Mechanical Design
Mechanical Design
Mechanical Design
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Control of the design, engineering, procurement, and construction activities on the project will be
completed in accordance with various predetermined standard practices and project specific
programs/practices. An orderly sequence of events for the implementation of the project is planned
consisting of the following major activities:
• Conceptual design;
• Detailed design;
• Procurement;
• Project completion.
The purpose of this appendix is to summarize the codes and standards and standard design criteria and
practices that will be used during the project. The general mechanical design criteria defined herein form
the basis of the design for the mechanical components and systems of the project. More specific design
information is developed during detailed design to support equipment and erection specifications. It is
not the intent of this appendix to present the detailed design information for each component and system,
but rather to summarize the codes, standards, and general criteria that will be used.
Section 2 summarizes the applicable codes and standards and Section 3 includes the general design
criteria for piping, valves, insulation, lagging, and freeze protection.
The design and specification of all work shall be in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations of
the federal government, the State of California, and the applicable local codes and ordinances. A
summary of the codes and industry standards to be used in design and construction is listed below.
• ASME - American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code:
• HI - Hydraulic Institute
- ASTM A53-Standard Specification for Pipe, Steel Black and Hot-Dipped Zinc-Coated Welded and
Seamless
- ASTM A105-Standard Specification for Forgings, Carbon Steel for Piping Components
- ASTM A106 Standard Specification for Seamless Carbon Steel Pipe for High Temperature Service
- ASTM A159 Standard Specification for EFW Steel Pipe (size 4' and over)
- ASTM A126 Standard Specification for Gray Iron Castings for Valves, Flanges, and Pipe Fittings
- ASTM A182-Standard Specification for Forged or Rolled Alloy Steel Pipe Flanges/Forged Fitting
and Valves and Parts for High-Temperature Service
- ASTM A194-Standard Specifications for Carbon and Alloy Steel Nuts for Bolts for High-Pressure
and High-Temperature Service
- ASTM A213-Standard Specification for Seamless Ferritic and Austenitic Alloy Steel Boiler,
Superheater, and Heat-Exchanger Tubes
- ASTM A216-Standard Specifications for Steel Castings, Carbon, Suitable for Fusion Welding, for
High-Temperature Service
- ASTM A217-Standard Specification for Steel Castings, Martenistic Stainless and Alloy for
Pressure Containing Parts, Suitable for High-Temperature Service
- ASTM A234-Standard Specification for Piping Fittings of Wrought Carbon Steel and Alloy Steel
for Moderate and Elevated Temperatures
- ASTM A307-Standard Specifications for Carbon Steel Bolts and Studs, 60,000 psi, Tensile
Strength
- ASTM A312-Standard Specification for Seamless and Welded Austenitic Stainless Steel Pipes
- ASTM A335-Standard Specification for Seamless Ferritic Alloy-Steel Pipe for High-Temperature
Service
- ASTM A351-Standard Specification for Steel Castings, Austenitic, for High Temperature Service
- ASTM A387-Standard Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Alloy Steel Chromium-
Molybdenum
- ASTM A403-Standard Specification for Wrought Austenitic Stainless Steel Piping Fittings
- ASTM A490-Specification for Heat-Treated, Steel Structural Bolts, 150 ksi Tensile Strength
- ASTM B111-Specification for Copper and Copper-Alloy Seamless Condenser Tubes and Ferrule
Stock
- ASTM B209-Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate
- ASTM C533-Specification for Calcium Silicate Block and Pipe Thermal Insulation
- ASTM C612-Specification for Mineral Fiber Block and Board Thermal Insulation
- ASTM D1785-Standard Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe, Schedules 40,
80 and 120
- ASTM D2241-Standard Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Pressure-Rated Pipe (SDR
Series)
- ASTM D3350-Standard Specification for Polyethylene Plastic Pipe and Fittings Materials
- ASTM F441-Specification for Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Plastic Pipe,
Schedules 40 and 80
- ANSI B1.1 - Unified Inch Screw Threads (UN and UNR thread form)
- ANSI B18.2.1 - Square and Hex Bolts and Screws, Inch Series
- ASME Section IX - Qualification Standard for Welding and Brazing Procedures, Welders, Brazers,
and Welding and Brazing Operators
- ASME PTC-22 - Power Test Code for Gas Turbine Power Plants
- ASME B16.1 - Cast Iron Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings, Class 25, 125, 250, and 800 lb.
