{
  "schema": "piping-heating-path-method/v1",
  "title": "Heating-medium paths in a selected metallic core-and-jacket arrangement",
  "scope": "Process-fluid heating jacket; distinct from protective weather jacketing. Conditions belong to the selected design basis, not every jacketed system.",
  "alternatives": [
    {
      "medium": "liquid",
      "supply": "lowest inlet tapping of pipe/circuit/system",
      "exit": "highest point",
      "physical_explanation": "Upward filling provides a route for displaced gas toward the upper exit; verify actual high points and fluid contact rather than assuming the outlet clears every pocket."
    },
    {
      "medium": "condensing vapor",
      "supply": "highest jacket tapping",
      "condensate": "drain from lowest pipe or fitting; common return header permitted",
      "physical_explanation": "Vapor transfers heat while condensing; low drainage limits retained liquid. Effective noncondensable-gas clearing remains a separate circuit function, not proved by a liquid drain."
    }
  ],
  "adopted_conditions": {
    "heating_medium_direction": "countercurrent to product",
    "recommended_slope_percent": 1,
    "recommended_max_jacketed_elements_per_circuit": 8,
    "counted_elements": [
      "pipe sections",
      "valves",
      "fittings"
    ],
    "count_is_not": "length limit or thermal adequacy"
  },
  "hypothetical_geometric_example": {
    "horizontal_run_m": 6.0,
    "slope_fraction": 0.01,
    "elevation_change_m": 0.06,
    "elevation_change_mm": 60,
    "calculation": "0.01 \u00d7 6.0 m = 0.060 m = 60 mm",
    "limits": "Geometry only; no gas-clearing, no-pocket, heat-duty, hydraulic-return, pressure or mechanical acceptance."
  },
  "inspection_questions": [
    "Actual inlet and outlet elevations",
    "Heating-fluid contact through annular spaces and fittings",
    "Gas accumulation and clearing path",
    "Liquid collection and discharge path",
    "Actual termination heat-transfer behavior",
    "Changed medium or return condition"
  ],
  "interfaces": {
    "C09": "Core/jacket mechanical evaluation remains separate",
    "C18": "Carrier/jacket test boundaries and differential remain separate"
  }
}