EGG-GTH-5779 A p r i l 1982

Pipe Selection Guide

Ray D. Sanders

U S . Department of Energy
Idaho Operations Office

Idaho National Engineering Laboratory

This is an informal report intended for use as a preliminary or working document

Prepared f o r the U.S. Department of Energy Idaho Operations O f f i c e Under DOE Contract No. DE-AC07-76ID01570

'' GZG e*
n

Idaho

DISCLAIMER This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States Government. Neither the United States Government nor any agency Thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government or any agency thereof.

DISCLAIMER Portions of this document may be illegible in electronic image products. Images are produced from the best available original document.

DISCLAIMER
This book was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States Government. Neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability o r responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or useful& of any information, apparatus, product or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. References herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government or any agency thereof.

EGG-GTH-5779
c

EGG-GTH--5779
DE82 013807 PIPE SELECTION GUIDE

Ray D. Sanders

Pub1 i shed April 1982

'

EG&G Idaho, Inc. Idaho Fal'ls, ,Idaho 83415

U.S. Department o f Energy Idaho Operations O f f ice Under DOE Contract No. DE-AC07-761001570

FOREWORD The Geothermal Technical Assistance Program was developed under t h e premise t h a t t h e m a j o r i t y o f groups o r i n d i v i d u a l s w i t h a v a i l a b l e geothermal resources do n o t have t h e experience o r manpower necessary t o do a p r e l i m i n a r y engineering and economic f e a s i b i l i t y e v a l u a t i o n f o r geothermal energy p r o j e c t s .
I n o r d e r t o disseminate t e c h n i c a l i n f o r m a t i o n and t o

f a c i l i t a t e expanded use o f geothermal energy resources, assistance was provided through FY-1981 i n a c o n s u l t i n g format on a first-come, and-funds-available basis. staffTechnical assistance can r e l a t e t o concep-

t u a l i z a t i o n ; engineering; economics; water chemistry i m p l i c a t i o n s f o r environmental, disposal, and m a t e r i a l s e l e c t i o n considerations; and planning and development s t r a t e g i e s . This r e p o r t i s one of a s e r i e s adapted from c o n s u l t a t i o n provided t o requesters e i t h e r through in-house e f f o r t s o r through l i m i t e d e f f o r t s subcontracted t o l o c a l engineering

f i r m s . The Geothermal Technical Assistance (GTA) r e p o r t s i n t h i s series, which are l i s t e d below, w i l l be a v a i l a b l e f o r purchase e a r l y i n 1982 by
those w i t h i n t e r e s t i n s p e c i f i c geothermal a p p l i c a t i o n s from t h e U.S. National Technical I n f o r m a t i o n Service:

U.S. Department o f Commerce

National Technical I n f o r m a t i o n Service 5285 P o r t Royal Road S p r i n g f i e l d , VA (703) 55 7-465 0 22161

GTA Report Number

1. 2. 3.

EG&G Report Number

Title

*EGG-GTH-5512 *EGG-GTH-5521 *EGG-GTH-5573

Aquaculture F a c i l i t y P o t e n t i a l a t Boulder Hot Springs, Boulder, Montana P r e l i m i n a r y Geothermal Disposal Considerations, S t a t e Health Laboratory, Boise, Idaho Geothermal Conversion a t Veterans Hospital,

ii

GTA Report Number

EG&G Report Number

T i tle

4.
5.

'*EGG-GTH-5574 *EGG-GTH-5575 *EGG-GTH-5599

Geothermal Applications f o r Highway Rest Areas Geothermal Applications f o r a Tannery Preliminary Conceptual Design f o r Geothermal Space Heating Conversion of School 'District 50 Joint F a c i l i t i e s a t Pagosa Spri ngs , Colorado Selected Geothermal Technical Assistance k t t o r t s (comprising short descriptions of ten space heating projects, f i v e d i s t r i c t heating projects, and three heat exchanger pro jecf s) Geothermal Source Potential and Uti 1i zat ion f o r Methane Generation and Alcohol Production (subcontractor report) Geothermal Source Potential and Utilization f o r Alcohol Production (subcontractor report)
8

6 .

7.

EGG-GTH-5617

8.

*EGG

9.

* E G G 4 138

*EGG-2 139

12.

*EGG2145

Preliminary Feasibility Study of Heating and Cooling A l t ernatives f o r Nebraska kestern College, S c o t t s b l u f f , Nebraska -(subcontractor report )
15.

*EGG-2148

GTA Report Number

EG&G Report Number

T i tl e
U t i l i z a t i o n o f Geothermal Energy, Feasi-

16.

EGG-2149

b m t y S t udy--Ojo C a l i e n t e Mineral Springs

Company, Ojo Caliente, New Mexico lsubcontractor report)

17.

