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Role of Civil Engineers in the Oil and Gas Sector

Written by Anup Kumar Dey in Civil

When we talk about “civil works,” we’re referring to all sorts of civil and engineering services (aside from consulting services) that are involved in the delivery of building materials and equipment which are financed out. The oil and gas sector employs civil engineers because of the abundance of civil work. The whole industry is related to installing machinery, drilling oil, and extracting hydrocarbons. All of these tasks are performed by none other than an engineer.

However, the leading engineer suitable to work in this sector is a civil engineer.

Civil Engineer

Identifying a requirement is often where a civil engineer’s workday will get underway. It may be necessary to construct a bridge to facilitate access across metropolitan regions; it could also be the need to give clean water to a rural hamlet; it could also be the need to relieve a metropolis of rising traffic.

The civil engineer investigates suitable sites, examines soil and rock samples, makes predictions on the effects on the surrounding environment, and interacts with residents. Civil engineers are present at the construction site to produce precise project drawings and maps and monitor other technical professionals’ work.

They ensure that the project is finished in accordance with the design, plan, budget, and schedule by organizing and supervising the workers, plant, and supplies.

Role of Civil Engineer with regard to the Gas and Oil Sector

One of the earliest subfields of engineering, civil engineering focuses on the long-term planning, construction, and management of the essential public works that support modern life. Oil companies need civil engineers to construct oil fields, pipelines, bases, and shelters for a wide variety of machinery, storage facilities, and more.

Civil engineers are responsible for the creation, enhancement, and defense of the environment in which we live. They are responsible for the planning, designing, and supervising the construction and maintenance of various building structures and infrastructures, such as highways, trains, airports, bridges, harbors, dams, irrigation projects, power plants, and water and sewerage systems. They are also responsible for designing and constructing massive constructions and towering buildings that can resist any kind of climate.

Division of roles of Civil Engineer

Buildings, bridges, dams, roads, and drainage systems are all examples of the kinds of infrastructure that fall under the purview of the field of civil engineering, which is a subject that comprises their development. Here roles are divided considering the oil and gas sector.

 The following is a list of the numerous sub-fields that civil engineers might specialize in:

1.      Structural Engineers

Within the field of Civil Engineering lies the subfield of Structural Engineering. In the oil and gas sector they observe building sites, write reports and assessments, review the work of other engineers, do calculations, and create drawings and specifications, structural engineers also study the work of other engineers.

2.      Geo Technical Civil Engineer

Geotechnical, civil engineers collaborate with other specialists to oversee challenging land rejuvenation projects and aid construction workers in digging subsurface structures for oil and gas exploration.

When municipalities seek to expand the capacity of their subterranean mass transportation systems, they engage geotechnical engineers to oversee the tunneling process. Geotechnical engineers are responsible for determining whether or not the bedrock can securely withstand the weight of newly constructed buildings.

Geotechnical, civil engineers in urban settings work with disaster management planners to reinforce river banks near densely populated regions in order to reduce the risk of flooding.  They help in the planning of dams and levees to control the movement of water in the area. They also work to reduce the adverse effects on neighboring residential areas and commercial establishments by coordinating the design and placement of landfills and quarries.

3.      Transportation Civil Engineer

As a result of the work of civil engineers in the transportation sector, we can travel more easily inside and between cities, as well as across the country. In the oil and gas sector they collaborate with regional and municipal planning commissions to identify development opportunities.

They’re also considering options to reduce traffic congestion. Civil engineers in the transportation sector assess the needs of drivers in a given area before developing plans and cost estimates for infrastructure improvements.

Once a new project design receives financing, transportation engineers oversee a wide variety of subcontractors that build roads, highways, and bridges. After the building is completed, transportation engineers make sure the roads are properly maintained and fixed if they break down.

To protect the public’s safety during construction and maintenance, transportation engineers must follow a wide variety of local, state, and federal laws and guidelines.

4.      Construction Civil Engineers

Civil engineers in the construction industry combine their engineering knowledge with managerial experience to guarantee that building projects are finished on time and within the allotted budget.

In the oil and gas sector, construction managers are responsible for coordinating the activities of teams consisting of engineers and laborers in order to adhere to stringent production deadlines. They are typically the most obvious point of contact for architects, developers, and other professionals working in the building industry.

A degree in civil engineering may not be necessary for all construction management positions; nonetheless, education in this subject area can be beneficial for future construction managers in a number of different ways.

By talking on the same level and using the same language as expert engineers, construction managers can cultivate constructive working relationships with the consultants and team members they collaborate with. They can also identify possible errors more immediately, eliminating the need to wait for experts to arrive at the construction site.