- ASME B16.3 - Malleable Iron Threaded Fitting, Class 150 and 300
- ASME B16.5 - Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings, Steel Nickel Alloy and Other Special Alloys
- ASME B16.20 - Metallic Gaskets for Pipe Flanges - Ring Joint, Spiral Wound & Jacketed
- ASME B16.24 - Bronze Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings, Class 150 and 300 lb.
- ASME B16.28 - Wrought Steel Buttwelding Short Radius Elbows and Returns
- ANSI B73.1 - Specifications for Horizontal End Suction Centrifugal Pumps for Chemical Process
- MSS-SP 55 - Quality Standard for Steel Castings for Valves, Flanges, Fittings and Other Piping
Components -Visual Method
- SSPC-SP8 - Pickling
- NFPA 26, Supervision of Valves Controlling Water Supplies for Fire Protection
• UL – Underwriter’s Laboratory
Other recognized standards will be used as required to serve as design, fabrication, and construction
guidelines when not in conflict with the above listed standards.
The codes and industry standards used for design, fabrication, and construction will be the codes and
industry standards, including all addenda, in effect as stated in equipment and construction purchase or
contract documents.
3.1 PIPING
Piping will be designed, selected, and fabricated in accordance with the following criteria:
The design pressure and temperature for piping shall be consistent with conditions established for the
design of the associated system.
• The set pressure of a relief valve installed on equipment that is connected to the line, adjusted
accordingly to account for static head and friction loss
• If the system has no PSV or can be isolated from a PSV, the maximum pressure upstream equipment
can generate (i.e., pump shutoff pressure)
• The maximum sustained pressure that may act on the system plus 25 psi
The main and process steam piping design pressures shall be in accordance with applicable codes. All
design pressure values shall be rounded up to the next 5-psig increment.
• The maximum sustained temperature which may act on the system plus 25°F
If a heat exchanger of piece of equipment in which heat is being removed can be taken out of service or
bypassed, then the line downstream of that equipment should be designed for the resulting higher
temperature.
Piping will be designed in accordance with the requirements of the Code for Pressure Piping, ASME
B31.1-Power Piping, and other codes and standards referenced in Section 2, Codes and Standards. Pipe
stress analysis will be performed in accordance with ASME B31.1. All pipe supports will be suitable to
restrain the piping where subjected to external loads as stipulated by the California Building Code -
Seismic and Wind Load Criteria. Vents and drains will be provided, as service requires.
Material selection will generally be based on the design temperature and service conditions in accordance
with the following:
• Carbon steel piping materials will be specified for design temperatures up to and including 800°F.
• One and one-quarter percent chromium alloy steel piping materials will be specified for design
temperatures ranging from 805°F to 900°F. 2-1/4 percent chromium alloy steel piping will be
specified for design temperatures ranging from 905°F to 1100°F.
• Scale free piping materials such as cleaned carbon steel, stainless steel or non-metallic will be used as
follows:
- Piping applications requiring a high degree of cleanliness generally including injection water
supply piping after strainers, air compressor inlet piping, miscellaneous lubricating oil system
piping, and sampling piping after process isolation valves.
- Lubricating oil piping; carbon steel piping shall be pickled and stainless steel piping shall be
swabbed.
- Fiberglass reinforced plastic piping materials will be used only in applications requiring
corrosion-resistant materials.
The above listed materials, or other suitable piping materials listed in Section 3.1, Piping, will be used
where required for special service to meet specific requirements.
Piping materials will be in accordance with applicable ASTM, and ASME standards. Materials to be
incorporated in permanent systems will be new, unused, and undamaged. Piping materials will be in
accordance with the following criteria:
• Steel and Iron Pipe. Carbon steel piping 3-inch nominal size and smaller will be ASTM A53 or
A106, Grade B, SCH 80 minimum.