*EGG-2150

Geothermal Heated O f f i c e B u i l d i n g a t Glenwood Springs, Colorado (subcontractor report ) F i n a l Report--Di ck i nson Geothermal Study, Dickinson, North Dakota (subcontractor report) CANCELLE D Comparison o f Two Options f o r Supplying Geothermal Energy t o t h e Veterans Admini s t r a t i o n Medical Center, Marlin, Texas (subcontractor r e p o r t ) Geothermal U t i l i z a t i o n a t Castle Oaks Subdivision Castle Rock, Colorado (subcontractor r e p o r t ) Space Heatinq f o r Twin Lakes School Near Gallup, New Mexico (subcontractor r e p o r t ) Pumping Tests o f Well Campbell e t al., No. 2, G i l a Hot Springs, Grant County, New Mexico (subcontractor r e p o r t ) Geothermal Deicing o f Hiqhways and Bridge Structures Assessment o f a Geothermal A p p l i c a t i o n a t Tucson. Arizona Heat Pump Systems f o r Spring Creek, Montana Pipe S e l e c t i o n Guide

18.

EGG-21 51

19. 20.

EGG-2 152 EGG-2 153

21.

EGG-2 154

22. 23.

EGG-2155 *EGG-2 156

24. 25. 26. 27. 28.

*EGG-GTH-5739 *EGG-GTH-5740 *EGG-GTH-5741 EGG-GTH-5779 EGG-GTH-5804

An Overview o f Engineering and A g r i c u l t u r a l Design Considerations of t h e R a f t R i v e r Soil-Warming and Heat-Dissipation txperiment

Design o f t h e Glenwood Springs Downhole Heat Exchanger

29.

EGG-GTH-5812

*Published as o f 4/1/82. iv

CONTENTS
?

............................................................ PURPOSE .............................................................. SCOPE ................................................................ PIPE SELECTION ....................................................... General ........................................................ M a t e r i a l Selection ............................................. Determining I n s i d e Diameter .................................... Determining Wall Thickness ..................................... End F i n i s h ..................................................... TYPES OF P I P E ........................................................ Carbon Steel ................................................... Low and Intermediate A l l o y Steel ................................. Other Ferrous and Nonferrous M a t e r i a l s ......................... P l a s t i c ........................................................ Asbestos-Cement ................................................ Other Nonmetallic Pipe .........................................
FOREWORD
R E L A T I V E COST

ii 1 1 2
2

3
4
8

10 12 12 12 13 13 15 17
17

OF MATERIALS
LOSS

...........................................

APPENDIX A--ENERGY

FROM BURIED PIPE

.............................

19

PIPE SELECTION GUIDE

,PURPOSE

p r e l i m i n a r y evaluations o f geothermal energy applications, i t u s u a l l y becomes necessary t o s e l e c t components ,and m a t e r i a l s t o be used i n t h e system. This p i p e s e l e c t i o n guide i s ntended f o r persons n o t profess i o n a l l y t r a i n e d i n mechanical engineering who wish t o make a p r e l i m i n a r y s e l e c t i o n of p i p e f o r use i n geothermal applications. The user i s caut i o n e d t h a t t h i s i s ' n o t intended t o be a f i n a l design guide and does not e l i m i n a t e t h e need f o r sound engineering judgment. confirmed l a t e r by a q u a l i f i e d design engineer. I n most instances, t h e p i p i n g system f o r a geothermal a p p l i c a t i o n w i l l be under t h e j u r i s d i c t i o n o f l o c a l o r n a t i o n a l codes. For example, geothermal steam and hot water p i p i n g i s w i t h i n t h e scope o f ANSI 831.1 "Power Piping," which p r e s c r i b e s minimum requirements f o r design, materials, f a b r i c a t i o n , erection, t e s t , and inspection. a1 lowed by t h e code. Applicable codes should be determined e a r l y i n t h e p r o j e c t so t h a t p i p e w i l l be selected from those Pipe s e l e c t i o n s made w i t h t h i s guide should o n l y be considered p r e l i m i n a r y and should be

SCOPE
Only four parameters are used i n t h i s guide t o d e f i n e pipe: i n s i d e diameter, w a l l thickness, m a t e r i a l , and ends o f t h i s guide, t h e f a c t o r s i n f l u e n c i n g p i p e s e l e c t i o n are pressure, temperature, chemistry, f l o w rate, and cost. Other p i p e param.

e t e r s and f a c t o r s t h a t i n f l u e n c e p i p e s e l e c t i o n and design are mentioned, and, where appropriate, t h e user i s warned t h a t a t some stage i n t h e p r o j e c t these f a c t o r s must be d e a l t with.
I t i s assumed throughout t h i s

guide t h a t t h e u s e r ' s o b j e c t i v e i s t h e d i r e c t a p p l i c a t i o n o f geothermal water a t temperatures lower than 200F and w i t h 12-in. considered. o r smaller pipe. When considering . f r i c t i o n 1-osses fpy: s i z i n g purposes, o n l y s t r a i g h t p i p e i s