5.      Environmental Engineers

Environmental scientists and engineers are putting in a lot of effort to get us back to a time when the air we breathe and the water we drink are both cleaners. They work together with executives from various companies and officials from multiple government agencies to design new air pollution guidelines that would minimize hazardous emissions from industries while maintaining overall industrial production.

They develop very advanced treatment systems in order to eliminate contaminants from the air, water, and wastewater that we use. Environmental engineers are also responsible for assessing the soil’s health to prevent dangerous chemicals from seeping up through the earth or into the rivers.

They work together with agricultural businesses to ensure that the level of pesticides and nutrients in the soil does not affect the quality of the food people eat. They also give inhabitants of new projects the peace of mind that their houses were not built on the polluted ground in new developments.

6.      Hydraulic Civil Engineer

Civil engineers repurpose the work of hydraulic, hydrology, and water resource civil engineers so that the community’s citizens and businesses may profit from it. They dig canals to facilitate shipping while minimizing disruption to the regular migration of wild fish in each area.  These civil engineers are also responsible for the construction of dams, which not only produce necessary power but also make it possible to cultivate new land parcels.

They construct pipes that are able to deliver clean water to remote regions in a secure manner, hence enabling the growth of new towns. Engineers responsible for water resources typically have oversight responsibilities for environmental initiatives.

They devise complex systems of soil drainage to ensure that new development will not have a detrimental effect on communities located further downstream. They are able to help with water conservation by putting in cutting-edge rainwater collection systems, which are then used for irrigation and grounds upkeep.

Conclusion

Many jobs may be found in the oil and gas industry, and they all require the training and experience of a civil engineer. When working offshore as a civil engineer, one will be tasked with protecting the rig’s foundation while keeping costs to a minimum. This is going to be an essential role for him to play.

In addition, one will work with a team of experienced structural engineers and contribute to the planning of major global initiatives.  Oil storage and processing facilities, as well as workshops and control rooms, are familiar places for civil engineers to be engaged in construction. The increasing demand for their expertise usually makes this the case.

They are also in charge of the oil plants’ upkeep and the design and placement of all pipelines, tubes, and vents found there.

FAQs

What are some examples of works that are most commonly associated with civil engineering?

The primary focuses of civil engineering are constructing, planning, and overseeing the upkeep of a physical environment. Structures such as airports, highways, bridges, dams, sewage systems, railroads, and many more are included in this category.

What is the finest job in the civil service?

The job of a structural engineer is the highest-paying job in Civil engineering.

Oil and Gas Industry Products

Written by Anup Kumar Dey in Process

Both crude oil and Petroleum are classified as fossil fuels because they are made up of hydrocarbon mixtures derived from pre-dinosaur creatures and plants that live in the ocean (diatoms). The remains of these plants and animals were preserved in the sediment and rock that accumulated over millions of years. The relics today referred to as crude oil or Petroleum were subjected to extreme levels of heat and pressure within these layers. In this discussion, the term “petroleum” refers to oil that is obtained by crushing rocks.

After crude oil has been recovered from the ground, it is transported to a refinery to undergo additional processing to produce more refined petroleum products. These goods derived from Petroleum include but are not limited to, certain oil and gas industry products such as gasoline, distillates such as diesel fuel and heating oil, petrochemical feedstocks, jet fuel, waxes, asphalt, and lubricating oils, to name just a few examples. A wide range of petroleum products and their uses are explained below in detail.

Properties of Petroleum

Physical properties of petroleum span various variations, such as its viscosity, density, boiling point, and color. Heavy fractions like asphaltene contain a greater concentration of metals than saturated and aromatic fractions. Light Petroleum may include trace levels of nitrogen and Sulphur, while heavier or extra-heavy crude oil is more likely to have higher nitrogen and Sulphur concentrations.

There are examples of Petroleum in the natural world in all three possible phases: solid, liquid, and gas. Petroleum fluids can be any shade from dark brown to bluish-black or black and may or may not exhibit bloom or fluorescence. In its solid or nearly solid-state, Petroleum is commonly referred to as “pitch” due to its dark color. After the lighter fractions have moved or evaporated, it was thought that these deposits would form. Gaseous petroleum deposits, sometimes including gasoline deposits, are also known as natural gas deposits.

Petroleum contains a wide variety of hydrocarbons, including simpler alkanes and more complex ones like cyclohexenes, aromatic hydrocarbons, and asphaltenes. The building blocks of both petrochemicals and Petroleum are carbon and hydrogen. The chemical properties of petroleum can vary considerably from one another due to the significant number of methods by which the elements above can mix.