• Carbon steel piping 3-inch through 24-inch nominal size will be ASTM A53 Grade B seamless
(welded seam pipe shall be used for low pressure air and water) or A106 Grade B, with the indicated
grades as a minimum. Carbon steel piping larger than 24-inch nominal size will be ASTM A672 or
API 5L Grade B or ASTM A139 Grade B.
• Low chrome alloy pipe shall be in accordance with ASTM A335 Grades P5, P11, P22 or P91 seamless
or welded.
• Stainless steel pipe will be ASTM A312 Grades TP304, TP304L, TP316, or TP 316L seamless or
welded. All stainless steel piping materials will be fully solution annealed prior to fabrication. The
Type 316 materials will be utilized for high resistance to corrosion. The Type 30 and 316L materials
will be utilized for applications requiring hot working (welding, etc.) and for additional corrosion
resistance at welds.
• Schedule numbers, sizes, and dimensions of all carbon steel and alloy steel pipe will conform to ASME
B36.10M. Sizes and dimensions of stainless steel pipe designated as Schedule 5S, 10S, 40S, or 80S will
conform to ASME B36.19M. Schedule numbers, sizes, and dimensions of stainless steel pipe not
covered by ASME B36.19M will conform to ASME B36.10.
• Alloy Steel Pipe. Steel piping for acid service shall be Alloy 20.
• Galvanized Steel Pipe. Galvanized carbon steel piping will be ASTM A53 Grade B. The piping will be
hot-dip galvanized.
• The use of galvanized steel pipe will be limited to systems where a degree of corrosion resistance is
required or where codes require the use of galvanized steel pipe rather than black steel pipe.
• Underground piping materials will be non-metallic, ductile iron or cathodically protected carbon steel
(see 3.1.7). The material selection will be in accordance with service requirements. Metallic
underground piping will be wrapped in accordance with American Water Works Association (AWWA)
standards.
• Polypropylene Lined Pipe. Polypropylene lined pipe will be ASTM A53 steel pipe with an applied liner
of polypropylene.
• Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic Pipe. Fiberglass reinforced plastic pipe will be selected accordance with
the specific service requirements.
• Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe will conform to ASTM D1785 or ASTM
D2241.
• Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe. Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) pipe will conform to
ASTM F441.
• High Density Polyethylene Pipe. High-density polyethylene pipe will conform to ASTM D3350 with a
Plastic Pipe Institute rating of PE 3406 or 3408.
• Copper Tubing. Copper tubing 3/8 inch and smaller will be light drawn temper tubing conforming to
ASTM B75. Copper tubing, 1/2 inch and larger, will be ASTM B88 Type K drawn temper.
• Stainless steel tubing will conform to ASTM A213, Type 316. All stainless steel tubing will be of
the fully annealed type, with a carbon content greater than 0.04 percent.
• Tubing Wall Thickness. Wall thickness for tubing will be as required for specific design pressure and
temperature conditions.
Fittings will be constructed of materials equivalent to the pipe with which they are used, except for
special cases such as lined steel pipe.
• Steel Fittings. Steel fittings 2 ½ inches and larger will be of the butt welding type and steel fittings
2 inches and smaller will be of the socket welding type, except galvanized steel fittings will be
threaded.
• Butt Welding Fittings. The wall thickness of butt welding fittings will be equal to the pipe wall
thickness with which they are used. The fittings will be manufactured in accordance with ASME
B16.9. ASME B16.28, and ASTM A234 or ASTM A403.
• Forged Steel Fittings. Forged steel fittings will be used for socket weld and steel threaded
connections and will conform to ASME B16.11.
• Cast Steel Flanged Fittings. Cast carbon steel flanged fittings will conform to ASME B16.5 and will
be of materials conforming to ASTM A216 WCB.
• Flange Selection:
- Flanges mating with flanges on piping, valves, and equipment will be of sizes, drilling, and
facings which match the connecting flanges of the piping, valves, and equipment.
- Flange class ratings will be adequate to meet the design pressure and temperature values specified
for the piping with which they are used.
- Flanges will be constructed of materials equivalent to the pipe with which they are used.
• Steel Flanges:
- Chromium alloy steel and stainless steel flanges will be forged in accordance with ASTM A182.
