Piping Fabrication

Piping Fabrication

Piping Fabrication

Novelty Structures specialize in  Manufacturing of Custom Piping Fabrication

Services that meet the stringent demands of various industries.

Table of Contents

What is Piping Fabrication ?

Pipe fabrication is the process of manufacturing custom piping systems by cutting, bending, welding, and assembling pipes and related components to meet specific project requirements. These systems are designed for transporting fluids, gases, or slurries in industrial applications.

Piping Fabrication

Materials Used in Piping Fabrication

Our workshops can deliver fabrications using a below materials to suit various operational conditions:

Carbon Steel


  • Cost-effective and durable
  • Ideal for high-pressure and high-temperature systems.

Stainless Steel


  • Resistant to corrosion
  • Suitable for chemical, pharmaceutical, and food-grade environments.

Alloy Steel


  • Combines strength and resistance to wear
  • Often used in demanding mining and energy-sector projects

Duplex Stainless Steel


 

  • High strength and resistance to corrosion
  • Frequently used in offshore and subsea applications
Pipework fabrication ready for shipment

Piping Fabrication Steps

Piping fabrication comprised of below steps:

  • Design and material selection : Plan system layout, select materials, and finalize specifications.
  • Cutting and bevelling of pipe segments : Cut pipes to size and prepare ends for welding

  • Welding and assembly :Weld, align, and assemble pipe components.

  • Quality testing : Inspect welds and test system integrity (NDT, pressure tests).
  • Surface treatment : Clean, coat, and paint pipes for protection.
  • Packaging and Shipment : Pack suitable for international transportation.

stainless steel welding

Quality Control in Piping Fabrications

Piping fabrication comprised of below steps:

QC Activity Description
Material Testing Positive Material Identification (PMI) ensures the correct material composition.
Welding Inspection Certified welders and advanced inspection methods, such as ultrasonic testing, confirm weld integrity.
Dimensional Checks Precision is verified at every stage, ensuring components fit seamlessly.
Non-Destructive (NDT) Testing Techniques like radiography and magnetic particle testing detect internal and surface defects.
Pressure Testing Hydrostatic and pneumatic tests validate the structural integrity of pipes under operational conditions.
Pipe Spool on display

Applications of Piping Fabrications

Industry Application Function Materials Used
Oil and Gas Transportation of crude oil, natural gas, and refined products. Ensures safe and efficient movement of hydrocarbons over long distances. Carbon Steel, Alloy Steel, Stainless Steel
Chemical and Petrochemical Process piping for chemical plants and tanks. Handles high pressures, temperatures, and corrosive chemicals. Stainless Steel
Power Generation High-pressure steam piping for boilers and turbines. Ensures efficient and safe energy transfer in power plants. Carbon Steel, Alloy Steel, P91, P92, Inconel
Water and Wastewater Potable water distribution and wastewater systems. Ensures clean water supply and safe sewage disposal. Stainless Steel
Food and Beverage Hygienic piping for milk, juices, and beverages. Maintains hygiene and food safety standards. Stainless Steel (304/316), Copper,
Pharmaceutical Sterile piping systems for drug manufacturing. Ensures compliance with FDA, GMP, and sanitary standards. Stainless Steel (316L)
HVAC Systems Piping for chilled water, steam, and refrigerants. Supports efficient temperature control and ventilation. Copper, Galvanized Steel, Stainless Steel,
Marine and Shipbuilding Piping for fuel, water, ballast, and exhaust systems in ships. Ensures reliable operation under harsh marine conditions. Stainless Steel, Copper-Nickel, Aluminum
Construction Plumbing systems for water, gas, and drainage Provides essential infrastructure in buildings and homes. Carbon Steel, Copper, Galvanized Steel
Mining Slurry pipelines for ore and mineral transportation. Handles abrasive materials under extreme conditions. Carbon Steel, Abrasion-Resistant Steel
Renewable Energy Piping systems for solar thermal heat transfer and geothermal piping Supports efficient energy production and distribution in sustainable systems. Stainless Steel, Copper,
Industrial Manufacturing Pipe spools and process piping for air, steam, water, and gases. Ensures smooth industrial operations and production. Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, Alloy Steel,

Pipe Fabrication International Standards

Compliance with global standards is a hallmark of quality piping fabrication. Novelty Structures is proficient in both American and European standards, ensuring their systems are adaptable to various regulatory environments.

  • ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers): ASME B31.3 for process piping , ASME B31.1 for power piping, ASME B31.4  for Pipeline Transportation Systems for Liquids and Slurries

  • EN (European Norm): Standards like EN 13480 for metallic industrial piping and PED (Pressure Equipment Directive – 2014/68/EU)
Piping Spool Fabrication

Challanges in Piping Fabrications

Piping fabrication involves a range of challenges that stem from technical, operational, safety, and quality-related factors. These challenges can impact the efficiency, timeline, and overall success of a piping project.

# Challenge Description Common Issues Impact on Project
1 Material Selection
  • Choosing the correct materials (carbon steel, stainless steel, alloys) to meet temperature, pressure, and corrosion requirements.
  • Proper handling and storage are essential to prevent damage.
  •  Delayed material availability due to procurement issues.
  • Improper storage causing contamination or rust.
  • Handling heavy materials leads to deformation or damage.
  • Delays in fabrication timelines.
  • Increased costs for replacing damaged or contaminated materials.
2 Accurate Design & Measurements
  • Ensuring designs, drawings (e.g., isometric, P&IDs), and measurements are accurate for fabrication and fit-up.
  • Inaccurate design drawings or misinterpretation.
  • Errors in material take-offs (MTOs).
  • Poor cutting, bending, or fabrication tolerances.
  • Fit-up issues during installation.
  • Need for rework and material wastage.
3 Welding Challenges
  • High-quality welding is critical for pipe joints.
  • Welding must meet design specifications and material properties.
  • Welding defects (e.g., cracks, porosity, incomplete penetration).
  • Environmental factors like wind or humidity affecting weld quality.
  • Lack of certified welders.
  • Compromised pipe integrity.
  • Project delays due to rework and re-inspections.
4 Quality Control and Inspections
  • Ensuring the fabricated pipes meet codes (e.g., ASME, API, ISO) and standards using rigorous inspections like NDT.
  • Difficulty in accessing complex weld areas.
  • Time constraints delaying quality inspections.
  • Documentation errors during testing.
  • Failure to meet standards can lead to project shutdowns.
  • Expensive rework and testing costs.
5 Dimensional Control and Fit-Up
  • Pipes and fittings must align perfectly during installation, requiring tight tolerances and controlled fabrication.
  • Distortion due to welding heat.
  • Misalignment caused by inaccurate cutting or beveling.
  • Poor equipment calibration.
  • Increased installation time.
  • Delays and additional costs for field modifications.
6 Project Coordination and Scheduling
  • Coordinating procurement, fabrication, inspection, and delivery to meet project deadlines.
  • Lack of communication between teams.
  • Design changes causing delays.
  • Mismanagement of resources and tasks
  • Missed deadlines leading to project overruns.
  • Idle resources increase project costs.
7 Cost Management
  • Managing costs related to materials, labor, fabrication errors, delays, and project changes.
  • Design changes leading to additional costs.
  • Material wastage due to errors.
  • Rework and testing expenses.
  • Budget overruns due to poor cost control.
  • Reduced project profitability.

How can we help you ?

Piping fabrications are indispensable to industrial projects, and their success depends on the careful selection of contractors, stringent quality control, and compliance with global standards. Novelty Structures stands out as a reliable partner in providing high-quality piping solutions tailored to demanding industrial needs.

Contact our team to further discuss your needs.

FAQ

What are the manufacturing standards for pipe fabrication?2024-12-17T20:55:52+00:00

Pipe fabrication adheres to international standards for safety and quality. Commonly referenced standards include:

  • ASME B31.1 (Power Piping) and ASME B31.3 (Process Piping)
  • API 5L (Pipeline Standards)
  • EN 13480 (Metallic Industrial Piping)
  • ISO 15614 (Welding)
How do I choose the right material for my piping system?2024-12-17T20:56:34+00:00

Material selection depends on factors like operating temperature, pressure, fluid type, and environmental conditions.

What is Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), and why is it important?2024-12-17T20:58:54+00:00

NDT is a testing method to evaluate the integrity of materials and welds without causing damage. It ensures the reliability of the piping system and includes methods like ultrasonic testing, radiography, and dye penetrant testing.