Top Petroleum Products and Their Uses

There is a list of oil and gas industry products. Some of these petroleum products and their uses are:

Gasoline

There is no difference between Gasoline and petrol, both refer to the same product. This clear liquid is produced as a byproduct of the fractional distillation process, which is applied to crude oil. Because of its high demand and extensive distribution, its price has been seen to climb and fall over the past many years.

Gasoline can be used in various devices and processes in addition to motor vehicles, compressors, and generators. Three main requirements must be met by gasoline before it can be used in an internal combustion engine. The fire must be able to burn evenly, that it be able to be started quickly in cold weather, and that it complies with all environmental standards.

Jet Fuel

Jet fuel production, which is used in aircraft worldwide, currently consumes around 10% of the crude oil mined worldwide. In the same vein as diesel, it is a blend of hydrocarbons, the precise composition of which differs depending on the source of the Petroleum. Kerosene’s primary purpose as a light source may no longer be as crucial as it once was, but it is still widely used worldwide as a fuel for cooking, as a space heater, and as a fuel for modern jet engines.

Even when exposed to the low temperatures typical of high-altitude flight, jet fuels should maintain their purity and ability to flow freely without any wax particles. The boiling point for jet fuel is -50 degrees Celsius. The fuel must be free of any particles of water that may be suspended in it so that ice does not form inside the fuel system.

Diesel Fuel and Heating Oil

Diesel fuel, sometimes known as diesel oil, is a flammable liquid used to fuel diesel engines. In most cases, it is manufactured using crude oil fractions that have lower volatility compared to those used to manufacture gasoline.

Diesel fuel is a type of fuel that is frequently utilized in internal combustion engines. These engines may be found in vehicles such as cars, trucks, buses, and trains. In addition, it is used in gas turbines and other engines that use external combustion. Diesel has a higher energy and power density than gasoline. Diesel is more potent per unit of volume.

Lubricating Oils

Mineral oils are a type of lubricating oil that is obtained from various mineral sources. They are primarily made up of the distillation of petroleum hydrocarbons, which account for 80–90% of their composition, and they comprise 10–20% additives that affect the characteristics of the oil. Appliances that use this chemical as a source of heat or a coolant, for example, in the kitchen, the automobile, or other places, are highly prevalent. The temperature at which liquefied petroleum gas begins to boil is significantly lower than 25 degrees Celsius.

The viscosity of the lubricating oil is the primary criterion for classifying different types. The needs range from a dense, sticky material used to open gears or wire ropes to a fragile oil required for the high-speed spindles of textile machinery. In the middle of these two extremes is a broad spectrum of items, each with unique qualities. Oils for automobiles make up the most valuable portion of the market’s product offering.

Waxes

Kerosene and paraffin are two terms that are frequently interchanged; nevertheless, paraffin is a more refined and purified form of kerosene. Because of this, it is more suited for usage in the home, where less soot is produced when it is burned.

In addition to its function as a lubricant, paraffin wax has a solid state and a waxy consistency. Most of the time, it is stored in a room with a stable temperature. Paraffin, which has a melting temperature above 370 degrees Celsius, is used to make a wide variety of products, including waxing materials like Sealand and crayons, wax for surfboards and floors, candles, and cosmetics like Vaseline.

Asphalt

Asphalt, which can be either black or brown, is a substance that resembles Petroleum and can either be a sticky liquid or glassy solid in consistency. Mining it from subsurface sources is one option, although it can also be obtained as a byproduct of the processing of Petroleum.

The asphalt used for these applications can take the form of a thin membrane sprayed on and then covered with earth for protection against weathering and mechanical damage. Alternatively, the asphalt can be of a greater thickness and typically include riprap, as is the case with dam facings, canal and reservoir linings, and other harbor and sea constructions (crushed rock). Asphalt is used in various applications, including coatings, floor tiling, roofs, soundproofing, waterproofing, and other aspects of building construction, in addition to several industrial products, such as batteries. An asphaltic emulsion is made by suspending tiny globules of asphalt in water, and this emulsion is subsequently put to use for various applications. The following table lists most of the products produced by the petroleum industry:

