The aerospace industry is known for its high standards and complex requirements. Like every system in this industry, process piping must meet stringent aerospace standards to ensure safe, seamless operation. Here, we’ll look closer at the intricacies of process piping within this sector, shedding light on its significance, the materials used, and its diverse applications.

Process Piping Explained

Process piping is any system of tubes, pipes, valves, and related components that transport essential gases, fluids, and particulates throughout a facility. Similar to the human body’s circulatory system, process piping circulates the necessary materials from one place to another, facilitating the execution of various industrial processes. This intricate network ensures operational efficiency and safety, which are paramount in mission-critical industries like aerospace.

These are the main functions of industrial process piping:

  • Transportation: It efficiently moves materials—such as slurries, gases, and fluids—from one area to another.
  • Regulation: Process piping utilizes valves and filters for precise flow control.
  • Separation: Piping systems also isolate components of a mixture until they are ready to be combined.
  • Pressurization: It is also important for maintaining or altering material pressures.
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Materials

In aerospace process piping, the selection of materials is critical, driven by the need for exceptional performance under demanding conditions. These materials aren’t just chosen for their mechanical properties. They must also exhibit unparalleled durability and reliability when exposed to the extreme environments of aerospace applications.

For these reasons, the most commonly used materials in aerospace process piping include:

  • Titanium: Celebrated for its robust strength-to-density ratio and resistance to corrosion, titanium is ideal for structural components.
  • Aluminum: Favored for its lightness and superior thermal conductivity, aluminum promotes fuel efficiency and thermal management.
  • Inconel: This superalloy is suitable for parts exposed to very high temperatures, as it offers exceptional thermal stability.
  • Stainless Steel: Its versatility and resistance to corrosion make it a staple in various aerospace applications, from airframes to engine components.
  • Carbon Steel: Carbon steel is a cost-effective choice for lower temperature and pressure applications.
  • Copper: Copper is conductive, malleable, and ductile, ideal for various piping applications.
  • Hastelloy: Corrosion-resistant and weldable, Hastelloy is suitable for aerospace process piping.
  • Exotic Alloys: These metals, such as the aluminum 7000 series and stainless steel 21-6-9, are used in specialized aerospace piping.
  • Plastics and Other Non-Metals: Certain aerospace-grade plastics, concrete, and fiberglass are used for lower-pressure applications that require corrosion protection.

Applications

In the aerospace sector, safe and effective process piping is crucial to successful missions. Aerospace tubing systems are found in a variety of fundamental equipment, such as intermediate-stage cooling ducts, exhaust and fuel lines, brakes, and propellant tanks. Some examples of aerospace process piping systems include the following:

  • Fuel Systems: Piping facilitates efficient and safe fuel delivery from tanks to engines.
  • Hydraulic Systems: Process piping provides pressurized hydraulic fluid to activate landing gear, flight control surfaces, and other systems.
  • Pneumatic Systems: It also drives vital functions like braking, instrumentation, and environmental control systems, all of which are pivotal for passenger safety and comfort.
  • Environmental Control Systems: Process piping sustains optimal cabin conditions regarding humidity, pressure, and temperature, crucial for passenger and crew well-being.
  • Life Support Systems: It manages vital life-sustaining elements, including oxygen and cabin pressure, especially critical in space exploration.

These applications highlight the indispensable role of process piping in aerospace, where reliability translates directly to operational success and safety.

Process Piping From Base Construction

Process piping is a key part of the aerospace industry, underpinning the functionality and safety of countless systems. Base Construction specializes in providing top-tier process piping services tailored to the aerospace sector’s unique needs. With a focus on quality, reliability, and expertise, Base Construction is your go-to partner for all process piping requirements.

Request a quote to get started with our process piping services today.