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Institute For Oil & Gas Training
OGI-1277 New

Piping and Pipeline Design for Non-Mechanical Engineers Training Course

Duration
5 days
CPD hours
15
Language
English
Next date
26 Oct 2026
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Overview

The Piping and Pipeline Design for Non-Mechanical Engineers Training Course from Institute For Oil & Gas Training develops the practical understanding of pipeline engineering, piping systems and design principles required by professionals working across the oil and gas sector. This programme addresses the technical knowledge gap that often exists between engineering specialists and professionals from operations, project management, procurement, inspection, maintenance, commercial and safety functions who contribute to pipeline-related decisions.

Oil and gas facilities depend on interconnected piping networks and pipelines to transport crude oil, natural gas, refined products, process fluids and utilities. These systems connect wells, processing facilities, storage terminals, pumping stations, refineries and export infrastructure. Their design directly influences operational reliability, pressure containment, maintenance accessibility, process efficiency and asset integrity. Professionals who understand how these systems are designed are better equipped to evaluate technical proposals, coordinate engineering activities, review project documentation and recognise design issues that affect operational performance.

This course provides a structured introduction to pipeline design fundamentals without requiring participants to have a mechanical engineering background. It explains how engineers establish design requirements, select pipeline components, assess operating conditions, interpret technical drawings and consider the relationship between pressure, temperature, materials, flow and mechanical integrity. Participants develop the confidence to engage constructively with engineering teams and understand the technical reasoning behind common piping and pipeline design decisions.

The programme also explores the distinction between process piping within industrial facilities and pipelines used to transport fluids between locations. Although these systems share several engineering principles, they operate within different design contexts and can be governed by different standards. Understanding this distinction helps non-mechanical professionals interpret specifications correctly and identify the technical requirements relevant to their responsibilities.

Institute For Oil & Gas Training places particular emphasis on the commercial and operational implications of design decisions. Equipment selection, routing arrangements, material specifications, inspection access and maintenance requirements influence capital expenditure and long-term operating costs. Participants examine these relationships to understand how design choices affect project delivery, asset performance and lifecycle management.

The course also connects design knowledge with pipeline integrity and inspection. Participants explore how corrosion, mechanical damage, pressure fluctuations, thermal expansion and unsuitable component selection affect system performance. They learn to recognise potential warning signs in technical documentation and understand when an issue requires assessment by a qualified engineering specialist.

By the end of the programme, attendees will possess a practical foundation for discussing piping and pipeline systems, reviewing design information, contributing to multidisciplinary project discussions and supporting informed operational decisions. The course is designed for professionals who need technical awareness and effective engineering coordination rather than the advanced calculations expected of specialist piping designers.

Objectives

  • Explain the purpose, configuration and principal characteristics of piping systems and oil and gas pipelines.

  • Distinguish between process piping within industrial facilities and pipelines used for fluid transportation.

  • Describe pipeline design fundamentals, including pressure, temperature, flow requirements, material selection and route considerations.

  • Identify common pipeline components and explain their roles in system operation and integrity.

  • Interpret basic piping and instrumentation diagrams, piping layouts, isometric drawings and pipeline route plans.

  • Recognise the importance of applicable engineering standards and project specifications when reviewing design information.

  • Explain the factors influencing pipe material selection, wall thickness requirements, corrosion resistance and component compatibility.

  • Identify the operational implications of pipeline routing, support arrangements, thermal movement and accessibility.

  • Understand how valves, fittings, flanges, joints and isolation arrangements contribute to system functionality.

  • Recognise common piping and pipeline design concerns that affect inspection, maintenance and asset integrity.

  • Evaluate design documentation from a non-specialist perspective and identify discrepancies that require clarification.

  • Communicate technical observations and requirements effectively with engineering, procurement, construction and operations teams.

  • Understand the relationship between design quality, lifecycle expenditure, operational reliability and safe asset management.

  • Recognise the limits of non-specialist design review and identify situations requiring detailed assessment by qualified engineers.