Oil and Gas Industry Products
TelephonesCamerasBandagesHair CurlersDrinking CupsAmmoniaGasoline
SolventsDiesel fuelMotor OilBearing GreaseHeart ValvesCrayonsParachutes
InkFloor WaxBallpoint PensFootball CleatsEnamelPillowsDishes
UpholsterySweatersBoatsInsecticidesAnestheticsArtificial TurfArtificial limbs
Bicycle TiresSports Car BodiesNail PolishFishing luresDenturesModel CarsFolding Doors
DressesTiresGolf BagsPerfumesCold creamMovie filmContact lenses
CassettesDishwasher partsTool BoxesShoe PolishFan BeltsCar EnamelShaving Cream
Motorcycle HelmetCaulkingPetroleum JellyTransparent TapeRefrigeratorsGolf BallsToothpaste
FootballsDetergentsTentsHouse PaintSurf BoardsShower CurtainsSafety Glasses
CD PlayerFaucet WashersAntisepticsClotheslineClothesToothbrushesIce Chests
CurtainsFood PreservativesBasketballsSoapCombsCD’s & DVD’sPaint Brushes
Vitamin CapsulesAntihistaminesPursesShoesVaporizersBalloonsSun Glasses
DashboardsCortisoneDeodorantShoelace AgletsNylon RopeCandlesTrash Bags
PuttyDyesPanty HoseRefrigerantWater PipesHand LotionRoller Skates
PercolatorsLife JacketsRubbing AlcoholLiningsShampooWheelsPaint Rollers
SkisTV CabinetsShag RugsElectrician’s TapeGuitar StringsLuggageAspirin
Tool RacksCar Battery CasesEpoxyPaintAntifreezeFootball HelmetsAwnings
MopsSlacksInsect RepellentOil FiltersDenture AdhesiveLinoleumIce Cube Trays
UmbrellasYarnFertilizersHair ColoringSpeakersPlastic WoodElectric Blankets
RoofingToilet SeatsFishing RodsLipstickTennis RacketsRubber CementFishing Boots
EyeglassesSynthetic RubberGlycerinDice   
Table 1: Products Made from Petroleum

Indirect products obtained from Petroleum

CDs and DVDs

The creation of CDs and DVDs involves the utilization of polycarbonate plastics, which are generated from Petroleum. When compact discs were first manufactured, lubricants made from Petroleum were necessary to ensure that the discs could spin freely.

Chewing Gum

Petroleum wax is used as the starting material in the production of chewing gum. This medication is permitted by the FDA, provided that particular UV absorbance constraints are satisfied. The same paraffin wax coating minimizes foaming while preparing cheese, fresh vegetables, and chicken nuggets. Also, some over-the-counter medications for gas relief contain paraffin wax.

Aspirin

Without the use of Petroleum, one of the world’s most widely prescribed medicines could not be produced. Benzene, a hydrocarbon derived from Petroleum, is utilized to treat pain and inflammation.

Clothing

You probably have quite a few pieces of polyester clothes, even if you strive to wear solely wool or cotton. Sixty percent of the world’s clothes are made from polyester, a synthetic fabric derived from petroleum. We can recycle cotton garments, but polyester garments cannot be recycled in this manner.

Dentures

Dentures can be constructed using various components, such as acrylic resin, a hydrocarbon petroleum product, porcelain, metal, nylon, and even nylon fibers. The hue of this acrylic resin can alter to make it appear more like gum by mimicking its texture. Since oil is also an ingredient in toothpaste, consuming it might contribute to the upkeep of healthy teeth. The widespread use of poloxamer 407, derived from Petroleum, facilitates the dissolution of oil-based compounds in water.

Lipstick

It’s possible to make lipstick and other cosmetics out of paraffin wax, a synthetic wax also frequently used to produce chewing gum and scented candles.

Shampoo

A cosmetic spray called dry shampoo, also known as liquified petroleum gas is applied to wash and air-dried hair freshly. Propane and butane are the two components that makeup liquefied petroleum gas, also known by their acronym LPG. Keep in mind, as well, that the refining of oil results in the production of petrochemicals, which are then employed in the manufacturing process of the plastic shampoo bottle. This cycle includes items such as plastic water bottles and other everyday plastics.

Fig. 1 below shows a comprehensive list of products made from the oil and gas industry.

List of Oil and Gas Industry Products
Fig. 1: List of Oil and Gas Industry Products

Conclusion

Tar (or oil) sands on the earth’s surface and underground pools or basins in the microscopic cracks and fissures inside sedimentary rocks contain crude oil and other hydrocarbons in liquid or gaseous form. Petrol is the term used to describe fuels refined from crude oil and gas’s naturally occurring hydrocarbons.

The manufacture of petrochemicals can also use coal, natural gas, and biomass. Density, viscosity, and boiling point variations are the most frequently cited examples of the physical properties of petroleum. The oil and gas industry products include gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, heating oil, diesel fuel, asphalt, road oil, and feedstocks. These petroleum products and their uses include manufacturing the chemicals, polymers, and synthetic materials that are included in virtually every product we use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which product derived from Petroleum has been used the most frequently daily?

