1. INTRODUCTION ………………………………..1.1 Purpose 1.2 Scope
2. REFERENCES …………………………………..3. DEFINITIONS 4. GENERAL PIPING
DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
APPENDIX A ……………………………………………….. FIGURE
1 End Suction, Top Discharge Overhung
Centrifugal Pump Preferred Installation 2 End Suction, Top Discharge
Overhung Centrifugal Pump
Alternate Installation
3 Top Suction, Top Discharge
Centrifugal PumpPreferred Installation …..
4 Top Suction, Top Discharge Centrifugal
Pump Alternate Installation for
Large Diameter Piping
5 Side Suction, Side Discharge
Centrifugal Pump Preferred Installation
6 Side Suction, Side Discharge
Centrifugal Pump Alternate Installation for
Suction Piping with Elbow Installed in the
same Plane as the Impeller Shaft ………….
7 Side Suction, Side Discharge Centrifugal
Pump Alternate Installation for
Vertical Suction Piping
8 Vertical Inline Side Suction,
Side Discharge Centrifugal Pump
Preferred Installation 9 Vertical Inline, Side Suction,
Side Discharge Centrifugal
Pump Alternate Installation …………………..
10 Examples of Suction And Discharge
Valve Orientation For Centrifugal Pumps
11 Typical Centrifugal Compressor Piping
Arrangements
12 Grade Mounted Centrifugal Compressor
Typical Piping Arrangements ………………..
13 Mezzanine Mounted Centrifugal
Compressor Typical Piping Arrangements
14A Typical Centrifugal Compressor Mezzanine
Foundation And Grade Platform…………
14B Typical Centrifugal Compressor Auxiliaries
15A Typical Centrifugal Compressor Piping
Layout Requirements For Bottom Nozzle
Orientation For Horizontally And Vertically
Split Casing…………………………
15B Typical Centrifugal Compressor Piping
Layout Requirements For Bottom Nozzle
Orientation For Horizontally And
Vertically Split Casing ………………………
16 Chart for Minimum Straight Inlet Piping
for Centrifugal Compressors 28
17 IllustrAtion of Centrifugal Compressor
Inlet Piping Arrangements ……………..
1. Introduction
1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this Practice is to provide guidance in the layout of piping systems around centrifugal
pumps and compressors.
1.2 Scope
This Practice is a compilation of graphics and narrative guidelines which can be used in the layout of
piping arrangements for centrifugal pumps and compressors. The document addresses piping
considerations that affect operability, maintainability, hydraulic performance, and piping flexibility for
centrifugal pumps and compressors.. It includes typical piping layout drawings for each configuration that
is routinely found in the process industry and considered good practice. This document also references
other industry standards that apply to installation requirements, allowable nozzle loads, and methods of
piping flexibility analysis. This document does not address auxiliary piping (lube oil piping, seal piping,
etc.), or non-metallic piping systems.
SABIC as used in this standard may refer to Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, SABIC member
companies, or SABIC’s designated representative.
2. References
Reference is made in this standard to the following documents. The latest issues, amendments, and
supplements to these documents shall apply unless otherwise indicated.
SABIC Engineering Standards (SES)
G01-S03 Horizontal End Suction Pumps for Chemical Process
G01-S05 Vertical In-Line Pumps for Chemical Process
G01-S06 Centrifugal Pumps for Heavy-Duty Services
G01-S07 Horizontal Centrifugal Pumps for Water Services
G01-S08 Sealless Centrifugal Pumps
G01-G01 Guidelines for Pump Minimum Flow Protection
G04-S01Centrifugal Compressors for Process Services
G20-C01 Installation of Machinery and Criteria for Installation Design
Industry Codes and Standards
American Petroleum Institute (API)
API Standard 610, 8th Edition – Centrifugal Pumps for Petroleum, Heavy Duty Chemical, and Gas Industry
Services
API Standard 617, 6th Edition – Centrifugal Compressors for Petroleum, Chemical, and Gas Service
Industries
Process Industry Practices (PIP)
PIP REIE686 – Recommended Practices for Machinery Installation and Installation Design
PIP RESP73H97 – Specification for Horizontal End Suction Centrifugal Pumps for Chemical Process
PIP RESP73V97 – Specification for Vertical In-Line Centrifugal Pumps for Chemical Process
3. Definitions
For the purpose of understanding this standard, the following definitions apply.
