY NOTES
Bl.l Figure Bl.l illustrates acceptable preparationsBl.4 The transition between ends of
unequal thickfor butt welding pipe ends having unequal wall thick-ness may be accomplished by taper or
welding as nesses and/or materials of unequal specified mini-illustrated in Figure Bl.l, or by means of a
premum yield strength.fabricated transition piece not less than one half pipe diameter in length.
Bl.2 The wall thickness area, of should the )ipes to be joined,notches or grooves at the edge of the beyond
the joint design comply with theweld, BIS where Sharp it joins a slanted surface, should be design requirements
of ANSI B31.3.avoided.
Bl.3 When the specified minimum yield strengthsBl.6 For joining pipes of unequal wall
thicknesses of the pipes to be Joined are unequal, the deposited and equal specified minimum yield strengths,
the weld metal should have mechanical properties at leastprinciples given herein apply except there is no equal to
those of the pipe having the higher strength.minimum angle limit to the taper.

SECTION B2
EXPLANATION OF FIGURE Blei
A2.3.2 Use Larger Suction Pipe to Reduce conservative approach was used in determining the line
Velocity. If a 10 inch pipe were used rather than an length to . recalculate the acceleration head, the available
8 inch pipe, the velocity would be reduced from 1.4- NPSH should be adequate if a pulsation dampener is used.
ft/sec to .90 ft/sec (Figure 2.1). Likewise, a 12 inch A2.3.5.4 If a greater margin of available NPSH over
pipe would reduce the velocity to .62 ft/sec. Since required N PSH is desired, then one of the alternatives
neither of the pipe sizes would reduce the velocity discussed above could be included in the system design in
by 80% (and thereby reduce the acceleration head addition to the pulsation dampener.
by 80%), this alternative would not be feasible. B2.1 Internal Diameters Unequal.
A2.3.3 Reduce Pump Speed. A pump speed of 200
a. If the nominal wall thicknesses of the adjoining pipe ends
RPM is already very low, so this alternative would do not vary more than 3/32 inch, no special treatment is
not be feasible. necessary provided full penetration and bond are
A2.3.4 Consider 8 Pump With a Larger Number of accomplished in welding (See sketch (a) of Figure Bl.l).
Plungers. The reasonable pump alternative would b. Where the nominal internal offset is more than 3/32 inch
be to use a quintuplex, rather than a triplex, which and there is no access to the inside of the pipe for welding,
would reduce the acceleration head by 40%. Since a the transition should be made by a taper cut on the inside
greater percentage reduction is required, this end of the thicker pipe (See sketch (b)). The taper angle
alternative is not feasible. A2.3.5 Use a Pulsation should not be steeper than 30 0 * nor less than 14 0 . c. For
Dampener. A properly installed pulsation dampener stress levels above 20 percent or more of the specified
may reduce the length of line used in Equation 2.5 minimum yield st;rength, where the nominal internal
to 15 (or less) nominal pipe diameters (15 X 8 in/ 12 offset is more than 3/32 inch but does not exceed % the
in/ft = 10 ft.) wall thickness of the thinner pipe, and there is access to the
A2.3.5.1 Recalculate the acceleration head. inside of the pipe for welding, the transition may be made
10 x 1.4 x 200 x .066 ha with a tapered weld (See sketch (c)). The land on the
thicker pipe should be equal to the offset plus the land on
(dampener) =
abutting pipe.
2.0 x 32.2
d. Where the nominal internal offset is more than % the wall
= 2.9 feet
thickness of the thinner pipe, and there is access to the
A2.3.5.2 By using a pulsation dampener, the available inside of the pipe for welding, the transition may be made
NPSH would be: with a taper cut on the inside end of the thicker pipe (See
NPSHR = 209 - 209 + 15 - .09 - .03 -2.9 = 11.98
feet.
sketch (b)); or by a combination taper weld to 1/2 the wall
 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems 83