Gasoline use in the United States is far higher than any other petroleum product. In 2021, the United States used around 8.8 million barrels per day, or 369 million gallons per day, of finished motor gasoline, which accounted for approximately 44% of the country’s overall consumption of Petroleum.

Do you know how to characterize the chemical properties of Petroleum?

The primary components of Petroleum are hydrogen and carbon; however, it also contains minute amounts of other elements, such as oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and various metals, such as vanadium, cobalt, and nickel. Alkanes (also known as paraffin), naphthenes, aromatics, and hetero compounds are a few examples of the most common organic molecules.

How many products can you think of related to the oil industry?

There are around 6,000 everyday oil and gas industry products, including dishwasher detergent, solar panels, food preservatives, eyeglasses, DVDs, children’s toys, tires, and heart valves, to name just a few examples.

What are Steam Valves? Their Types, Applications, and Specifications

Written by Anup Kumar Dey in Piping Design Basics

A steam valve is a specific type of valve that is used to control the flow and/ or pressure level of steam and hot water vapor. Steam valves are used in piping systems carrying hot water vapor or steam. Steam is widely used in various industrial applications. Typical examples of steam applications include power plant steam turbines to generate electrical power, food industries, chemical, and other product processing. Further, steam is also used for heating, humidification, and cleaning services. So, the flow and pressure for all such applications must be controlled for better efficiency. Here, comes the importance of steam valves. Proper control over steam and water vapor is achieved by the use of steam valves in systems.

Functions of Steam Valves

As already mentioned, steam valves serve as control valves in the steam piping network. So, it majorly performs any of the below-mentioned three functions:

  • Controlling or reducing steam pressure from inlet to application. Lower steam pressure is synonymous with improved plant safety.
  • Controlling temperature
  • Flow control or regulation.

Types of Steam Valves

There are various types of valves for steam services. As steam is usually used as high-temperature and pressure media, some specific service conditions must be met for steam valves. The common types of industrial steam valves are discussed below.

Ball Valves as Steam Valves

Ball valves are popular as industrial steam valves as they provide tight shut-off, predictable control, and long service life. In this type of steam control valve, a rotary ball having a bore controls the steam flow. The ball can rotate 90 degrees around its axis. Depending on the design of the regulating element, steam ball valves have a range of uses. However, the controlling accuracy of steam ball valves is limited.

Globe valves as Industrial Steam Valves

Globe valves with rounded bodies are also suitable for steam services. Steam globe valves are linear motion valves. For regulating the steam flow in both on/off and throttling services, globe valves provide wide applications. Globe valves as steam valves are popular because of their precise throttling and control, along with high-pressure limits.

Butterfly Valves as Steam valves

Butterfly valves have a disk to control the steam flow. These types of steam valves are used as throttling valves. They Butterfly valves consist of a rotary stem having 90 degrees or less movement within a compact design.

Types of Steam Valves
Types of Steam Valves

Angle valves as Steam valves

Angle steam valves are linear actuated valves that provide an excellent flow rate with minimal pressure loss. They are basically pneumatically actuated piston valves that can regulate the steam flow at high temperatures. Steam angle valves have a long service life.

Gate/ Knife Valves for Steam services

Using a flat closure element that slides into the flow stream to provide shut-off, Gate or Knife valves are also used in steam services. In general, there are two types of steam gate valves: parallel and wedge-shaped. Parallel gate valves consist of a flat disc gate between upstream and downstream parallel seats. Knife valves have a sharp edge on the bottom of the gate.

Diaphragm Valves as Steam Valves

Diaphragm valves use a ‘pinching’ method to stop the steam flow through the valve using a flexible diaphragm. The main advantage of using diaphragm steam valves is that the valve components can easily be isolated from the fluid.

3-way Steam Valve

A 3-way steam valve is used in situations when three pipes are required to be connected in a single valve. 3-Way steam valves can have different types of configurations like 1 inlet and 2 outlets, Two inlets and one outlet, Port 1 to port 2 with the flow and port 3 isolated, Port 1 to port 3 flow with port 2 isolated, etc. The type of 3-way steam valve configuration is decided based on the actual application needs.

Non-return Steam valves

This type of valve allows the flow of steam only in one direction. Known as check valves for steam, these valves have one inlet and one outlet port. They prevent steam backflow into the system.

Pressure Release Valves for Steams

Steam systems can have pressure-release valves as well. To prevent excessive pressure built-up in the system, stream pressure release valves are proven to be highly effective. By releasing the excess pressure these types of steam valves safeguard the system from damage.

