Frequently Asked Questions. ConX Modular Pipe Rack

Frequently Asked Questions ConX Modular Pipe Rack

Product...3 1. How does the ConX System compare to conventional design in pipe rack applications?...3 2. How does the ConX System compare cost-wise to a conventional frame in pipe rack applications?...3 3. Can I custom design spans and lengths for my ConX Pipe Rack?...3 4. Will this system work on a 30 x20 grid so we can eliminate some of the foundations?.3 5. Does ConXtech offer Pipe Shoe anchors or guides?...3 6. Does the ConX System eliminate the need for scaffolding?...3 7. Can the ConX System be utilized for off shore projects?...3 8. What is the highest ConX pipe rack completed to date?...4 9. Where do I buy ConX Modular Pipe Rack?...4 10. Is the ConX System applicable in geographies where a lack of skilled labor makes it difficult to construct?...4 Structural Design & Engineering...4 11. What testing have you done?...4 12. What are available beam sizes for ConX Modular Pipe Rack?...4 13. Can the ConX System be used for low-temperature service?...4 14. How does the ConX System handle transportation loads?...4 15. Is ConX suitable for both modules and stick-built?...4 16. What are the typical spans for Pipe Rack?...5 17. How many levels high can a ConX Modular Pipe Rack be?...5 18. Is bracing required?...5 19. How does ConXtech deal with un-braced length?...5 20. How does the ConX system eliminate bracing?...5 21. How does the ConX System address road crossings?...5 22. How does the ConX System address pipe bridges?...5 23. How does ConXtech factor for equipment loading on a Pipe Rack?...5 24. How are anchor loads on the top flange of a beam resisted by the ConX System?...5 25. How do you tie in the ConX Modular Pipe Rack to an existing pipe rack?...6 26. Why are ConX tube columns filled with concrete in O&G applications?...6 27. How much weight does the concrete-fill add to a typical module comprised of twelve columns?...6 28. Do I need to be concerned with shrinkage of concrete in tubes?...6

29. Can you weld on concrete filled columns?...6 30. What is the typical modeling software platform for ConX industrial projects?...6 31. How does ConXtech handle revisions to structures after fabrication has started?..6 32. How does ConXtech model?...7 33. How does ConXtech interact with the EPC culture?...7 34. Who coordinates with our EPC?...7 Durability, Corrosion Prevention, Coatings & Fireproofing...7 35. Why are ConX tube columns filled with concrete in O&G applications?...7 36. How does ConXtech address concerns regarding HSS columns in Oil and Gas applications (interior corrosion, catching gas and vapor, etc.)?...7 37. Could moisture get trapped in ConX connections?...7 38. Is there potential for internal corrosion on ConX columns?...7 39. Can ConX Modular Pipe Rack be fireproofed?...7 Fabrication & Field...8 40. What differentiates ConX from conventional pipe rack fabrication?...8 41. When are the columns filled with concrete in industrial applications?...8 42. How does the ConX System handle scaffolding?...8 43. Do ConX Modular Work Access Platforms eliminate the need for scaffolding?...8 44. How do the Modular Access Platforms work?...8 45. How does ConXtech handle lifting modules?...8 46. What happens if a ConX column or beam assembly is damaged in the field?...8 47. Does ConXtech have the capability to erect?...8 48. Is a crane required to erect a ConX structure?...8 49. Is there a special wrench to tension bolts?...9 Safety...9 50. Is the ConX system safer than a conventional system?...9 51. What prevents ConX beams from inadvertently being dislodged from columns during construction?...9 Certification & Standards...9 52. Is ConX certified for use in Canada?...9 53. Does ConXtech comply with CISC requirements?...9 54. Does the ConX system comply with CSA standards?...9