thickness of the thinner pipe and a taper cut from B2.3 Internal and External Diameters Unequal.
that point (See sketch (d) Where there are both an internal and an
B2.2 External Diameters Unequal. external offset, the joint design should be a
a. Where the external offset does not combination of sketches (a) to (f) (See Sketch
exceed % the wall thickness of the (g)). Particular attention should be paid to
thinner pipe, the transition may be proper alignment under these conditions.
made by welding (See sketch (e)),
provided the angle of rise of the weld
surface does not exceed 30 0 and both
bevel edges are properly fused.
b. Where there is an external offset
exceeding % the wall thickness of the
thinner pipe, that portion of the offset
over % the wall thickness of the
thinner pipe should be tapered (See
sketch
FIGURE Bl.l
ACCEPTABLE WELDED JOINT DESIGN FOR UNEQUAL WALL THICKNESSES

(o) (c)

MAX.

(e)
84 American Petroleum Institute

30 0 MAX.- 140 MIN. ( ) -14 0 MIN.

(q)

No m in. when moteriols joined have equol y ield strenoth .

Thickness
APPENDIX C
EXAMPLE PIPE, VALVES AND FITTINGS TABLES
C.I.I Introduction. This Appendix demonstrates bymore valve manufacturers and figure numbers should
two examples pipe, valves and fittings tables.be included in the tables.
C.2.2 Valve equivalency tables are available from C.I.2 Example C.I shows an index for pipe,
valvesseveral manufacturers. Using these tables, with one and fittings table.manufacturer's figure number as
a base, it is possible to determine the different valve manufacturers' equivalent C. 1.3 Example C.2 shows a
150 lb. ANSI pipe, valvesfigure numbers. By having an equivalent figure and fittings table.number, a valve
can be quickly located in a manufacturer's catalog. This procedure allows an operator to C.2.1 The valve
manufacturers and valve figurecompare manufacturing details and materials of alternumbers have not been
shown in Exa,mple C2. One ornate valves.

EXAMPLE C.I
EXAMPLE INDEX
PIPE, VALVES AND FI'ITINGS TABLES

Table Service Pressure Rating Classification

Non-Corrosive Hydrocarbons and Glycol 150 1b ANSI Non-Corrosive
Hydrocarbons and Glycol 300 1b ANSI c Non-Corrosive Hydrocarbons and Glycol
400 1b ANSI Non-Corrosive Hydrocarbons and Glycol 600 1b ANSI
Non- Corrosive Hydrocarbons and Glycol900 1b ANSI
Non- Corrosive Hydrocarbons and Glycol1500 1b ANSI
Non-Corrosive Hydrocarbons and Glycol 2500 1b ANSI
Non-Corrosive Hydrocarbons API 2000 psi 1 Non-Corrosive Hydrocarbons
API 3000 psi
 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems 85

Non- Corrosive HydrocarbonsAPI 5000 psi

Non- Corrosive HydrocarbonsAPI 10000 psi
Air 150 1b and 300 1b ANSI
Water 125 1b Cast Iron
Steam and Steam Condensate 150 1b, 300 1b, 400 1b and 600 1b ANSI
O Drains and Sewers Atmospheric
P ( Spare )
Q (Spare) R (Spare) sv Valves for Corrosive Service General
Corrosi.ve Hydrocarbons 150 1b ANSI Corrosive Hydrocarbons
300 1b ANSI CC (Not Prepared) Corrosive Hydrocarbons 400 1b ANSI

Corrosive Hydrocarbons 600 1b ANSI

900 1b ANSI
1500 1b ANSI
2500 1b ANSI
EXAMPLE C.2
PIPE, VALVES, AND FITTINGS TABLE

TABLE A
150 LB ANSI
NON-CORROSIVE SERVICE
TEMPERATURE
MAXIMUM PRESSURE - DEPENDS ON FLANGE RATING2
AT SERVICE TEMPERATURE

