Pipe Burst: When Will it Happen?

  • Thread starter helpmitch
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Pipe
In summary, the conversation revolved around a concern for the difference in pressure and the potential for the pipe to burst. There was also a discussion about the weight of the fluid inside the pipe and its effect on the tensile strength of the pipe. The experts provided insights on the stress caused by the weight of the pipe and the importance of stabilizing the run of pipe. There was also mention of potential failure at fittings and the need to consider the weight of the water for sizing supports. Ultimately, the focus was on understanding the pressure ratings and fail points of the pipe before speaking with manufacturers.
  • #1
helpmitch
3
0
I want to know when a pipe will burst i have attached a img wear the out side of the pipe has 1000 psi around it the inside should be let's say 25 pounds higher, does this mean i am putting 25 psi on it or 1025 psi. thanks for yalls help
 

Attachments

  • 1st.JPG
    1st.JPG
    9.7 KB · Views: 449
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
Your concern is in the difference in pressure.
 
  • #3
Not an expert in the field, but I would consider the hoop stress with 25 psi (acting tangent to the pipe) added to the compressive stress with 1000 psi (acting radially). It seems to me that even if the pressure differential was 0, if the surrounding pressure is high enough, the material will deform and break just like putting dead weight on a flat surface.
 
  • #4
Thanks for both of yalls help, if I understand jack action correctly the psi rating of the pipe is one thing but the pressure at which the material the pipe is made fails is another. I am looking into some poly pipe, how would I go about finding out this fail point for this product and is there a name for this fail point. It is confusing to me because there is a burst psi rating and that is what most people want to talk about I am just trying to educate myself before I talk to these pipe manufactures.

Also another concern I have is the tensile strength of the pipe I plan on running 1000 feet of the pipe straight down. The pipe weighs 1.38 per foot, the inside diameter of the pipe is 2.004, the weight of the fluid inside the pipe will be 9.0 ppg. The capacity of the 1000 foot of pipe would be 655.4 gallons. 655.4 x 9.0 ppg = 5898.6 lbs. Do I have to account for the weight of the fluid in the pipe?
 
  • #5
The way I look at it, if you «unroll» the pipe lengthwise, you will end up with a rectangular flat piece with 1000 psi on one side and 1025 psi on the other. I can't believe that this is, stress-wise, the same as having, say, 100 psi on one side and 125 psi on the other.

If your pipe is suspended, like your drawing seems to show, the stress caused by the weight of the pipe will have to be considered if it is large enough. That stress will decrease as you go down the pipe length.

The weight of the fluid wouldn't be relevant, as your system seems to be vertical and the pipe has an open bottom end.
 
  • #6
If you are worried about the pipe bursting, then, as Pkruse said, you are concerned with the difference in pressure between the inside and outside of the pipe in question.

As Jack_Action said, putting too much pressure on something will cause it to deform and probably fail. However, I doubt you'll find many applications where you will cause the structure of a pipe to fail due to high combined internal/external pressures, with low or null differential, over failing at fittings and the like.

As for your other concern, the fluid will not pull appreciably on the pipe for you to worry about tensile strength. However, you should certainly take care to stabilize the run of pipe. Fluids are dynamic, and you don't want to let a 1000 ft run of pipe go unsupported. You will, however, have to take the weight of the water into account for sizing supports, assuming there is an elbow or something which the weight of water will push against at the bottom of the 1000 foot run.

edit: if your pipe is open at the end, then the water weight will have virtually no effect on the tensile stress of the pipe. I wouldn't worry about that beyond sizing vertical supports.
 
Last edited:

FAQ: Pipe Burst: When Will it Happen?

When is the most likely time for a pipe burst to occur?

There is no specific time for a pipe burst to occur. It can happen at any time, regardless of the season or weather conditions. It is important to regularly maintain and inspect pipes to prevent potential burst.

What are the main causes of a pipe burst?

The main causes of a pipe burst include old age, corrosion, freezing temperatures, high water pressure, and damage from construction or tree roots. Neglecting regular maintenance and repairs can also lead to pipe bursts.

How can I prevent a pipe burst from happening?

Regular maintenance and inspections are key to preventing pipe bursts. It is also important to monitor water pressure and temperature, and to take precautions during freezing temperatures. Repair any leaks or damage promptly to prevent further issues.

How can I detect if a pipe burst has occurred?

Signs of a pipe burst include a sudden decrease in water pressure, unusual noises coming from pipes, damp walls or ceilings, and pooling water around the property. If you suspect a pipe burst, it is important to shut off the main water supply and contact a professional plumber immediately.

What should I do if a pipe burst happens?

If a pipe burst occurs, it is important to act quickly to prevent further damage. Turn off the main water supply and electricity, if necessary. Contact a professional plumber to fix the issue and a restoration company to clean up and repair any damage. It is also important to contact your insurance company to report the incident.

Back
Top