Ask the Experts
March 2011
Q: Could you provide some recommended Pipe Specifications?
This month's column brings up a document I first ran across 37 years ago when I was working as a boiler startup engineer near Page, Arizona.
This past week I was cleaning up old files when I came across a piece of paper that looked like it was a photocopy, of a photocopy, of a photocopy to the 18th generation. I loved collecting documents such as this, and have a treasure trove of them filed away in some forgotten location. But since this one came to light, and since this month's newsletter focus is pipe marking, I thought it appropriate (and entertaining) to provide the following generic pipe specification. As a generic specification the following can be used anytime you need to purchase just about any type of pipe.
(Note: The word engineer or inspector may be substituted for "fitter".)
Wright Bohuchart O’Harbor
Boccon Corporation
General Energy Resources, Inc.
A Joint Venture
Quality Assurance
Specification WAP-007
Page 1 of 1 Revision 0
Standard Pipe Specifications
1.5.2 All pipe is to be made of a long hole, surrounded by metal centered around the hole.
2. All pipe is to be hollow throughout the entire length.
3. All pipe is to be of the very best quality, preferably tubular or popular.
4.3 All acid proof pipe is to be made of acid proof metal.
5. O.D. of all pipe must exceed the I.D. Otherwise the hole will be on the outside of the pipe.
6. All pipe is to be supplied with nothing in the hole so that water, steam, or other stuff can be put inside at a later date.
7.76 All pipe is to be supplied without rust, as this can be more readily put on at jobsite.
8. All pipe is to be cleaned free of any covering such as mud, tar, barnacles or any form of manure before putting up, otherwise it will make lumps under the paint.
9. All pipe over 500 feet in length must have the words “Long Pipe” clearly painted on each end so that the fitter will know it is long pipe.
10. Pipe over two miles in length must also have these words painted in middle so that the fitter will not have to walk the full length of pipe to determine if it is long pipe or not.
11. All pipe over six inches in diameter is to have the words “Large Pipe” painted on it, so that the fitter will not use if for small pipe.
12. All pipe closers are to be open on one end.
13. All pipe fittings are to be made of the same stuff as pipe.
14. No fittings are to be put on pipe unless specified. If you do, straight pipe becomes crooked pipe.
