Piping Module - 3, ASME B 31.

3 : Seamless and Welded Pipe Wall Thickness

Calculation
The Pipe Wall thickness for Straight Pipe under pressurised is calculated as per formula provided
in ASME B31.3.

The Formula is available in code at clause 304.1.2 (a):

The design pipe wall thickness,

𝑃𝐷
𝑡=
2(𝑆𝐸𝑊 + 𝑃𝑌)

Where, P = Internal design gage pressure

D = Outside diameter of pipe as listed in tables of standards or specifications or
as measured ASME B36.10 : Welded and Seamless Wrought Steel Pipe
ASME B36.19 : Stainless Steel Pipes
S = Stress value for material from Table A-1 in ASME B 31.3
E = Quality factor from Table A-1A or A-1B
Table A-1A and Clause 302.3.3 of ASME B31.3 - 2008, Carbon Steel Casting,
ASTM A216
0.85 for Electric Resistance Welded Pipes
0.60 for Furnace Butt Welded Pipes
1 for Stainless Steel Pipes
W = Weld joint strength reduction factor per para. 302.3.5(e)
Clause 302.3.5(e) of ASME B 31.3
1 for Seamless Pipes
1 & 0.5 for Welded pipes at Temperature < 510°C & > 815°C for all materials
respectively
P = Internal design gage pressure
Y = Coefficient from Table 304.1.1, valid for t < D/6 and for materials shown.
The value of Y may be interpolated for intermediate temperatures. For t ≥ D/6.
Clause 302.3.5(e) of ASME B31.3
0.5 for Seamless Pipes
0.4 & 0.5 for Welded pipes at Temperature < 566°C & > 815°C for all
materials respectively

Calculated Pipe Wall Thickness for Seamless Pipe (Fire Fighting Services)

Calculated Pipe Wall Thickness

S.N. Pipe Size, mm
(minimum), mm
1. 25 4.17
2. 32 4.21
3. 65 4.37
4. 100 4.58
5. 150 4.85
6. 200 5.11
7. 250 5.38
8. 300 5.64
9. 350 5.80
10. 400 6.05
Note: Service Pressure = 10.5kg/cm2
Wall Thickness Selection

The designer should choose / select pipe wall nominal thickness higher to the above stated pipe
wall thickness as specified in ASME B36.10 and B36.19 to fulfil the conditions for which the pipe
is required.