Product 1. How does the ConX System compare to conventional design in pipe rack applications? ConX Modular Pipe Rack is truly a modular solution with innovative connections that typically eliminates bracing. This simplifies not only the structure, but pipe design (layout and routing). The elimination of bracing often reduces the number of levels required. ConX structures are highly intuitive and configurable with known capacities in the connections and the ability to add capacity to an extent if needed even late in the design cycle. ConXtech offers other optional features which are modularized to the greatest extent possible. 2. How does the ConX System compare cost-wise to a conventional frame in pipe rack applications? ConX should be cost competitive with, or less costly, than a conventional pipe rack structure. Additional savings: Accelerated schedule (2-4X faster frame erection in the field); significant reduction in field labor required (including associated cost of transportation, housing); efficiencies in design, pipe layout and simplified routing that a brace free system enables including possible reduction of rack levels; and the enhanced safety of ConXtech s lower and locking connection system. Past ConXtech projects have reduced schedules by up to 33% with one owner reporting a 9 month schedule savings and an ROI of just six days. 3. Can I custom design spans and lengths for my ConX Pipe Rack? Yes. Custom spans and lengths can certainly be accommodated. However, ConX standardized pipe rack module is 20 x20 or 6m x 6m and therefore the most economical. 4. Will this system work on a 30 x20 grid so we can eliminate some of the foundations? Yes the ConX System can be designed on a 30 x20 grid. However, there should be a cost analysis conducted to see if the increase in steel (due to the longer spans) will offset the foundation savings. ConX also offers a modular foundation system which should significantly simplify your foundations. 5. Does ConXtech offer Pipe Shoe anchors or guides? ConXtech has developed a Modular Pipe Shoe. The Shoe can be guided or anchored for maximum flexibility and requires no field welding. 6. Does the ConX System eliminate the need for scaffolding? ConXtech s optional reusable Modular Access Platforms can reduce for scaffolding. 7. Can the ConX System be utilized for off shore projects? or eliminate the need Based on our general knowledge of offshore projects, we believe the ConX System offers potential advantages. Inherent seismic performance makes it suitable for ocean transport loads.

8. What is the highest ConX pipe rack completed to date? The highest ConX pipe rack installed to date is 45 feet. The tallest ConX structure to date is 185 feet. 9. Where do I buy ConX Modular Pipe Rack? ConX Modular Pipe Rack is available directly from ConXtech. ConXtech is growing a network of ConX Certified Fabricators but the system is sold via ConXtech. The system can be shipped FOB for mod-yard assembly; stick built by your EPC; installed by ConXtech Construction as a turnkey package; or installed by ConX Certified Erectors. 10. Is the ConX System applicable in geographies where a lack of skilled labor makes it difficult to construct? The ConX system was designed to be simple and safe to erect. ConXtech s lower and locking connection technologies require a much lower skill level to safely erect than conventional steel structures. ConX is ideal for environments where qualified skilled labor is difficult to procure. Structural Design & Engineering 11. What testing have you done? ConXtech has performed 62 full-scale cyclic tests on ConX connections. A list of tests is available; contact us at info@conxtech.com to obtain a copy. 12. What are available beam sizes for ConX Modular Pipe Rack? HSS Column & WF combinations for type LD moment frames: ConXR200 Columns: HSS8x8x5/8 (HSS203x203x15.9) Beams: W12x30, W12x35 or W12x40 (W310x44.5, W310x52, W310x60). ConXL300 Columns: HSS12x12x3/8 thru HSS12x12x3/4(HSS305x305x9.5 thru HSS305x305x19). Available beam depths range from 14 to 21. Up to W14x61, W16x67, W18x71, and W21x68. (W360x91, W410x100, W460x106, and W530x101) 13. Can the ConX System be used for low-temperature service? Yes. In low-temperatures the applicable specifications for welding, bolting and steel material are implemented. 14. How does the ConX System handle transportation loads? ConX Modular Pipe Rack modules can be designed for transportation loads. If the bottom beam is insufficient for travel loads, a temporary transverse travel beam is installed prior to transport. 15. Is ConX suitable for both modules and stick-built? Yes. ConX can be rapidly assembled in mod-yards or field assembled. Both methods are significantly more efficient than conventionally built pipe rack.

