Section - 12B: Measuring field pipe

Let other Pipers know:

To add or modify piping that is in the field, we need to verify what we are working with first.
Before going to the field, gather all existing drawings, photos, and flow sheets of the area you are working on.
This might help out develop sketches in advance to verify in the field.

To add or modify piping that is in the field, we need to verify what we are working with first.

Before going to the field, gather all existing drawings, photos, and flow sheets of the area you are working on.
This might help out develop sketches in advance to verify in the field.

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Field Tools

Tools that I use for field work are:

Small tape measure. At least 35′ and 1″ to 1 1/4″ wide tap
Large tape measure. Either 100′ or 300′.
Folding carpenter ruler
Several rolls of colored twine
Line level.
Plumb bob
Magnets. I use the round type with a hook an affixed to it.
Torpedo level
Small adjustable square
Compass
Marking crayons or some type of marking pen
Camera
Whiteboard.
Sketch pads with clipboard and rubber bands or large clips

Getting Started

When you get to the site, take a moment to get orientated with the location. Do the follow:

Check north-south orientation, look for bench marks to establish elevation and coordinates.
Look over the drawings you brought to see how close the drawings are to what is actually on site.
Review the flow sheets to see if the unit or equipment are in process order and instrumentation is places correctly.
Determine where you need to concentration your as-build attention.

Ready to start sketching, set up your sketch.

At the top of the page, write down the client, location, date, your initials, and page number. You can write in project numbers and other identify information later.

Place an orientation arrow, north arrow, relative to where is will relate to you sketch.

Sketch out the piping, make sure that you capture all the fittings, valves, drains and vents, spectacle blinds or restriction orifices between flanged, etc. that will be in the sketch.

Locate all supports, pipe shoes, dummy legs, base supports, etc.. Sketch any close structures, equipment, or objects that might help you locate the piping you sketched to the existing site plans.

Dimensioning

For dimensioning, I like to use several methods.

If I have a line of fittings and valves, I usually verify that they are true to fitting dimensions and if they are, I write down “FM” (for fitting makeup) on the sketch. Remember to check the raise face on the flanged and the gasket thickness.
If you have piping with pup, or straight piping on it, there are two ways to dimension. One is to measure the pup from weld to weld, and add in the fittings later. Second, you can measure from fitting to fitting centerline by estimating the center of the pipe or fitting on each end.

Elevations

For finding elevations:

Measure from the top of concrete (TOC) to centerline of pipe to top of support (TOSPT) if there is insulation shoe under the pipe, make sure to note it.
If piping is offset from concrete or structures, slip a length of twine to the bottom of the pipe and stretch over to the nearest concrete or structure. Level the line with a line level will raising or lowering the twine against your tape measure..
For finding elevation of piping overhead on supports, one way is to stretch your small tape up the side of a support till you can hook to the TOS. Now you can either stretch the tape out so you can bend it at TOC to see your elevation, or, you can premarked a line on the column and measure to it.

About the Author

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