• Brass and Bronze Flanges. Brass and bronze screwed companion flanges will be plain faced and will
conform to Class 150 or Class 300 classifications of ASME B16.24. Drilling will be in accordance with
ANSI Class 125 or Class 250 standards. Gaskets will be suitable for the design pressures and
temperatures.
• Compressed Fiber Gaskets. Compressed fiber gaskets will be in accordance with ANSI B16.21, and
materials will be suitable for a maximum working pressure of 600 psig and a maximum working
temperature of 750°F. Compressed fiber gaskets will be used with flat face flanges and raised face
slip-on flanges.
• Spiral Wound Gaskets. Spiral wound gaskets will be constructed of a continuous stainless steel
ribbon wound into a spiral with non-asbestos filler between adjacent coils. Spiral wound gaskets
shall be in accordance with ASME B16.20. Spiral wound gaskets will be used with raised face
flanges, except for raised face slip-on flanges.
Where required, underground piping steel will be cathodically protected from above-ground piping and
other steel components.
Piping fabrication will generally be in accordance with the requirements of the Piping Fabrication
Institute (PFI).
Welding procedures, welders, and welding operators will be qualified in accordance with ASME Section
IX code requirements.
Backing rings will not be allowed for shop or field welds except where specifically permitted.
Inspection and testing of piping will be performed in accordance with the requirements of ASME B31.1.
Nondestructive examination will generally include visual, radiographic, magnetic particle and liquid
penetrant, and ultrasonic examinations.
• Visual examination of welds will be performed by personnel qualified and certified in accordance
with AWS QCI, Standard for Qualification and Certification of Welding Inspectors.
• Magnetic particle, ultrasonic and liquid penetrant examination will be performed as required by
ASME B31.1 Code.
The term "pipe supports" includes all assemblies such as hangers, floorstands, anchors, guides, brackets,
sway braces, vibration dampeners, positioners, and any supplementary steel required for pipe supports.
All support materials, design, and construction will be in accordance with the latest applicable provisions
of the Power Piping Code, ASME B31.1. Seismic design of piping systems will be in accordance with
criteria as stipulated by the California Building Code.
3.2 VALVES
Valve pressure classes, sizes, types, body materials, and end preparations will generally be as described
herein. Special features and special application valves will be utilized where required.
Steel body gate, globe, angle, and check valves will be designed and constructed in accordance with
ASME B16.34 as applicable.
Iron body gate, globe and check valves will have iron bodies and will be bronze mounted. The
face-to-face dimensions will be in accordance with ASME B16.10.
Rubber-seated butterfly valves will be generally constructed in accordance with AWWA C504 Standard
for Rubber-Seated Butterfly Valves. The valves will also generally conform to the requirements of MSS
Standard Practice SP-67, Butterfly Valves.
Isolation valves will be provided in 2-inch and smaller branch lines from main piping headers and
equipment.
The insulation and lagging to be applied to piping, equipment, and ductwork for the purposes of reducing
heat loss, and personnel protection will be in accordance with the following criteria:
Insulation materials will be inhibited and of a low halogen content so that the insulation meets the
requirements of ASTM C795 and ASTM C929 regarding stress-corrosion cracking of austenitic stainless
steel. Insulation materials will contain no asbestos.
All piping operating above 140°F will be insulated in areas required for personal protection. All piping
will be insulated as required for energy conservation, prevention of condensation and noise attenuation.
Equipment and ductwork operating at elevated temperatures will be insulated with calcium silicate or
mineral fiber insulation.
All insulated surfaces of equipment, ductwork, piping, and valves will be lagged, except where removable
covers are used.
All above ground piping smaller than 2-inch nominal diameter and subject to freezing will be insulated
and provided with electrical heat tracing. In addition, all piping will be evaluated for freeze protection by
the following methods: Insulation, electrical heat tracing, low point drains, high point vents and schedule
80 piping.
3.4 PUMPS
Vertical shaft pumps will generally be arranged to work with the pump casing submerged in a sump or
tank. The suction branch will be arranged vertically downward and, if required for the service conditions,
will be fitted with a strainer. The discharged piping and nonreturn valve will be arranged to facilitate
withdrawing the complete shaft and pump casing as a unit by splitting a pipe joint above floor level.
