PIPING INSTRUMENTS

NOVEMBER 1994 PAGE 1 OF 8 EGE 16-B-10 1994

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Scope 5.2 Materials
2. References
3. General
4. Instrument Pressure Piping
4.1 General
4.2 Design
4.3 Materials
5. Air Supply and Signal Tubing
5.1 Design
6. Pipe Supports
7. Pressure Testing
8. Winterizing and Fire Protection
Appendix Maximum Allowable Pressures for
Commonly Used Sizes of A269
Type 316 SS Tubing
History of Change
1. SCOPE
This Guide covers the basic requirements for the design of piping connecting instruments to pressure piping
or equipment, instrument air piping, and pneumatic signal piping. Process piping for flow instruments and
control valve installations is covered in EGE 32-B-2 and EGE 32-B-8. Throughout this Guide the term
"piping" includes tubing and NPS (nominal pipe size in inches) piping.
2. REFERENCES
The following publications form a part of this Guide. The references cited with dates in this Guide were used
in its development. For all references which have been superseded, revised, and/or corrected, the user of
this Guide is obligated to determine if the latest versions of the cited references have any impact on the
content of this Guide or its use. Mobil Technology Company (MTC) Guide Sponsor should be consulted if
there are any concerns or questions.
Mobil Engineering Guides
EGE 00-S-3 (1992) Piping and Instrumentation Flow Diagram Standard Schematic Details
EGE 16-B-1 (1993) Piping General Design
EGE 16-B-22 (1990) Piping Process Equipment
EGE 16-B-30 (1994) Piping Materials and Service Classifications
EGE 16-B-40 (1989) Piping Fabrication, Erection, Inspection, and Testing
EGE 32-B-1 (1989) Instrumentation General Requirements
EGE 32-B-2 (1993) Instrumentation Flow
EGE 32-B-6 (1994) Instrumentation Transmitters and Receivers
EGE 32-B-8 (1994) Instrumentation Control Valves
EGE 32-B-10 (1993) Process Analyzers
EGE 33-B-23 (1995) Electrical Heat Tracing
EGE 34-B-15 (1989) Fireproofing General Requirements
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EGE 16-B-10 1994 PAGE 2 OF 8 NOVEMBER 1994
API (American Petroleum Institute) Recommended Practice
RP 550 (1985) Manual on Installation of Refinery Instruments and Control Systems: Part I Process
Instrumentation and Control, Section 7 Transmission Systems, and Section 9 Air Supply
Systems
NOTE: Although API RP 550 is not a current publication, Mobil considers the referenced material to be valid for Mobils purposes,
except as noted in this Guide. Requests for a copy of RP 550 should be directed to The Librarian, American Petroleum Institute, 1220
L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005, USA. Phone: (202) 682-8040/Fax: (202) 682-8232.
ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) Standard
B31.3 (1993) Chemical Plant and Petroleum Refinery Piping
ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) Specifications
A269 (1992) Seamless and Welded Austenitic Stainless Steel Tubing for General Service
B68 (1992) Seamless Copper Tube, Bright Annealed
B75 (1992) Seamless Copper Tube
B88 (1993) Seamless Copper Water Tube
ISA (Instrument Society of America) Recommended Practice
RP 7.1 (1956) Pneumatic Control Circuit Pressure Test
3. GENERAL
3.1 The design and installation of instrument piping systems shall be in accordance with the requirements
of this Guide, referenced Mobil Guides, and ASME B31.3, except where superseded by local codes and
regulations.
3.2 Instrument piping design shall be in accordance with EGE 16-B-1. Piping component selection shall
conform to EGE 16-B-30.
3.3 The only acceptable pipe and tubing fittings are Crawford Swagelok, Parker A-lok, Parker CPI, Hoke
Gyrolok, and Tylok bite-type compression fittings, unless otherwise approved by MTC or the local plant
engineering department. The use of unapproved fittings may result in potential fit up problems associated
with nonstandard threads, especially for stainless steel fittings.
3.4 Only components produced by the same manufacturer shall be used in each tubing fitting assembly
to avoid potential leaks. In addition, only fittings produced by a single designated manufacturer should be
used for each facility, area of operation, and/or new major facility addition.
3.5 Piping connected to vessel nozzles shall be installed in such a manner that no pockets or traps can
occur.