Axial Stop. Mechanical restraints used to control axial or longitudinal movement of the piping one or two
directions but does not provide complete fixation.
Breakout spool. A short, flanged length of pipe immediately connected to the machinery piping flanges.
Lengths vary with the size of the pipe but range from 15 centimeters (6 inches) to 1 meter (3 feet). The
purposes of this spool are to facilitate machinery installation, allow piping modification to reduce pipe strain, isolate the machinery, facilitate commissioning activities such as flushing or blowing lines, and allow
removal of temporary inlet strainers; also known as a dropout spool.
Cold Spring. The intentional misalignment of piping during assembly to produce a desired initial
displacement and stress
Isolation block valve. A valve used to isolate a process machine preparatory to maintenance; also known
as a block valve or isolation valve.
Standard Long Radius Elbow. A fitting used to change the direction of the piping system 90°, having a
radius equal to 1.5 times the nominal pipe diameter.
Short Radius Elbow. A fitting used to change the direction of the piping system 90° having a radius equal
to 1.0 times the nominal pipe diameter.
Pipe Support. Pipe-supporting elements consist of fixtures and structural attachments as follows: a)
Fixtures include elements which transfer the load from the pipe or structural attachment to the supporting
structure or equipment. They include hanging type fixtures, such as hanger rods, spring hangers, sway
braces, counterweights, turnbuckles, struts, chains, guides, and anchors; and bearing type fixtures, such
as saddles, bases, rollers, brackets, and sliding supports. b) Structural attachments include elements which
are welded, bolted, or clamped to the pipe, such as clips, lugs, rings, clamps, clevises, straps, and skirts.
Restraints. Piping restraints are devices which prevent, resist, or limit the free movement of the piping
system. They do not resist pipe rotation or bending moment
Restraint Guide. Mechanical restraints used to control lateral movement of the piping system in one or two
directions, but does not provide complete fixation.
4. General Piping Design Requirements
Centrifugal Pump Suction Piping
Pump suction piping should be arranged such that the flow is as smooth and uniform as practicable at the
pump suction nozzle per PIP REIE 686 Chapter 6-Piping, section 3.1.2. To accomplish this, the use of tees,
crosses, valves, reduced port valves, strainers, near-run-size branch connections, and short radius elbows
should be avoided near the suction nozzle.
In addition, the following criteria should be followed:
The pump suction piping shall have a straight run of five pump nozzle diameters between the suction
flange and first elbow, tee, valve, reducer, permanent strainer, or other obstruction per PIP REIE 686,
Chapter-6, paragraph 3.1.2.6.
Comment: Temporary suction strainers may be included in the straight run suction piping requirement.
The suction pipe size should be larger than the pump suction nozzle and should be as a minimum equal to
the pump suction nozzle.
For horizontal suction piping, eccentric reducers with the flat side on top should be used to avoid pocketing
of vapors in the suction line. For top suction pumps, the reducer should be concentric.
Suction valves should be full port and of the same size as the supply pipe before any reducers for the
pump.
The last pipe elbow in the suction line to a pump should be a standard long radius elbow.
For double suction pumps, the last pipe elbow in the suction line to the pump should be perpendicular (not
in the same plane) to the impeller shaft.
In addition, the following criteria should be followed:
A straight run of piping with a minimum length as specified by the compressor manufacturer shall be
provided between the machine inlet nozzle and the first elbow or tee. If this straight run length is not
specified by the manufacturer, Figure x in the Appendix may be used as a guideline to establish a minimum
length of straight pipe to use ahead of the inlet.
Per PIP REIE 686, Chapter 6, paragraph 3.2.4.4: A mechanical stop shall be provided on inlet throttle
control valves when utilized on centrifugal compressors with constant speed drivers. This mechanical stop
shall be set to allow minimum flow through the machine as recommended by the machine manufacture.
Comment: Some flow control may be provided by variable-speed drives, and/or inlet control valves, or
guide vanes. For constant-speed motor drivers, throttling of the inlet valve provides reduced load for
start-up.
Per PIP REIE 686, Chapter 6, paragraph 3.2.4.5: Suction piping configuration for double flow centrifugal
compressors shall be geometrically symmetrical.