The p r e l i m i n a r y nature o f p i p e s e l e c t i o n s made w i t h t h i s guide a p p l i e s e s p e c i a l l y t o s e l e c t i o n o f m a t e r i a l s f o r r e s i s t a n c e t o c o r r o s i o n and scaling. Because o f t h e s i t e - s p e c i f i c nature and complexity of t h e subFinal j e c t , t h i s guide can o n l y make very p r e l i m i n a r y recommendations.

s e l e c t i o n should be made, o r a t l e a s t reviewed, by a q u a l i f i e d c o r r o s i o n engineer a f t e r c a r e f u l and thorough water anlaysis, and p o s s i b l y a f t e r t e s t i n g candidate m a t e r i a l s i n t h e geothermal f l u i d . Costs discussed here are comparative costs of m a t e r i a l r e l a t i v e t o carbon steel. This approach i s used t o negate t h e e f f e c t

of i n f l a t i o n
Accounting

somewhat, thereby extending t h e usefulness o f t h e information. t h e user.

f o r t h e c o n s t a n t l y a f l u c t u a t i n g c o s t o f i n d i v i d u a l metals must be l e f t t o

A discussion of t h e c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s and a t t r i b u t e s of r e a d i l y a v a i l a -

b l e p i p e i s included t o a i d t h e user i n making a p r e l i m i n a r y selection. Energy l o s s from b u r i e d p i p e i s considered i n Appendix A.

PIPE SELECTION
Genera 1 For t h e purpose o f t h i s guide, t h e f o l l o w i n g parameters are s u f f i c i e n t t o describe a p a r t i c u l a r pipe:
0

Size and schedule, o r i n s i d e and o u t s i d e diameter, o r one diameter and w a l l thickness.

Material--must e v e n t u a l l y be w e l l specified, f o r example, not j u s t carbon s t e e l but ASTM A106 G r B, etc.

Threaded, p l a i n , o r welded ends.

A more d e t a i l e d d e s c r i p t i o n could i n c l u d e method o f manufacture, such

as seamless o r welded; length, such as random; t e s t i n g ; etc.

Selection Factors The factors are as follows:

I ,

on material selection

Strength. The material must have sufficient strengt temperature to allow the selection of pipe that will withstand the design pressure with a reasonable wall thickness. Generally, cost will increase with material strength and corrosion resistance, and, to some degree, fabrication and assembly cost will depend on the material. Corrosion and Scaling Resistance. The material selected should have sufficient corrosion and scaling resistance to ensure that the performance of the pipe is not impaired during the design lifetime. In a geothermal application, this may have the greatest-influence on and b increases with art of pipe selection f icult arid importan the site or cost of e project. In thexase of larger projects, the cost of extensive materials -research and testing,is usually well justified. On
9

Cost.

smaller projects where less money is being invested in piping and equipment, such thoroughness'may not be warrantedb It may be that material chosen on the basis of an educated guess, or because-it is on hand or inexpensive, will perform satisfactorily and not be a large part of the overall cost, even if periodic replacement is required. Selection Process
0

'

In many cases, the source o f water will already be known .to be similar to a source that is in us the case and existing piping has .given satisfactory service, choose'pipe of the same material,

!
I
I

I f t h e p i p i n g j u s t described has not g i v e n s a t i s f a c t o r y service, avoid s i m i l a r m a t e r i a l and s e l e c t a m a t e r i a l from those discussed below under "Types o f Pipe." I f temperature and pressure a l l o w t h e i r use, one o f t h e nonmetallic m a t e r i a l s may be s u i t a b l e . Except i n extreme cases, p l a i n carbon s t e e l may g i v e s a t i s f a c t o r y s e r v i c e i f t h e f o l l o w i n g precautions are taken:
,

Use a generous c o r r o s i o n allowance Limit f l u i d velocity t o 5 t o 7 fps Avoid galvanic coupling Prevent a e r a t i o n o f t h e f l u i d Keep t h e f l u i d pressurized; t h i s may reduce some forms of scaling.

Because o f t h e i r record o f poor performance i n geothermal a p p l i c a t i o n s ( u s u a l l y because of t h e presence o f hydrogen s u l f i d e ) , avoid copper-based a l l o y s unless c a r e f u l a n a l y s i s shows t h a t they can be used i n t h e s p e c i f i c a p p l i c a t i o n under consideration.

Depending on t h e s i z e of t h e investment, i t may be worthwhile t o o b t a i n t h e services o f a c o r r o s i o n engineer a t t h i s stage of t h e project. Determining I n s i d e Diameter

