MEMBER COMPANY REVIEW

6/20/02

Process Industry Practices

Machinery

PIP REEP004
Typical Piping Arrangements for
Centrifugal Pumps
 PURPOSE AND USE OF PROCESS INDUSTRY PRACTICES

In an effort to minimize the cost of process industry facilities, this Practice has
been prepared from the technical requirements in the existing standards of major
industrial users, contractors, or standards organizations. By harmonizing these
technical requirements into a single set of Practices, administrative, application, and
engineering costs to both the purchaser and the manufacturer should be reduced. While
this Practice is expected to incorporate the majority of requirements of most users,
individual applications may involve requirements that will be appended to and take
precedence over this Practice. Determinations concerning fitness for purpose and
particular matters or application of the Practice to particular project or engineering
situations should not be made solely on information contained in these materials. The
use of trade names from time to time should not be viewed as an expression of
preference but rather recognized as normal usage in the trade. Other brands having the
same specifications are equally correct and may be substituted for those named. All
Practices or guidelines are intended to be consistent with applicable laws and
regulations including OSHA requirements. To the extent these Practices or guidelines
should conflict with OSHA or other applicable laws or regulations, such laws or
regulations must be followed. Consult an appropriate professional before applying or
acting on any material contained in or suggested by the Practice.

This Practice is subject to revision at any time by the responsible Function Team and
will be reviewed every 5 years. This Practice will be revised, reaffirmed, or withdrawn.
Information on whether this Practice has been revised may be found at www.pip.org.

Process Industry Practices (PIP), Construction Industry Institute, The

University of Texas at Austin, 3925 West Braker Lane (R4500), Austin,
Texas 78759. PIP member companies and subscribers may copy this Practice
for their internal use. Changes, overlays, addenda, or modifications of any
kind are not permitted within any PIP Practice without the express written
authorization of PIP.

PIP will not consider requests for interpretations (inquiries) for this Practice.

Not printed with State funds

 MEMBER COMPANY REVIEW
6/20/02

Process Industry Practices

Machinery

PIP REEP004
Typical Piping Arrangements for
Centrifugal Pumps
Table of Contents

1. Introduction .................................. 2 Figure 4. Top suction, top discharge centrifugal

1.1 Purpose ............................................. 2
1.2 Scope................................................. 2
2. References ................................... 2
2.1 Process Industry Practices ................ 2
2.2 Industry Codes and Standards .......... 2
3. Definitions .................................... 3
4. General Requirements................. 3
4.1 General .............................................. 3
4.2 Support of Piping Systems ................ 4
4.3 Operation and Maintenance
Considerations................................... 6
Appendix A.................................... 11
Figure 1. End suction, top discharge
overhung centrifugal pump preferred
installation
Figure 2. End suction, top discharge overhung
centrifugal pump alternate
installation.
Figure 3. Top suction, top discharge
centrifugal pump preferred
installation
pump alternate installation for large
diameter 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 shaft
Figure 7. Side suction, side discharge centrifugal
pump alternate installation for vertical
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
Figure 10. Examples of reduction at pump suction
for side suction pump piping
Figure 11. Examples of reduction at pump suction
for end suction pump piping
Figure 12. Examples of suction and discharge
valve orientation for centrifugal pumps

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1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose
This Practice provides guidance in the layout of piping systems around
centrifugal pumps.

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. This document
addresses piping considerations that affect operability, maintainability, hydraulic
performance, and piping flexibility for centrifugal pumps. It includes typical
piping layout drawings for each configuration 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.

2. References
Applicable requirements in the latest edition (or the edition indicated) of the following
industry standards should be considered an integral part of this Practice.

