Constructability for Piping Automation: Field Operations

Abstract

This paper focuses on how the productivity of semi‐automated piping construction for process plants may be improved through constructability‐enhancement tactics. This paper answers the question regarding how field operations activities must be altered to support the automated field effort. The semi‐automated environment of piping erection assumes a pipe manipulator attached to the boom of a 22‐ton, rough‐terrain crane for the base piece of pipe‐lifting equipment. This study concentrates on horizontal process piping erection. Three major categories of constructability issues are addressed. These issues include material handling, equipment capabilities, and equipment configuration. Quantitative techniques used to compile empirical data regarding innovations for a semi‐automated construction process include physical modeling and computer simulation, via a three‐dimensional computed‐aided design simulation software package. There is a 24% construction‐productivity savings occurring when these constructability issues for the automated piping erection system are implemented.