Simple Solutions That Work! Issue 8

3. Layout of pipe run from transporter blow tank to receiving bin(s) The pipe run should always be laid out as direct as possible from the blow tank to the receiving bin(s) with the least number of bends. Long pipe runs decrease system capacity. Fewer pipe bends cause lower pipe line resistance and, therefore, improve transporter operating conditions. The greater the number of bends the lower the capacity of the system. The preferred layout for the pipe run is using only horizontal and vertical sections with the vertical pipe section(s) located in the first third of the total pipe run immediately downstream of the blow tank. Inclined pipe section should not be used. 5. Pipeline Supports andAnchoring The entire pipeline should be rigidly anchored and supported so that it cannot sway or move during operation. Since each installation is different the installation drawings from the vendor should show a sketch of properly designed, commonly used rigid supports and a method of fastening the pipe to the supports. These supports should easily be fabricated on-site and adapted to individual system configurations. Pipe hangers/ supports utilizing threaded hanger rods shall not be used and in no case shall any sand piping section be bent or purposely misaligned to provide fit-up. Since the sand in the pipeline travels in slugs it is important that the static and dynamic loads from the operating sand pipeline can be carried and absorbed by the structure to which the pipe supports are attached. Foresight is better than hindsight as was proven by a 10 inch sand conveying pipeline installation, several years ago. The support loading calculations were not performed as required and the pipeline was simply bolted to the building trusses. The system was not in operation for very long before the impact forces of the traveling sand slugs overloaded the building trusses, causing building damage in the high six figures. Continued on page 20 4. Connection of pipe sections and pipe bends The sand delivery pipeline should be made up of flanged, straight sections of seamless pipe, in various lengths, with flanges welded airtight to the end of the pipe sections to form male/female ends, flanged pipe bends, appropriate flanged discharge fittings with isolation/ fill valves (in multiple receiving bin/ silo systems only), and assorted hardware such as pipe flanges, pipe gages, gaskets, bolts and nuts. All pipe sections and pipe bends should be flanged with fabricated male and female ends. Pipe sections shall not be welded to adjoining pipe sections. The ends of each pipe section should be cut at right angles to the pipe centerline. Beveled pipe section ends should not be used. Compression type joints for the piping and/or butt welded pipe connections instead of flanged connections should also not be used to prevent increased local pipe wear and premature leaks. For optimum pipeline life the inside of the pipe sections must be smooth and without gaps between pipe-ends. Prior to bolting pipe sections together, for final assembly, the piping should be inspected and cleaned with all debris removed. 19