3.6 Level instruments and gage glass standpipes may utilize common vessel nozzle connections, as
shown in EGE 00-S-3. Gage glass standpipes shall not be less than NPS 2, Schedule 80 pipe. (Exception:
Stainless steel standpipes shall not be thinner than Schedule 40.)
3.7 Vessel connections for pressure differential transmitters or indicators shall not be used for other
purposes, such as drains or pumpout lines.
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3.8 Thermowell connections in carbon steel piping may be threaded, NPS 1, in services where screwed
fittings are acceptable (see EGE 16-B-30). Where the line classes require all fittings below NPS 2 to be of
the socket welded type, thermowells shall be flanged, NPS 11/2.
3.9 Thermowell connections shall also be flanged, NPS 11/2, for the following:
(a) Alloy piping.
(b) Lined piping (including cement lined).
4. INSTRUMENT PRESSURE PIPING
4.1 General
Instrument pressure piping is the piping (including tubing), under pressure of the fluid being measured or
controlled, used to connect instruments to the main piping, to other instruments, or to equipment.
4.2 Design
4.2.1 Instrument pressure piping, up to and including the first instrument block valves, shall conform to
the same design and material specifications as the connected lines or equipment and shall be NPS 3/4 pipe
minimum, except that connections to orifice flanges and other differential metering devices may be as small
as NPS 1/2.
4.2.2 The design pressure and temperature for instrument pressure piping downstream of the first block
valve shall be the same as for the connected process line or equipment.
Instrument pressure piping downstream of the process tap block valve shall be NPS 1/2 pipe or 12 mm
(1/2 in.) OD tubing minimum. All tubing and pipe shall be properly supported and protected from accidental
damage.
4.2.3 Block valves shall be installed as closely as possible to the connected process lines or equipment.
Welding is not allowed downstream of the block valves.
4.2.4 Analyzer sample probes and transport systems shall be in accordance with EGE 32-B-10.
4.2.5 Consideration shall be given to the mechanical strength (including fatigue) of small instrument
connections to piping (refer to EGE 16-B-30 for design of branch connections).
4.2.6 Instrument connections that require periodic rodding to prevent plugging shall be considered
individually by the engineering contractor. The details of proposed installations shall be subject to Mobil
approval.
4.3 Materials
4.3.1 General
In general, Instrument pressure piping downstream of the first instrument block valve shall consist of
Type 316 stainless steel tubing, fittings, and valves. Stainless steel shall not be used in HF acid service or
other services for which it is unsuitable, and materials for such services shall be approved by Mobil. When
pipe is used for instrument pressure piping downstream of the instrument block valve, the piping shall
conform to the material specifications of the connected line or equipment.
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EGE 16-B-10 1994 PAGE 4 OF 8 NOVEMBER 1994
4.3.2 Tubing
Tubing used for instrument pressure piping shall be ASTM A269, annealed Type 316 stainless steel,
seamless or welded. Seamless tubing shall be used in services where corrosion of the heat affected zone
may be a concern. Welded tubing should be used only in long straight tubing runs and/or long radius bends.
The use of welded tubing for small radius bends should be avoided. Maximum allowable pressures for
Type 316 SS instrument pressure tubing are listed in the Appendix.
In marine and chloride bearing environments, alternate tubing materials such as Type 904L stainless steel,
Alloys 600/625, or monel shall be considered.
4.3.3 Tubing Valves
(a) The valve body, stem, and trim shall be Type 316 stainless steel. The valve stem shall be of
blowout-proof design.
(b) Stem packing and seat material shall be capable of withstanding the maximum temperature and
pressure encountered in service (refer to EGE 16-B-30 for packing and seat recommendations).
(c) Valves shall have integral bite-type tubing fittings or pipe threaded ends for tubing fittings.
5. AIR SUPPLY AND SIGNAL TUBING
5.1 Design
5.1.1 Piping between the compressors and instrument air driers shall conform to EGE 16-B-22.
5.1.2 Pneumatic signal tubing shall conform to the requirements herein and to API RP 550, Part I,
Section 7.
5.1.3 Air supply headers and laterals shall be arranged to allow air to be blown through a full-size
opening to facilitate final cleaning of the air system.