Steam Solenoid Valves

Electrically controlled steam solenoid valves can be designed to be either linear or rotary type. Consisting of a solenoid, an electric coil, and a plunger, solenoid steam valves use magnetic fields for their operation. Steam solenoid valves are fast-acting and costly.

Steam Valve Specifications

A lot of different parameters must be considered for specifying a steam valve. Some of the common factors for steam valve specification are:

  • Environment,
  • Design pressure,
  • Design temperature,
  • Connection,
  • Flow rate
  • Type of steam valve,
  • Type of actuation,
  • Valve materials,
  • Body size of the valve
  • Connection requirement
  • Nominal pressure rating
  • Noise level
  • Pressure drop
  • Leakage and isolation requirements
  • Turndown
  • Rangeability
  • Flow requirements, etc

A range of materials like aluminum, brass, bronze, cast iron, copper, steel, and stainless steel are used to produce industrial steam valves. The actuation mechanism of steam valves uses common valve actuation methods like mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, or thermal actuation.

Sizing of Steam Control Valves

The sizing of steam control valves is a highly complex matter. Various parameters must be taken into account while sizing control valves for steam services. Some of these parameters that decide the size of a steam control valve are:

  • Pressure and Temperature.
  • Type of Steam
  • Rate of Steam Flow
  • Valve outlet velocity
  • Noise
  • Erosion effect
  • Pressure drop (upstream and downstream steam pressure)
  • Types of Valve

Applications of Steam Valves

Steam valves are used in all industries using steam in their operation. Common industries where steam valves are widely used are:

Processing Industries: Food processing factories, refineries, chemical, and petrochemical plants. Saturated steam is used as the heating source in various process equipment like heat exchangers, reboilers, combustion air preheaters, reactors, and other types of heat transfer equipment.

Cleaning Industries: Steam has the capability to clean a broad range of surfaces. So, steam valves are found to control high-temperature steam to sterilize food preparation equipment. For removing grease and dirt from industrial equipment during maintenance and paint preparation, steam is used which calls for steam valves for proper control.

Power Plants: The energy to drive the turbines are provided by the steam. So, various gas, coal, nuclear and certain solar plants use a number of steam valves in their network to handle superheated and saturated steam.

Atomization Industries: Steam is also used to atomize a liquid for the purpose of separating liquids. So, steam valves are used in such industries.

Moisturization Industries: Steam can add water to a process alongside providing heat energy.

Heating Plants: Many large commercial and industrial facilities use steam valves for regulating low-pressure saturated steam as the predominant heat source for indoor heating.

What is Hydro Jetting?

Written by Anup Kumar Dey in Maintenance

Hydro jetting is one of the widely employed methods to clean piping, tubing, and plumbing blockages using a jet of high-velocity water. So, hydro jetting is basically a maintenance and pre-commissioning activity. Even though this process can be applied in piping systems, the majority of hydro jetting services are applied in plumbing services. Before start-up, the piping systems must be cleaned thoroughly to take the first input through the pipes. Also, after prolonged working, there may be an accumulation of scaling, clogs, and various other contaminants which must be removed to get proper working and efficiency. In such scenarios, hydro jetting services prove to be very effective. In this article, we will learn about hydro jetting in detail.

What is Hydro-jetting?

Hydro jetting is a non-invasive power-washing process by which pipes are cleaned from clogs, debris buildup, grease, scales, coating material, dirt, chemical contamination, oil, marine growth, etc using a pressurized water jet. The intense force of the high-velocity pressurized water (high and ultra-high pressure) cleans the contamination effectively. The hydro jetting process can even easily clean the areas which are not easily accessible. The process is also known as high-pressure water jetting.

A hydro jet system usually consists of a pressure pump, jet nozzle, hose, wastewater handling equipment, work area enclosure, and other accessories to help in the cleaning process. The pressure for the hydro jetting process may vary from 4,000 psi to 60,000 psi depending on the application and cleaning requirement. Other parameters on which the effectiveness of the hydro jetting process depends are:

  • Water Flow rate
  • Water velocity through the jet
  • Shape and type of jet nozzle
  • Direction of flow
  • Operating pressure

Types of Hydrojet Nozzles

Hydro-jetting nozzles are made of various materials and design configurations to suit a range of applications. Some of the common types of hydro-jet nozzles used in hydro jetting services are listed below:

  • Flat jet nozzles, having a wide, slot-shaped hole to create a triangular, fan-shaped water jet spray pattern.
  • Pointed jet nozzles, having a round hole for creating a precise and focused water jet. These types of hydro jet nozzles have a higher impact than flat nozzles.
  • Rotating nozzles, having a rotating portion that has the ability to spray straight as well as to the sides.

