Process piping in industrial facilities is imperative in automotive manufacturing to mitigate the risk of production loss, lengthy downtimes and dangerous safety hazards.
Facilities experience significant losses from production loss, regulatory fines, waiting for emergency repairs and loss of business when their pipes fail.
You want to find a piping system that will provide strong production and sustainable value. Luckily, there a number of suppliers offer the best process piping solutions to industrial facilities.
What Is Process Piping and Why Is It Important in Industrial Facilities?
Process piping is, according to American National Standards Institute, piping that moves fluids from different locations.
The updated ASME B31.3-2022 code specifically details industrial piping systems that convey gases, liquids and slurries capable of utilizing modern engineering and materials able to withstand a myriad of chemicals, temperatures and pressures.
The following industries depend on these solutions for streamlined and secure material movement:
- Manufacturing piping
- Chemical process piping
- Pharmaceutical piping
- Oil and gas piping
- Food and beverage piping
- Power generation systems
- Pulp and paper piping
If you seek high performance and lucrative outputs at your plant, you must have process piping that is durable and long-lasting. Process piping reliability results in consistent uptime and product quality and ultimately depends on a proper system design.
Key Engineering Factors That Determine a Long Service Life for Process Piping
Automotive manufacturing comprises key engineering factors that determine the long service life of piping. For instance, you must consider the materials it uses, emphasizing corrosion resistance, thermal expansion and strength. Likewise, it should have excellent pressure ratings to withstand stress on the system.
Material compatibility is most crucial in extending your piping system’s lifespan. Certain fluids may damage or rupture the pipework, causing leaks and significant safety hazards for plant workers.
The industrial piping system must also be able to adapt to the flow rate and pressure drops. Long pipes with bends and fittings may lose pressure due to greater friction.
A simple design is also best for reducing costs and ensuring the equipment is energy-efficient. A straightforward configuration makes it easier to conduct regular inspections and maintenance to prevent downtime.
Process Piping Material Selection for Maximum Service Life
The process piping material you choose for automotive manufacturing depends on whether you transport corrosive or non-corrosive fluids. While carbon steel might save money, it is rust-prone under harsh conditions. Conversely, stainless steel is a much more durable, non-corrosive option.
High-performance alloys are especially conducive to extreme industrial facility environments. Superalloys, in particular, have a 12.4% compound annual growth rate and are estimated to reach $17.75 billion by 2032.
This category includes nickel, cobalt and iron-based materials, typically enhanced with chromium, aluminum and other refractory metals. The combination gives superalloys superior mechanical performance, oxidation resistance and surface stability.
Companies Offering the Best Process Piping for Industrial Facilities
Automotive manufacturers want only the best process piping for industrial facilities, supporting complex production and quality products. The following businesses supply excellent piping systems for your plant.
Foss General Contractors
Foss General Contractors provides carbon, copper and stainless steel industrial process piping systems for California and Nevada businesses. Its team often delivers pipework for food processing, chemical piping and other applications. Customers who partner with Foss General Contractors benefit from the following:
- Comprehensive project planning
- Diverse experience
- Timely completion
- Quick issue resolution
- Safety-first approach
Expert professionals can assist you with installing a new system or upgrading and repairing existing pipework at your manufacturing plant. You can view previous process piping work on its website or during your initial consultation.
Request a free estimate, which includes the cost of materials, permit fees, subtractor fees, and a tentative timeline. Foss General Contractors is upfront with pricing and will clarify any changes as they occur to be as transparent as possible.
Pacific Rim Mechanical
Pacific Rim Mechanical serves Southern California, producing process piping for various industrial facilities, such as chilled and hot water pipework at a proton treatment center and a production distribution system at a brewery. The preconstruction phase entails:
- Comprehensive designs and budgeting
- Integrating three-dimensional Building Information Modeling
- Prefabrication
- Extensive trade experience
Its specialists can assist with new process piping construction or replace and upgrade existing equipment, regardless of size.
Customers also benefit from ongoing monthly and extended maintenance services, 24-hour emergency repairs, and automation and energy management to ensure a reliable, long-lasting service life. You can use its client portal to track requested services in real time.
American Piping Products
American Piping Products has over 60,000 tons of piping inventory readily available for your industrial facility, including carbon pipes, mechanical tubing, stainless steel pipes, alloy pipes, chrome moly pipes and more.
The professionals at American Piping Products provide:
- Exceptional guidance at every phase
- Deep understanding of the market and fair pricing
- Comprehensive project management
Engineers also offer value-added services like cutting, beveling, coating, profiling and testing the installation, giving you more time to focus on essential business matters.
The company holds the ISO 9001:2015 certification, demonstrating its commitment to quality control and improvement. You can request a quote by filling out the online form on its website and specifying your intended project scope.
TDIndustries
TDIndustries prioritizes process piping reliability and safety standards with the highest regard. The team is familiar with the best materials, including stainless steel, PVC, hastelloy, inconel, titanium, glass, fiberglass and more. Prefabrication occurs at its 28,000-square-foot manufacturing facility that includes the following:
- Meets ultra-high purity requirements
- Maintains welding capabilities
- Utilizes infrared fusion machines for accurate sizing
Regardless of your project size, TDIndustries guarantees regulatory compliance and engineering that minimizes risk and delays. It is committed to a zero-harm workplace to protect its employees and partners.
You can request that TDIndustries add automation to your system to streamline your workflow and achieve optimal efficiency. This includes optimizing legacy equipment and upgrading software.
Some of its key process piping projects include chemical packaging company EMD Versum and Clements University Hospital.
Fibrex
Fibrex specializes in fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) pipes for various industries. Its standard FRP product, IntegraLine, has the following features:
- Corrosion and weather resistance
- Natural translucency to avoid discoloration and enhance process control
- Premium vinyl ester resin for greater durability and protection
- Noncombustible and moderate thermal conductivity
FRP pipes are ideal for new or retrofitted systems, making them better for transporting harsh chemicals throughout plants. Fibrex can also customize FRP solutions, including thicker resins, to prevent rust and abrasion damage.
If your processes require more specific installation and temperature standards, you can request glass reinforcements and structural laminates.
The technical team can help you find the right piping, fittings, and accessories from start to finish, providing product recommendations that are suitable for your facility. Although based in Texas, Fibrex ships orders across the Nation by means of a 40-foot or 45-foot flatbed trailer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Determines a Long Service Life for a Process Piping in Automotive Plants?
While there are all types of industrial process piping, automotive manufacturers have specific specifications for piping materials, type of fluids or fluids, pressure, temperature and specific installation and maintenance capabilities.
For long service life, technicians should inspect the piping periodically to detect corrosion and check for fluid gas compatibility. Protective coatings should be applied as part of the installation or retrofitting process.
Cracks and mechanical wear should be repaired promptly. Understanding the original equipment manufacturer and complying with industry standards will also reduce equipment failures and lost production time.
Carbon Steel or Stainless Steel, which are better for a process piping?
Carbon steel is often the piping grade of choice in the oil and gas industry, power plants, chemical processing plants, wastewater treatment plants and manufacturing facilities because it is a tough, cost-effective material. Carbon steel begins rusting very quickly, this is a major drawback for some applications.
Stainless steel has superior corrosion resistance because it contains chromium and nickel– forming an oxide film layer – which provides protection from corrosion. For applications with moisture and high temperature requirements, stainless steel is a good choice.
Installing the Best Process Piping for your Automotive Facility
Choosing the best service piping material for your automotive facility entails a complete evaluation of piping materials, protective coatings, and the standards of compliance within your industry.
While high performance may require a greater investment, there are dividends to be paid in increased productivity and longer service life.