COURSE OVERVIEW:

The mechanical relationship between stationary piping systems and rotating machinery is one of the most critical factors in plant reliability. This course provides a practical exploration of how excessive piping loads—caused by thermal expansion, weight, and misalignment—are transferred to the nozzles of pumps, compressors, and turbines. Participants will analyze the physics of force and moment transfer, understanding how these external stresses can distort equipment casings, misalign shafts, and lead to premature bearing or seal failure.

Practical diagnostics form the core of this training, focusing on "Pipe Strain" detection and measurement techniques. The scope includes hands-on methods for verifying that piping is "neutral" before it is coupled to rotating assets, as well as the use of dial indicators and laser alignment tools to monitor casing movement during bolt-up. Participants will explore the limitations of equipment nozzles as defined by industry standards such as API 610 and API 617, learning how to bridge the gap between theoretical stress analysis and field installation reality.

Coverage extends to the implementation of corrective measures, including the redesign of pipe supports, the use of expansion loops, and the proper application of spring hangers. Attendants will gain experience in identifying the symptoms of piping-induced stress, such as chronic vibration and high operating temperatures in bearings. By the end of this course, participants will be equipped with the practical skills to ensure that piping systems act as a support to, rather than a burden on, the rotating equipment they serve.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

1.  Identify the physical signs of pipe strain on pumps and compressors.

2.  Quantify the forces and moments acting on equipment nozzles.

3.  Apply API 610 and API 617 standards to evaluate nozzle load compliance.

4.  Execute a "Final Tie-in" check to ensure zero-stress piping alignment.

5.  Use dial indicators to monitor shaft movement during flange bolting.

6.  Distinguish between internal equipment faults and external piping stress.

7.  Calculate the thermal growth of equipment and its effect on piping.

8.  Adjust spring supports to neutralize vertical piping loads on nozzles.

9.  Diagnose the root causes of chronic mechanical seal failures related to stress.

10.  Implement precision shimming techniques to correct for "Soft Foot" and pipe strain.

11.  Design expansion loops specifically for the protection of rotating assets.

12.  Utilize vibration analysis to detect piping resonance and stress-induced harmonics.

13.  Coordinate between piping designers and machinery technicians for optimal layouts.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Reliability Engineers, Rotating Equipment Technicians, Maintenance Supervisors, and Piping Stress Analysts.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximise the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.