What surface treatments are available for fabricated pipes?2024-12-17T20:59:35+00:00

Surface treatments improve the durability and performance of piping systems. Options include:
• Galvanizing
• Epoxy or polyurethane coating
• Sandblasting and painting

How is pipe welding quality ensured?2024-12-17T21:00:16+00:00

Welding quality is assured through:

  • Certified welders using approved welding procedures (WPS).
  • Visual inspections and advanced NDT methods to detect defects.
  • Adherence to welding standards like ASME Section IX or ISO 15614.
How long does piping fabrication typically take?2024-12-17T21:01:07+00:00

Project timelines vary based on complexity, material availability, and the scope of work. Simple systems may take a few weeks, while large, intricate systems can take months.

What documentation is provided upon project completion?2024-12-17T21:04:53+00:00

Standard documentation includes:

  • Material Test Reports (MTRs)
  • Weld logs and maps
  • Inspection and test records
  • Pressure testing certificates
  • Compliance certificates (e.g., ASME, API)
What is the difference between on-site and shop fabrication?2024-12-17T21:05:31+00:00
  • Shop Fabrication: Piping is fabricated in a controlled environment with access to advanced machinery and tools. It ensures higher precision and quality.
  • On-Site Fabrication: Pipes are fabricated at the installation location, typically for large or complex projects where transportation is challenging.
What factors influence the cost of pipe fabrication?2024-12-17T21:06:14+00:00

Key cost drivers include:

  • Material type and quantity.
  • Complexity of design and assembly.
  • Quality testing requirements.
  • Coating and surface treatment options.
What types of pipes and fittings can you fabricate?2024-12-17T21:06:58+00:00

We fabricate a wide range of pipes and fittings, including:

  • Elbows (45°, 90°, and custom angles)
  • Tees and Crosses
  • Reducers (Concentric and Eccentric)
  • Flanges (Slip-on, Weld Neck, Blind, etc.)
  • Spools and Pipe Supports
  • Custom-designed components
What are pipe spools, and why are they important?2024-12-17T21:07:31+00:00

Pipe spools are pre-fabricated pipe sections consisting of pipes, fittings, and flanges, created off-site for quicker on-site installation. Spools reduce labor costs, improve quality control, and save significant time during project execution.

Can you fabricate piping for high-pressure and high-temperature systems?2024-12-17T21:08:08+00:00

Yes, we are experienced in fabricating piping systems for demanding environments, including high-pressure and high-temperature conditions. Our fabrication processes and material selection ensure safety, strength, and reliability under extreme conditions.

What types of testing and inspections do you perform?2024-12-17T21:08:40+00:00

We perform a comprehensive range of inspections and tests, including:

  • Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Radiographic (X-ray), Ultrasonic, Magnetic Particle, and Dye Penetrant Testing.
  • Hydrostatic and Pneumatic Testing: Ensures pipes can withstand pressure without leaks.
  • Visual and Dimensional Inspections: To verify accuracy and quality.
  • Material Certification Verification: Ensures the correct material grade and composition.
Can you meet tight deadlines for urgent projects?2024-12-17T21:09:16+00:00

Yes, we understand that some projects require rapid turnaround. With our advanced facilities and efficient workflows, we can expedite fabrication while maintaining quality standards. Please contact us to discuss your project’s timeline.

What certifications and qualifications does your team have?2024-12-17T21:09:56+00:00

Our team consists of highly qualified and certified professionals, including:

  • Certified Welders
  • Experienced Pipefitters and Engineers
  • Quality Assurance Inspectors (NDT Level II & III Certified)
    We continually train our staff to meet industry advancements and safety requirements.
Do you offer prefabricated piping solutions?2024-12-17T21:10:37+00:00

Yes, we offer prefabricated piping solutions tailored to your specifications. Prefabrication ensures reduced installation time, improved accuracy, and cost savings for large-scale or repetitive projects.

What geographical areas do you serve?2024-12-17T21:11:05+00:00

We provide piping fabrication services locally, nationally, and internationally. Our team can mobilize quickly to meet project requirements regardless of location.

How can I get started with your piping fabrication services?2024-12-17T21:12:20+00:00

To get started:

  • Contact us via our contact page.
  • Share your project details, including specifications, drawings, and timelines.
  • Our team will evaluate your needs and provide a customized proposal and quote.
Pipework piping fabrication

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