JITENDRA SURVE PIPING GUIDE 02/04/03

PIPERACK
SETTING LINE, VALVE AND INSTRUMENT LOCATIONS.
Many factors must be considered when locating each line, valve and
instrument in a pipe rack.
Exhibit 11-10 example of typical layout.

Process Lines
On the lower level or levels.

Utility Piping
The utility piping in on the top level, which carries piping.

Electrical and Instrument Cable Trays

Located on the top level with the utility piping or on a separate level
above the utility piping, depending upon the extent of cable tray area
required.
The plant layout designer must consult the electrical and instrument
engineer early in the pipe rack layout to establish these requirements.

Largest lines
Near the outside where possible to reduce the overall load on the
supporting beams.

Orifice Meter Runes

Meter runs should be installed directly next to the columns so that
access is available by portable ladder or mobile platform as shown in
exhibit 11-11.

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JITENDRA SURVE PIPING GUIDE 02/04/03

Meter runs are located in the pipe rack only when absolutely
necessary.

Relief Valve Headers.

Must be located above the top level of the rack to allow the line to
drain to the blow down drum.
The designer should avoid locating the one over the centerline of the
column for support so that the columns can be extended for future
rack expansion.
Exhibit: 11-12 : Suggested location for the relief valve header that
does not impede future expansion.

Shut Off Valves

These valves at utility headers are located inside the rack area in the
horizontal position, directly above the header if room permits.
Operating valves must be accessible from platforms or by chain
operators.
The location of valve must also permit the chain to fall free of
obstructions that would hamper opeation.
An additional 20% of space must be allowed for future pipe rack
growth.
An alternative approach to such expansion is shown in exhibit 11-13.

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JITENDRA SURVE PIPING GUIDE 02/04/03

Because space in the pipe rack is limited once the design is set, it is
important to route lines to avoid dead spaces.
The designer can minimize runs in the rack by consulting with the
adjacent-area designers to identify which lines can run within the
areas.
Because the development of a pipe rack often includes swapping lines,
it is advised that the designer draw the lines lightly until satisfied with
the design.
Once the layout is optimized, the line definition can be finalized.

PIPE RACK COMPOSITE

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JITENDRA SURVE PIPING GUIDE 02/04/03

The width of access way is determined by the space needed to

maintain the equipment located at grade below the pipe rack.
For process or cost reasons, shell and tube exchangers may be located
under the pipe rack in certain process units.
Allowances must be made to maintain such units (.e.g. Providing a
hitch point over the channel end to facilitate its removal).
It is extremely important to know exactly what kind of mobile handling
equipment the plant will use.
The vertical drop of the lines outside the rack, although usually
2ft(610mm), is once again set by the average line size in the unit.
If the average line size is 2in, a 12in(300mm) drop may be sufficient.
This view also shows how electrical conduit can be run directly to the
pump starter switch.

Hose Station
Typical arrangement for a hose station.

BATTERY LIMIT VALVING FOR A SINGLE LEVEL PIPE RACK:-

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JITENDRA SURVE PIPING GUIDE 02/04/03

The valves are staggered on either side of the catwalk and hand wheel
extension stems are furnished when necessary to facilitate operation.

ANOTHER SINGLE LEVEL RACK.

Here an elevation change is required between the process unit and the
off-site pipe rack.
Block valves installed in the vertical portion of the line, which allows for
relative ease of operation.

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JITENDRA SURVE PIPING GUIDE 02/04/03

TWO LEVEL PROCESS UNIT PIPE RACK.

The elevation change to the off-site area is either above or below the
process unit pipe rack.

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