Training methodology

Institute For Oil & Gas Training uses an applied, industry-oriented delivery approach that connects engineering concepts with the decisions professionals encounter in oil and gas projects. The methodology combines technical explanations, illustrated examples, case studies, guided drawing reviews and collaborative exercises. Each activity reinforces the relationship between design requirements and their implications for project execution, operational reliability and asset integrity.

Practical Technical Explanations

The course introduces engineering terminology and design concepts through clear explanations supported by piping layouts, isometric drawings, pipeline route illustrations and component diagrams. Participants learn how to interpret common engineering documents without needing to perform specialist mechanical calculations.

The trainer explains the purpose of principal piping components, including pipes, fittings, flanges, valves, supports and connections. Participants examine how each component contributes to the overall system and why compatibility between components matters for pressure containment and safe operation.

Case Studies from Oil and Gas Operations

Case studies illustrate common challenges associated with pipeline routing, material selection, pressure requirements, corrosion exposure and maintenance accessibility. Participants assess the circumstances surrounding each case and identify the design considerations that influence the outcome.

These exercises encourage professionals to consider both technical requirements and business consequences. A routing decision, for example, affects installation complexity, access for inspection, maintenance planning and the ability to isolate equipment during operational interventions.

Engineering Drawing Interpretation

Guided exercises introduce participants to piping and instrumentation diagrams, general arrangement drawings, pipeline route plans and piping isometric drawings. The focus is on understanding drawing purpose, identifying principal information and following the relationships between equipment, pipelines, valves and instruments.

Participants practise recognising line numbers, flow directions, component symbols, equipment connections and drawing references. They also explore the importance of checking revisions and confirming that technical documents remain consistent across project disciplines.

Scenario-Based Learning

Realistic operational scenarios allow participants to examine design issues from the perspective of project, operations, inspection and maintenance teams. Scenarios include restricted pipeline access, unsuitable component specifications, inadequate maintenance clearances and design documentation that does not clearly communicate operating requirements.

Participants identify the information required to clarify each issue, determine which discipline should provide technical input and formulate appropriate questions for engineering specialists. This approach develops sound judgement without encouraging participants to make decisions outside their professional competence.

Group Exercises and Multidisciplinary Coordination

Group activities reflect the collaborative nature of oil and gas engineering projects. Participants review simplified project requirements, compare design options and discuss the implications of different technical choices.

These exercises develop communication between technical and non-technical stakeholders. They also demonstrate how procurement, construction, operations, inspection and maintenance requirements influence design reviews and how early coordination reduces avoidable changes during project execution.

Knowledge Checks and Workplace Application

Short knowledge checks reinforce the main concepts and identify areas requiring clarification. Participants apply their learning to structured exercises involving component identification, drawing interpretation, design documentation and basic integrity considerations.

The training concludes with a practical review in which participants explain the principal design requirements of a representative piping or pipeline system. This consolidates their understanding and helps them identify ways to apply the course knowledge within their own departments.

Organisational impact

Organisations benefit when personnel outside mechanical engineering understand the basic requirements and implications of piping and pipeline design. This knowledge supports more effective communication, better-informed reviews and improved coordination across the asset lifecycle.

Improved Project Coordination

Professionals in project management, procurement, construction, operations and commercial functions regularly interact with engineering deliverables. A practical understanding of design terminology enables them to identify missing information, ask relevant questions and communicate requirements more precisely.

This reduces avoidable misunderstandings between departments and supports the timely resolution of technical queries. Better coordination also helps teams recognise the operational implications of proposed changes before those changes affect procurement or construction activities.

Stronger Technical Document Reviews

Non-mechanical professionals often review specifications, equipment schedules, project scopes and technical submissions as part of their responsibilities. Understanding the purpose of common design documents enables more structured reviews and more effective escalation of discrepancies.

Participants learn to recognise incomplete information, inconsistent references and unclear operating requirements. These capabilities strengthen the organisation's document review process while preserving the responsibility of qualified engineering personnel for technical approval.

