What is Pipe Fabrication
Pipe fabrication is the process of cutting, beveling, and welding pipes, tees, elbows, flanges, and reducers.
Fabrication of piping is a highly precise process involving hundreds of components and thousands of steps.
Pipe fabrication projects within larger construction projects must be well planned, scheduled, and executed in accordance with design specifications.
To maintain the integrity of the system and prevent accidents, you should ensure the highest possible quality of work in a pipe fabrication facility.
We will learn more about piping fabrication in the article below.
Where Is Pipe Fabrication Performed?
Pipe fabrication can take place in an industrial facility, and occasionally, a project requires field construction.
The size and scope of the project will dictate whether fabricating pipe in the fabrication shop or on-site is more efficient, effective, or appropriate.
Additionally, it is influenced by additional factors, such as:
Availability of support personnel on-site
Required welding equipment and personnel
Organizing and cooperating with other trades
Weather
Material and dimensions of the pipe
Concerns about accessibility and safety
If the project involves the replacement or addition of piping systems
Environmental and quality assurance requirements
What Types of Piping Fabrication Are There?
The fabrication of pipes is classified into two categories:
Fabrication of Pipe in a Shop
Fabrication of Pipe in the Field
Several factors will determine whether pipe material will be fabricated in a shop, in the field, or if both methods will be utilized.
Both shop-fabricated and field-fabricated pipes will be used frequently.
The type and size of the project, the piping material used, the post-fabrication surface treatment required, the time required and availability, the environmental conditions, and the availability of skilled personnel all contribute to determining where projects will be located.
Field fabrication is more for small bore pipes, threaded pipes, and socket welded pipe.
Typically, butt-welded pipes, pipe bending, and modular items are fabricated in-house.
Pipe fittings and components are assembled in the pipe fabrication shop using a high-quality weld to spool assembly.
The spools are individually labeled and transported to the construction site for installation.
All assemblies are completed on-site through field pipe fabrication.
What Is Involved In The Process Of Pipe Fabrication?
The pipe fabrication process is extremely detailed from start to finish, regardless of the size of the project.
A single document contains engineering information such as drawings, inspection and testing requirements, and applicable codes and standards for the project.
The Pipe Fabrication Specification is the title of this document.
Each pipe and its fittings should be manufactured and assembled in accordance with the pipe fabrication specifications' spool drawings.
Additionally, pipe fabricators must consider the assembly's size for transportation purposes.
When transporting items between the shop and the job site, it's frequently beneficial to have subassemblies to break down large projects into more manageable components.
When the Pipe Fabrication Specifications are complete, the following steps are taken:
Pipe materials are identified and verified.
Pipe materials are tagged with paint or a stamp to ensure that the pipe's heat number is visible prior to cutting.
Pipe cutting methods such as saws, gas torch, grinding, or plasma cutting are selected based on the type of steel or other metal used.
Beveling and fit-ups are completed.
Welding: Pipe welding planning ensures that pipes are properly positioned during the welding process.
Fittings and Pipes Welding: Support for piping and fittings during a fit-up inspection.
Details Marking: Near joints, identifying characteristics of the piping system, such as inspection details, are marked.
Preheating and post-weld heat treatment can be completed.
Non-destructive testing verifies that all fabrication process steps are completed and meet or exceed project specifications and codes. If the piping passing through is removed for painting or construction. If it fails the inspection, it must be repaired and reinspected. Piping that will be painted will undergo another inspection prior to being released for construction.
Pipe Fabrication Tools and Equipment
Pipe fabricators employ a variety of specialized equipment to ensure that jobs are completed safely and efficiently.
Only workshop-based pipe fabrication equipment capable of handling medium- to large-scale projects is used.
It requires adequate space, protection from the elements, dependable safety protocols, and comprehensive quality control capabilities.
Numerous pipe fabrication tasks can be completed in the field for smaller projects or those with logistical constraints.
Regardless of the location of the work, several critical tools enable pipe fabricators to create the intricate precision piping systems that surround us.
The following is a list of frequently used equipment:
Clamps/Chain Clamps
Pipe Fitting Instruments
Equipment for Pipe Purging
Equipment for Pipe Cutting and Beveling
Alignment of the Torque Wrench/Adjustable Wrench/Combination Wrench/Hammer Wrench Flange Instruments and Pins
Jacks of All Trades
Rollers for Adjustable Pipes
Machine for Welding
Rigging and transport equipment for pipelines
Compass/Contour Marker with Center Punch
Threader for Pipes
Wraparound Tapes for Forklift Grinder
Crane Hydraulic/Tower Crane
Pipe Bending Machines, and so forth
CONTACT STEVENS FOR YOUR UPCOMING INDUSTRIAL PIPING PROJECT
STEVENS' pipe fabrication team will collaborate with you to determine the most cost-effective piping solutions for your specific project.
Once we have a firm grasp on your requirements, our pipe fabrication experts will provide you with an estimate that details each stage of the process.
We have experience working with complex piping systems, large and small piping projects, and a variety of customized piping projects.
As industry leaders, we understand how to complete projects correctly, on time, and within budget.
Our pipe fabricator shop has decades of experience meeting customer specifications, completing difficult assembly, and delivering on-time to ensure that our clients' projects are completed on time.
Contact STEVENS if you require professionally designed and engineered pipes for your next pipe fabrication project.
Today, click below to request a quote for pipe fabrication.