Piping systems transport fluids, gases, and sometimes solids throughout facilities, connecting process equipment, utilities, and storage through integrated networks of pipes, fittings, valves, and supports. System design encompasses sizing for flow requirements and pressure drop, layout optimization for space efficiency and maintainability, stress analysis for thermal expansion and support, material selection for service conditions, and component specification. Design codes including ASME B31.1 and B31.3 govern requirements ensuring safe containment.

Piping represents significant project cost and schedule drivers, making fabrication strategies critical. Prefabrication in shops versus field construction affects quality, productivity, and economics. Modular approaches assembling pipe racks or complex systems in shops accelerate installation and improve quality. System commissioning verifies proper installation, leak-tightness, and operational performance before facility startup. Effective piping design and fabrication balance performance requirements, code compliance, installation efficiency, maintainability, and lifecycle economics.