Jacket pipe fabrication is one of the most delicate and technically demanding activities in petrochemical piping construction. It requires exceptional precision, extensive experience, and deep understanding of thermal dynamics. Global Heritage Systems LTD, based in Jubail, is vastly experienced in jacket pipe fabrication and installation for major clients including SABIC affiliates across Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.
What is Jacket Pipe?
Jacket pipe (also called pipe-in-pipe) consists of an inner carrier pipe enclosed within a larger outer jacket pipe. The annular space between the pipes carries heating or cooling medium — typically steam, hot oil, or glycol — to maintain the inner product at the required temperature. This system is essential for transporting high-viscosity, temperature-sensitive products like molten sulfur, heavy hydrocarbons, and bitumen in petrochemical plants.
| Jacket Pipe Component | Material | Function | Critical Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inner (Carrier) Pipe | CS / SS / Alloy | Product transport | Corrosion resistance |
| Outer (Jacket) Pipe | Carbon Steel | Heating medium containment | Structural integrity |
| Spacer Rings | SS / PTFE | Maintain annular gap | Thermal expansion allowance |
| End Closures | Forged Steel | Seal jacket system | Leak-proof welding |
| Expansion Joints | Bellows / Loops | Absorb thermal growth | Design calculation accuracy |
Why Jacket Pipe Fabrication is Delicate
Unlike standard piping fabrication, jacket pipe requires managing two concentric pipes with different thermal expansion rates, precise annular gap maintenance, and leak-proof welding at every closure point. Any fabrication defect can result in jacket leaks, uneven heating, or catastrophic failure.