S e l e c t i o n Factors I n s i d e diameter s e l e c t i o n i s b a s i c a l l y a c o s t consideration. The c o s t o f p i p e increases w i t h diameter while, f o r a given f l o w rate, f r i c t i o n losses and t h e r e f o r e pump and pump power c o s t s decrease. decreases, f r i c t i o n losses increase correspondingly, As diameter leading t o increased

pumping cost, to higher system or line pressure, and, possibly, to heavier walled; more costly pipe. . A tradeoff between these costs will have to be made. Several sources list reasonable fluid velocities in piping, rang,ing from 4 3 0 7 fp for city and general service. However, before selecting a n-the basis'that it provides reasonable velocity at the given flow'rate, the line length should also be considered since costly losses could result from long lines with 'reasonable" velocities. If the source of water has a fixed head, as from artesian flow, gravity flow, or an existing pump, this would be especially important. In some instances, higher velocities are beneficial in that they prevent the settling out of solids and can provide a scouring or cleansing action. On the other hand, high velocities may cause erosion and objectionable noise. Selection Process For preliminary purposes, use the velocity rule-of-thumb and select an inside diameter, estimate pressure losses, and then estimate what these losses require in pump power.
I
' I

Inside Diameter.
d = 0.6398

For a given flow rate and desired velocity:

'

where
d
=

inside diameter (in.)

9
and
V
=

mean velocity (fps)--in this case, the reasonable velocity chosen).

I '

Find .d and s e l e c t a nominal p i p e s i z e reasonably c l o s e t o d. t h e sizes o f i n t e r e s t , nominal s i z e i s t h e approximate I D f o r wrought steel, iron, stainless, and some nonmetallics.) F r i c t i o n Loss. etc. is:

(In

For p r e l i m i n a r y e s t i m a t i n g purposes, ignore t h e

temperature of. t h e water and losses caused by f i t t i n g s , valves, These f a c t o r s must be considered during-system de
By Darcy's formula, head l o s s through a s t r a i g h t p i p e

however.

where hL
f

= = = = =

head l o s s ( f t o f f l u i d ) f r i c t i o n f a c t o r (see Table 1) length o f pipe ( f t ) i n t e r n a l diameter of p i p e ( f t ) mean v e l o c i t y o f f l u i d ( f p s )

L
D
V

and 9
=

a c c e l e r a t i o n of g r a v i t y = 32.2 ft/sec/sec.

Pipe f r i c t i o n data f o r clean commercial s t e e l p i p e w i t h flow i n a zone of complete turbulence are given i n Table 1

TABLE 1,

P I P E FRICTION DATAa

Nominal Size (in.) 1/2 3/4 1 1 1 2 2 4 -- 5 6 . 8 12 18 1/4 1/2 1/2, 3

F r i c t i o n Factor 0.027 0.025 0.023 0.022 0.021 0.019 0.018 0.017 0.016 0.015 0.014 0.013 0.012

." .
I

t o 10 t o 16 t o 24

a. From Flow o f F l u i d s Through Valves, F i t t i n g s , and Pipes, Crane Technical Paper No. 410.

The f o l l o w i n g formul'a can be used t o c a l c u l a t e

:1

bhp

3960 np

where

.
and

Q
H

f l o w r a t e (gpm) t o t a l head ( f t o f f l u i d )

pump e f f i c i e n c y (may be on t h e order of 70 t o 80%).

To c a l c u l a t e t h e bhp r e q u i r e d f o r f r i c t i o n losses only, replace i n t h e equation above w i t h t h e hL found i n t h e previous calcu-l a t i o n f o r f r i c t i o n loss. t h a t sp g r = 1.

Neglect temperature e f f e c t s and assume

To determine t h e a c t u a l power consumed, t h e motor o r d r i v e r efficiency, nd; must be considered. For an e l e c t r i c motor, E l e c t r i c power i n p u t f u l l load e f f i c i e n c y w i l l be 90% o r b e t t e r . i n k i l o w a t t s due t o t h e head l o s s i s :

kW = 3960 x

QhL
rl

rld

k W x 0.7457 hp

As noted e a r l i e r , n o t o n l y do f r i c t i o n losses consume power, b u t t h e increase i n pump head r e q u i r e d t o compensate f o r t h e losses affects t h e i n i t i a l c o s t o f t h e pump and d r i v e r . Excessive
f r i c t i o n l o s s can be reduced by s e l e c t i n g a l a r g e r diameter, more c o s t l y pipe. Determining Wall Thickness Codes such as ANSI B31.1, Power Piping, use a modified Barlow formula t o determine minimum w a l l thickness o f pipe. For t h e purposes o f t h i s guide, t h e formula f o r hoop s t r e s s i n t h e p i p e w a l l w i l l do:

where
t
. .

w a l l thickness ( i n . ) i n t e r n a l f l u i d pressure ( p s i )

stress, p s i ( i n t h i s case, t h e allowable o r design s t r e s s f o r t h e p a r t i c u l a r m a t e r i a l a t design temperature) i n s i d e diameter, i n .

Note t h a t o n l y pressure has been considered i n determining t h e t h i c k ness. Mechanical s t r e n g t h t o prevent damage, sagging, etc. has n o t been considered, n o r has any a1 lowance f o r corrosion, erosion, threadi,ng, etc. Minimum w a l l thickness i n s i z e s up t o 6 i n . should be t h a t of Schedule 40 pipe, unless c o r r o s i o n p r o p e r t i e s are w e l l known and t h e p i p e been added. i s protected from mechanical damage.

