How to Perform Piping Estimation in Excel (with Easy Steps)

In this tutorial, I am going to show you the step-by-step procedures on how to perform piping estimation in Excel. You can use these steps for any type of dataset to rank a list of populations. Throughout this tutorial, you will also learn some important Excel tools and techniques which will be very useful in any Excel-related task.

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Piping Estimation Formula

Step-by-Step Procedures to Perform Piping Estimation in Excel

Step-1: Creating Base Excel Dataset for Piping Estimation

Step-2: Finding Minimum Thickness

Step-3: Calculating Qualified Thickness

Conclusion

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You can download the practice workbook from here.

Piping Estimation.xlsx

Piping Estimation Formula

The dimensions (diameter and wall thickness) of the piping utilized in a project play a significant role in determining costs. Depending on your location, there are two distinct ways to indicate the size and thickness of steel piping: the ASME standard and the DIN standard. In our case, we will be using the following ASME formula:

t=(P*D)/2(S*E*W+P*Y)

Here,

t = primary thickness
P = maximum design pressure
D = pipe diameter
S = stress value
E = quality factor
W = weld joint strength reduction factor
Y = coefficient

Step-by-Step Procedures to Perform Piping Estimation in Excel

We have taken a concise dataset to explain the steps clearly. The dataset has approximately 6 rows and 3 columns. Initially, we are keeping all the cells in General format. For all the datasets, we have 3 unique columns which are Parameters, Units, and Values. Although we may vary the number of columns later on if that is needed.

Step-1: Creating Base Excel Dataset for Piping Estimation

In this first step, we will be creating the starting data set that we can use for the piping estimation in Excel. Follow the steps below to do this.

First, create a starting data table with the 3 columns as Parameters, Units, and Values as in the image below.
Next, insert the necessary units for all the input parameters.

Now, go to cell D5 and type in the Design Pressure value as 1.5.
Then, enter the pipe diameter as 61 in cell D6.
After that, navigate to cell D7 and set the stress value as 19.
Similarly, set the values for the quality factor, weld joint strength reduction factor, coefficient, and corrosion allowance parameters in the cells below.

Step-2: Finding Minimum Thickness

Once we have inserted the basic parameters and their respective values, now we need to perform some simple calculations for piping thickness estimation in Excel.

To begin with this step, go to cell D12 and insert the following formula:

=(D5*D6)/(2*((D7*D8*D9)+(D5*D10)))

Then press Enter to confirm this formula and this should calculate the primary thickness value.

After that, navigate to cell D13 and type in the formula below:

=D12+D11

Again, press the Enter key to get the minimum thickness value.

Step-3: Calculating Qualified Thickness

Until now we have worked with the primary piping thickness estimation sheet. For this final step, we will create a new worksheet as Sheet2.

Initially, go to cell D5 and enter the value for the selected pipe schedule as 160.
Second, set the thickness as per pipe schedule value as 74 in cell D6.
Third, type in the value for the thickness excluding mill tolerance as 64 or you can also use the following formula:

=D6*(1-0.125)

Now, go to cell D8 and type in the following formula:

=D7-Sheet1!D13

Finally, press the Enter key for the last time and this should estimate the value for the qualify thickness in cell D8.

Conclusion

I hope that you were able to apply the methods that I showed in this tutorial on how to perform piping estimation in Excel. As you can see, it involves quite a few steps to achieve this. So carefully follow these while applying them to your own dataset. If you get stuck in any of the steps, I recommend going through them a few times to clear up any confusion. Lastly, to learn more Excel techniques, follow our ExcelDemy website. If you have any queries, please let me know in the comments.