Pipe Head: Definition, Types, Installation and Maintenance
Pipe head is a term used in fluid mechanics and piping systems to denote the height of a liquid column that corresponds to a particular pressure exerted by the liquid column on the base of its container. It is also known as pressure head or static head. Pipe head is a component of hydraulic head, which is a measure of the total energy of a fluid at a given point in a system.
Pipe head is an important concept for designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining piping systems that convey liquids or gases under pressure. Pipe head affects the flow rate, pressure drop, friction loss, energy efficiency, and safety of piping systems. Pipe head is widely used in various industries and sectors such as oil and gas, water supply, wastewater treatment, power generation, chemical processing, fire protection, irrigation, and HVAC.
pipe head
Types of Pipe Head
There are four commonly used head types on vessels that contain fluids under pressure: hemispherical (hemi), semi-elliptical (SE), flanged and dished (F&D), and flat. These head types have different shapes, dimensions, and characteristics that influence their performance and suitability for different applications. The following table compares the advantages and disadvantages of each head type.
Head Type
Advantages
Disadvantages
Hemispherical
- Strongest shape with uniform stress distribution- Can withstand high internal pressure- Requires minimum thickness- Easy to fabricate
- Most expensive due to material and fabrication cost- Requires more space than other shapes- Difficult to inspect and clean
Semi-elliptical
- Economical shape with moderate strength- Can handle moderate internal pressure- Requires less space than hemispherical shape- Easy to inspect and clean
- Requires more thickness than hemispherical shape- Has higher stress concentration at the knuckle- More difficult to fabricate than hemispherical shape
Flanged and dished
- Cheapest shape with adequate strength- Can handle low to moderate internal pressure- Requires less material than other shapes- Simple to fabricate
- Has higher stress concentration at the flange- Requires more space than semi-elliptical shape- Difficult to inspect and clean
Flat
- Simplest shape with minimal material- Can handle very low internal pressure- Requires least space among all shapes- Very easy to fabricate
- Weakest shape with high stress concentration at the edges- Requires external reinforcement or stiffening- Prone to buckling or deformation
The following are some examples of each head type with images:
Hemispherical Head
A hemispherical head is a half-sphere that is attached to a cylindrical shell by a straight edge (called a flange). The radius of the hemisphere is equal to the radius of the cylinder. A hemispherical head has the best strength-to-weight ratio among all head types. A hemispherical head is ideal for high-pressure applications, such as nuclear reactors, submarines, and pressure vessels.
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Semi-elliptical Head
A semi-elliptical head is a part of an ellipse that is attached to a cylindrical shell by a straight edge (called a flange). The major axis of the ellipse is equal to the diameter of the cylinder, and the minor axis is a fraction of the diameter. The most common ratio of the minor to major axis is 0.9, which is also known as a 2:1 elliptical head. A semi-elliptical head has a lower profile than a hemispherical head, which reduces the height of the vessel. A semi-elliptical head is suitable for medium-pressure applications, such as storage tanks, boilers, and heat exchangers.
Flanged and Dished Head
A flanged and dished head is a shallow dish with a flat center that is attached to a cylindrical shell by a flange. The dish has a fixed radius that is larger than the radius of the cylinder. The flat center has a thickness that is typically 10% of the dish radius. A flanged and dished head has a moderate strength and a low cost compared to other head types. A flanged and dished head is commonly used for low-pressure applications, such as water tanks, air receivers, and separators.
Flat Head
A flat head is a flat plate that is welded or bolted to a cylindrical shell. The thickness of the plate is determined by the internal pressure and the diameter of the shell. A flat head has the least strength and the highest stress concentration among all head types. A flat head requires external reinforcement or stiffening to prevent buckling or deformation under pressure. A flat head is usually used for very low-pressure applications, such as atmospheric tanks, or for aesthetic purposes.
Pipe Head Installation and Maintenance
Pipe head installation and maintenance are essential for ensuring the safety and efficiency of piping systems that handle fluids under pressure. Pipe heads must be installed according to the codes and standards that apply to the specific industry and application. Some of the common codes and standards are ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers), API (American Petroleum Institute), ANSI (American National Standards Institute), ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials), and ISO (International Organization for Standardization).
Pipe heads must be inspected, tested, and repaired regularly to detect any defects, damages, or leaks that may compromise their integrity and performance. Some of the common inspection methods are visual inspection, ultrasonic testing, radiographic testing, magnetic particle testing, dye penetrant testing, and hydrostatic testing. Some of the common repair methods are welding, patching, plugging, clamping, and replacing.