2.1 Process Industry Practices (PIP)

PIP PNC00003 - Process Unit and Offsites Layout Guide
PIP REIE686 - Recommended Practices for Machinery Installation and
Installation Design
PIP RESE002 - Allowable Nozzle Loads on Rotating Machinery
PIP RESP001 - Design of Pumping Systems That Use Centrifugal Pumps
PIP RESP002 - Design of ASME B73.1 and General Purpose Pump
Baseplates
RESP73H-97 - Application of ASME B73.2M-1991 Specification for
Horizontal End Suction Centrifugal Pumps for Chemical Process
RESP73V-97 - Application of ASME B73.2M-1991 Specification for
Vertical in-Line Centrifugal Pumps for Chemical Process

2.2 Industry Codes and Standards

American Petroleum Institute (API)

API Standard 610, 8th Edition - Centrifugal Pumps for Petroleum, Heavy
Duty Chemical, and Gas Industry Services

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3. Definitions
axial stop: Mechanical restraints used to control axial or longitudinal movement of the
piping in one or two directions without providing 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

pipe support: fixtures and structural attachments as follows:

a. Fixtures include elements that 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 that are welded, bolted, or clamped to
the pipe, such as clips, lugs, rings, clamps, clevises, straps, and skirts.
piping restraint: device that prevents, resists, or limits the free movement of the piping
system. They do not resist pipe rotation or bending moment.

restraint guide: Mechanical restraint used to control lateral movement of the piping
system in one or two directions but does not provide complete fixation

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

4. General Requirements

4.1 General
4.1.1 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 according to
PIP REIE686, Chapter 6 - Piping, section 3.1.2. To accomplish this, the
use of tees, crosses, valves, reduced port valves, strainers, near-run-size

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branch connections, and short radius elbows should be avoided near the
suction nozzle.
In addition, the following criteria should be followed:
4.1.1.1 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 REIE686, Chapter 6, paragraph 3.1.2.6.
Comment: Temporary suction strainers may be included in
the straight run suction piping requirement.
4.1.1.2 The suction pipe size should be larger than the pump suction
nozzle and should be as a minimum equal to the pump suction
nozzle.
4.1.1.3 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.
4.1.1.4 Suction valves should be full port and of the same size as the
pump nozzle unless adequate net positive suction head (NPSH)
margin is not available.
4.1.1.5 The last pipe elbow in the suction line to a pump should be a
standard long radius elbow.
4.1.1.6 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.
4.1.2 Pump Discharge Piping
4.1.2.1 A check valve shall be installed in the discharge line of all
pumps in accordance with PIP REIE686, Chapter 6 - Piping,
section 2.9, unless no possibility exists for a 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.

4.2 Support of Piping Systems

4.2.1 Equipment Allowables
For allowable loads on equipment, refer to PIP RESE002 and
manufacturers recommendation.
4.2.2 Temperature Considerations
The design of pump 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 before the

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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 under the normal operating situations and
can cause coupling misalignment after only one cycle of upset load.
4.2.3 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 exists.
4.2.4 Expansion Joints
Expansion joints are not permitted unless otherwise specified by the
designated machinery representative. Approval should be obtained for
each expansion joint being proposed.
4.2.5 Piping Alignment
Piping alignment should conform to PIP REIE686, Chapter 6 - Piping,
sections 4.6 and 4.7.
4.2.6 Supports
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 allows 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, the
industry standards, or the equipment user.
The dead weight of the piping and process fluid should be entirely
supported by pipe hangers or supports.
4.2.6.1 Springs
Spring supports are designed to provide the required support for
the weight of the pipe, the insulation, and the 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 because 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 for which thermal expansion is to be considered. In
addition, it may be necessary to add more supports or move
existing supports if resonant vibration appears in the piping.

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4.2.6.2 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 for changes over time.
4.2.6.3 Restraints
In a pump piping system, restraints are installed to control the
direction of thermal expansion in the system, thus avoiding
excessive loads on pump nozzles. Axial stops direct the 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.
4.2.7 Field Welds
Unless otherwise specified by the designated machinery representative,
the piping engineering designer should include a provision for a final
piping field weld near the machine to permit piping installation in
accordance with the machinery flange fit-up requirements. As a
minimum, piping NPS 6 or larger should include a final field weld near
the machine.