P, t h e design pressure, must n o t be l e s s than t h e maximum f l u i d opera t i n g pressure expected.

I t should i n c l u d e e l e v a t i o n e f f e c t s and, i f a
rom such pressure, f o r instance by a r e l i e f s s a r y . f o r t h e purpose o f t h i s guide, design pres-

pump i s i n t h e system, t h e maximum pressure t h a t t h e pump can exert, unless the piping i s protect valve. Although n o t

sure i s o f t e n increased t o compensate f o r water hammer. This would be an important consideration w i t h b r i t t l e p i p e m a t e r i a l .

S, t h e allowable stress, i s based on'the s t r e n g t h o f t h e m a t e r i a l a t design temperature. Codes such as ANSI 831.1 t a b u l a t e allowable s t r e s s f o r
a1 lowable m a t e r i a l values i n c l u d e j o i n t efficiency r l o n g i t u d i n a l welds, c a s t i n g q u a l i t y f a c t o r s , and a l a r g e s a f e t y i n g use of only 25% of t ial. The tabulated values i n a t e r i a l s p e c i f i c a t i o n s , grade and method of manufacture such as seamless, furnace welded Table 2 presents a range of values f o r carbon s t e e l p i p e a t 200OF. Specific values f o r carbon s t e e l o r o t h e r materials, whether m e t a l l i c o r c , s hou1 nonmet a 11i or. manuf acturers.

s been determined
f o r t h e i n s i d e diameter determined above t h a t provides t h e r e q u i r e d w a l l thickness. I n t h e case o f some nonmetallic p i p e o r p i p e not sized by

TABLE 2.

RANGE OF ALLOWA6LE STRESSESa Range (psi)

10,600 to 17,500

Method of Manufacture Seamless pipe and tube Furnace butt we1 ded pipe Electric resistance welded and electric flash welded pipe and tubes Electric fusion welded pipe--filler metal added a. From ANSI 631.1, 1980 edition.

6,300 to 6,800
9,000 to 15,000
7,700 t o 20,000

schedule, available wall thickness may have to be obtained from the manufacturer or a vendor. If the schedule selected results in an inside diameter that is significantly different from that chosen in the calculation above, the resulting velocity and friction losses should be rechecked and adjustment made if required.

End Finish
Selection of end finish depends on the planned method of joining the pipe. Pipe is commonly furnished with threaded or plain ends. Plain ends may be square, beveled for welding, and in some cases deburred and finished to tolerance to accept mechanical couplings such as the Dresser coupling. Each length of threaded pipe will be furnished with a coupling. Several methods of joining pipe are discussed below, with comments on attributes that should be considered in making a selection. Threaded Joints Threaded joints are inexpensive and easily assembled and disassembled. ANSI 831.1 places certain limitation on their use. The only limits of concern here (for 2OOOF maximum water temperature) are that "Pipe

10

w i t h .a w a l l thickness l e s s than t h a t o f standard weight o f ANSI 636.10 s t e e l p i p e s h a l l n o t be threaded, regardless of service," and "threaded j o i n t s s h a l l n o t be used where severe erosion, c r e v i c e corrosion, shock o r v i b r a t i o n i s expected t o occur,

..

.'I

Even i f t h e p i p i n g

i 5

not under t h e

j u r i s d i c t i o n o f t h e code, these l i m i t s should be heeded. Flanged J o i n t s Flanged j o i n t s Cah be used where components o r equipment must be d i s assembled f o r maintenance work. They are o f t e n used f o r connections t o valves and pumps. They are probably t h e most c o s t l y means.of j o i n i n g pipe. The f o l l o w i n g more common type o f flanges d i f f e r mainly by t h e method of attachment t o t h e pipe.

Welding Neck.

One o f t h e more expensive methods, but best f o r

severe s e r v i c e where h i g h pressure, h i g h temperature, and c y c l i c loading are involved,

~

Slip-On. L o w e r ' i n i t i a l cost, b u t t h e f i n a l i n s t a l l e d cost i s probably not much l e s s than t h a t o f t h e welding neck. Strength i s about 2/3 t h a t o f t h e welding neck, and f a t i g u e l i f e about 1/3. ANSI B31.1 l i m i t s t h i s a p p l i c a t i o n t o no higher than Class 300 primary pressure s e r v i c e r a t i n g .

Lap Joint.

When used w i t h

i n t stub ends, t h e c o s t p e r

j o i n t i s approximately,1/3 higher than a welding neck j o i n t . Pressure r e t a i n i n g a b i l i t y i s comparable t o a slip-on, and . f a t i g u e l i f e i s o n l y about 1/10 t h a t o f welding necks. The main advantage o f l a p j o i n t s i s t h e a b i l i t y o f flanges t o r o t a t e ,
i

which a i d s i n alignment when frequent d i s m a n t l i n g i s required.

0

Threaded. involved.

Unsuitable 'where c y c l i c loading o r bending s t r e s s i s

No welding i s r e q u i r e d f o r assembly.

