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)