5.1.4 Instrument air branch supply lines shall be taken from the top of the header. A ball valve should
be used against the header at each air line takeoff. A round/oval handle for the ball valve may be
considered to prevent accidental valve closures. Where a single takeoff from the main supply header serves
more than one instrument, the installation of an instrument air manifold should be considered. Branch lines
from the main header or manifold to individual instruments shall be separately valved.
5.1.5 Supply lines from an instrument air header to instruments shall be NPS 1/2 minimum. Table 9.1
in API RP 550, Part I, Section 9, may be used as reference when sizing the supply lines for multiple uses.
All branch supply lines should have low point drain valves.
5.1.6 Each instrument shall have a filter regulator equipped with a two-inch-dial pressure gage. Supply
lines to instruments shall terminate with shutoff valves located not more than 900 mm (36 in.) from the
instruments. Piping from the shutoff valve shall be 10 mm (3/8 in.) OD tubing. The tubing shall be installed
with sufficient flexibility to allow for normal piping/equipment movements.
5.1.7 Pneumatic signal transmission tubing between instruments and junction boxes shall consist of
6 mm (1/4 in.) OD tubing.
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5.1.8 Air supply and signal transmission lines to critical field service valves, such as remote-operated
tank and transfer valves, shall be protected from accidental damage. Such lines shall consist of stainless
steel tubing.
5.1.9 The NPS 1/4 pipe fittings and valves downstream of pneumatic transmitters, as specified in
EGE 32-B-6 shall be as follows:
(a) Type 316 stainless steel valves and fittings (standard weight nipples, 150 lb. tees and plugs) shall
be used with stainless steel tubing.
(b) Brass or bronze valves and brass fittings (standard weight nipples, 125/150 lb. tees and plugs)
shall be used with copper tubing.
5.2 Materials
5.2.1 Tubing
(a) In corrosive environments (such as normal refinery and chemical plant areas, and shelter type
buildings), copper or stainless steel tubing may be used. When instrument air and signal transmission
tubing is installed abovegrade within a process unit or on overhead pipeways, stainless steel tubing shall
be used.
In highly corrosive environments (such as facilities processing corrosive chemicals or gases), stainless
steel tubing shall be used.
In marine and chloride bearing environments, alternate tubing materials such as Type 904L stainless
steel, Alloys 600/625, or monel shall be considered.
(b) Copper tubing shall be soft annealed and nonarsenic, and shall meet ASTM B68, B75 or B88
requirements. Minimum nominal wall thicknesses shall be 1 mm (0.035 in.) for 6 mm (1/4 in.) OD tubing
and 1.5 mm (0.049 in.) for 10 mm (3/8 in.) or 12 mm (1/2 in.) OD tubing.
Copper tubing shall be protected with a black polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) jacket with a
minimum thickness of 1 mm (1/32 in.). Subject to Mobil approval, the jacket may be omitted in non-
corrosive environments.
(c) Stainless steel tubing shall be ASTM A269 Type 304 or Type 316 annealed, seamless or welded.
Minimum nominal wall thicknesses shall be 0.75 mm (0.028 in.) for 6 mm (1/4 in.) OD tubing and 1 mm
(0.035 in.) for 10 mm (3/8 in.) or 12 mm (1/2 in.) OD tubing.
(d) Aluminum and plastic tubing shall not be used unless specifically approved by Mobil. If aluminum
tubing is used, it shall not be in contact with magnesia insulation. Consideration shall also be given to
fire protection and protection against accidental damage.
5.2.2 Pipe and Tubing Fittings
Brass bite-type compression fittings shall normally be used with copper tubing in noncorrosive and corrosive
environments. Wherever brass fittings are used with PVC covered copper tubing, PVC boots are to be
provided.
Bite-type compression fittings in highly corrosive environments, marine, and chloride bearing environments
shall be Type 316 stainless steel. Stainless steel fittings must be used with stainless steel tubing in
corrosive environments.
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5.2.3 Tubing Valves
(a) Brass-body globe, ball, or needle valves shall normally be used in noncorrosive and corrosive
environments.
Valves in highly corrosive environments, marine, and chloride bearing environments shall have Type 316
stainless steel bodies. Stainless steel valves may also be used in corrosive environments.