Size Ranges General Specifications Platform Service

Pipe Grade Depends on Teflon seat

Service 2" through 8" 150

% " and smaller threaded and 1b ANSI CS RF
nipples coupled f
1 " aid smaller pipe threaded and l
coupled a
n
2" through 3" pipe beveled end
g
4" and larger pipe beveled end e
Valves (Do not use for temperatures above d
maximum indicated.) ,
Ball h" and smaller 1500 1b CWP AISI 316 SS r
screwed, regular port, wrench operated, e
Teflon seat g
% " through 11/2" 1500 1b cwp, CS, screwed, l
regular port, wrench f
operated, l
86 American Petroleum Institute

ar port, lever or Schedule 80 min

hand wheel Schedule 80 min
operated, trunnion See Table 2.4
mounted
10" and larger 150 1b ANSI CS RF
flanged, Manufacturers
regular port, Figure
gear operated, No.
trunnion (3000F)
mounted
Manufacturers
Gate h" and smaller 2000 1b CWP,
Figure
screwed, bolted bonnet, AISI 316 SS
No. or
% " through 1 1/2" 2000 1b CWP, screwed,
bolted bonnet, forged Figure No.
(4500F)
steel
2" through 12" 150 1b ANSI CS RF flanged, Etc.
standard trim,
handwheel or lever
operated Etc.
Globe
1 h" and smaller 2000 1b CWP CS screwed
( Hydrocarbons )
Etc.
1%" and smaller 2000 1b CWP CS socketweld
(Glycol) Etc.
2" and larger 150 1b ANSI CS RF flanged,
Etc.
handwheel operated
Check and smaller 600 1b ANSI FS
screwed, bolted bonnet4 , standard trim
2" and larger 150 1b ANSI CS RF flanged, Etc.
bolted bonnet4 ,
swing check, Etc.
standard trim Etc.
Reciprocating 300 1b ANSI CS RF
Compressor Discharge flanged, piston
check, bolted Etc.
bonnet 4
Etc.
Lubricated Plug 150 1b ANSI CS RF
1%" through 6" Flanged, Bolted Bonnet
Etc.
(See Section 3.2.c)

Non-Lubricated Plug 150 1b ANSI CS RF Etc.

1%" through 6" Flanged, Bolted Bonnet
(See Section 3.2.c)
ASTM A106, Grade B, Etc.
Seamless 3

Schedule 160 or XXH

EXAMPLE C.2
(Continued)
TEMPERATURE RANGE - to 650 0 F
MAXIMUM PRESSURE ...DEPENDS ON FLANGE RATING 2
AT SERVICE TEMPERATURE

Size Ranges General Specifications Platform Service

 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems 87

Compre8sor Thread Lubricant Conform to API Bulletin

Laterals 5A2
NOTES: Etc.
Needle Use ball valves
% " through % "
6000 1b cwp, bar stock
Fittings 5 screwed, AISI 316 SS
ASTM A105
Ells and Tees ASTM A105 ASTM A234,
% " and smaller Grade WPB
6000 1b FS screwed
1 " throu;gh 1%"
3000 1b FS screwed
2" and larger
Butt weld, seamless, ASTM A105
Unions wall to match pipe
% " and smaller ASTM A105
6000 1b FS screwed,
ground joint, steel to
1" through 1% " Bteel seat
2" and larger 3000 1b FS screwed, ground
joint, steel to steel seat Use ASTM A105
Couplings
flanges ASTM A105
1" and smaller
1%"
6000 1b FS screwed ASTM A105
Plugs
3000 1b FS screwed ASTM A234, Grade WPB
1%" and smaller
2" and larger Solid bar stock, forged steel ASTM A105
Screwed Reducers X-Strong seamless, weld cap
% " and smaller
ASTM A105
1 " through 1% " Sch. 160 seamless
Flanges 5
ASTM A105
Sch. 80 seamless
1 % " and smaller ASTM A105
2" and larger 150 1b ANSI FS RF screwed
150 1b ANSI FS RF weld ASTM A193, Grade 4
Bolting neck, bored to pipe schedule
Studs ASTM A194, Grade 2K 4
Nuts Class 2 fit, threaded Spiral Wound Mfg.
over length Class 2 Type or
Gaskets fit, heavy hexagon, Mfg. No.. w/
semi-finish AISI 304 SS windings
Spiral wound asbestos Mfg. No.