Centrifugal Pump Discharge Piping
A check valve shall be installed in the discharge line of all pumps in accordance with PIP REIE 686
Chapter 6-Piping, section 2.9 unless there is no possibility of a reversal of flow or pressure surge (such as
water hammer) under any conditions. The check valve shall be located between the machine discharge
flange and the discharge block valve.
For large centrifugal pumps (typically greater than 185 kW (250 HP) nominal driver rating or NPS 12 or
greater piping) non-slam check valves shall be used in the discharge lines per PIP REIE 686 Chapter 6,
paragraph 3.1.1.2.
Centrifugal Compressor Suction Piping
Centrifugal compressor suction piping shall be designed in accordance with PIP REIE 686 Chapter 6,
Section 3.2.2.
Centrifugal Compressor Discharge Piping
A non-slam check valve shall be installed in the discharge line of all compressors in accordance with PIP
REIE 686 Chapter 6 Piping, section 2.9 unless there is no possibility of a reversal of flow or pressure
surge.
Per PIP REIE 686 Chapter 6 Piping, paragraph 3.2.4.3: the discharge line for compressors shall be
designed such that the volume of gas in the line between the discharge flange and the antisurge valve and
the discharge check valve does not exceed the compressor manufacturer’s design limit.
Comment: This requirement relates to transient response of the compressor control system and affects
compressor stability.
Support of Piping Systems
Temperature Considerations
The design of pump and compressor piping systems must account for all possible operating conditions.
The potential effect of operating upsets and transients on nozzle loads, internal alignment, and external
coupling alignment cannot be ignored. As a general statement, all identifiable system thermal or pressure
upsets must be specified prior to the engineering and procurement of the equipment and design of the
piping system. These abnormal conditions can result in higher loads being imposed on the nozzles than
the normal operating cases, and can cause coupling misalignment after only one cycle of upset load.
Cold Spring
Cold spring (cold pull) is not an acceptable method of dealing with pipe strain around rotating equipment.
Piping systems should be revised if cold spring is present.
Expansion Joints
Expansion joints are not permitted unless otherwise specified by the designated machinery representative.
Approval should be obtained for each service expansion joints are being proposed.
Piping Alignment
Piping alignment should conform to REIE 686, Chapter 6 – Piping, section 4.6 and 4.7.
Supports
Per PIP REIE 686, Chapter 6-Piping, Section 2.4, piping to and from machinery should be adequately
supported and controlled to meet the design requirements of the equipment. This removes the static load
and allows identification of piping fit problems during installation and easier removal of the machinery for
maintenance. Only those supports specified as a result of the piping analysis should be provided (See PIP
RESE002). Piping design requirements should include allowable flange loadings, thermal growth, etc.
These requirements may be set by the machinery manufacturer, industry standards, or the equipment user.
The dead weight of the piping and process fluid should be entirely supported by pipe hangers or supports.
Springs
Spring supports are designed to provide the required support for the weight of the pipe, insulation and
contents during operation, and hence relieve the load on the machine nozzle, while still allowing for the free
thermal expansion of the pipe. Spring supports for liquid filled piping systems, such as for pumps, are the
most difficult to install since the system is empty at the time of installation, while the spring design load
reacts against a liquid filled system.
Spring hangers or supports are best suited to carry the dead weight where there is thermal expansion to be
considered In addition, it may be necessary to add additional supports or move existing supports if
resonant vibration appears in the piping.
Adjustable or Rigid Supports
The first piping support next to a horizontal nozzle should be an adjustable type support. Rigid supports
may be used to limit the movement of a line to prevent excessive deflection. A rigid support is not
satisfactory where thermal expansion may cause the pipe to move away from the support.
Adjustable supports are commonly used to account for field variations in installed dimensions and changes
over time.
Restraints
Restraints are installed in a pump or compressor piping system to control the direction of thermal
expansion in the system, thus avoiding excessive loads on pump nozzles. Axial stops direct pipe thermal
movement away from the equipment and into other portions of the piping system that have enough
flexibility to absorb the movement without becoming overstressed or overloading other connections. A
guide permits only axial movement while preventing lateral movement.