16. What are the typical spans for Pipe Rack? Standard ConX Modular Pipe Rack spans 6m x 6m (20ft x 20ft). Other spans can be achieved by custom design and are governed by the strength of the member sizes and/or connection capacity. 17. How many levels high can a ConX Modular Pipe Rack be? It depends on the loading conditions, but ConXtech has solutions that can address nearly any configuration and height. 18. Is bracing required? Typically no, because ConX is a robust bi-axial moment frame most ConX Modular Piper Rack structures do not require bracing. However, there are circumstances where column leg height to the first supported beam is significant enough to require supplemental knee bracing. 19. How does ConXtech deal with un-braced length? The member is designed for un-braced length using CSA S16-09, Section 13.6 Bending on Laterally Unsupported Members. 20. How does the ConX system eliminate bracing? The purpose of bracing is to provide resistance to lateral loads. ConX eliminates bracing by providing lateral resistance through its bi-axial moment connection, which allows its structural members to be efficiently used to resist both gravity and lateral loads. 21. How does the ConX System address road crossings? A long span truss system can be connected to ConX frames at either side in order to the gap. 22. How does the ConX System address pipe bridges? See above. bridge 23. How does ConXtech factor for equipment loading on a Pipe Rack? ConX structures are highly intuitive and configurable with known capacities in the connections and the ability to add capacity to an extent if needed even late in the design cycle. Loads for equipment being placed on a Pipe Rack should be provided to ConXtech so those loads can be incorporated into the design. 24. How are anchor loads on the top flange of a beam resisted by the ConX System? The transverse beam is fully retrained against rotation at the two ends where the section is fully welded to the collar assembly. The beam is further restrained against rotation at the midpoint by a perpendicular framing member. Between the three points where the section is prevented from twisting the pipe friction and the stabilizing tipping effect provided by the pipes prevents the section from twisting. Given the above torsional bracing condition, the force from the anchors is transferred to the supports by lateral flexure of the top flange plate and double curvature flexure of the web and K-area along the length of beam between

25. How do you tie in the ConX Modular Pipe Rack to an existing pipe rack? A ConX frame wouldn t typically connect to an existing conventional pipe rack frame, the pipes would span from the existing pipe rack to the ConX Modular Pipe Rack. 27. points braced against twist. Load transfer is accommodated by a combination of beam action of the top flange and yield lines at the top and bottom periphery of the participating web and K area plate column. 26. Why are ConX tube columns filled with concrete in O&G applications? ConX columns are concrete filled to provide additional stiffness to the face of the column, meet local buckling requirements for thinner columns, provide additional axial and stiffness capacity, provide additional fire resistance and eliminate the void in the HSS/Tube column to prevent corrosion and the build-up of gasses. How much weight does the concrete-fill add to a typical module comprised of twelve columns? ConXR200 (assuming 8 x 8 x 5/8 tube): Regular weight concrete adds 0.29 tons per foot of column height. Lightweight concrete add 0.22 tons per foot of column height. ConXL300 (assuming 12 x 12 x 5/8 tube) : Regular weight concrete adds 0.73 tons per foot of column height. Lightweight concrete adds 0.56 tons per foot of column height. 28. Do I need to be concerned with shrinkage of concrete in tubes? No. Inspection of concrete filled tubes used as test specimens at ConXtech s test facility revealed that there is negligible shrinkage of concrete fill. Shrinkage compensating admixes can be added to the concrete to further reduce the potential of shrinkage related issues. Additionally, thermal shrinkage is nearly the same for concrete and steel. 29. Can you weld on concrete filled columns? Yes. 30. What is the typical modeling software platform for ConX industrial projects? You can provide ConXtech a preliminary model from your plant design software; or if desired, we can produce a set of drawings or a model delivered that can be easily imported into your plant design software such as PDMS, PDS, SmartPlant or others. 31. How does ConXtech handle revisions to structures after fabrication has started? One of the major benefits of the ConX Modular Pipe Rack system is that it is truly a modular system rather than a custom design every time. ConX incorporates a limited number of standardized parts and components that can be configured or reconfigured into an array of pipe rack designs. This means that late changes are not nearly as disruptive to the design team or schedule because adding or interchanging standardized parts and assemblies has been anticipated.