Some of the tips and best practices for pipe head installation and maintenance are:
Select the appropriate head type for the design pressure, temperature, corrosion resistance, and service life of the piping system.
Ensure that the pipe heads are compatible with the pipe materials, dimensions, and fittings.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions and specifications for installing pipe heads.
Use proper tools and equipment for handling, lifting, aligning, welding, bolting, and sealing pipe heads.
Apply adequate insulation and protection to pipe heads to prevent heat loss, condensation, corrosion, erosion, abrasion, or impact.
Perform regular inspections and tests on pipe heads to check for any signs of deterioration or failure.
Repair or replace any defective or damaged pipe heads as soon as possible.
Keep records of pipe head installation and maintenance activities.
Conclusion
Pipe head is a term used in fluid mechanics and piping systems to denote the height of a liquid column that corresponds to a particular pressure exerted by the liquid column on the base of its container. Pipe head is an important concept for designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining piping systems that convey liquids or gases under pressure.
There are four commonly used head types on vessels that contain fluids under pressure: hemispherical (hemi), semi-elliptical (SE), flanged and dished (F&D), and flat. These head types have different shapes, [user](#message dimensions, and characteristics that influence their performance and suitability for different applications. Pipe head installation and maintenance are essential for ensuring the safety and efficiency of piping systems that handle fluids under pressure. Pipe heads must be installed and maintained according to the codes and standards that apply to the specific industry and application.
Pipe head is a fascinating topic that has many implications for engineering, science, and technology. If you want to learn more about pipe head, you can check out some of the following resources:
[Pipe Heads: Types, Design, and Application]
[Pressure Vessel Heads: Selection, Fabrication, and Inspection]
[Fluid Mechanics: Pipe Head Calculations]
FAQs
What is the difference between pipe head and pipe pressure?
Pipe head is a measure of the height of a liquid column that corresponds to a particular pressure exerted by the liquid column on the base of its container. Pipe pressure is a measure of the force per unit area exerted by the fluid on the walls of the pipe. Pipe head and pipe pressure are related by the equation: P = ρgh, where P is the pressure, ρ is the density of the fluid, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the head.
What are the factors that affect pipe head?
Some of the factors that affect pipe head are:
The type and properties of the fluid (such as density, viscosity, compressibility, etc.)
The geometry and dimensions of the pipe (such as diameter, length, shape, roughness, etc.)
The flow rate and velocity of the fluid
The elevation and orientation of the pipe
The presence of fittings, valves, pumps, or other devices in the piping system
The temperature and pressure variations in the fluid
How can pipe head be increased or decreased?
Pipe head can be increased or decreased by changing any of the factors that affect it. For example:
Pipe head can be increased by increasing the pressure or density of the fluid, decreasing the elevation or diameter of the pipe, or adding pumps or other devices that increase the energy of the fluid.
Pipe head can be decreased by decreasing the pressure or density of the fluid, increasing the elevation or diameter of the pipe, or adding fittings, valves, or other devices that cause friction loss or energy dissipation in the fluid.
What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using pipe head as a design parameter?
Some of the advantages and disadvantages of using pipe head as a design parameter are:
Advantages:
Pipe head is a convenient and intuitive way to express the energy state of a fluid in a piping system.
Pipe head is independent of the type and properties of the fluid, which makes it easier to compare different fluids or systems.
Pipe head can be easily measured using simple devices such as manometers or gauges.
Disadvantages:
Pipe head does not account for the kinetic energy or velocity head of the fluid, which may be significant in some cases.
Pipe head does not account for the potential energy or elevation head of the fluid, which may vary along the piping system.
Pipe head may not be constant throughout the piping system due to friction loss or energy gain/loss from external sources.
What are some of the common applications of pipe head in engineering and technology?
Some of the common applications of pipe head in engineering and technology are:
Designing and sizing piping systems that convey fluids under pressure.
Calculating and optimizing the flow rate, pressure drop, friction loss, energy efficiency, and safety of piping systems.
Selecting and installing appropriate pipe heads for different vessels that contain fluids under pressure.
Inspecting and maintaining pipe heads to ensure their integrity and performance.
Controlling and regulating the flow and pressure of fluids in piping systems using valves, pumps, or other devices.
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