Types of Piping Plants -05

PG Diploma in Piping Engineering – Topic 05

Other Piping Systems – Simple and Complete Explanation

Apart from industrial plants like refineries, power plants or pharmaceutical units, many other piping systems are used in buildings, ships, hospitals and residential areas. These systems may carry gases, hot water, fire-fighting fluids, HVAC chilled water and many more utilities. Understanding these systems helps engineers work in multiple industries.

1. Hospital and Building Piping Systems

Hospitals have a very special type of piping system because many life-saving gases and fluids travel through the pipelines. These gases must reach the operation theatre, ICU, patient wards and emergency rooms safely.

Common Piped Gases in Hospitals

• Oxygen (O₂)
• Nitrous Oxide (N₂O)
• Medical Air
• Vacuum Lines
• Nitrogen (N₂) for equipment
• AGS (Anaesthetic Gas Scavenging)
  
  
  

Each gas has its own colour-coded pipeline for easy identification and safety. Leakage in these lines can be dangerous, so the piping must remain clean, corrosion-free and properly supported.

Building Utility Piping

• Cold and hot water lines
• Drainage and sewage piping
• Fire hydrant and sprinkler lines
• HVAC chilled water lines

These systems help run the building smoothly and safely by distributing water, air and essential utilities.

2. Fire System Piping

Fire piping systems are designed to protect people and property during accidental fires. These systems use pipelines that always remain pressurized with water or fire-fighting fluids.

Main Components

• Fire Pumps – maintain high pressure
• Sprinkler Lines
• Hydrant Lines
• Hose Reels
• Alarm Valves

The pipes are mostly painted red for easy identification. Pressure is very important because water must reach higher floors instantly during a fire emergency.

3. Ship Piping Systems

Ships have a very complex piping network because they carry fuel, water, steam, lubricants and many other fluids. The entire system must work properly even when the ship is moving, tilting or facing harsh sea conditions.

Common Piping Lines in Ships

• Fuel Oil Piping
• Sea Water Cooling Lines
• Bilge and Ballast Piping
• Fire Main Piping
• Steam and Condensate Lines
• Fresh Water Piping

Ship piping must be corrosion-resistant and vibration-resistant because ships face continuous motion and salt water exposure.

4. HVAC Piping

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. HVAC piping is used in malls, offices, hospitals and large buildings to supply chilled water and hot water.

Types of HVAC Lines

• Chilled Water Supply (for cooling)
• Chilled Water Return
• Hot Water Lines (for heating)
• Condenser Water Lines

These pipes are insulated to prevent heat loss and condensation. Proper flow balance is required for efficient cooling throughout the building.

5. Domestic Piping

Domestic piping is very common in houses and apartments. These are the simplest piping systems but extremely important for daily life.

Types of Domestic Piping

• Water Supply – bathroom, kitchen, washing
• Drainage and Sewage
• Gas Piping – LPG/PNG
• Rainwater Piping

These pipes are usually PVC, CPVC, GI or HDPE depending on the application. Proper slope and venting ensure smooth drainage.

Summary

Other piping systems such as hospital piping, fire systems, ship piping, HVAC and domestic piping are essential in everyday life. Each system carries different fluids and requires unique design considerations. Understanding these areas helps piping engineers expand their skills beyond industrial plants.