Showing posts with label process piping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label process piping. Show all posts

Flow Media Identification in Process Piping

Fluid process control operations use pipes to transport materials over distances. Other processing facilities may also employ piping as a conduit to move a variety of other materials. Factory piping networks move liquids and gasses from process point to process point. An accurate indication of the nature and type of substance or material within a pipe, direction of flow, or other pertinent information, contributes to maintaining a safe and effective operation. Pipe marking and color coding should follow recognized applicable standards that are well known to plant operators. 

With pipe marking following a standardized system, employees and contractors on site, and with knowledge of the applicable marking system, are able to easily understand the different colors and their relation to the facility functions. However, some pipes, such as ammonia refrigeration pipes, have their own, independent standards which can be integrated alongside other identifications. Similarly, pipes used in marine environments bear their own standards, along with specific color combinations and banding. Those two sets of standards comply with the hallmarks of general pipe labeling, coloring and identification, including color coding, simple identification of the pipes content, and the inclusion of an accompanying symbol indicating the direction of the flow. For example, a green pipe with white lettering generally means the adjoining pipe contains potable water, potentially for cooling, boiler feeding, or sinks. All combustible fluids are paired with brown labels and white lettering. In addition to the number of predetermined combinations, user defined pipe color combinations are possible so that businesses may plot certain pipes which do not immediately fit within the preset. These can present a challenge, though, due to the fact that user defined color options will require additional instruction to employees and contractors because of their uniqueness to specific businesses. 

The labels used to identify pipes have their own specifications for size and lettering dimensions. Size requirements for the labels allow for companies to create custom labels while still adhering to universal conditions. The size of the pipe markings is related to the pipe diameter, and meant to ensure visibility. An easy way for businesses to translate pipe labels for their employees is to develop and display color code charts. An employee not immediately familiar with the realm of pipe labeling can quickly reference an accurate, accessible chart before taking any action. The maximization of facility safety relies on ensuring that the pipe color labels are visible, unobstructed, and well-lit. Labels placed every 25-50', especially on a pipe that changes direction, near an access point, or near an end point, place information at important junctures on the pipeline. Clearly understanding both the substance a pipe is carrying and, additionally, how individual pipes constitute the facility network is a key way to mitigate potential process hazards.

Blog post courtesy of Thompson Equipment.

Basics of Process Piping: Piping & Instrument Diagrams

P&ID's (piping & instrumentation diagrams), or Process and Control Flow Diagrams, are schematic representations of a process control system and used to illustrate the piping system, process flow, installed equipment, and process instrumentation and functional relationships therein.

P&ID’s can be very detailed and are generally the primary source from where instrument and equipment lists are generated and are very handy reference for maintenance and upgrades. P&ID’s also play an important early role in safety planning through a better understanding of the operability and relationships of all components in the system.

Intended to provide a “picture” of all of piping including the physical branches, valves, equipment, instrumentation and interlocks. The P&ID uses a set of standard symbols representing each component of the system such as instruments, piping, motors, pumps, etc.

For more information on any process instrument question or requirement, feel free to contact the application engineers at Thompson Equipment. For immediate service call 800-528-8997