Often, factories and other industrial buildings need to transport liquids and gas from one place to another. Plumbing piping will not be able to transport the materials safely. The safest, most efficient way to transport fluids and gases through an industrial or production facility is with something called process piping.
Although it may look similar to plumbing, the process piping system is built using materials that are specifically designed for the products being transported and are more robust. They might be transporting liquids or gases at extreme temperatures, for example, so need to be up to the task.
Where can you find process piping and which industries might need to use process piping?
Pipes used in process plants are often found in areas where materials need to be mixed or separated. This includes industries like:
- Food and beverage manufacturers
- Pharmaceutical manufacturers
- Chemical processing facilities
- Pet food processing
- Breweries
- Industrial facilities
- Water treatment facilities
Process piping is the ideal system for these industries, where materials need to be mixed correctly.
What is the difference between regular plumbing and process piping?
Although it may look like regular plumbing, process piping performs a completely different function. Plumbing systems bring water into an establishment and remove the sewage after the water is used. The system can also be used to heat a building with natural gas, but its primary function is to move water in and out.
To withstand the daily exposure of water, pipes are made out of plastic or copper. To protect this piping, many industries use Pipe protectors. Find out more by visiting a site like www.meterbox.co.uk/pipe-protectors
Process piping, on the other hand transports various chemicals including liquids and gasses to support manufacturing and process work. Plumbing is required to adhere to building codes. Process piping does not. It must instead meet the specifications for the specific operation for which it was designed. It is important to consider the heat and corrosion resistance of the product that will be transported. Process piping can be constructed from a variety of materials and not just plastic or copper. Stainless steel process piping is a popular choice.
Process piping design must adhere to health and safety standards instead of building codes in order for the manufacturing facility to operate safely.
Most industries require inspections and permits, particularly for hazardous material handling facilities.