Field Welds
Per PIP REIE 686, Chapter 6-Piping, section 2.5: Unless otherwise specified by the designated machinery
representative, the piping engineering designer should include provision for a final piping field weld close to
the machine to permit piping installation in accordance with the machinery flange fit-up requirements. All
piping NPS 10 or larger should include a final field weld close to the machine.
Comment: Piping size and configuration typically determine whether a final field weld is required. For
piping smaller than NPS 10, it may be permissible to shop fabricate piping and not perform a final field
weld, providing piping to machinery flange fit-up requirements can be met.
Operation and Maintenance Considerations
Accessibility
The guidelines for accessibility contained in PIP REIE 686, Chapter 6 – Piping, section 2.2 should be
carefully followed.
Piping should be arranged in a manner to allow adequate access to the equipment without requiring
excessive dismantling of the piping system. The coupling between the pump or compressor and its driver
must be easily accessed in order to align the pump/compressor and driver. Seal access must also be
considered since seal failure is the most common cause for maintenance. Piping must be kept clear from
above the pump or compressor for horizontally split equipment casings to allow maintenance. For radially
split casings, access must be provided in front of the equipment. This can be accomplished by designing
the piping to be removable if necessary. It is best, however, to design the piping to be self supporting, in a
manner which minimizes the need for removal.
Isolation valves are required in the inlet and outlet process piping to and from all machinery per PIP REIE
686, Chapter 6 Piping, section 2.3. Any temporary or permanent strainer should be located between the
inlet isolation block valve and the machinery inlet connection.
Comment: Process integrity may require double block and bleed valves on vents, drains, or other auxiliary
piping connections depending on the specific service.
Unless otherwise specified, pressure measurement connections complete with isolation valves shall be
provided on the inlet and outlet piping to and from all machinery per PIP REIE 686 Chapter 6, paragraph
2.6.1.
When temperature measurement thermowells are required, they shall be located in the in the process
piping as close to the inlets/outlets of the machine as possible per PIP REIE 686 Chapter 6 Piping,
paragraph 2.6.2.
Operating valves requiring attention, observation or adjustment during normal operation, should be
located within reach from grade, platform or permanent ladder.
Operating valves may be chain-operated when the bottom of handwheel is over 2.1 m (7 ft) above high
point of finish surface or operating platform.
Do not use chain wheels on screwed valves or valves smaller than NPS 3. Do not use impactor type chain
wheels on valves smaller than NPS 4. Do not use chain operated wrenches on any type of valve.
The centerline of handwheel on block valves used only for shutdown, located under 4.6 m (l5 ft) above
high point of finish surface, and those located in pipeways, need not be chain-operated.
The stems of gate valves with solid wedges, plain or flexible, and globe valves should not be positioned
below the centerline of the valve body. The stems of gate valves with split or double disc type gates should
be vertical up.
Valves in heat transfer fluid service should have the stems in the horizontal position.
Sufficient room should be allowed for the operation of handles or levers on valves so equipped.
Hand operated control valves should be located so that the operator can adjust valves while reading
associated Instruments.
Piping Vents and Drainage
Vents and drains should be provided in accordance with PIP REIE 686 Chapter 6 Piping, section 2.10.
Adequate drains should be provided on the piping to perform routine maintenance on pumps.
Drains must be located at the lowest point in the piping located near the pump or compressor. Drain
connections should not be placed in angle sections of reducers.
Dead legs in piping should be provided with drains.
Permanent Inlet Strainers
When specified, permanent strainers shall be provided per PIP REIE686 Chapter 6 Piping, section 2.8.1.
Temporary Inlet Strainers
For machinery that is not equipped with a permanent inlet strainer, removable temporary suction strainers
are required for initial startup per PIP REIE686 Chapter 6 Piping, section 2.8.2.
Provision (typically a break out spool) must be provided to remove the temporary suction strainers.
Consideration by the owner/operator should be given to a means of determining if the strainer is plugged.
This is of particular importance on high energy pumps.
Warm-Up Lines
Machinery handling hot materials greater than 150(C (300(F) or high pour point materials should have
warm-up lines per PIP REIE686 Chapter 6-Piping, section 2.11.
Centrifugal Pump Minimum Flow Bypass
If process or operating practice cannot ensure the minimum continues flow rate required by the pump, a
minimum flow bypass or instrumentation to alarm or shutdown the pump should be provided.
