Explain the term “design pressure” in the context of pressure piping systems.

Design pressure refers to the maximum pressure that a piping system is engineered to handle safely during its operational lifespan. This value is crucial in the design and selection of materials for the piping system, as it ensures that the system can operate safely under expected conditions without risk of failure, such as leaks or ruptures. It accounts for various factors such as temperature, the nature of the fluid being transported, and external pressures.

This means that if the system is subjected to pressures above the design pressure, it may not perform safely, potentially leading to hazardous situations. In contrast, the other options describe different aspects of pressure management but do not capture the fundamental definition of design pressure. For instance, stating a minimum pressure for operation does not reflect the maximum limits on pressure that ensure safety and integrity, while acceptable leak pressures and recommended inspection pressures pertain more to operational guidelines rather than design specifications. Thus, focusing on the maximum pressure capacity of the system clarifies the critical role of design pressure in maintaining safety standards in pressure piping systems.