Process Piping: Foundations

Name: Process Piping: Foundations
Rating: 4.1 (9 reviews)

Design, Inspect, and Construction: Master Industrial Piping Systems with ASME B31.3 and Real-World Applications

Created byJavier Cardenas

Last updated 7/2025

English

What you'll learn

Identify key piping components and their functions in industrial systems.
Interpret and apply ASME B31.3 and related piping codes to real scenarios.
Assess piping materials and manufacturing methods for quality and use.
Design compliant piping systems with accurate specs and configurations.

Course content

4 sections • 37 lectures • 2h 56m total length

Introduction7:00
Covers the scope of ASME B31.3 for industrial piping systems, highlighting applicable codes, design elements, and common pitfalls in system compatibility and material quality.
Basic Concepts4:47
Traces the evolution of piping systems and outlines key components like valves, flanges, and welded joints in modern process plants.

Dimensional Standards4:40
Describes pipe dimensions per ASME B36.10 and B36.19, including outside diameter, wall thickness, and the concept of pipe schedules.
Pipe manufacturing process5:16
Reviews manufacturing types—seamless, forged, ERW, SAW—and their applications, pros, cons, and corresponding standards.
Metallic materials for pipes4:33
Lists common metals used for piping with ASTM/API specs, material performance by temperature and pressure, and selection criteria.
Non-metallic materials for pipes2:37
Introduces concrete, PVC, HDPE, and fiberglass pipes with use cases, advantages, and ASME/AWWA standards.
ASME Standards for fittings4:46
Introduces pipe fitting standards—tees, elbows, and reducers—regulated by ASME B16 family, including materials and dimensions.
ASME B16.5 & B16.95:33
Discusses ASME B16.5 & B16.9 components, their types, pressure classes, and practical applications in industrial systems.
Bolting4:41
Reviews ASME B18.2.1 and B18.2.2 for studs and nuts, including dimensions, thread types, material standards, and application relevance.
Fitting Classification4:36
Offers a comprehensive table of component standards per ASME B31.3, covering valves, flanges, and fittings across materials.
Welded Joints5:10
Compares butt and fillet welds, explains their mechanical properties, inspection suitability, WPS requirements, and common applications.
Flange classification by type4:46
Defines flange types—welding neck, slip-on, lap joint, threaded, and socket weld—with welding methods and usage conditions.
Flange classification by face3:16
Explains sealing surfaces like raised face, flat face, ring joint, and tongue-and-groove, highlighting reliability and service limitations.
Flange classification by rating3:36
Details pressure ratings per ASME B16.1 and B16.5, with examples on how to select based on pressure, temperature, and flange material.
Valve Classification5:04
Categorizes valves into manual, control, check, relief, and diaphragm types, with guidance on their function and operational context.
Gate, Globe and Neddle Valves3:41
Describes these linear-motion valves' functions, advantages, and use cases in isolation and regulation applications.
Butterfly, Ball and Check Valves3:42
Highlights these rotary-motion or one-way valves, focusing on space efficiency, sealing performance, and service type.
Wedge and Diaphragm Valves3:16
Explains special valves suited to high-pressure (wedge) and corrosive fluid (diaphragm) applications, emphasizing design.
Control Valves5:00
Explores pneumatic, hydraulic, and motorized valves with actuators for precise flow, temperature, or pressure regulation in process systems.
Flange Gaskets3:54
Introduces gasket types and materials, standards (API, ASME), and performance attributes like chemical, temperature, and fire resistance.
Non-metallic Flange Gaskets3:39
Describes rubber and Teflon gaskets, detailing applications based on chemical compatibility, temperature limits, and durability.
Composite Flange Gaskets3:57
Covers flexible graphite gaskets with inserts (flat, die-cut, corrugated) for improved strength, sealing, and heat resistance.
Spiral Wound Flange Gaskets4:13
Explains components, materials, color codes, and filler options for spiral wound gaskets suitable for high-pressure systems.
Specialty Flange Gaskets3:06
Highlights Kammprofile and Ring Joint gaskets, their metallic nature, sealing integrity, and use in extreme service conditions.
Special Cases4:23
Discusses jacketed, lined, and thermally insulated pipes, along with steam tracing, including when and how to apply these designs.