Comment: Sealless pumps require minimum flow protection at all times including start up and upset
conditions.
Unless otherwise specified, minimum flow bypass shall be routed to the suction vessel. If the system
provides adequate cooling for the recirculated fluid, consideration may be given to routing the minimum
flow bypass to the pump suction line.
Bypass routed to the pump suction line shall be connected at a point that is a minimum distance of 10 pipe
diameters upstream of the pump suction flange.
Comment: Bypass control is often used on high specific speed pumps, such as axial flow pumps, because
the power requirement decreases with increased flow.
Size of the suction vessel, thermodynamic properties of the pumped fluid, and amount of fluid to be
recirculated shall be taken into consideration to determine if a cooler is required in the bypass line.
Centrifugal Compressor Recycle Lines
Compressor recycle lines shall be designed in accordance with PIP REIE 686 Chapter 6 Piping, section
3.2.3.
Self Priming Pumps
Suction piping for self priming applications should designed to minimize friction loss and reduce the volume
of air that must be evacuated in the suction pipe. Piping elbows and suction piping lengths should be
minimized. The suction pipe size should be the same size as the pump suction nozzle. Suction piping
gaskets and seals should be in good condition to prevent air leakage during the priming cycle.
During the priming cycle, air is evacuated from the suction line at a very low pressure at the pump
discharge. If the application requires a discharge piping system that incorporates a check valve to prevent
back flow or to stop water hammer, an air bleed line or vent should be installed between the discharge
flange and the check valve to ensure the pump will prime. The air bleed line should not be installed below
the liquid level or contain any liquid traps to impede air flow from the pump. An air release valve may be
installed to allow the air to escape and seal once the pump is primed.
Pumps in Parallel
The pressures on the suction and discharge sides of each pump in parallel should be essentially equal.
Suction and discharge manifold piping should be semitric when two or more pumps are fed from one
common suction intake or discharge into a common header.
Pumps operated in parallel should have block valves to allow individual pumps to be taken out of service.
Additionally, each pump operated in parallel should have a check valve installed in the discharge line to
prevent back flow under operating conditions.
When one pump is to be used as an installed spare, a pressure relief device may be required between the
suction block valve and the pump suction flange to ensure the pump is not subjected to full discharge
manifold pressure in the event the discharge block and check valve leak.
Figure 1
End Suction, Top Discharge Overhung Centrifugal
Pump Preferred Installation
Figure 2
End Suction, Top Discharge Overhung Centrifugal
Pump Alternate Installation
Notes: Figures 1 & 2
The suction and discharge piping and valves same size or larger than pump nozzles (4.1.1.1)
Comment: If there is adequate NPSH available for the specified pump application, consideration may be
given to placing the reducer before the suction block valve.
Last pipe elbow in the suction line to be standard long radius elbow.
Suction line straight run requirement. The pump suction piping shall have a straight run of five pump nozzle
diameters between the suction flange and first elbow, tee, valve, reducer, permanent strainer, or other obstruction sufficient to ensure stable and uniform flow at the pump suction nozzle (PIP REIE 686,
Chapter 6-Piping, paragraph 3.1.2.6).
The pipe supports on the suction piping should not rigidly tie down the suction line close to the pump
suction nozzle.
A permanent or temporary start-up inlet strainer is required.
Pressure measurement connection. Provisions shall be made for the installation of a pressure gauge on
the suction piping between the permanent or temporary start-up strainer and the pump suction flange.
Reducers shall be eccentric and installed with flat side on top (for use in horizontal suction lines).
Isolation block valves are required in the suction and discharge piping and should be accessible from
grade near the machinery. The centerline elevation of the discharge block valve should be kept at a
convenient operating height and orientation.
A pressure indicator should be installed on the discharge piping between the check valve and block valve
with gauge isolation and bleed valve.
A discharge check valve is required. When warm up lines are required, a reverse flow bypass should be
provided around the discharge check valve.
Discharge piping should be properly supported to remove excessive weight from the pump casing. It is
preferable to support the discharge piping from overhead structural steel whenever possible to allow for
proper removal of discharge piping for maintenance.
Drains must be located at the lowest point in the piping located near the pump. Drain connections should
not be placed in angle sections of reducers.
Process integrity may require double block and bleed valves on vents, drains, or other auxiliary piping
connections depending on the specific service.
