INGENIEUR
FEATURE
INGENIEUR
Safety & Quality in Pipe Flange Management
By Ir . Teo Eu Jin
FEATURE
In the engineering industry , there will always be a need to transfer liquids or gases from one point to another . A piping system is set up for this purpose . However , how does one ensure that the piping system established is safe , with no leakage ? A leaking pipe will ultimately lead to safety , health and environmental concerns . So , how can we assemble the pipes without leaks ? A simple answer to the question is , proper Engineering Design , Construction and Maintenance . Let us assume that the correct material selection , with a suitable pressure rating and dimensions , was done . If that is the case , then the part most vulnerable to leakage will be the pipe joint .
Currently , there are multiple types of pipe joint connections with welding ( fusion ) for steel material and brazing ( capillary action ) for copper and its alloys . Also , threaded end pipe connections are for relatively low-pressure and small-diameter pipes . A welded pipe joint is comparatively the most reliable in terms of strength and leak resistance . Another mechanical pipe joining method that is equally reliable is Flange Connection via gasket , bolt , and nut . Flange Connections can be relatively easy to install , dismantle and reinstate ; an advantage for maintenance work . Engineers commonly use both Welding and Flanges in steel pipe joints to take advantage of both designs .
SAFETY HIGHLIGHTS ( Historical Incident Recap )
( Please see the background on the Piper Oil Field Disaster in the next column .) Some key questions for self-reflection are :
● What have we learned after this infamous disaster that occurred a few decades ago in another continent ?
PIPER ALPHA PLATFORM , UK
Photo from www . bbc . co . uk / news / uk-scotland
BACKGROUND The Piper oil field , discovered in January 1973 , was one of the first deepwater reservoirs to be exploited in the North Sea . Unfortunately , on the evening of July 6 , 1988 , one of the world ’ s largest offshore oil disasters occurred on this oil field , located about 120 miles northeast of Aberdeen , Scotland . The Piper Alpha platform ( left ) was engulfed in fire after a series of explosions , leading to the subsequent collapse of most of its oil rig topside modules into the sea . This incident had a recorded fatality of 167 men , with many more injured and traumatised , widespread environmental impact , and exorbitant financial losses among the stakeholders involved .
● Can these lessons be applied locally , beyond the Oil and Gas industry ? Since safety has no boundaries , the lessons learned can surely be shared with all Engineering Industries . After the Cullen Inquiry , multiple factors that caused this
50 VOL 94 APRIL-JUNE 2023