Process Piping Explained
Factories and other industrial facilities often need to move liquids and gases from one location to the next. This requires a complex system of pipes and valves to safely transport materials where they need to go, and plumbing piping is not the right material for the job. Process piping is the safest and most effective way to move fluids and gases through an industrial or manufacturing facility.
Though it looks similar to plumbing, process piping is a different system, built with materials designed specifically for the products they will transport. Wayne Brothers Companies offers process piping as part of our industrial contracting services.
Where Is Process Piping Found?
Process plant piping is found in settings where mixing or separating materials is expected. This includes industries such as:
- Food and beverage factories
- Pharmaceutical
- Chemical processing facilities
- Pet Food processing
- Breweries
- Industrial facilities
- Water treatment
These are just some of the types of industries where materials must pass through piping to get correctly mixed, and process piping provides the right system for the job.
How Does Process Piping Differ From Regular Plumbing Systems?
Process piping may look similar to regular plumbing, but it performs a very different function. Plumbing systems take water into a facility and remove sewage from the facility after the water has been used. It also can be used for natural gas in heating systems, but its primary job is moving water into and out of a facility.
Plumbing systems have to meet building codes and regulations to safely transport water and protect the facility from wastewater and sewage exposure. Pipes are often made from plastic or copper to withstand daily exposure to water without rust or corrosion.
On the other hand, process piping moves various chemicals, including liquids and gases, to support manufacturing and processing work. It is not required to follow building codes like plumbing. Instead, it must meet the requirements for the particular operation it is designed for. This includes corrosion and heat resistance based on the product being transported. Because of this, process piping systems can be made from a wide range of materials, not just copper or plastic. Stainless steel process piping is a common choice.
Instead of being overseen by building codes, process piping designs must follow OSHA standards to ensure the manufacturing facility can operate safely.
Many municipalities require permits and inspections, especially for facilities handling hazardous materials.
Choose Wayne Brothers as Your Industrial Construction and Process Piping Contractors
When building a new industrial facility, you need to plan the process piping as part of the overall design. Wayne Brothers Companies offers a comprehensive list of industrial construction services, including process piping contractors who understand this aspect of building an industrial facility.
Our process integration services include both utility and process piping services to ensure your facility is fully functional. Most of the piping we fabricate ourselves so that you can be confident it is customized to your facility’s unique needs. Reach out to Wayne Brothers Companies Process Integration team today to discover how our process integration and industrial contracting services can assist your facility with your stainless steel process piping needs.
