Short-cut piping costs

A short-cut piping cost method is proposed for engineers who need to predict the cost of piping and pipe-fitting associated with a process unit. The installation includes transport to the site, pipe rack construction, pipe assembly, equipment rental, labor and contractor fees. Complex piping systems were analyzed by an approach similar to that used for straight pipe runs. Valves can be included in a preliminary estimates where limits of precision are broader. Two types of installation are also proposed that include simple straight runs as those used to convey raw from materials from storage to a process module and complex systems such as the plumbing associated with a distillation column or heat exchanger. Curves for both simple and complex piping systems in the final short-cut cost chart are drawn to pass through the center of each data point. The proposed method saves time in preparing estimates for pre-design and other approximated analysis.