Each of the above nozzle types has several variations to suit specific needs.

Hydrojet Nozzle Materials

The water quality and operating pressure greatly impact the working life of each nozzle. So, the selected material must be strong enough to withstand the pressure. Even though there is a range of materials that are used as Hydrojet nozzle materials, there are three materials that are most common. Those are:

  • Carbide nozzles: Usually used for dirty, unfiltered water for operating pressures below 20,000 psi (140 MPa).
  • Steel nozzles: Used when water passes through 25 microns or finer filters with operating pressure below 20,000 psi (140 MPa).
  • Sapphire nozzles: Sapphire nozzles are suitable for very high-pressure (above 140 MPa or 20,000 psi) services.
  • When a nozzle wears out, the effectiveness and quality of hydro jetting reduce.

Applications for Hydro Jetting

Hydro jetting services are used almost in every industry wherever cleaning and descaling are required. Some of the common uses of hydro-jetting for cleaning various items are listed below:

Requirement of Hydro Jetting

The hydro-jetting services are generally employed when the main line is severely blocked by scales, mineral build-up, debris, etc. All these contaminants impact the flow through the system reducing the system’s effectiveness and efficiency. In such a scenario, hydro jetting service is employed to restore the system efficiency back. The high-pressure water pumping into the system clears the pipes which restores the effectiveness.

Prior to using the hydro jetting process, the system must be inspected thoroughly. Depending on the cleaning requirements the hydro jetting service usually lasts from 30 mins to 90 mins.

Advantages of Hydro-Jetting

The hydro jetting process as a cleaning service provides a lot of advantages as listed below:

  • Highly effective process.
  • The process is eco-friendly.
  • The hydro-jetting process is applicable for domestic as well as commercial purposes.
  • No chemical is used.
  • A safe process with very little risk.
  • Non-invasive procedure.
  • Subsequent further cleaning is usually not required.
  • Reliable cleaning also in difficult-to-access areas.

Cost of Hydro-Jetting

The cost of hydro-jetting services varies from region to region. For hydro-jetting of domestic plumbing systems, the cost varies from $300 to $800. For industrial cleaning of complex piping and equipment, the cost is usually more and can range up to $2000 depending on the exact cleaning requirements.

Meaning of LO and LC in Valves

Written by Anup Kumar Dey in Instrumentation

While dealing with valves, you must have come across the abbreviations LO and LC. In valve terminologies, LO stands for Locked open and LC is an abbreviation of Locked Closed. Both LO and LC can imply various types of valves like Ball Valves, Butterfly Valves, Globe Valves, or others depending on the application. In this article, we will learn the meaning of LO and LC with respect to valves.

The use of the terms LO and LC in valves are often correlated with the health of the system. It ensures the valve works during normal operation. The requirements of LO and LC during the design phase are essential in maintaining the safety and integrity of the system.

Control valves are generally specified to add a locking arrangement as part of the vendor supply. It can be cleat located on the valve body or a plate by drilling a hole in the valve. Process P&IDs must identify such requirements (Refer to Fig. 1) specified in the documentation by mentioning the terms LO and LC as applicable. This locked open and locked closed method ensures there will not be accidental valve operation that enhances system safety. Only the designated responsible professionals can change the valve function from open to close or vice versa.

LO and LC designation in P&ID
Fig. 1: LO and LC designation in P&ID

Refer to the above figure which shows how the LO and LC valve arrangements are specified in a P&ID. In the above image, it shows as out of two PSVs, the inlet valve of one PSV is kept in LO condition and the other is kept in LC condition. Both the valves in the PSV outlet line are kept in LO condition. In a similar way, LC and LO valve arrangements will be specifically designated in the P&ID drawing.

Locked Open (LO) Valves

Locked open valves are a type of isolation valve. A typical example of a locked open valve can be a pressure safety valve mounted on a pressure vessel. The locked open arrangement in this PSV will ensure the release of pressure during an overpressure event, thereby protecting the equipment. Accidental closing can be detrimental in such a scenario and this is because the locked open valve arrangement is usually established to keep the valves in open position throughout the normal operation.

Locked Closed (LC) Valves

A locked closed valve arrangement is chosen when the valve is to be kept in the closed position during normal working conditions. A typical example of a Locked Closed (LC) valve could be the closed drain system for maintenance. Throughout normal operating conditions, the entry of hydrocarbon must be avoided and this is because a locked closed valve arrangement should be chosen.

