Pipefitting, Level 2, 4th edition

Module ID 08201 - Piping Systems Piping systems vary widely in materials, components, and procedures. The systems are subject to specific standards, depending on the materials being transported and the context of the system. Color codes warn personnel of the safety requirements for piping systems. Expansion of pipe materials due to heating and cooling is a factor in the design of pipe systems. Insulation serves several purposes in piping systems, including preventing flow interruption by freezing or liquefaction, and protecting personnel from injury. (5 hours) Module ID 08202 - Drawings and Detail Sheets Drawings are the instructions for pipefitters. Site plans show where all of the runs are on the job site; line lists and specifications tell the particular material, connections, and fittings for each run of pipe. Notes convey specific information on some aspect that cannot be derived from the drawing itself, and the elevations and sections show how everything goes together. Pipefitters must be able to read, understand, and communicate what is detailed on various types of drawings, and they must be able to create sketches for use in the field. Each type of drawing has a different purpose and functionality; the Piping & Instrumentation Drawing (P&ID) is key to the work of pipefitters because it describes each component needed for pipeline installation and maintenance. (15 hours) Module ID 08203 - Identifying and Installing Valves Valves are the steering wheels, brakes, and switches of pipe systems. Some valves function as on-and-off flow controls, while others regulate the amount of flow. Some divert flow from one direction to another. The selection and proper installation of valves is a critical pipefitting skill. To install and use valves properly, it is essential to understand the function of the valve and its characteristics, such as linings and part interactions. Each has advantages and limitations with which pipefitters must be familiar. (20 hours) Module ID 08204 - Pipefitting Trade Math Pipefitters use math every day to make decisions about connections. Basic geometric equations show the relationships between the figures that are seen, such as those involving area and volume. Mathematical relationships between the sides of triangles, for example, are used in determining the unknown length of a pipe. Understanding the properties of circles and cylinders directly relates to the configuration and arrangement of pipes. Rectangles and rectangular solids are tools for understanding machine pads and tanks. With an understanding of the basics outlined in this module, a number of pipefitting tasks are made easier. (15 hours) Module ID 08205 - Threaded Pipe Fabrication Every pipefitter must be able to install threaded pipe in accordance with job requirements and specifications. Threaded connections are relatively inexpensive to fabricate and are a common way to join pipe. Threaded piping systems vary greatly based on the variety of materials used for the job, so pipefitters must understand appropriate processes and procedures for each. From reading and interpreting drawings to making up the pipe and fittings, threaded pipe fabrication calls for careful attention to details of materials selection and measurement. (15 hours) Module ID 08206 - Socket Weld Pipe Fabrication Socket weld piping is quick and relatively easy to fit properly. Since it is welded together at the end, remember to measure twice and cut once, as it is better to do the fit only once. The pipefitter establishes the correct alignment between all of the parts, including the expansion gap inside the socket. The welder tack-welds the assembly for the pipefitter in places where tacks are requested, and the pipefitter aligns the openings and pipes correctly. Symbols are used to denote specific types of connections in piping systems; these are used in conjunction with math applications for determining pipe lengths between fittings and preparing and aligning pipe and fittings. (25 hours) Module ID 08207 - Butt-Weld Pipe Fabrication Most large, aboveground, industrial piping systems are crafted through a combination of butt welds and bolt-ups. The oil, chemical, and power industries require pipefitters who are skilled with these tasks. Butt welding is more difficult than socket welding because alignment of the pipe ends is critical. The right tools and jigs are central to getting the alignment correct for the first tack, and for determining and adjusting for small differences in the actual shapes and sizes of pipes and fittings. With this and other types of welds, the craftsmanship of the pipefitter relates directly to that of the welder: if the first isn’t right, the second won’t be either. But where pipefitting precision comes into play, welding and completion of the pipeline are both set up for efficient operations. (37.5 hours) Module ID 08208 - Excavations The two most dangerous environments for a pipefitter are those that require working at high elevations or at excavations. Recognizing hazards and how to address them with appropriate safety equipment and operating procedures helps reduce the risks associated with working below the ground. Pipefitters must know how to lay out the pipeline using the surveyor’s reference points, as well as how to use specialized equipment for getting the pipeline trenches to hold pipe in place. Identifying soil types and characteristics of each type, as well as understanding OSHA requirements for trenching safety are fundamental to working in or around excavations. (10 hours) Module ID 08209 - Underground Pipe Installation Most municipal piping systems are underground and convey water, gas, oil, storm drain water, and sewage. Installing pipe for these systems is among the most dangerous of jobs for the pipefitter and for this reason, thorough safety training is the top priority. Also important is understanding the connection systems used underground and the ways in which they are assembled. New technologies involving trenchless pipelaying help reduce some risks, yet knowledge of traditional methods is still important. A range of pipefitting skills, combined with solid attention to safety, are the keys to meeting the challenges involved in serving entire communities with dependable piping systems. (20 hours)