FieldEngineersKit LogoFieldEngineersKit
Docs
Clean zone

Pipe Coping & Branch Cut Layout

ASME B31.3 (2022 Edition) · / PIP
Loading calculator…

← All indexable specifications for this calculator· Current spec: 1" on 8" Sch 40 · 60°

Branch Cut Layout Summary

Live inputs drive this summary. Header/branch NPS, schedule, and intersection angle update the clean share URL (e.g. /4-on-6-sch-40-90deg).

ParameterValue
Header NPS8"
Branch NPS1"
ScheduleSch 40
Intersection angle θ60°

Engineering Reference & ASME Code Basis

1. Core Formula & Variable Definitions

ASME B31.3 (2022 Edition) · (Process Piping) — fabrication / branch connection practice · ASME B36.10M / B36.19M (Pipe OD & wall by NPS × schedule) · PIP fabrication practices (shop layout screening)

x = r_B·sin(φ) + e  ·  y = r_B·cos(φ)

z_H = √(R_H² − x²)  ·  z_cut = z_H / sin(θ) − y·cot(θ)

S = r_B·φ  ·  Δz_max = max(z_cut) − min(z_cut)

ASME B31.3 fabrication screening · PIP shop layout practice

θ range 30°–90°Ordinates 16 / 32 ptsCuts Set-on · Set-in · MiterΔz_max Peak-to-valley

This calculator builds an unwrapped flat-pattern cut line for a branch pipe intersecting a header. Set-on / miter use the header OD envelope; set-in uses the header ID. Layout points (16 or 32) give shop marking distances S and relative cut offsets. Confirm bevel angle and branch reinforcement per ASME B31.3 Paragraph 304.3 — this is a fabrication aid, not a reinforcement design.

  • R_H (Header radius)Header OD/2 for set-on/miter, or header ID/2 for set-in through-hole cuts.
  • r_B (Branch radius)Branch outside radius (OD/2) used for the unwrapped circumference.
  • θ (Intersection angle)Angle between branch axis and header axis (90° = orthogonal tee).
  • e (Eccentricity)Lateral offset of the branch centerline. Max ≈ (OD_H − OD_B)/2 for concentric-to-eccentric range.
  • z_cut (Axial cut offset)Distance along the branch axis from a reference plane to the header surface at angle φ.
  • Δz_max (Peak-to-valley depth)max(z_cut) − min(z_cut) — primary wrap-template height.

2. Allowances, Tolerances & Standards

Use the ordinate table as a wrap-around marking guide. Bevel and reinforcement are separate code checks.

Bevel37.5° ± 2.5° typical

Apply weld bevel along z_cut after transferring the template (project WPS governs).

ReinforcementB31.3 §304.3

Verify pad / integrally reinforced branch / Weldolet requirements separately.

Branch ≤ headerNPS rule

Branch NPS must not exceed header NPS for standard set-on / set-in fittings.

Quick Reference Lookup Table

Example orthogonal set-on screening (illustrative)
Branch on headerSchθFocus metric
4" on 6"4090°Δz_max + 16-pt table
3" on 6"4090°Δz_max + 16-pt table
4" on 8"4045°Angled branch template
6" on 8"8060°Heavier wall envelope
2" on 4"4090°Small-bore set-on

3. Material & Code Limitations

Screening tool for circular pipe-on-pipe intersections. Not for square headers, saddles with pad geometry, or CNC lofting replacement.

Material GroupTemperature RangeAllowable Stress / LimitEngineering Notes
Carbon / alloy / stainless pipeGeometry only (no T-limit in this tool)N/A — not a stress calcUses B36 OD/ID. Actual mill OD/wall may differ slightly from catalog.
High-pressure processPer project piping classVerify separately (B31.3 §304.3)Always verify branch reinforcement and WPS bevel requirements before hot work.

Code Applicability & Safety Boundaries

  • Fabrication layout aid only — does not size reinforcement pads, integrally reinforced branches, or Weldolets (ASME B31.3 §304.3).
  • Assumes circular pipe OD/ID envelopes from ASME B36 tables; do not use for square headers, structural tube, or cast fittings with non-circular hubs.
  • Bevel angle, root face, and WPS acceptance criteria are outside this tool — transfer the template, then prepare the joint per the approved procedure.
  • Eccentric / angled cases are geometric screening; always verify fit-up on the header before hot work when offset approaches (OD_H − OD_B)/2.

4. Step-by-Step Worked Example

Field VerificationShow

Step-by-Step Worked Example: 4" Sch 40 branch on 6" Sch 40 header @ 90°

Generate a set-on wrap template for an NPS 4 Sch 40 branch onto an NPS 6 Sch 40 header at θ = 90° (orthogonal tee), concentric (e = 0), using 16 layout points. OD values come from ASME B36.10M.

Header:NPS 6 Sch 40 · OD 168.28 mmBranch:NPS 4 Sch 40 · OD 114.30 mmAngle θ:90° (orthogonal)Offset e:0 mm (concentric)Cut type:Full-size set-on (header OD envelope)Ordinates:16 points
1

Resolve radii from B36 OD

R_H = 168.28 / 2 = 84.14 mm · r_B = 114.30 / 2 = 57.15 mm
Result:R_H = 84.14 mm, r_B = 57.15 mm

Set-on uses header OD radius. Set-in would use header ID/2 instead.

2

Evaluate surface depth at key φ

At φ = 0° (crotch): x = 0 → z_H = R_H = 84.14 mm. At φ = 90° (flank): x = 57.15 → z_H = √(84.14² − 57.15²) ≈ 61.72 mm.
Result:z_H(0°) ≈ 84.14 mm · z_H(90°) ≈ 61.72 mm
3

Convert to axial cut offset at θ = 90°

θ = 90° → sinθ = 1, cotθ = 0 → z_cut(φ) = z_H(φ). So crotch and flank offsets equal the surface depths above.
Result:z_cut(0°) ≈ 84.14 mm · z_cut(90°) ≈ 61.72 mm
4

Report peak-to-valley template height

Δz_max ≈ 84.14 − 61.72 = 22.42 mm (wrap height from valley baseline). Mark S = r_B·φ along the branch OD, then transfer z_rel = z_cut − min(z_cut).
Result:Δz_max ≈ 22.4 mm for this 4" on 6" Sch 40 @ 90° case

Use the live ordinate table for all 16/32 shop marks. Confirm bevel and B31.3 §304.3 reinforcement separately.

Conclusion: The wrap template height is Δz_max ≈ 22.4 mm for a concentric 4"×6" Sch 40 orthogonal set-on. Open the matching spec URL (/4-on-6-sch-40-90deg), copy the ordinate table, mark the branch OD, cut, then bevel per the project WPS.

5. Frequently Asked Questions & Technical References

Show

Δz_max is the peak-to-valley height of the unwrapped cut curve — the amount of material you remove axially between the deepest and shallowest marks when wrapping the template.

ADVERTISEMENT

320×50 In-feed Banner