Note that, the locked open or closed status must be properly registered in the appropriate log. Also, the LO and LC status should be audited to ensure the proper working arrangement. To change any status for LO to LC or vice versa, a proper permit-to-work system must be followed.

The locking philosophy usually consists of an integral lock with a key arrangement. The keys are generally kept in the control room and only the authorized person can have the access to those keys. Sometimes, the valve with locked open or locked closed operation is performed in a sequential manner. A typical example is the PIG launcher and receiver where the sequence locking procedure is applied. The Pig launcher and receiver system have a number of valves and a separate designated key is assigned for all those valves.

What is Smart Plant Review (SPR) or Smart Review? Its Functions and Advantages

Written by Anup Kumar Dey in Piping Design Basics

Intergraph Smart Plant Review or Smart Review is a popular 3D visualization tool. This tool is extensively used by design, visualization engineering, construction, and animation specialist to review designs and use the 3D model as a graphical interface to access project data linked to the model. With its simple interface and useful tools, Smart plant review makes the viewing experience better and more engaging. Similar to Navisworks, Smart plant review helps users to view their design in 3D much before the construction of the actual plant starts.

Originally developed by Intergraph, Smart Plant review is now owned by Hexagon. The software is also popularly known as Intergraph’s smart review or SPR. As a reviewing software package, Smart plant review provides value throughout the entire plant lifecycle starting from the initial design phase. Various engineering activities like HAZOP reviews, Model reviews, accessibility studies, retrofits, upgrades, etc make use of Smart plant review software extensively. The software can easily load projects of any size by using Smart Review’s unique object-streaming technology. Smart plant review can help users to access even finer details like pipe material, exact support types, measuring dimensions, etc.

Advantages of Smart Plant Review

SmartPlant review is a fast, efficient, and powerful tool for approaching plant design from an expert perspective. As a 3D design review aid, smart plant review provides a multitude of benefits as listed below:

  • It made design reviews simpler by providing touch supported tablet mode option to users.
  • The productivity and performance are significantly improved by viewing each element in 3-dimensions during the initial design.
  • The smart review provides seamless connectivity to various other tools like Intergraph Smart 3D, SmartPlant Foundation, etc, and gives up-to-date information.
  • The models are portable which makes the handover smooth and flawless.
  • The SPR models support AR/VR devices for improved performance. It also helps to export to various external formats.
  • The display quality of the SPR models has significantly increased by adding photorealistic effects.
  • The productivity and discoverability are improved because of the navigation for touch and clicks.
  • SmartPlant Review adds connectivity to different third-party software.

Functions of Smart Plant Review

Intergraph Smart Plant Review software is a powerful, interactive, and versatile visualization tool that gives life to the 3D model. One can easily simulate the placement or removal of equipment, piping, or structures to review physical clearances. The SPR software package also allows users to perform motion studies and develop different complex motion scenarios. The construction process can be visually simulated when the SPR module is used in conjunction with the Construction Module.

The main functions of Intergraph’s smart plant review are:

  • Monitoring of the project design and execution.
  • Reviewing technical solutions in 3D models to detect clashes and resolve errors.
  • Item verification with respect to technical specifications.
  • Tracking of work progress by visualizing each stage of design and construction.
  • The ability of remote collective viewing by providing shared access.
  • Creation of a photorealistic presentation to discuss optimization and solutions.
  • Annotation of project documents.

To extend the functionality smart plant review has various modules as listed below:

  • The creation of superstructures in smart plant review is achieved by its open program interface API module. The API module of SPR includes all the required programming libraries for developers to create programs on Smart Review.
  • The collaboration module enables multiple users from different locations to jointly review and interrogate the 3D model at the same time.
  • The construction module of SPR is used to simulate the construction process.
  • The photo-realism module of smart review has the ability to convert still images to a new level of quality which helps in the creation of powerful presentation materials.
  • Its on-site Drawing Generation Module creates fast and intelligent two-dimensional drawings with hidden line display capability.
  • The Point Cloud Integrator Module of Smart plant review provides the capability to display three-dimensional laser scanning point cloud data with the plant model for using the data during design reviews. This helps in lowering the effort, time, and cost of process plant retrofit engineering and construction projects.
  • The publisher module converts the CAD formats into compatible Smartplant review formats.

Intergraph Freeview

Similar to Navisworks freedom, Hexagon also provides a free viewer known as Intergraph FreeView. It supports .VUE files that can be viewed and navigated. The easy-to-use, motion controls of the Freeview software package allows user to walk through the complex 3D environment.

References and Further Studies

To know more about Smart Plant Review and get help you can refer to the following