Piping Design Tips for Revamp Projects

Revamp projects present unique challenges for piping designers, requiring precise modifications within existing facilities. This guide outlines essential tips and considerations, from accurate field measurements to leveraging advanced technologies, ensuring successful and cost-effective outcomes in updating and improving piping systems.

Revamp projects are one of the most challenging tasks for piping designers, involving revisions within existing facilities. These projects, commonly called "revamps," require updating the client's existing drawings. Below is a list of drawings that need to be revised or produced for revamp projects:

A. Tie-in
B. Isometrics (drawings) of new pipes
C. Revisions of existing drawings (isometrics or general arrangement plans)
D. Dismantling Drawings

Here are some critical considerations for piping designers to keep in mind for revamp projects:

1. Detailed Field Measurements and Topographic Survey Support:
   Piping designers must take detailed measurements from the field and additionally support this with a topographic survey. All this data should be supplemented with photographs. New technologies make it possible to carry out field tasks with more precise and error-free measurements. One such technology is Laser Scanning. You can find the related link below about the laser scanning;

   https://www.pipingstress.net/piping-design/laser-scanning

   
   After conducting a traditional survey, the drawings prepared in the office must be verified in the field.

2. Review Client Drawings:
   Client drawings should be reviewed thoroughly, but they should not be overly relied upon. Over the years, many revisions might have been made in the area of the facility to be revamped, but these changes might not be reflected in the drawings. These drawings need to be compared with the actual field conditions.

3. Determining Tie-in Points:
   Identifying tie-in points is one of the most critical aspects of revamp projects. This task must be highly important and performed with great care and precision.

4. Managing Short Shut-Down Periods:
   Another crucial issue is the short shut-down periods often set by the client. Clients want to minimize the revenue loss caused by shutdowns. Considering this reasonable request, piping designers should take design measures that support the quickest possible execution of fieldwork.

5. Handling Clashes and Preparing Dismantling Drawings:
   Elements outside the designated pipe that clash with the pipe should be noted for removal or relocation, and the related dismantling drawings must be prepared. For complex projects (such as refineries), "laser scanning surveys" play a critical role. Read the blog regarding the laser scanning:

   https://www.pipingstress.net/piping-design/laser-scanning

6. Marking Reusable Pipes and Fittings:
   Pipe and fitting parts that can be reused in revamp projects must be marked with a "to be reused" stamp before dismantling. Reusing existing pipe parts or fittings will help minimize project costs.

In conclusion, revamping projects demands meticulous planning and execution due to the complexities involved in working within existing facilities. Leveraging advanced technologies like laser scanning, ensuring accurate field measurements, and thoroughly reviewing and updating client drawings are crucial steps in achieving successful outcomes. Piping designers can significantly enhance project efficiency and cost-effectiveness by prioritizing the identification of tie-in points, managing short shut-down periods efficiently, and marking reusable components. These best practices not only ensure the integrity of the revamped systems but also align with clients' expectations, ultimately leading to more reliable and sustainable infrastructure.