ON STRENGTH CALCULATIONS OF PROCESS PIPELINES AND THEIR CONNECTIONS APPLIED IN DESIGNING OF AIR SEPARATION PLANTS

Abstract

Air separation production employs process pipelines for compressed air and its separation products at working pressure to 25 MPa and temperature 4-823 K.  ПБ 03-108-96 «Rules for process pipelines design and safe operation»  allow, for PS ≤ 10 MPa at minimal (negative) temperatures, application of pipelines of some carbon and manganese steels at stress limited to 0.35 [s]. Such possibility is not considered by any of the available manuals on selection of pipes and connecting pieces.  The paper presents strength calculation  procedure of process pipelines and their connections accounting both for the above conditions and influence of other factors, including pipe corrosion, to ensure pipeline specified service life within 20 years. Calculations for pressure 10MPa < PS ≤ 25 MPa have also been made.