PIPE LAYING / GRAVITY & PRESSURE

PIPE LAYING

Pipelayers are professional Laborers within the construction industry and specialize in the installation of pipelines. They are responsible for laying pipes of various manufactured materials, sizes, and configurations, ensuring each segment is properly positioned and connected. Pipelines may be installed above ground, below ground, and underwater. Various pipeline applications include the transport of oil, water, natural gas, storm water and city sewage. Pipelayers work closely with construction teams, following engineering plans and blueprints to install pipelines and play a vital role in building and maintaining critical infrastructure systems.

COURSE

PIPE LAYING / GRAVITY & PRESSURE – 80 HOURS / 10 DAYS

Gravity Pipe – Extensive demonstration and hands-on experience allow participants to hone skills in pipe laying techniques, transit level and laser setup, drain fills, backfilling (and related safety), field math, testing pipe procedures, drain fields, and safe load bearing for sand and gravel.

Pressure Pipe – Students learn the necessary elements of assembly of pressure pipe systems. Topics covered in the classroom and in the field include techniques and safety for mechanical fitting, water main testing, hydrant work, and polyethylene pipe fusion.

GRAVITY PIPE FLOW EXPLAINED

Gravity pipe flow refers to the movement of fluid through a pipe system solely under the influence of gravity. Unlike pressurized systems that require mechanical pumps or external energy sources to propel the fluid, gravity pipe flow relies on the natural downward flow of fluids due to the gravitational pull. To achieve this, the pipe is inclined up to a certain degree above the horizontal to create the necessary hydraulic head. The hydraulic head represents the potential energy of the fluid due to its elevation above the discharge point. In a gravity pipe flow, it can be divided into two components: the elevation head and the pressure head.

The pressure head accounts for the pressure caused by the height of fluid in the source tank, while the elevation head accounts for the elevation of the tank above the discharge point, which is also equal to the vertical component of the pipeline. Hence, the higher the tank and height of fluid, the greater the potential energy available to drive the flow.

PURPOSE AND APPLICATIONS OF GRAVITY PIPING

Using gravity pipe flow is a cost-effective and energy-efficient way to transport fluids from one place to another. When considering energy options for designing pipe systems, gravity pipe flow is usually the first choice because it requires no additional external energy to move most fluids. By using gravity, the need for pumps or other fluid handling equipment is eliminated, allowing the system to minimize operational costs and reduce the risk of mechanical problems.

In water supply systems, for example, gravity piping is often used to distribute water from reservoirs or elevated sources to homes and buildings. Additionally, most sewage systems also rely on gravity to carry sewage and wastewater from buildings and industrial facilities to treatment plants and disposal sites.

In stormwater drainage systems, gravity is used to move rainwater and runoff away from roads and other surfaces through a network of drains, catch basins, and underground pipes. The water is eventually released into natural water bodies or detention basins to prevent flooding.

PRESSURE PIPE SYSTEMS

Pressure pipe systems are designed to transport fluids under pressure, which makes them ideal for industries and processes that require precise regulation and management of fluid flow. These systems can be achieved using pumps or other mechanical means and are capable of transporting fluids over long distances and uphill, making them suitable for areas with varying topography. However, they have higher installation and operational costs due to the need for pumps and pressure maintenance.

APPLICATIONS OF PRESSURE PIPING

Many municipal water systems are pressurized as well as irrigation systems for agriculture and in fire protection systems.

In the oil and gas industry, pipe systems are used to transport crude oil and natural gas from drilling sites to processing plants and refineries. They are also utilized in the distribution of petroleum products such as gasoline and diesel.

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems also rely on pipe networks to transport cooling and heating fluids, such as water and refrigerants, throughout a building.

In chemical plants and refineries, various pipe systems are used to transport chemicals, liquids, and gases for different processes like mixing, separation, and purification.

Lastly, in power plants, pressure pipe systems are employed to transport steam, water, and other fluids necessary for electricity generation and cooling purposes.