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Glossary of Technical Terms Used in Piping & Pipeline Engineering: Face-to-face

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Face-to-face

Face-to-Face: A Key Dimension in Oil & Gas Flanged Valves

In the oil & gas industry, precision is paramount, and understanding specific terminology is crucial for seamless operations. Face-to-face is one such term, vital for valve selection, installation, and piping design.

Definition:

Face-to-face, often shortened to "F2F," refers to the measurement from the mating surface on one end of a flanged valve to the mating surface on the other end. This measurement encompasses the valve body itself, including the flanges and any attached components like the actuator.

Importance:

  • Piping Design: F2F is crucial for determining the overall length of the valve and ensuring proper spacing within the piping system. This allows for accurate pipe routing and minimizes potential clashes.
  • Valve Selection: The face-to-face dimension directly influences the physical space required for installation. This is particularly important in confined areas or where valve replacement is required.
  • Valve Compatibility: F2F dimensions must be compatible with the connected piping and other components, ensuring a smooth and leak-free connection.

Types of F2F:

  • Nominal F2F: A standard measurement provided by manufacturers for a specific valve type.
  • Actual F2F: The actual measurement taken from the valve's mating surfaces, which may vary slightly from the nominal F2F.

Considerations:

  • Valve Type and Size: F2F varies significantly based on the valve type (gate, ball, globe, etc.) and its size.
  • Material and Design: Variations in material and design can impact the overall dimensions and F2F measurement.
  • Actuator Type and Size: The presence and size of an actuator can influence the F2F value.

Standardisation:

To facilitate standardization and compatibility, industry bodies like the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the American Petroleum Institute (API) provide standardized F2F values for various valve types and sizes.

Conclusion:

Understanding "face-to-face" is essential for oil & gas professionals involved in piping design, valve selection, and installation. By carefully considering the F2F dimension, engineers and technicians can ensure efficient, safe, and compliant operations in oil and gas facilities.

Test Your Knowledge

Face-to-Face Quiz:

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What does "F2F" stand for in the context of oil & gas flanged valves?

a) Face-to-face b) Flow-to-flow c) Front-to-front d) Fixture-to-fixture

Answer

a) Face-to-face

2. Which of the following is NOT a factor that influences a valve's face-to-face measurement?

a) Valve type b) Valve size c) Valve material d) Valve color

Answer

d) Valve color

3. What is the main purpose of standardized face-to-face dimensions?

a) To ensure valve longevity b) To increase valve efficiency c) To ensure compatibility and proper spacing in piping systems d) To reduce the cost of valve production

Answer

c) To ensure compatibility and proper spacing in piping systems

4. Which of the following describes the difference between "nominal F2F" and "actual F2F"?

a) Nominal F2F is a theoretical measurement, while actual F2F is the actual measured value. b) Nominal F2F is the maximum measurement, while actual F2F is the minimum. c) Nominal F2F is used for design, while actual F2F is used for installation. d) Nominal F2F is for older valves, while actual F2F is for newer valves.

Answer

a) Nominal F2F is a theoretical measurement, while actual F2F is the actual measured value.

5. Why is it important to consider the face-to-face dimension when selecting a valve for a specific application?

a) To ensure the valve can withstand high pressure b) To ensure the valve fits within the designated space c) To ensure the valve can handle a specific flow rate d) To ensure the valve operates silently

Answer

b) To ensure the valve fits within the designated space

Face-to-Face Exercise:

Scenario:

You are designing a pipeline segment that will include a gate valve with a nominal face-to-face dimension of 12 inches. The pipeline is designed to have a center-to-center spacing of 24 inches between valves. The gate valve will be equipped with an actuator that adds 4 inches to the overall length.

Task:

  1. Calculate the actual face-to-face dimension of the valve considering the actuator.
  2. Determine if the valve will fit within the specified center-to-center spacing. Explain your reasoning.

Exercice Correction

1. **Actual face-to-face dimension:** Nominal F2F + Actuator length = 12 inches + 4 inches = 16 inches 2. **Fit within spacing:** The actual face-to-face dimension (16 inches) is greater than the center-to-center spacing (24 inches). Therefore, the valve will NOT fit within the specified spacing.

Books

  • Piping Design and Engineering: This textbook by Eugene L. Perry covers piping design principles, including valve selection and face-to-face considerations.
  • Valve Selection Handbook: A comprehensive guide to valve types, specifications, and applications, including detailed information on face-to-face dimensions.
  • ASME B16.34 - Flanged Valves: This ASME standard provides specifications and dimensions for flanged valves, including face-to-face measurements.
  • API 6D - Pipeline Valves: This API standard specifies requirements for pipeline valves, including face-to-face dimensions and other critical parameters.

Articles

  • Valve Face-to-Face Dimensions: A Practical Guide: This article discusses the importance of face-to-face dimensions in valve selection and installation, providing practical tips and insights.
  • Understanding Valve Face-to-Face: A Guide for Engineers: This technical article delves deeper into the concept of face-to-face, explaining its relevance in piping design and valve compatibility.
  • Valve Selection for Oil and Gas Applications: This article explores various valve types used in the oil and gas industry, highlighting the importance of considering face-to-face dimensions for each valve type.

Online Resources

  • Valve Manufacturers' Websites: Most reputable valve manufacturers provide detailed information on their products, including face-to-face dimensions, in their online catalogs or product data sheets.
  • Engineering Resource Websites: Websites such as Engineering Toolbox, Engineers Edge, and GlobalSpec offer technical articles, calculators, and other resources related to valve selection and design.
  • Online Forums: Industry forums like ASME's PipeFitters Forum or the Oil & Gas Engineering Forum can provide insights and discussions on specific valve-related issues, including face-to-face considerations.

Search Tips

  • Specific Valve Type and Manufacturer: Search for "face-to-face dimensions [valve type] [manufacturer]" to find information on specific products.
  • ASME B16.34 or API 6D: Search for "ASME B16.34 face-to-face" or "API 6D face-to-face" to find detailed specifications from the respective standards.
  • "Valve Face-to-Face Calculator": Using this search phrase may lead to online calculators that help determine the required face-to-face dimension for a specific valve.
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