Glossary

alignment

When used with respect to pipeline design, an alignment is a mathematical definition of the horizontal (and if required, the vertical) path followed by the pipeline. The alignment is used to compute stationing.

bend

A curve in a joint or length of pipe. Details such as the type and direction are typically recorded for each bend.

corridor

The corridor defines the distance to the left and right of the pipeline in which access by work crews is allowed. The Trimble Access Pipelines software enables you to define the allowable work area by defining the corridor width along the pipeline or by using a shapefile that defines inclusion zones. You may also define areas where entry is not allowed by using a shapefile that defines exclusion zones. The software allows multiple polygons in a file defining exclusion zones, but only one polygon in a file defining the inclusion zone.

cover

The depth of material between the top of the pipe and the surface elevation.

crossing

A pipeline crossing is where the pipeline crosses another asset, such as another pipeline, a power line, road, etc.

digital terrain model

A mathematical model of the shape of a surface. The represented surface may be an existing terrain, proposed grade surfaces, or a combination of both. The DTM includes random points, breaklines, interior and exterior limits. A Trimble Terrain Model (TTM) is a type of DTM, and is the only type of DTM supported by the Pipelines software.

downstream

Away from the source of the pipeline and in the direction of the pipeline contents.

exclusion zone

An area into which entry is restricted or forbidden. The system warns when you try to store a point measured inside an exclusion zone. The system records details of when the controller running Trimble Access Pipelines enters or exits from an exclusion zone. The records contain a position and time stamp.

feature library

A file containing information that describes features that will be located in the field. This description includes feature names, feature codes, attribute names, and attribute values. After being created using office software, the feature library is transferred to a controller for use in the field.

heat number

A heat number is an identification number that is stamped onto each pipe after manufacture. The heat number is similar to a lot number and is used to identify production runs of pipes for quality control purposes.

inclusion zone

A geographic area that the pipeline and field crews are expected to remain inside. The system warns when you try to store a point measured outside the inclusion zone. See also corridor.

joint

A length of pipe. The term joint refers to straight sections of pipe as well as bends and branches. Joints are connected by welds.

joint mapping

The process of recording relationships between welds and joints, as well as recording bends and loose ends. You can also record a position and timestamp.

loose end

A loose end is the unwelded end of a section of welded pipeline.

manifest

Data about the pipes delivered to the site, supplied by the pipe manufacturer. Also known as mill data.

mill data

Data about the pipes delivered to the site, supplied by the pipe manufacturer. Also known as manifest.

mother

The pipe from which a PUP is cut.

NB

nominal bore

nominal bore

See nominal pipe size.

nominal diameter

The European equivalent of nominal pipe size. Nominal diameter is specified in millimeters.

nominal pipe size

One of the two non-dimensional numbers for specifying pipe size. Nominal pipe size (NPS) is the diameter based on inches (USA). See also schedule. The European equivalent is nominal diameter (DN) and is specified in millimeters.

NPS

nominal pipe size

pipe size

Pipe size is specified with two non-dimensional numbers: a nominal pipe size (NPS) for diameter based on inches, and a schedule for wall thickness.

PUP

A partial unit of pipe. A PUP is an offcut piece of pipe. Depending on its length and suitability, a pup is usually used later on the pipeline. The length of pipe from which the PUP is cut is often referred to as the mother.

schedule or schedule number

One of the two non-dimensional numbers for specifying pipe size. The pipe schedule (Sched. or Sch.) refers to the specification of pipe size in terms of wall thickness. See also nominal pipe size.

slope stationing

The distance or interval along the pipeline, taking into account the vertical distance as well as the horizontal distance.

stationing

The horizontal distance or interval along the pipeline.

tally

An inventory of the pipes delivered to the field. The tally is often performed using data provided by the manufacturer (in the form of mill data or a manifest), or you can create your own tally on-site.

TTM

A Trimble Terrain Model file, which represents a triangulated 3D surface model.

upstream

Toward the source of the pipeline and against the flow of the pipeline contents.

wall thickness

A value that indicates the thickness of the pipe wall. Wall thickness may remain unchanged as the outside diameter and inner diameter change.

weld

The junction of two pipes (joints) formed by welding.

weld ID

The unique identification number used to identify a weld. The weld ID can be recorded during surveying of the as-built pipe, or in a separate process before the pipe is laid, called joint mapping.