Better Asset Integrity Awareness

Pipeline integrity depends on appropriate design, suitable materials, sound installation, effective inspection and disciplined maintenance. Awareness of design fundamentals helps personnel understand why particular components, access arrangements and corrosion protection measures matter throughout an asset's operating life.

The course supports earlier recognition of potential integrity concerns and more informed communication with inspection and maintenance specialists. This improves the quality of discussions concerning deterioration mechanisms, inspection access, component suitability and operational constraints.

More Effective Procurement Decisions

Procurement teams require a clear understanding of technical specifications to source suitable materials and components. Knowledge of pipeline components, pressure ratings, material compatibility and specification requirements helps personnel interpret purchasing documentation and identify items requiring engineering clarification.

This improves coordination between procurement and engineering, supports more accurate supplier enquiries and reduces the risk of avoidable specification misunderstandings. Final technical acceptance remains with the appropriately authorised engineering function.

Improved Lifecycle Cost Awareness

Design decisions influence installation expenditure, inspection requirements, maintenance access, replacement frequency and operational availability. Understanding these relationships helps commercial and project professionals assess proposals in terms of both initial cost and long-term asset requirements.

The training encourages participants to recognise the consequences of design changes and consider lifecycle implications when contributing to project discussions. This supports more balanced decisions without replacing formal engineering, cost estimation or investment appraisal processes.

Greater Operational and Safety Awareness

A sound understanding of pressure containment, isolation, component suitability and access requirements strengthens awareness of the factors that influence safe operation. Participants develop a clearer understanding of why design changes require appropriate technical review and why undocumented modifications introduce uncertainty.

The course reinforces the importance of working within approved procedures, applicable standards and organisational management-of-change arrangements. It supports safer decision-making through improved technical awareness rather than positioning non-specialists as independent design authorities.

Stronger Cross-Functional Communication

A shared understanding of piping and pipeline terminology helps departments discuss technical issues with greater clarity. Operations teams can explain access and operating constraints, procurement teams can clarify specification requirements, and project teams can coordinate technical queries more effectively.

This common foundation supports more productive meetings, clearer action tracking and better communication between office-based teams and operational personnel. The resulting improvement in coordination contributes to more consistent project and asset management practices.

More Consistent Engineering Governance

Organisations require technical decisions to follow established approval processes and documented requirements. Personnel who understand design documentation and engineering responsibilities are better positioned to recognise when formal review, specialist input or controlled documentation is necessary.

The course reinforces the distinction between technical awareness and engineering authority. This supports consistent governance, clearer accountability and more disciplined handling of design-related queries across projects and operating assets.

Personal impact

Participants develop practical engineering awareness that strengthens their effectiveness in roles involving oil and gas piping systems, pipeline projects and asset operations. The course focuses on usable workplace capabilities rather than advanced mechanical design calculations.

Stronger Technical Confidence

Participants gain a clearer understanding of pipeline engineering terminology, common components, design documentation and operational requirements. This helps them participate more confidently in meetings with mechanical engineers, pipeline specialists, project teams and inspection personnel.

They become better prepared to follow technical discussions, identify unfamiliar terminology and request the information required to understand a design-related issue.

Improved Drawing Interpretation

The ability to interpret basic engineering drawings is valuable for professionals who coordinate projects, review technical submissions or work alongside maintenance and construction teams. Participants develop a structured approach to reading piping and instrumentation diagrams, layouts and isometric drawings.

This improves their ability to identify relevant information, understand equipment relationships and communicate drawing-related questions to the responsible engineering team.

Better Decision-Making

Participants learn to connect design choices with operational performance, maintenance requirements, component suitability and lifecycle expenditure. This broader perspective strengthens their contribution to procurement reviews, project planning, technical coordination and operational discussions.

They also develop a more disciplined approach to recognising uncertainty and distinguishing between issues they can evaluate and matters requiring specialist engineering assessment.

Greater Cross-Functional Effectiveness

Professionals working outside mechanical engineering frequently act as links between technical specialists and business stakeholders. Understanding basic design principles helps them translate operational requirements into clearer questions and communicate technical constraints to colleagues.