For example, additional capacity to resist anchor loads can be gained by engaging multiple adjacent transverse beams using a longitudinal tie-beam to interconnect the frames using the uniformly spaced bolt-holes provided on the transverse beams. 32. How does ConXtech model? The frames are typically modeled using any of the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software products available using elastic section properties in a centerline to centerline model. For detailing and manufacturing ConXtech uses Tekla Structures which can exchange data with your plant design software of choice. 33. How does ConXtech interact with the EPC culture? The ConXtech team can work with the EPC as a Design Assist Contractor or directly with the owner as a design, furnish and install Contractor. 34. Who coordinates with our EPC? ConXtech s Project Managers coordinate with EPC s. Durability, Corrosion Prevention, Coatings & Fireproofing 35. Why are ConX tube columns filled with concrete in O&G applications? ConX columns are concrete filled to provide additional stiffness to the face of the column, meet local buckling requirements for thinner columns, provide additional axial and stiffness capacity, provide additional fire resistance and eliminate the void in the HSS/Tube column to prevent corrosion and the build-up of gasses. 36. How does ConXtech address concerns regarding HSS columns in Oil and Gas applications (interior corrosion, catching gas and vapor, etc.)? ConX HSS/Tube columns are concrete-filled thus preventing moisture or gas build-up. 37. Could moisture get trapped in ConX connections? ConX connections are no more susceptible to moisture being trapped than various other conventional steel connections, and less susceptible than shimmed to fit requirements typically found in conventional steel. ConXtech is working with coating providers and applicators to provide an array of coatings, sealants and materials that can provide additional protection. 38. Is there potential for internal corrosion on ConX columns? All ConX HSS tubes are filled with concrete to prevent corrosion. Additives can be added to the concrete fill to further reduce potential for corrosion. 39. Can ConX Modular Pipe Rack be fireproofed? ConX Modular Pipe Rack can be fireproofed just like any conventional steel rack. With the elimination of gusset plates and cross bracing (required in more conventional pipe rack structures) this task becomes easier with ConX.

Fabrication & Field 40. What differentiates ConX from conventional pipe rack fabrication? The ConX Modular Pipe Rack System was designed for manufacture in a highly automated process vs. the conventional hand crafted, cut and fit process that is the status quo. Robotics, CNC Machining; Automated BIM driven cut, drill, plasma lines; and specialized fixturing and jigs eliminate opportunities for human error and rework. This automated approach ensures predictability, precision, quality and means 2 to 3X more rack can be built under the same roof, in the same timeframe vs. conventional fabrication. 41. When are the columns filled with concrete in industrial applications? Concrete fill is placed in the columns during the manufacturing process and columns are shipped ready to erect. 42. How does the ConX System handle scaffolding? As an option, ConXtech offers modular permanent or removable Work Access Platforms. These platforms can be integrated into the rack structure by simply lower and locking onto standard Pipe Rack Columns and can be a permanent or temporary part of the structure. 43. Do ConX Modular Work Access Platforms eliminate the need for scaffolding? Yes. 44. How do the Modular Access Platforms work? Reusable Modular Access Platforms safely and simply attach to columns in the pipe rack structure using the ConX Gravity connection. Connection locations are modular and predetermined in the design phase. 45. How does ConXtech handle lifting modules? ConXtech offers ConXSLLUG, a self-aligning lifting lug that lowers and locks to the top of each column and is used for safely aligning, securely attaching, lifting/hoisting, and stacking of pipe rack modules. 46. What happens if a ConX column or beam assembly is damaged in the field? ConXtech offers a container based mobile factory which include jigs and fixtures required to manufacture one-off beam and column assemblies in the field. These assemblies are standardized and interchangeable in many instances, therefore field production should not grind to a halt if a beam or column is accidentally damaged in the field. 47. Does ConXtech have the capability to erect? ConXtech has erection capability within North America. Outside North America ConXtech can train local erectors to erect our system. The system is inherently intuitive and simple to erect. 48. Is a crane required to erect a ConX structure? Most pipe racks less than 60 feet high can be erected with a telescoping boom forklift.

