Piperack Loading concept/calculation..!

Hi CJ,

Once you have an idea of the number and sizes of the lines you require on your rack, take a look at the piping span chart here : pipingdesigners.com/Tools.htm#pipes

It contains, weight information for empty, full and insulated lines ... it's a good starting point.

It is not really difficult if you have done it before but I must admit it is somewhat confusing if you have never done it.

Step #1. Determine the Pipe Rack proposed width and the proposed spacing of the Pipe Support Bents.
Step #2. Determine the number and size of the Headers/Lines in the rack (the most congested part)
Step #3. Determine the "average line size" of the known lines and the potential future lines (take a guess).
Step #4. Populate the pipe Rack support beam with as many of the "average size" lines as will fit. Set the spacing of your average lines 1.5 times the line size. Note the total number of "average size" lines on the rack will be less than the number of actual lines.
Step #5. Determine the weight factor of the average line (weight of the pipe + Insulation + water) per foot or meter.
Step #6. Multiple the weight factor of the average line times the length (spacing between the pipe support bents). Pipe Support #2 carries the weight of one half of the pipe span between PS #1 & SP#2 plus one half the weight of the pipe span between PS#2 & PS#3.
Step #7. Apply the weight of the "average size" pipe times the length to the point where each "average size" line rests on the pipe support.
Step #8. Discuss your methodology and your results with the Structural Engineer.

I have tried to make this very simple. Please let me know if I failed and I will try again.

cj.abhijit,
You only need to look at the "Tools" page on this web site to find the answer.
- Tools
- Calculators
- Metric Weight Book (if working metric)
- Tab #1 Instructions
- Tab !6"

- there you will find pipe, fittings, flanges, valves and yes, there is also insulation.

I think you will find that this is a great tool to do all sorts of weight calcs for piping items.