MRC Global
Cautious Optimism in a Recovering Market
  • Contributing Authors
Product InSight
  • Valves, Automation, Measurement & Instrumentation
  • Carbon Steel Pipe, Fittings & Flanges
  • Stainless Steel & Alloy Pipe, Fittings & Flanges
  • Gas Products
  • General Products
Regional InSight
  • United States
  • Canada
  • International
Additional InSight
  • Transportation Update
  • Midland TX Opening
  • MRC Global New Website
  • Raw Materials
  • Energy Prices
  • Pipeline Specifications
  • Belgium Hydrogen Seminar
  • View All Resources
 
Pipeline Specifications: Communication is Key to Saving Time and Money
Glen Beal is a Technical Engineering Manager at MRC Global with more than 30 years of experience in developing engineering specifications from the perspective of both an end user and a distributor. He is a subject matter expert in piping commodity and  valve data management and is responsible for developing and renewing pipeline class specifications, engineering guidelines for design, fabrication and installation, valve data sheets and qualification plans, and piping specialty components and data sheets.​

Glen was recently interviewed by Valve World Americas for his perspective on how the factors taken into consideration during the development of pipe line class specifications can save time and money.

Complex piping systems are the mainstay for many customers in the oil and gas industry. They play a critical role in safely moving oil and natural gas to chemical plants, refineries, businesses and homes around the world. Because they are required to perform in some of the harshest conditions and under extreme pressure, the safety of every pipeline is paramount to protecting our communities and the environment.

For both customers and end users, the correct selection, specification and material grade of pipe and piping components for any given service is crucial. Piping line class specifications (PLC specs) provide the guidance needed to design, purchase, fabricate, operate and maintain the appropriate piping systems for every facility . They are generally written in coordination with their company’s corporate practices and in compliance with the applicable industry codes and standards (ASME, API, etc.) which can vary from system to system. Oftentimes, end users develop their PLC specs based solely on the operating parameters of the piping. While it is essential to regard the needs of the media being transferred, considering safe and flexible alternatives can save time and money.

End users often make their specifications rather tight and narrow, or as specific as possible as a way to aid design and maintenance tools, says Beal. While this may make sense from an end user perspective, it can lead to complications later in the supply chain with other parties. Overall, it can prolong the process of receiving the necessary materials or products. If the scope of the piping line specifications is made slightly more flexible, receiving alternative materials to lower lead times becomes a viable possibility.


Read the complete article here.

MRC Global logo

Experts You Can Trust™

1301 McKinney Street
Suite 2300
Houston, Texas 77010-3035

CONNECT

Contact Us Locations Careers Investor Relations ESG Feedback Publications

FOLLOW

LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube

MRCGO

US flag
Australian flag
Belgium flag
Canada flag
Finland flag
France flag
Germany flag
UK flag
KSA flag
Netherlands flag
New Zealand flag
Norway flag
Singapore flag
UAE flag

Copyright © 2023. MRC Global Inc. All Rights Reserved

Legal Notice   |   Terms and Conditions   |   Privacy Statement