Industrial piping systems transport fluids, gases, and sometimes solids throughout facilities, connecting process equipment, utilities, and storage. These essential systems must safely contain process materials under operating conditions while accommodating thermal expansion, vibration, and other mechanical stresses.

Piping design involves sizing for flow requirements and pressure drop, material selection for temperature and corrosion resistance, stress analysis for flexibility and support, component selection including valves and fittings, and layout optimization for space efficiency and constructability. Design codes—ASME B31.1, B31.3, others—govern design requirements.

Industrial piping fabrication encompasses pipe cutting and beveling, fitting installation, welding per qualified procedures, support fabrication and installation, heat treatment when required, testing for pressure integrity and leak tightness, and documentation of materials and procedures. Quality control prevents failures that could cause shutdowns, environmental releases, or safety incidents.

Piping represents significant installed cost in industrial facilities. Fabrication strategies—shop versus field fabrication, modularization extent, spool piece optimization—substantially impact project economics. Prefabrication improves quality and productivity compared to stick-built field installation.