4.3 Operation and Maintenance Considerations

4.3.1 Accessibility
4.3.1.1 Piping should be arranged in a manner to allow adequate access
to the pump without requiring excessive dismantling of the
piping system. The coupling between the pump and its driver
must be easily accessed to align the pump and driver. Pump seal
access must also be considered because seal failure is the most
common cause for maintenance. To allow maintenance, piping
must be kept clear from above the pump for horizontally split
pump casings. For vertically split casings, access must be
provided in front of the pumps. 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
that minimizes the need for removal.
4.3.1.2 The guidelines for accessibility contained in PIP REIE686,
Chapter 6 - Piping, section 2.2, should be carefully followed to
provide for operation and maintenance accessibility.
4.3.1.3 Isolation valves are required in the inlet and outlet process
piping to and from all pumps. Any temporary or permanent

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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, depending on service on vents and
drains.
4.3.1.4 Operating valves requiring attention, observation, or adjustment
during normal operation should be located within reach from
grade, platform, or permanent ladder.
4.3.1.5 Operating valves may be chain-operated when the bottom of
handwheel is more than 2.1 meters (7 feet) above high point of
finished surface or operating platform.
4.3.1.6 Chain wheels on screwed valves or valves smaller than NPS 3
shall not be used. An impactor-type chain wheel on valves
smaller than NPS 4 shall not be used. Chain-operated wrenches
on any type of valve shall not be used.
4.3.1.7 The centerline of handwheels on block valves used only for
shutdown, located less than 4.6 meters (15 feet) above high
point of finished surface and those located in pipeways need not
be chain-operated, and the access should be by portable ladder.
4.3.1.8 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 oriented vertically in the upward
direction.
4.3.1.9 Valves in heat transfer fluid service should have the stems in the
horizontal position.
4.3.1.10 Sufficient room should be allowed for the operation of handles
or levers on valves so equipped.
4.3.1.11 Hand-operated control valves should be located so that the
operator can adjust valves while reading associated
instruments.
4.3.2 Piping Vents and Drainage
4.3.2.1 Vents and drains should be provided in accordance with
PIP REIE686, Chapter 6 - Piping, section 2.10.
4.3.2.2 Adequate drains should be provided on the piping to perform
routine maintenance on pumps.
4.3.2.3 Drains must be located at the lowest point in the piping near the
pump. Drain connections should not be placed in angle sections
of reducers.
4.3.2.4 Dead legs in piping should be avoided. When a dead leg is
unavoidable, it should be provided with drains.

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4.3.3 Permanent Inlet Strainers

4.3.3.1 When specified, permanent strainers shall be provided according
to PIP REIE686, Chapter 6 - Piping, section 2.8.1.
4.3.4 Temporary Inlet Strainers
4.3.4.1 Temporary suction strainers are required for initial startup
according to PIP REIE686, Chapter 6 - Piping, section 2.8.2.
4.3.4.2 A means (typically a break-out spool) must be provided to
remove the temporary suction strainers.
4.3.4.3 Consideration by the owner/operator should be given to a means
of determining whether the strainer is plugged. This is of
particular importance on high-energy pumps.
4.3.5 Warm-up Lines
Pumps handling hot materials greater than 150C (300F) or handling
high pour point materials should have warm-up lines in accordance with
PIP REIE686, Chapter 6 - Piping, section 2.11.
4.3.6 Minimum Flow Bypass
4.3.6.1 If the process or operating practice cannot ensure the minimum
continuous flow rate required by the pump, a minimum flow
bypass or instrumentation to alarm or shut down the pump
should be provided.
Comment: Sealless pumps require minimum flow
protection at all times including at start up and
during upset conditions.
4.3.6.2 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.
4.3.6.3 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.
4.3.6.4 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 whether a cooler is
required in the bypass line.
4.3.7 Self-Priming Pumps
4.3.7.1 Suction piping for self-priming applications should be designed
to minimize friction loss and reduce the volume of air that must

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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.
4.3.7.2 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 that the pump will prime. The air bleed
line should not be installed below the liquid level or should not
contain any liquid traps to impede airflow from the pump. An air
release valve may be installed to allow the air to escape and seal
once the pump is primed.
4.3.8 Pumps Operating in Parallel
4.3.8.1 The pressures on the suction and discharge sides of each pump
in parallel should be essentially equal. Suction and discharge
manifold piping should be symmetric when two or more pumps
are fed from one common suction intake or discharge into a
common header.
4.3.8.2 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.
4.3.8.3 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 that the pump is not
subjected to full discharge manifold pressure in the event the
discharge block and check valve leak. The mechanical seal
system should be reviewed to determine proper setting of relief
device.

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Appendix A Drawings and Figures

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