This capability is particularly useful when coordinating contractors, reviewing supplier information, managing project interfaces or supporting discussions between engineering and commercial departments.

Expanded Professional Capability

The knowledge gained provides a foundation for further development in pipeline integrity, inspection coordination, project engineering, maintenance planning, procurement and operations management. Participants gain a clearer understanding of the technical context behind responsibilities that involve piping and pipeline assets.

The course also helps attendees identify areas for further specialist development and build a stronger understanding of how their role contributes to asset reliability and engineering governance.

Greater Awareness of Professional Responsibilities

Participants learn why formal design calculations, material approvals, pressure containment assessments and engineering changes require the involvement of appropriately qualified personnel. This understanding helps them contribute effectively without exceeding their technical authority.

They leave with a more structured approach to reviewing information, identifying concerns, documenting questions and escalating matters through the appropriate organisational channels.

Who should attend

  • Project Managers and Project Coordinators: Develop the technical awareness required to coordinate pipeline design activities, manage interfaces and understand engineering deliverables.

  • Operations Managers and Operations Supervisors: Understand how design requirements influence operating conditions, isolation arrangements, accessibility and system reliability.

  • Procurement and Supply Chain Professionals: Improve their ability to interpret component specifications, identify purchasing requirements and coordinate technical clarification with engineering teams.

  • Inspection and Asset Integrity Coordinators: Strengthen their understanding of design features that affect inspection access, component suitability and integrity management.

  • Maintenance Managers and Planners: Understand how piping configuration, component selection and access provisions influence maintenance planning and intervention requirements.

  • Health, Safety and Environmental Professionals: Develop technical awareness of pressure containment, isolation, design changes and the engineering factors that influence operational risk.

  • Quality Assurance and Quality Control Personnel: Improve their understanding of design documentation, specification compliance and the importance of controlled technical records.

  • Contract and Commercial Managers: Recognise the design requirements that influence project scope, technical variations, contractor responsibilities and lifecycle costs.

  • Construction Managers and Site Coordinators: Improve coordination with engineering teams by understanding drawings, component arrangements and design-related site queries.

  • Technical Sales and Business Development Professionals: Build the product and system knowledge needed to communicate more effectively with oil and gas engineering clients.

  • Finance and Cost Control Professionals: Understand how design choices influence procurement expenditure, construction costs and long-term operating commitments.

  • Non-Mechanical Engineers: Develop a practical foundation in pipeline engineering when working alongside mechanical, process, civil, electrical or instrumentation specialists.

  • Newly Appointed Technical Professionals: Build familiarity with piping and pipeline terminology, documentation and multidisciplinary working practices before taking on broader project responsibilities.

  • Senior Managers and Department Heads: Improve their ability to evaluate technical discussions, understand engineering dependencies and support informed decisions concerning pipeline-related investments and operations.

Course outline

This module introduces the role of piping and pipelines across upstream, midstream and downstream oil and gas operations. Participants examine how fluid transportation systems connect production wells, processing units, storage facilities, refineries, terminals and distribution infrastructure.

The module establishes the terminology needed to understand pipeline engineering and explains the principal differences between process piping and transportation pipelines. Participants explore the relationships between operating requirements, system configuration, fluid characteristics and the selection of suitable design approaches.

  1. ASME B31.3 Process Piping

    • Establishes requirements for the design, materials, fabrication, erection, examination and testing of process piping within its scope.

    • Provides a recognised basis for understanding piping systems used in refineries, chemical processing facilities and other covered process installations.

    • Helps participants distinguish process piping requirements from those applicable to transportation pipelines.

    • Demonstrates the importance of identifying the governing code and project specification before reviewing a piping design.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Explain the purpose of piping systems and pipelines across the oil and gas value chain.

    • Distinguish between process piping and transportation pipeline applications.

    • Identify the principal stages of a pipeline-related project, from design development to operation and maintenance.

    • Describe how fluid properties and operating requirements influence system configuration.

    • Explain the importance of applicable codes, standards and project specifications.

    • Recognise the responsibilities of mechanical, process, civil, instrumentation and operations personnel in multidisciplinary projects.