When differential settlement is a problem, the pump foundation should be extended to support the suction
piping.
Figure 3
Top Suction, Top Discharge CentrifugalPump Preferred Installation
Figure 4
Top Suction, Top Discharge Centrifugal
Pump Alternate Installation for Large Diameter Piping
Notes: Figures 3 & 4
The suction and discharge piping and valves same size or larger than pump nozzles (4.1.1.1)
Comment: If there is adequate NPSH available for the specified pump application, consideration may be
given to placing the reducer before the suction block valve.
Last pipe elbow in the suction line to be standard long radius elbow.
Suction line straight run requirement. The pump suction piping shall have a straight run of five pump
nozzle diameters between the suction flange and first elbow, tee, valve, reducer, permanent strainer, or
other obstruction sufficient to ensure stable and uniform flow at the pump suction nozzle (PIP REIE 686,
Chapter 6-Piping, paragraph 3.1.2.6).
The pipe supports on the suction piping should not rigidly tie down the suction line close to the pump
suction nozzle.
A permanent or temporary start-up inlet strainer is required.
Pressure measurement connection. Provisions shall be made for the installation of a pressure gauge on
the suction piping between the permanent or temporary start-up strainer and the pump suction flange.
Reducers shall be concentric for overhead piping into a top suction pump. For horizontal suction lines,
reducers shall be eccentric and installed with flat side on top.
Isolation block valves are required in the suction and discharge piping and should be accessible from grade
near the machinery. The centerline elevation of the discharge block valve should be kept at a convenient
operating height and orientation.
A pressure indicator should be installed on the discharge piping between the check valve and block valve
with gauge isolation and bleed valve.
A discharge check valve is required. When warm up lines are required, a reverse flow bypass should be
provided around the discharge check valve.
Discharge piping should be properly supported to remove excessive weight from the pump casing. It is
preferable to support the discharge piping from overhead structural steel whenever possible to allow for
proper removal of discharge piping for maintenance.
Drains must be located at the lowest point in the piping located near the pump. Drain connections should
not be placed in angle sections of reducers.
Process integrity may require double block and bleed valves on vents, drains, or other auxiliary piping
connections depending on the specific service.
When differential settlement is a problem, the pump foundation should be extended to support the suction
piping.
Figure 5
Side Suction, Side Discharge Centrifugal
Pump Preferred Installation
Figure 6
Side Suction, Side Discharge Centrifugal Pump Alternate Installation for Suction Piping
with Elbow Installed in the same Plane as the Impeller Shaft
Figure 7
Side Suction, Side Discharge Centrifugal
Pump Alternate Installation for Vertical Suction Piping
Notes: Figures 5, 6 & 7
The suction and discharge piping and valves same size or larger than pump nozzles (4.1.1.1)
Comment: If there is adequate NPSH available for the specified pump application, consideration may be
given to placing the reducer before the suction block valve.
Last pipe elbow in the suction line to be standard long radius elbow.
For double suction pumps, the last pipe elbow in the suction line to the pump should be perpendicular (not
in the same plane) to the impeller shaft.
Suction line straight run requirement. The pump suction piping shall have a straight run of five pump nozzle
diameters between the suction flange and first elbow, tee, valve, reducer, permanent strainer, or other
obstruction sufficient to ensure stable and uniform flow at the pump suction nozzle (PIP REIE 686, Chapter
6-Piping, paragraph 3.1.2.6).
The pipe supports on the suction piping should not rigidly tie down the suction line close to the pump
suction nozzle.
A permanent or temporary start-up inlet strainer is required.
Pressure measurement connection. Provisions shall be made for the installation of a pressure gauge on
the suction piping between the permanent or temporary start-up strainer and the pump suction flange.
Reducers shall be eccentric and installed with flat side on top (for use in horizontal suction lines).
Isolation block valves are required in the suction and discharge piping and should be accessible from
grade near the machinery. The centerline elevation of the discharge block valve should be kept at a
convenient operating height and orientation.
A pressure indicator should be installed on the discharge piping between the check valve and block valve
with gauge isolation and bleed valve.
A discharge check valve is required. When warm up lines are required, a reverse flow bypass should be
provided around the discharge check valve.