(Note code

r e s t r i c t i o n s under "Threaded Joints,"

above.)

Socket Welding. S l i g h t l y higher c o s t than slip-on, w i t h about equal s t r e n g t h and b e t t e r f a t i g u e l i f e when both types have i n t e r n a l welds. I f c r e v i c e c o r r o s i o n i s o f concern, an i n t e r n a l weld should be provided.

Proprietary Joints This type o f j o i n t includes mechanical couplings such as t h e Dresser o r Y i c t a u l i c . Most provide ease and speed o f assembly and disassembly. Some w i l l accommodate a c e r t a i n amount o f thermal expansion, which can e l i m i n a t e t h e need f o r expansion j o i n t s o r loops. Cost o f couplings and assembly i s u s u a l l y considerably l e s s than f o r flanged j o i n t s . Most r e l y on an elastomer gasket, which should be selected w i t h care. Welded J o i n t s Properly made b u t t welds w i l l provide a j o i n t equal i n s t r e n g t h t o t h e m a t e r i a l being joined. Welding i s more c o s t l y than threading i n t h e smaller sizes but i s l e s s c o s t l y than t h e o t h e r methods i n l a r g e r sizes, e s p e c i a l l y i n severe service. TYPES OF P I P E Carbon Steel This i s t h e most commonly used p i p e m a t e r i a l and i s a v a i l a b l e i n a

It i s t h e l e a s t expensive o f t h e wrought m e t a l l i c pipes, has good s t r e n g t h a t temperature, and i s e a s i l y worked and joined. I t can p r o v i d e s a t i s f a c t o r y
s e r v i c e i n geothermal a p p l i c a t i o n s ifproper precautions are taken. Low and Intermediate A l l o y S t e e l These m a t e r i a l s have a t t r i b u t e s s i m i l a r t o carbon steels. Strengths are g e n e r a l l y higher, but so are costs. Corrosion r e s i s t a n c e may be

wide v a r i e t y of sizes, schedules, types, and method

of manufacture.

12

slightly better than carbon steel. Their advantages over carbon steel are probably not worth the increased cost. her Ferrous and Nonferrous Metals
,

This category includes the stainless steels, and nickel alloys, copper and copper alloys, aluminum, and others too numerous to mention here. Many may be suitable for geothermal applications, but the cost is usually prohibitive. Do ,not assume that stainless steel or some other material that i s normally considered rrosion resistant will do. Experience has shown that most of the materials just mentioned can sometimes be very adversely affected by geothermal fluids. If, use of these materials is desirable, for instance copper.,for its superior thermal conductivity, it ,should be carefully investigated before making a final selection.
1 ,

Plastic :.:

c pipe is gener standard iron-pipe sizes, ranging from l/4 i d some valves are available. Materials ate available in-two different groups, thermoplastic and thermoxposed, outdoor plastic pipe systems are subject to atmospheric effects such as ultraviolet deterioration, low-temperature brittleness, and ening. Pipe selection or system design may' be a f f e c t e d by these factors.
t .

Thermop 1 ast i cs

..

This group includes polyvinyl chloride PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), polyethylene styrene (ABS 1 9 eel lulose-acetate-butyrate' ( and polyvinyl idene fluoride (PVDF). There are others, and with continuing development still more will become available. These materials have excellent chemical resistance and may be suitable for geothermal applications. Because of the smooth inside surface, the
13

f r i c t i o n f a c t o r w i l l be low, r e s u l t i n g i n lower f r i c t i o n losses, and these losses should remain low because t h e m a t e r i a l s tend t o r e s i s t scaling.
a

Maximum s e r v i c e temperatures range from approximately 14OOF t o we1 1 over 2OO0F, depending on t h e material. ature. Cost increases w i t h servic; temperSince t h e s t r e n g t h decreases r a p i d l y w i t h increasing temperature,

t h e manufacturer's data f o r t h e p a r t i c u l a r m a t e r i a l should be used when s e l e c t i n g these materials. Pressure r a t i n g s o f p l a s t i c p i p e vary according t o schedule type or class, material, diameter, s e r v i c e temperature, and type of end f i t t i n g s . Special j o i n i n g procedures such as back welding may be required f o r maximum pressure r a t i n g , and s e r v i c e l i f e may be s i g n i f i c a n t l y reduced f o r operat i o n near t h e maximum allowable s e r v i c e temperature. Representative s e r v i c e pressure-temperature data f o r 2-in. diameter p i p e are shown i n Table 3; pressure r a t i n g s f o r l a r g e r diameters w i l l be lower. TABLE 3. TYPICAL PLASTIC P I P E PRESSURE RATINGS (2-in. diameter) Pressure Rating a t Maximum Operating Temperature (psi) 110 52 32 52 40 55 Pressure Rating a t c75OF Operatin Temperature Qpsi) 200 280 50 200 75

Pipe Materia?
PVC CPVC PE PP ABS CAB PVDF

Maximum Operating Temperature

(OF1

140 210 120 170 170 150 2 80

110
275

53

Thermoplastic p i p e can be j o i n e d by threading, flanges, solvent welding, o r thermal welding. One o f t h e e a s i s t and most common j o i n i n g methods i s solvent welding using p l a s t i c socket weld f i t t i n g s .