    • Use fundamental piping and pipeline terminology when communicating with technical specialists.

This module examines the principal factors that influence pipeline design, including operating pressure, temperature, fluid characteristics, flow requirements, route conditions and anticipated operating variations. Participants learn how these factors contribute to the selection of suitable design criteria and why assumptions must be clearly documented.

The module also explores pipeline routing, elevation changes, environmental exposure, installation constraints and access requirements. Particular attention is given to the relationship between design requirements and the practical needs of construction, operation, inspection and maintenance.

  1. ASME B31.4 Pipeline Transportation Systems

    • Covers design and related requirements for applicable liquid and slurry transportation pipeline systems within its defined scope.

    • Provides a recognised reference for understanding pipeline design considerations associated with liquid transportation.

    • Helps participants appreciate the relationship between operating conditions, pipeline configuration and engineering requirements.

    • Reinforces the need to establish the applicable code, service conditions and project requirements before evaluating a pipeline proposal.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Describe the principal inputs required to establish pipeline design criteria.

    • Explain the influence of operating pressure, temperature and fluid characteristics on design decisions.

    • Identify route selection considerations, including terrain, accessibility, environmental exposure and installation constraints.

    • Understand why flow requirements and operating conditions must be considered together.

    • Recognise the importance of design assumptions, technical specifications and documented engineering decisions.

    • Explain how routing and configuration influence construction complexity and future maintenance.

    • Identify design-related questions that require review by pipeline engineering specialists.

This module introduces the components used in piping and pipeline systems and explains their contribution to fluid transportation, pressure containment and operational control. Participants examine pipes, fittings, flanges, valves, joints, connectors, supports and associated equipment, with emphasis on understanding their functions and compatibility.

The module also considers material selection, corrosion exposure, component ratings, wall thickness requirements and the consequences of unsuitable specifications. Participants explore the relationship between material characteristics and service conditions while developing awareness of the design features that influence long-term asset integrity.

  1. ASME B31.8 Gas Transmission

    • Establishes requirements for applicable gas transmission and distribution piping systems within its scope.

    • Provides a recognised reference for understanding design and integrity considerations associated with gas pipeline infrastructure.

    • Helps participants understand the importance of system classification, operating conditions and appropriate component selection.

    • Supports awareness of the relationship between design requirements and the safe operation of covered gas piping systems.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Identify common pipeline components and explain their principal functions.

    • Explain the importance of matching component specifications to the intended operating conditions.

    • Describe the considerations involved in selecting suitable pipe materials for different services.

    • Recognise the significance of pressure ratings, wall thickness and material compatibility.

    • Explain how corrosion, mechanical damage and unsuitable materials affect pipeline integrity.

    • Identify the roles of valves, flanges, fittings and joints in isolation, connection and system operation.

    • Understand why material selection and component acceptance require documented technical verification.

    • Recognise when component suitability or material performance requires assessment by a qualified engineer.

This module develops the ability to interpret common engineering documents used during the design, procurement, construction and operation of piping and pipeline systems. Participants examine piping and instrumentation diagrams, general arrangement drawings, isometric drawings, line lists and pipeline route plans.

The module explains how technical information is communicated between engineering disciplines and why document control, revision management and consistency are important. Participants also explore the handling of design queries, technical deviations and proposed modifications through appropriate review and approval processes.

  1. ASME Y14.5 Dimensioning and Tolerancing

    • Establishes recognised principles for communicating dimensions and tolerances on engineering drawings.

    • Helps participants understand how drawing information communicates geometric requirements and component relationships.

    • Supports more consistent interpretation of engineering documentation and clarification of drawing-related discrepancies.

    • Reinforces the importance of reading drawings according to their stated conventions, notes and applicable project requirements.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Identify the purpose of piping and instrumentation diagrams, layouts, isometric drawings and route plans.

    • Recognise common drawing information, including line references, flow directions, equipment connections and component symbols.

    • Understand how engineering drawings support design coordination, procurement and construction.

    • Explain why revision control and document consistency are important throughout project execution.