Introduction to Standards Management5:33
Clarifies codes, standards, specifications, and regulatory bodies (ASME, API, ASTM, etc.) used in piping.
ASME BPV code5:19
Breaks down ASME BPVC structure, origins, and its relationship with piping codes like ASME B31.3.
ASME B31.3 Scope10:04
Lists B31.3 chapters, appendices, exclusions, and industries of application, along with its focus on new process piping systems.
Fluid Classification4:57
Defines five fluid service categories (D, M, high-pressure, high-temp, normal) and outlines a flowchart for fluid classification.
Conditions and Criteria3:50
Establishes the design profile of a piping designer and criteria to determine when thermal insulation is required.
Thickness Calculation Theory6:15
Presents theoretical background for wall thickness design—stress types, factors, and key ASME tables.
Thickness Calculation Exercise5:45
Applies the theory to calculate minimum pipe wall thickness through a guided exercise using ASME standards.
Miter Bends4:37
Explains when and how to use mitered elbows, including angle calculations, reinforcement, and formulas per ASME B31.3.
Branch Connections3:08
Outlines types of branches, area replacement theory, reinforcement rules, and when to apply branch welding techniques.
Assembly, Erection and Construction7:02
Reviews welding preparations, bevel types, misalignments, and employer responsibilities during construction.
Non Destructive Tests5:58
Defines inspector qualifications and various NDT methods, including acceptance criteria and weld defect types.
Hydrostatic and Pneumatic Tests4:39
Covers hydrostatic and pneumatic testing procedures, safety, preparation, and common pressure testing scenarios.

Requirements

Basic Engineering Knowledge A general understanding of engineering principles, especially mechanical or industrial disciplines.
Understanding of Industry Terminology Prior exposure to key piping terms and symbols commonly used in construction or plant operations.
Experience in Industrial Settings (optional) Practical exposure to piping systems or equipment in manufacturing, processing, or construction is helpful but not required.

Description

Course Description This immersive online course, grounded in Piping: Foundations by Javier Cardenas, is designed to equip learners with a robust understanding of industrial piping systems through a blend of engineering theory, international standards, and real construction case studies. Whether you're an engineer, technician, or designer, this course offers the tools to confidently design, inspect, and troubleshoot piping systems across industries like oil & gas, chemical processing, and power generation.

You’ll explore the full spectrum of piping components—from valves, flanges, and fittings to gaskets, packing, and bolting systems—and understand their roles in leak prevention, pressure management, and system integrity. The course dives deep into pipe thickness calculation, mitered elbows, branch reinforcement, and welding techniques, comparing seamless vs. welded pipes and their implications for corrosion resistance and material selection.

Through real-world construction scenarios, learners will tackle challenges like:

Diagnosing flange misalignment during plant retrofits
Selecting appropriate materials under ASME B31.3 and ASTM standards
Performing hydrostatic testing and visual inspection on-site
Applying API, AWS, AWWA, and NFPA codes in field conditions

You’ll also master the interpretation of P&IDs, isometric drawings, and orthographic views, and quality assurance evaluations. Each module is enriched with diagrams, field photos, and step-by-step walkthroughs of real construction decisions—bridging the gap between classroom theory and jobsite execution.

By the end of the course, you’ll not only understand how to design and specify piping systems, but also how to evaluate their performance and compliance in real-world environments. This is more than a course—it’s a launchpad for professionals aiming to lead with confidence in the field of piping engineering.

Who this course is for:

Junior Engineers and Technicians Entry-level professionals in mechanical, process, or industrial engineering seeking foundational knowledge in piping systems.
Construction and Maintenance Personnel Skilled workers and supervisors involved in the installation, inspection, or maintenance of piping infrastructure.
Draftsmen and Piping Designers Individuals responsible for producing isometrics or P&IDs who need a deeper understanding of system design and compliance standards.
Technical Trainers and Safety Inspectors Professionals who need to stay up to date with ASME B31.3 and related codes for training others or ensuring code compliance.
Engineering Students and Interns Learners currently studying or entering the workforce who want real-world, standards-based piping knowledge.

Process Piping: Foundations

What you'll learn

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Course content

Introducción2 lectures • 12min

Pipe Fittings23 lectures • 1hr 37min

ASME B31.312 lectures • 1hr 7min

Final Test0

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: