TriplePoint.Threads by TriplePoint.Engineering

  EN 50160 and PV Systems Photovoltaic systems are more than solar panels on a roof. They are active participants in a dynamic electrical ecosystem, constantly interacting with the public grid. That interaction is governed by standards, and one of the most important is EN 50160. This European standard defines the expected quality of electricity supplied by public distribution networks. For PV system owners, understanding EN 50160 is essential for protecting equipment, maximizing performance, and ensuring long-term compliance. EN 50160 sets expectations for voltage levels, frequency stability, and how much variation is acceptable. In most homes across Europe, the voltage should remain within ten percent of the nominal 230 volts. Anything above 253 volts is considered too high. Frequency, typically 50 hertz, should stay within one percent of that value for 99.5 percent of the week. These thresholds are designed to protect sensitive electronics, maintain grid stability, and ensure...

In the world of mechanical integrity, precision matters. Few tasks exemplify this more than torquing. It’s easy to overlook, often relegated to a checklist item or a routine step in assembly. But make no mistake, torquing is not optional, and it’s certainly not trivial. It’s the fine line between structural integrity and catastrophic failure. Whether you're tightening bolts on a flange in a chemical processing plant, assembling a wind turbine in the field, or maintaining high-pressure steam lines in a refinery, torquing is about control. It’s about applying the right force, in the right sequence, under the right conditions. And yet, despite its critical importance, I still see teams treating it like a formality rather than a precision engineering task. Let’s break it down. Here’s what truly matters when it comes to torquing—and why it deserves your full attention. Hydraulic torqueing 1. What Is Torquing and Why Do It? Torquing is the controlled tightening of bolts and nuts to achie...

Thermal expansion in industrial pipelines is predictable, yet its consequences are often underestimated. Even modest temperature shifts can cause measurable elongation, leading to misalignment, bracket deformation, and stress accumulation at welds or flanges. Effective pipeline design must anticipate this movement through deliberate support strategies, anchoring logic, and expansion accommodation. Thermal Design Fundamentals Every new pipeline design should begin with four key thermal conditions: the fully empty condition (no fluid, no pressure), maximum operating temperature (process or steam), minimum ambient or shutdown temperature, and frequency of thermal cycling. These aren’t just numbers. They shape how the system breathes. If ignored, they become the root of costly rework and long-term maintenance headaches. Pipe Support Types and Their Roles Pipe support actively shape how a pipeline responds to thermal and mechanical forces. Their selection must align with movement ex...

Before a process vessel sees its first drop of product, it should pass more than just a visual inspection. Testing is engineering discipline. And yet, I still see confusion between leak tests, service tests, hydrostatic tests, and pneumatic tests. Each serves a different purpose, and choosing the wrong one or skipping it altogether can cost far more than the test itself.  A hydrostatic pressure test in progress Why Test at All? Because once that vessel is in service, failure isn’t theoretical. It’s downtime, contamination, environmental risk, and reputational damage. Testing isn’t a formality; it’s your last chance to catch what drawings and weld logs can’t. Whether you’re commissioning a new reactor, validating a retrofit, or preparing for regulatory inspection, pressure testing is your final line of defense. It verifies that the vessel can withstand operating conditions, contain the process media, and perform safely over time. But not all tests are created equal. 1. Hyd...

In the world of chemical enginee ring and industrial operations, few decisions stir as much debate as this one: Should we buy new process equipment, or source pre-owned? It’s not simply a budget question. It’s a strategic choice that touches on risk, reliability, lead time, stakeholder perception, and long-term legacy. And while the spreadsheets may suggest a clear winner, the reality is often more nuanced. Sometimes new equipment is the right call. Sometimes pre-owned saves the day. But the best decisions are never made in isolation. They’re made with context, clarity, and a healthy dose of engineering judgment. 1. Risk Tolerance and Traceability: What Are You Really Buying Pre-owned equipment can be a smart move. But only if you know what you’re getting. Too often, teams focus on the purchase price and overlook the hidden risks. Was the equipment maintained to spec? Are the manuals, certifications, and service records intact? Has it been exposed to corrosive media, ther...