ASME B31.4-2002 pdf – PIPELINE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS FOR LIOUID HYDROCARBONS AND OTHER LIOUIDS.
A400 GENERAL STATEMENTS
(a) Chapter IX pertains oniy to offshore pipeline systems as defined in para. A400.1.
(b) This Chapter is organized to parallel the numbering and content of the first eight chapters of the Code. Paragraph designations are the same as those in the first eight chapters, with the prefix “A.”
(c) All provisions of the first eight chapters of the Code are also requirements of this Chapter unless specifically modified herein. If the text in this Chapter adds requirements, the requirements in the original Chapter with the same title and number also apply. If a provision in this Chapter is in conflict with one or more provisions in other chapters, the provision in this Chapter shall apply.
(d) It is the intent of this Chapter to provide requirements for the safe and reliable design, installation, and operation of offshore liquid pipeline systems. It is not the intent of this Chapter to be all inclusive. Engineering judgment must be used to identify special considerations which are not specifically addressed. API RP 1111 may be used as a guide. It is not the intent of this Chapter to prevent the development and application of new equipment and technology. Such activity is encouraged as long as the safety and reliability requirements of the Code are satisfied.
A400.1 Scope
This Chapter covers the design, material requirements, fabrication, installation, inspection, testing, and safety aspects of the operation and maintenance of offshore pipeline systems. For purposes of this Chapter, offshore pipeline systems include offshore liquid pipelines, pipeline risers, offshore liquid pumping stations, pipeline appurtenances, pipe supports, connectors, and other components as addressed specifically in the Code. See Fig. 400.1.2.
A400.2 Definitions
Some of the more common terms relating to offshore liquid pipelines are defined below.
buckle arrestor: any device attached to, or made a part of, the pipe for the purpose of arresting a propagating buckle.
buckle detector: any means for detecting dents, excessive ovalization, or buckles in a pipeline.
external hydrostatic pressure: pressure acting on any external surface resulting from its submergence in water.
flexible pipe: pipe which is
(a) manufactured as a composite from both metal and nonmetal components;
(b) capable of allowing large deflections without adversely affecting the pipe’s integrity; and
(c) intended to be an integral part of the permanent liquid transportation system.
Flexible pipe does not include solid metallic pipe, plastic pipe, fiber reinforced plastic pipe, rubber hose, or metallic pipes lined with nonmetallic linings or coatings.
hyperbaric weld: a weld performed at ambient hydrostatic pressure.
offshore: the area beyond the line of ordinary high water along that portion of the coast that is in direct contact with the open seas and beyond the line marking the seaward limit of inland coastal waters.
offshore pipeline riser: the vertical or near-vertical portion of an offshore pipeline between the platform piping and the pipeline at or below the seabed, including a length of pipe of at least five pipe diameters beyond the bottom elbow, bend, or fitting. Because of the wide variety of configurations, the exact location of transition among pipeline, pipeline riser, and platform piping must be selected on a case-by-case basis.
offshore pipeline system: includes all components of a pipeline installed offshore for the purpose of transporting liquid, other than production facility piping. Tanker or barge loading hoses are not considered part of the offshore pipeline system.
offshore platform: any fixed or permanently anchored structure or artificial island located offshore.