49. Is there a special wrench to tension bolts? No. ConXtech uses a commercially available wrench and provides all the necessary equipment to tighten bolts. Safety 50. Is the ConX system safer than a conventional system? Both ConX and conventional steel frames are designed to the same code and provide similar structural performance, but the ConX connection is an innovative design providing lower and lock technology that enables safer and faster erection. For pipe rack applications, the systems standardized removable work platforms provide robust stability without supporting columns going down to grade, where they create hazards for equipment and manpower. This is a key advantage where concentrated work is being performed. 51. What prevents ConX beams from inadvertently being dislodged from columns during construction? ConX was conceived with safety as a primary goal. All ConX moment connections are lowered and locked together assisted by gravity (lowered) and a tapered 3D male/female connection mechanism (locked). It is very difficult to inadvertently dislodge a ConX moment beam once it is in place in the structure. In addition to the 3D taper which locks beams to columns, the ConXR system has one ¾ inch erection bolt which is placed through the outer collar to the inner collar to prevent a beam from accidental uplift or displacement. With ConXL300 and ConXL, a bolt can be placed through the flange collar and the corner collar to keep the beam from being dislodged during construction. Certification & Standards 52. Is ConX certified for use in Canada? Yes. 53. Does ConXtech comply with CISC requirements? Yes. 54. Does the ConX system comply with CSA standards? Yes.

CONTACT US ConXtech, Inc. 24493 Clawiter Road, Hayward, CA 94545 Phone: 510-264-9111x115 Fax: 510-264-1181 e-mail: info@conxtech.com Additional information is available on our website at www.conxtech.com TM FASTER BETTER SAFER GREENER Copyright 2000-2013 ConXtech, Inc. All rights reserved. US and Foreign Patents: U.S. P.N. 6,837,016; U.S. P.N. 7,021,020; U.S. P.N. 7,837,084; Australia P.N. 2001288615; Canada P.N. 2,458,706; China P.N. ZL 01 8 23730.4; Japan P.N. 4165648; Mexico P.N. 262,499; U.S. P.N. 6,802,169 B2; U.S. P.N. 8,161,707; Australia P.N. 2002244318; Brazil P.N. PIO209851-20; Canada P.N. 2479217; China P.N. ZL 2008 1 0110625.8; Mexico P.N. 282571; U.S. P.N. 7,051,917; Australia P.N. 2004319371; Canada P.N. 2,564,195; China P.N. ZL 2004 8 0042862.5; Hong Kong P.N. 1102268 Japan; P.N. 4427080; Mexico P.N. 275284; U.S. P.N. 7,127,863; U.S. P.N. 7,530,205; U.S. P.N. 7,146,770; U.S. P.N. 7,131,240; U.S. P.N. 7,503,151; U.S. P.N. 7,621,099; U.S. P.N. 7,716,820; U.S. P.N. 8,205,312; China P.N. ZL2004 8 0026485.6; EPO P.N. 1668197 (FR); EPO P.N. 1668197 (DE); EPO P.N. 1668197 (IE); EPO P.N. 1668197 (IT); EPO P.N. 1668197 (NL); EPO P.N. 1668197 (ES); EPO P.N. 1668197 (SE); EPO P.N. 1668197 (GB); Turkey P.N. TR 2009 0820 T4; India P.N. 219,425; U.S. P.N. 7,527,466; U.S. P.N. 7,040,069; U.S. P.N. 7,621,088; U.S. P.N. 7,441,692; Australia P.N. 2005283131; Canada P.N. 2,578,959; China P.N. ZL 2005 8 0030159.7; Japan P.N. 4,482,586; Mexico P.N. 270,862; U.S. P.N. 7,051,918; U.S. P.N. 7,802,406; Canada P.N. 2,153,038; US P.N. 8,011,150; U.S. P.N. 7,837,084; U.S. P.N. 7,941,985; Australia P.N. 2008260527; Canada P.N. 2,685,181. Other U.S. and Foreign Patent Protection Pending.