Thermal c o n d u c t i v i t y o f t h e thermoplastics i s much lower than t h a t o f metals, which i s an advantage i n most cases. T h e i r c o e f f i c i e n t o f thermal expansion, however, i s much higher than t h a t o f t h e metals--2 t o 10 times

14

a
i

t h a t o f s t e e l i n some m a t e r i a l s . This can cause ,serious problems, even, from normal temperature f l u c t u a t i o n s during i n s t a l a t i o n , and must be
a

considered i n t h e design.
f

,.

Thermosetting P 1a s t i c s Two major r e s i n s are used, epoxy and polyesters. The p i p e i s

g e n e r a l l y r e i n f o r c e d w i t h , f i b e r $ such as glass o r asbestos and w i 11 have higher s t r e n g t h and somewhat higher s e r v i c e temperatures than t h e thermoplastics. Other f e a t u r e s are s i m i l a r t o those o f thermoplastics except As w i t h t h e thermot h a t t h e i r c o e f f i c i e n t o f - t h e r m a l .expansion i s - g e n e r a l l y lower, ranging from s l i g h t l y above t o two times t h a t o f carbon s t e e l . p l a s t i c s , a wide range o f m a t e r i a l p r o p e r t i e s are available, and t h e manuf a c t u r e ' s data should be used f o r s e l e c t i o n and design. Cost i s somewhat h i g h e r than f o r x t h e thermoplastics. Asbestos-Cement Asbestos-cement p i p e i s r e a d i l y available, i n several classes, w i t h diameters ranging from 4 t o 16 in. i n 2-in, t o 3o0F o r so can be accommodated. expansion, and cost reduction increments. Some vendors may Temperatures supply i n s u l a t e d asbestos-cement p i p e i n diameters t o 30 i n .

Reduced cost and reduced corrosion, r i c t i o n e f f e c t s are s e l e c t i o n considerations. P o t e n t i a 1 an be a t t r i b u t e d t o . han f o r welded j o i n t s t e e l p i p e g o r eliminating the

r l a r g e expansion loops
. I

Bare p i p e c o s t i s l e s s than t h a t o f s t e e l F r i c t i o n losses are l e s s than i n standard Schedule 40 steel, tending t o reduce pump and operational c o s t s - - i n some cases, t h e f r i c t i o n . l o s s may a l l o w s p e c i f i c a t i o n o f smaller diameter red pipe, f u r t h e r reducing t h e cost.

15

Proper design, i n s t a l l a t i o n , and operation are necessary t o avoid p i p e l i n e f a i l u r e from

0

Thermal o r mechanical shock, causing w a l l f r a c t u r e I n s t a l l a t i o n o f low temperature gaskets i n t h e couplings R o l l i n g t h e gaskets when t h e couplings are i n s t a l l e d , a l l o w i n g t h e coupling t o ?eak

Use of improper Dresser coupl i n g s (steelLto-asbestos-cement p i p e couplings), which could move under thermal cycling, r e s u l t i n g i n r a t c h e t i n g and, u l t i m a t e l y , detachment from t h e pipe.
~

The f o l l o w i n g suggestions, where appropriate, can a i d i n securing s a t i s f a c t o r y c o s t s and performance f o r b u r i e d o r surface p i p i n g : Obtain a c o n t r a c t o r experienced o r knowledgeable i n t h e i n s t a l l a t i o n of asbestos-cement pipe. I n s t a l l asbestos-cement p i p e over a c a r e f u l l y prepared t r e n c h bottom, w i t h rocky m a t e r i a l covered o r removed. Inspect p i p e f o r damage before and a f t e r i n s t a l l a t i o n . Use 1 t o 2 in. of polyurethane, sprayed i n p l a c e a f t e r i n s t a l l a t i o n , t o t h e r m a l l y i n s u l a t e and cushion t h e p i p e and reduce t h e 1i k e l i h o o d o f e x t e r n a l l y induced shock. Use b a c k f i l l t h a t i s f r e e o f rocks l a r g e r than 1-in. diameter.

if possible, t o minimize water seepage i n t o t h e s o i l around t h e pipe.

Cross i r r i g a t i o n d i t c h e s and streams w i t h an "overpass," Use steel-to-asbestos-cement coupl ings as recommended by manufacturer.

