Sea Water System Design

PIPING Cu-Ni is used for piping systems in a wide range of sizes. To obtain the high performance achievable from Cu-Ni, particular attention should be given to using alloy compositions which comply to international standards, maintaining flow velocities within accepted limits, avoiding areas of local turbulence and extended exposure to polluted water and ensuring good commissioning/start up practices. Guidelines For Good Surface Film Formation:

Clean dirt, lubricants and debris from the system. Avoid introduction of solid matter by installation of strainers. Use clean, unpolluted seawater or fresh water for hydrotesting. If polluted water has been used, it should be disposed of quickly and the pipework rinsed properly with clean sea water or fresh water. If subsequent long stagnant conditions are expected, blow dry the systems. The commissioning of a system with intermittent flow, such as a fire fighting system should be conducted in sea water with low levels of suspended matter e.g water from the open sea. However, the seawater has to be replaced by oxygenated water within 4-5 days to avoid putrefaction. Ferrous ions from additions of ferrous sulfate or by installation of simulated iron anodes can improve film formation and help protect against sulfides in waters. Mature film formation depends on seawater temperature but can take up to 3 months to achieve. Particular care to avoid extended exposure to sea water polluted with sufides is required during that time. A system with continuous pumping activity, such as a cooling system, can be operated under normal design flow conditions. In sea water and water containing high levels of suspended matter, the minimum flow rate should be above 0.5-1m/s (as it depends on pipe diameter as well) to prevent deposits forming. In sea water containing entrained sand the flow rate should be decreased by 1-1.5m/s

Guidelines for Prevention of Erosion Corrosion: Control Flow rate

The maximum flow rate should not exceed the maximum designed flow rate. Applied flow rate depends upon alloy, pipe diameter and specification used, e.g BS MA 18, DIN 85004-2. Typically, these may be: Typical maximum Flow Velocity, m/s 3.5 4.0 6.5

Alloy 90-10 Cu-Ni 70-30 Cu-Ni 66-30-2-2 Cu-Ni-Fe-Mn

For short duration, flow velocities of 10-15 m/s are acceptable

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Sea Water System Design

Guidelines for Shutdown and Standby Conditions: Conditions in the system Clean seawater or fresh water with-out Polluted seawater or fresh water where Duration deposits deposits are present Commissioned system: Avoid high flow rates If possible, drain the system and fill with clean seawater or fresh water New system: Clean the system and fill with clean seawater or fresh water. Possibility I: Clean the system and fill with clean seawater or fresh water Replace the water by oxygenated clean Keep the system filled and replace the water every 2-3 days. water by oxygenated water every 2-3 days Clean the system and keep it dry. Possibility II: Clean the system and keep it dry.

4-6 days Keep the system filled

> 4-6 days

Guidelines for Chlorination:

Recommended levels for residual content: For continuous dosage, 0.3 ppm with a maximum of 1 ppm For intermittent dosage, a level of 0.5 ppm Simultaneous chlorination and ferrous sulfate treatments are not recommended

Connection Guidelines:

The mismatch of pipe ends should not exceed the half of wall thickness, however it has to be less than 2 mm The preferred maximum depth of excessive weld root penetration depending on pipe diameter ex DIN 85004 is:

Nominal pipe diameter [mm] The max. protrusion of the welding root [mm] <40 50-150 175-250 >300 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0

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Sea Water System Design

Guidelines for Correct Piping Design and Installation: Streamlining minimises pressure drop, required pumping power and probability of erosion attack Run piping as directly as possible Consider the effect of r/d-ratio for bends and the effect of sudden enlargement and contractions on the pressure drop . Bend radii r greater or equal to 1.5d or angled branches are preferable. Choose square stub-end flanges and cut the gasket flush with the inner surface of the pipe. If rolled-over type flanges are used, the design velocity should be reduced by 0.25-0.5 m/s. Cut gaskets flush with the inner pipe diameter Control the flow with least number of valves. Ensure operators have means to control and measure flow rates. Ask the valve manufacturer for data related to the effect of weld geometry on the pressure drop in the system. In most instances there are considerable variations for nominally similar valves. Provide a downstream distance 5 x ID from pumps and valves to bends.

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