Strainers (startup or permanent) will be installed in the suction piping of horizontal pumps or sets of
pumps. Horizontal-shaft centrifugal pumps will have radially fully balanced impellers. The driver will
be mounted on an extension of the pump bedplate and will drive the pump through a flexible coupling
with OSHA coupling guard.
Where necessary, pumping systems with variable flow requirement will have a recirculation line for
pump protection. The recirculation line will normally be routed to the source from which the system
takes suction. Modulating or two-position automatic recirculation valves or restriction orifices will be
used as applicable. For boiler feedwater pump and condensate pump, modulating automatic recirculation
control valves or combined recirculation/check valves will be used.
For each application, pumps will be sized to accept an impeller at least 1/8 inch larger in diameter than
the impeller specified without having to change the casing.
Where necessary, vent and drain valves will be fitted at suitable points on the pump casing. Horizontal
split case pumps will allow the removable half-casing and impeller to be withdrawn without disturbing
any of the process piping or valves. Horizontal end-suction pumps will allow the impeller to be
withdrawn from the motor end without disturbing the motor or discharge piping.
Pumps may have either packing or mechanical seals, as determined by the application. Pumps that have
mechanical seals will be arranged to facilitate seal removal. Shaft slingers will be specified to prevent
packing gland leakage water from entering the bearing housings.
Bearings requiring cooling water will include the appropriate pipework, valves, and strainers. For vertical
shaft fresh water or condensate pups, bearings below water level will be water lubricated.
The weight of the impeller and shafting for vertically suspended pumps will be supported by the motor
thrust bearing.
Couplings and intermediate shafting will be guarded. Bedplates will be of ample proportions and
stiffness to withstand the loads likely to be experienced in shipment and service.
Water tanks, if required, shall be designed and erected in accordance with AWWA D-100, latest edition.
Seismic design will be in accordance with AWWA D-100 requirements. Wind and seismic loadings shall
be per CBC. The existing make up water storage tank provides firewater storage. In addition, the cooling
tower basin will be used for fire water storage.
The ammonia storage tanks shall be designed and erected in accordance with API.
The air cooled condenser will be designed in accordance with HEI standards. Other heat exchangers will
be provided as components of mechanical equipment packages and may be shell-and-tube, plate type, or
fin-fan coolers. Shell-and-tube heat exchangers will be designed in accordance with TEMA standards.
Fouling factors for shell-and-tube exchangers will be in accordance with TEMA practices. The heat
exchangers shall be designed and constructed in accordance with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel
Code, Section VIII, latest edition and addenda.
Heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems will be designed and installed in accordance
with the California Building Code, Uniform Building Code; Uniform Mechanical Code; American
Society of Heating Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning engineers (ASHRAE) Standards; Sheet Metal and
Air-Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA) Standards; NFPA 90A and NFPA 101;
CCR Title 8 Chapter 4; CCR Title 24; ANSI B31.5, Refrigeration Piping code; and the latest edition of
the American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists, Committee on Industrial Ventilation.
Because HVAC systems bring filtered outside air into control rooms and offices, the interior pressure is
greater than atmospheric pressure. Air moves through the openings around doors or windows, or
elsewhere, from the higher pressure (inside) to the lower pressure (outside). HVAC system filter
efficiency is expected to be approximately 80 percent.
Air conditioning will include both heating and cooling of the filtered inlet air. Air velocities in ducts and
from louvers and grills will be low enough not to cause unacceptable noise levels in areas where
personnel are normally located.
Fans and motors will be mounted on anti-vibration bases to isolate them from the building structure.
Exposed fan outlets and inlets will be fitted with guards. Wire guards will be specified for belt-driven
fans and arranged to enclose the pulleys and belts.
Air filters will be housed in a way that facilitates removal. Filter frames will be designed to minimize air
by-pass and leakage.
Ductwork, filter frames, and fan casings will be constructed of mild steel sheets stiffened with mild steel
flanges and galvanized. Ductwork will be of the sectional bolted design and adequately supported. Duct
joints will be leakproof.
The HRSGs shall be designed and constructed in accordance with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel
Code, Section I, latest edition and addenda. The wind and seismic design criteria shall be in accordance
with California Building Code.