    • Identify incomplete or unclear information that requires technical clarification.

    • Describe the appropriate process for raising design queries and documenting proposed changes.

    • Understand the importance of approved drawings and controlled technical records during construction and operation.

    • Communicate drawing-related concerns effectively to the responsible engineering discipline.

This module connects design decisions with pipeline integrity, inspection planning, maintenance and operational performance. Participants examine how corrosion, material degradation, mechanical damage, pressure variations and inadequate accessibility influence the condition and reliability of piping and pipeline assets.

The module also introduces the relationship between design documentation, inspection findings, maintenance priorities and management of change. Participants consider how early recognition of design-related concerns supports better coordination between operations, integrity, inspection and engineering teams throughout the asset lifecycle.

  1. API 570 Piping Inspection Code

    • Establishes inspection, rating, repair and alteration requirements for applicable in-service metallic piping systems within its scope.

    • Provides a recognised reference for understanding the relationship between piping design information and in-service inspection activities.

    • Helps participants appreciate the importance of corrosion monitoring, inspection planning and documented piping condition assessments.

    • Supports awareness of the need for appropriate technical evaluation when inspection findings identify concerns affecting continued service.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Explain the relationship between design quality, pipeline integrity and operational reliability.

    • Identify common degradation mechanisms that affect piping and pipeline systems.

    • Understand how component selection, material characteristics and accessibility influence inspection and maintenance.

    • Describe the role of inspection findings in maintenance planning and integrity management.

    • Recognise the importance of accurate asset records, design documentation and inspection history.

    • Explain why proposed design changes and repairs require appropriate review and authorisation.

    • Identify when observed defects or integrity concerns require escalation to qualified inspection and engineering specialists.

    • Apply a lifecycle perspective when discussing design choices, maintenance requirements and operational performance.

Certificate

Participants who successfully complete the Piping and Pipeline Design for Non-Mechanical Engineers Training Course receive a Certificate of Completion from Institute For Oil & Gas Training.

The certificate recognises completion of the training programme and participation in its learning activities. Attendees are required to meet the institute's attendance requirement and complete the scheduled course activities to qualify for the certificate.

The Certificate of Completion confirms participation in the course. It does not represent a professional engineering licence, a statutory qualification or independent authorisation to undertake specialist pipeline design and approval activities.

Course dates

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £4,100

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £4,100

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £4,100

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £4,100

Fees include tuition, course materials and refreshments. Need different dates or a different city? Ask about your preferred date.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Piping and Pipeline Design for Non-Mechanical Engineers Training Course about?

The course introduces pipeline design fundamentals, piping systems, pipeline components, engineering drawings, material selection and integrity considerations. It helps professionals without a mechanical engineering background understand design requirements and contribute more effectively to project coordination, procurement, operations and maintenance activities.

Do participants need a mechanical engineering background to attend?

No. The programme is designed for non-mechanical engineers and professionals from project management, procurement, operations, inspection, maintenance, commercial and other related functions. The training explains technical concepts in a practical format without requiring participants to undertake advanced mechanical design calculations.

How is the course delivered?

Institute For Oil & Gas Training uses practical explanations, case studies, drawing interpretation exercises, group discussions and realistic oil and gas scenarios. These activities help participants connect design concepts with workplace responsibilities and understand when specialist engineering input is required.

Which standards are covered during the course?

The course introduces relevant recognised standards, including ASME B31.3 for process piping, ASME B31.4 for applicable liquid transportation pipeline systems, ASME B31.8 for applicable gas transmission systems, ASME Y14.5 for dimensioning and tolerancing, and API 570 for in-service piping inspection. The applicable requirements depend on the system, service conditions, project specifications and jurisdiction.

What certificate do participants receive after completing the course?

Attendees who meet the attendance requirement and complete the scheduled course activities receive a Certificate of Completion from Institute For Oil & Gas Training. The certificate confirms course completion and does not constitute a professional engineering licence or authorisation to approve specialist pipeline designs.

Next: 26 Oct 2026

4 dates available

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