(b) Tubing valves shall have Teflon or graphite packing, stainless steel stems, and TFE stem tips or
seats where tight shutoff is required. End connections may be either pipe threaded or integral
compression bite-type tubing fittings.
6. PIPE SUPPORTS
6.1 Individual instrument lines generally shall not be supported from larger lines. However, in remote
locations, individual lines may be supported by lines NPS 2 and larger. Tubing shall be supported in
accordance with the recommendations in API RP 550, Part I, Section 7. The method of support shall be
subject to Mobil approval.
6.2 In areas where it is possible for mechanical damage to occur, lines shall be protected by a continuous
support (for example, a structural steel angle or channel).
7. PRESSURE TESTING
7.1 Testing of instrument pressure piping and air supply piping shall be in accordance with the
requirements of EGE 16-B-40.
7.2 Pressure testing of signal transmission systems shall be in accordance with ISA RP 7.1.
8. WINTERIZING AND FIRE PROTECTION
8.1 Winterizing and fire protection of instrument piping shall be in accordance with the requirements
herein, EGE 32-B-1, and EGE 33-B-23. Tubing shall be fireproofed as required by EGE 34-B-15. Stainless
steel tubing does not need to be fireproofed.
8.2 Instrument piping containing fluids that are normally static and subject to freezing shall be protected
by heat tracing (or other heating methods) and insulated.
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APPENDIX
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE PRESSURES FOR COMMONLY USED SIZES
OF ASTM A269 TYPE 316 SS INSTRUMENT PRESSURE TUBING
(1)
Tubing Characteristics Max. Design Pressure up to
OD x WT 149C (300F)
(2)
in. mm kPa psig
(3)
Seamless 1/4 x 0.028 6.4 x 0.7 28,400 4,100
Seamless 1/4 x 0.035 6.4 x 0.9 36,000 5,200
Seamless 1/4 x 0.049 6.4 x 1.3 52,500 7,600
Seamless 3/8 x 0.028 9.5 x 0.7 18,000 2,600
Seamless 3/8 x 0.035 9.5 x 0.9 22,900 3,300
Seamless 3/8 x 0.049 9.5 x 1.3 33,200 4,800
Seamless 1/2 x 0.035 12.7 x 0.9 18,000 2,600
Seamless 1/2 x 0.049 12.7 x 1.3 25,600 3,700
Welded 1/4 x 0.028 6.4 x 0.7 22,200 3,200
Welded 1/4 x 0.035 6.4 x 0.9 29,100 4,200
Welded 1/4 x 0.049 6.4 x 1.3 42,200 6,100
Welded 3/8 x 0.028 9.5 x 0.7 14,600 2,100
Welded 3/8 x 0.035 9.5 x 0.9 18,700 2,700
Welded 3/8 x 0.049 9.5 x 1.3 27,000 3,900
Welded 1/2 x 0.035 12.7 x 0.9 14,600 2,100
Welded 1/2 x 0.049 12.7 x 1.3 20,800 3,000
NOTES:
1. The above maximum pressures are calculated based on minimum tube wall thicknesses specified in
ASTM A269.
2. At elevated temperatures, the above maximum pressures shall be multiplied by the following derating factors:
Design Temperature 204C 260C 316C 371C 427C 482C 538C
(400F) (500F) (600F) (700F) (800F) (900F) (1000F)
Derating Factor 0.965 0.895 0.850 0.815 0.795 0.775 0.765
3. Tubing dimensions shown in millimeters are converted from standard British tubing dimensions for reference
and are not standard metric tubing dimensions.
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HISTORY OF CHANGE
The history of change contained herein does not constitute a complete listing of revisions
and changes made to this document. Only revisions and changes of significant technical
content (per sponsor and Steering Committee) are listed.
EGE 16-B-10 1994
EGE 16-B-10 1994 supersedes the 1988 version with the following significant technical
changes:
1. Added the recommendation not to interchange tubing fitting parts produced by different
manufacturers and to use only fittings produced by a single designated manufacturer for
each facility, area of operation, and/or new major facility addition.
2. Added the requirement to eliminate welded joints downstream of block valves.
3. Added welded stainless steel tubing as acceptable instrument tubing material.
4. Added Type 904L, Alloys 600/625, or monel as recommended tubing material in marine
and chloride bearing environments.