16

0
i

Inspect 'and

t h a t a l l seals used i

f o r t h e designated operating temperature. c o r r e c t p i p e penetration i n t o t "designed-in" expansion i s n o t

0

Operate t h e p i p e l i n e

cordance , w i t h appropriate procedures t o

thermal and mechanical shock. Other NonmetallicxPipe t h i s category are concrete, polymer concrete, and c l a y hese m a t e r i a l s have been used o r t e s t e d i n geothermal a p p l i c a t i o n s w i t h varying success. l i n e s , they may p r o v i steel or-plastic. I n some a p p l i c a t i o n s such as o u t f a l l s u i t a b l e s e r v i c e and would be l e s s c o s t l y than

Because o f t h e wide v a r i e t y o f p r o p e r t i e s and t h e u l d be based on c a r e f u l study

"
f

l i m i t e d experience w i t h these m a t e r i a l s i n geothermal applications, however, s e l e c t i o n o f t h i s type o f p i p e n o r on appropriate t e s t i n

-

,.

RELATIVE COST OF MATERIALS

Table 4 presents t h e r e l a t i v e cos

i n * pipe' of d i f f e r e n t

m a t e r i a l s f o r s e r v i c e a t 15OoF and 12O'psig.' These are 1981 costs r e l a t i v e t o carbon s t e e l . R e l a t i v e costs o f l-in. NPS,pipe are g i illustrate t h f f e c t of size. The carbon and s t a i n l e s s c on Schedule 4 b u t t h e c o s t r a t i o should be approximatel t h e two regardless o f schedule.
I

17

TABLE 4.

RELATIVE COSTS OF DIFFERENT 8-IN. P I P E MATERIALS F O R SERVICE AT 15OOF AND T20 P S I G

4

Material Furnace butt-welded ASTM A120 8 NPS x 0,188-in. w a l l a E l e c t r i c f u s i o n welded, no f i l l e r added, ASTM A312, Type 304L, 8NPS Sch 5s Bondstrand 8-in. Series 1600 Bondstrand 8-in. Series 6000 Type I V CPVC, 8 NPS Sch 80 Asbestos-Cement 8-in. Class 150 w i t h coupling and gasket a. 0.188-in.

R e l a t i v e Cost

1.oo
2.81 1.29 1.89 5.33 0.86

'0

w a l l includes 1/10 in. corrosion allowance.

TABLE 5.

F 1-IN. NPS P I P E RELATIVE COSTS O Materi a1 Welded ASTM A120, Black carbon steel, p l a i n ends, 1-in. Sch 40 Welded ASTM A312 Type 304, 1-in. Sch 40 Type I PVC, 1-in. Sch 80 Type I 1 CPVC, I - i n . Sch 80 PVDF, 1-in. Sch 80 Seamless copper tube ASTM 888, Type K, 1.125-in. O.D. x 0.065-in. w a l l R e l a t i v e Cost 1.oo 3.50 0.70 1.48 7.93 1.33

18

APPENDIX A ENERGY LOSS FROM BURIED P I P E

19

'APPENDIX A

ENERGY LOSS FROM BURIED P I P E

4

A p r e l i m i n a r y estimate o f energy loss from a buried, p a r a l l e l p i p e

g r i d operating under steady-state c o n d i t i o n s can be made using t h e Kendrick and Havens formula:

Q =

I n(2 f-r)

+$
n= 1

2 nk AT
p n l ) ' +2(2 dzr)'] (nl) + r

where of p i p e (Btu/hr/ft)
8

p i p e diameter ( f t )

=
=

s o i l thermal c o n d u c t i v i t y (Btu/hr/ft/OF) temperature d i f f e r e n c e between t h e p i p e surface and s o i l surface

(OF)

AT

number o f p a r a l l e l pipes on each side o f center p i p e ( l e t

N.= 0 f o r s i n g l e pipe).

*
rn

The f o l l o w i n g s i m p l i f y i n g assumptions are empl Havens formulation:

0

Constant, uniform soil c o n d u c t i v i t y

Pipe w a l l temperature equal t o water temperature

Both p i p e and water without temperature g r a d i e n t s Constant, uniform s o i l temperature Steady-state operation w i t h constant surface temperature Heat t r a n s f e r i n s o i l o n l y by conduction Heat t r a n s f e r o n l y i n r a d i a l d i r e c t i o n .

These assumptions do not s e r i o u s l y a f f e c t t h e use o f t h e equation f o r i n i t i a l c a l c u l a t i o n s , because a parametric study can be employed t o i n v e s t i g a t e t h e major e f f e c t o f d e v i a t i o n from steady-state conditions. The f o r m u l a t i o n can be used t o estimate t h e steady s t a t e heat r a t e produced by a b u r i e d p a r a l l e l pipe-grid, transmission l i n e heat loss, and f l u i d temperature drop across t h e p i p e system. Mass f l o w r a t e and average temperature difference between t h e p i p e surface and t h e s o i l surface must be known. The e f f e c t o f p i p e m a t e r i a l s e l e c t i o n and i n s u l a t i o n can be i n v e s t i q a t e d by appropriate v a r i a t i o n o f t h e p i p e - s o i l surface temperature d i f f e r e n c e on t h e basis o f vendor s p e c i f i c a t i o n o r t h e p h y s i c a l and thermal c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s of selected materials.
i

22