1. For glycol service, all valves and fittings shall be flanged or socketweld.
2. API 5L, Grade B, Seamless may be substituted if ASTM A106, Grade B, Seamless is not available.
3. Studs and nuts shall be hot-dip galvanized in accordance with ASTM A153.
4. Fittings and flanges that do not require normalizing in accordance with ASTM A105, due to size or
pressure rating, shall be normalized when used for service temperatures from —20 0 F to 60 0 F. Fittings
and flanges shall be marked HT, N, * or with some other appropriate marking to designate normalizing.
 American Petroleum Institute

APPENDIX D
LIST OF EQUATIONS
Equation
Number Description Page

2.1 Flow Velocity in Liquids Lines . . .

15
2.2 Pressure Drop in Liquid Lines .
. 15
2.3 Reynold's Number .
15
2.4 Available Net Positive Suction Head (NPSHa) .
. 20 2.5 Acceleration Head . 20
2.6General Pressure Drop Equation . . . .
2.7General Pressure Drop Equation . . . . . .
2.8General Pressure Drop Equation . . . . . . . .
2.9General Pressure Drop Equation . .
2.10 Weymouth Equation .
2.11 Panhandle Equation. .
2.12 Spitzglass Equation . .
ofa Gas/Liquid
2.13 Density
Gas Velocity Equation
Minimum PipeCross-
2.14 Empirical Equation
PressurDropin Two-Phase
Sectional
PlusVaporRate
Liquid
Wall
Minimum Pipe
StresAnalysis
Criteri
s a
 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems

2.15
2.16
2.17
2.18
2.19
2.20
2.21 Therman Expansion of Piping
3.1Pressure Drop Across a Valve in Liquid
3.2Pressure Drop Across a Valve in Gas Service
 American Petroleum Institute

APPENDIX E
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure
Number Title Page
1.1 Example Process System Denoting Flange and Valve Pressure Rating Changes - 12
2.1 Velocity in Liquid Lines 17
2.2 Pressure .Drop in Liquid Lines 18
2.3 Friction Factor Chart (Modified Moody Diagram) - 19
2.5 :crosional Velocity Chart 24
5.1.A Example Schematic Drawing of Piping and Accessories for Flowlines

and Manifolds That Are Not Rated for Wellhead Pressure 36

5.1.B Example Schematic Drawing of Piping and Accessories for Flowlines

and Manifolds That Are Rated for Wellhead Pressure 37

5.2 Rxample Schematic Drawing of Three-Phase Process

Vessel Showing Various Accessories 39

Blui Acceptable Butt Welded Joint Design for Unequal Wall Thicknesses 53
 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems

C.I -Example Index for Pipe, Valves and Fittingæ Tables 54

C.2 Example Pipe, Valves and Fittings Table
55
 American Petroleum Institute

APPENDIX F
LIST OF TABLES
Table
Number Title and/or Description Page
1.1 Qualitative Guidelines for Weight Loss Corrosion of Steel 13
2.1 Typical Surge Factors
15
2.2 Equivalent Length of 100 Percent Opening Valves and Fittings in Feet16

2.3 Typical Flow Velocities (For reciprocating and centrifugal pump

piping) 21
2.5Maximum Allowable Working Pressures — Platform Piping
(For various sizes and wall thickness of ASTM A106, Grade B, seamless pipe) 27
4.1 Branch Connection Schedule — Welded Piping
33
6.1 Typical Hot Insulation Thickness
44
6.2 Typical Cold Insulation Thickness
44
6.3Typical Insulation for Personnel Protection (Applicable hot surface
temperature ranges) 44
 RP 14E: Offshore Production Platform Piping Systems

7.1 Minimum Extent of Radiographic Weld Examination (For carbon steel

material) 45
 3M— 6-91—
John8ton
2M—12-92—
John8ton
Order No. 811-07185

Addltlonal copies available from

AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE
Publications and Distribution Section
1220 L Street, NW
Washington, DC
20005
(202) 682-8375