Discharge piping should be properly supported to remove excessive weight from the pump casing. It is
preferable to support the discharge piping from overhead structural steel whenever possible to allow for
proper removal of discharge piping for maintenance.
Drains must be located at the lowest point in the piping located near the pump. Drain connections should
not be placed in angle sections of reducers.
Process integrity may require double block and bleed valves on vents, drains, or other auxiliary piping
connections depending on the specific service.
When differential settlement is a problem, the pump foundation should be extended to support the suction
piping.
Figure 8
Vertical Inline Side Suction, Side Discharge Centrifugal
Pump Preferred Installation
Figure 9
Vertical Inline, Side Suction, Side Discharge Centrifugal
Pump Alternate Installation
Notes: Figures 8 & 9
The suction and discharge piping and valves same size or larger than pump nozzles (4.1.1.1)
Comment: If there is adequate NPSH available for the specified pump application, consideration may be
given to placing the reducer before the suction block valve.
Last pipe elbow in the suction line to be standard long radius elbow.
Suction line straight run requirement. The pump suction piping shall have a straight run of five pump nozzle
diameters between the suction flange and first elbow, tee, valve, reducer, permanent strainer, or other
obstruction sufficient to ensure stable and uniform flow at the pump suction nozzle (PIP REIE 686, Chapter
6-Piping, paragraph 3.1.2.6).
The pipe supports on the suction piping should not rigidly tie down the suction line close to the pump
suction nozzle.
A permanent or temporary start-up inlet strainer is required.
Pressure measurement connection. Provisions shall be made for the installation of a pressure gauge on
the suction piping between the permanent or temporary start-up strainer and the pump suction flange.
Reducers shall be eccentric and installed with flat side on top (for use in horizontal suction lines).
Isolation block valves are required in the suction and discharge piping and should be accessible from grade
near the machinery. The centerline elevation of the discharge block valve should be kept at a convenient
operating height and orientation.
A pressure indicator should be installed on the discharge piping between the check valve and block valve
with gauge isolation and bleed valve.
A discharge check valve is required. When warm up lines are required, a reverse flow bypass should be
provided around the discharge check valve.
Discharge piping should be properly supported to remove excessive weight from the pump casing. It is
preferable to support the discharge piping from overhead structural steel whenever possible to allow for
proper removal of discharge piping for maintenance.
Drains must be located at the lowest point in the piping located near the pump. Drain connections should
not be placed in angle sections of reducers.
Process integrity may require double block and bleed valves on vents, drains, or other auxiliary piping
connections depending on the specific service.
When differential settlement is a problem, the pump foundation should be extended to support the suction
piping.
Figure 10
Examples of Suction And Discharge Valve Orientation for Centrifugal Pumps.
Figure 11
Typical Centrifugal Compressor Piping Arrangements.
Figure 12
Grade Mounted Centrifugal Compressor Typical Piping Arrangements (Top Nozzles).
Figure 13
Mezzanine Mounted Centrifugal Compressor Typical Piping Arrangements.
Figure 14A
Typical Centrifugal Compressor Mezzanine Foundation and Grade Platform.
Figure 14B Typical Centrifugal Compressor Auxiliaries
Figure 15A
Typical Centrifugal Compressor Piping Layout Requirements for Bottom Nozzle
Orientation for Horizontally and Vertically Split Casing.
Figure 15B
Typical Centrifugal Compressor Piping Layout Requirements for Top Nozzle Orientation
Notes: Applicable to Figure 15A & 15B
1
For best performance, suction piping
should be laid out for uniform velocity
over the entire area of any compressor
inlet. Minimum is a long sweep elbow
(3 dia.). Preferred is a straight (no
branches) run of 4 diameters after a
long radius elbow on longitudinal
center line.
2
Supp
ort of piping should be minimum
from flange connections
at compressor
type, and method of support is
dependent on stress requirements
.
3
These valves are not frequently
operated when driver is a
steam turbine. With motor drive, the
suction may be an automatic or
manual throttle type.
4
Locate beyond area required for major lifts.
5
Check with mechanical engineer
for
axial in
let (al
ong ax
is of compressor
shaft) requirements.
Figure 16
Chart for Minimum Straight Inlet Piping for Centrifugal Compressors .
Figure 17
Illustration Of Centrifugal Compressor Inlet Piping Arrangements .
