Challenges in Transporting Fluids in Chemical Processing Industries
In chemical processing industries, transporting materials, especially fluids, presents unique challenges. These challenges increase when dealing with viscous fluids that require elevated temperatures to maintain flow. Seasonal changes in ambient temperature, from winter to summer, further affect the fluid’s flow characteristics. Inside a pipeline, fluids can undergo phase changes or experience viscosity shifts that disrupt smooth flow.
If issues arise solely due to temperature variations in the environment, heat tracing can help keep the fluid within acceptable temperature limits. However, when maintaining a constant temperature is essential throughout transportation, jacketing the pipeline becomes necessary.
What is Jacketed Piping?
Jacketed piping involves enclosing the main pipe (or "core pipe") with a larger outer pipe (the "jacket"). A heating or cooling medium circulates in the space between these two pipes (the annular space) to regulate temperature as needed.
Key Considerations for Jacketed Piping Design
The selection of core and jacket materials and design should consider the following factors:
- Properties of the Heating or Cooling Medium: Ensure compatibility and efficiency for temperature regulation.
- Required Flow Rate: Determine the flow rate needed to maintain the target temperature throughout transportation.
- Critical Nature of the Transported Fluid or Process: Account for the fluid’s sensitivity to temperature variations.
- Differing Expansion Rates: Pay attention to the differing expansion rates of core and jacket materials, especially if they are constructed from different materials.
Complexities of Jacketed Piping Systems
Designing, fabricating, and installing jacketed piping introduces complexities beyond those encountered with standard (non-jacketed) piping. This article focuses on these specific challenges in the mechanical design of jacketed piping systems.