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pipe support
is, as the name suggests, something that can support a pipe. It&#;s that simple, right? Well, unfortunately, it isn&#;t always as easy as this to identify what a pipe support is. It&#;s not always that simple to know how to choose one, especially as there are many different classifications of pipe supports.
Choosing between the many pipe supports that are available can be a challenge. That&#;s why, in this article, we have covered the main classifications of pipe supports and the 2 critical types of pipe support that you must be aware of.
We have also covered the benefits and drawbacks of these two main pipe support types. So, to find out what they are, read this article.
What are pipe supports?
Pipe supports, which can be referred to as a type of support piping system, can consist of various components, such as a
pipe clamp
, different valves, or a pipe hanger (for horizontal pipes&#;pipes that are arranged in a horizontal direction), which are used to support a specific working load.
A support piping system should be capable of supporting not only the heavy weight of the pipe, but it should also be able to support the load contained within the pipe within loading and operating conditions.
They are also responsible for controlling lateral movements.
How are pipe supports installed?
Pipe supports are installed intermittently, meaning they are placed at intervals and incorporated into the steel structure.
They must be placed close to the weightier parts of the piping steel structure and the piping technology, such as the valves and other components such as the flanges, since they are the ideal supports for these components.
What should engineers look for when choosing a top pipe support?
The best pipe support restricts movement, specifically keeping pipe movement to a minimum, while taking into consideration the pipe size, and since there are pipe supports that match different purposes, the support of the pipe must be well-chosen and absorb shock that the pipe can sustain.
There are a couple of key points to consider when you choose a pipe support. Now only will you need to think about the particular load that you have to support, which might be a primary load (like pipe pressure), or secondary load (like pipe vibration due to the pipe&#;s change in temperature) you will also need to think about the conditions that the piping support needs to withstand and work under, such as certain weather conditions.
Now, pipe supports carry pipes which, in turn, carry thermal loads. A pipe support should therefore factor in thermal expansion, which refers to the change in temperature and the different temperature extremes between the normal operation, or operating condition, and the installation condition.
In this sense, a component that helps absorb vertical displacement that temperature changes cause are
spring supports
, so looking for top pipe supports that have the right components is essential.
Piping support examples categorized: Primary and secondary pipe supports
There are several types of piping support categories that your piping support can be classed as. The main other two categories to be aware of are primary piping supports and secondary piping supports. Each of these pipe supports are defined by the way they connect to your piping.
What are primary pipe supports?
The primary pipe supports are those that attach or connect to the pipe itself. Some of the main types of primary piping supports include pipe shoe, clamp supports, and pipe guides/guide supports.
What are secondary pipe supports?
The secondary pipe supports are those that don&#;t attach directly to the pipe itself. Some of the main types of secondary piping supports include tee posts and racks.
What are the 2 main pipe support types?
The two main types of pipe support are adjustable pipe supports and rigid pipe supports. The piping system that you choose will depend on the requirements of the project. Here&#;s more information on each of these pipe supports and the difference between these types of piping technology.
1. Adjustable pipe supports: What are they?
An adjustable pipe support is one that you can manually adjust to match your site and project&#;s requirements and conditions. There are a few main examples of adjustable pipe supports, including pipe saddles, a variable spring hanger (some of which use rod hangers), and pipe clamps.
What are the benefits of adjustable pipe supports?
There are five crucial benefits to be aware of when selecting an adjustable piping support. In addition to being safer, they are reliable, help with cost savings, are better for maintenance and enable you to make adjustments. Let&#;s have a look at each of these benefits in turn in more detail.
Adjustable pipe supports offer safety in your plant
If your pipeline fails for any reason, you risk the health and safety of your team members. Stepping in and making the right adjustments or changes is critical in situations like these, and adjustable supports can assist you with this.
With adjustable supports, you won&#;t need to adjust the supporting structure. You can access the pipes with ease and act without any danger affecting your team.
Adjustable pipe supports are ideal for different weather types
The flexibility with which you can make small adjustments to the piping of your plant with adjustable pipe supports is remarkable. This means that any work that you have already completed can be sustained with the help of adjustable pipe supports; even if there is bad weather, you can protect the work you&#;ve done with adjustable supports.
Pipe supports that are adjustable help you make cost savings
The main problem with rigid pipe supports is that they are often welded into the piping system. Now, since adjustable supports can be affixed with certain components, such as piping saddles, you won&#;t need to affix them permanently to your piping system.
Less work is needed to affix them and you won&#;t have to solicit skilled welders or get your welding work inspected&#;(which would cost extra).
Pipe supports that are adjustable make maintenance effortless
Adjustable pipe supports make maintenance of your piping project effortless. Take Pro Support Solutions&#; pipe clamps, for instance, their exceptional quality makes industrial plumbing and oil and gas plant engineering projects such as
skid construction
effortless. The main reason for this effortless maintenance is that you can identify corrosion damage with ease.
Making adjustments to your piping structure is easy with adjustable pipe supports
This piping technology makes it easy to adjust your pipe runs if required. So, if you happen to make a piping error, adjustable pipe supports can make it easy to adjust your piping technology or pipe technology support locations. And the moment you&#;ve identified the potential issues with your piping, you can start making plans to fix the error.
What are the drawbacks of adjustable pipe supports?
There are two drawbacks of choosing adjustable pipe supports&#;quality is key, but it can be difficult to find and select the right supplier, with the right components for your project, and corrosion can be another problem to watch out for. Here&#;s a little more information on each of these.
Choosing the right quality is critical
Some suppliers of adjustable pipe supports and components do not provide the optimal quality for your project. Choosing the right quality is essential and ensuring that the components are hot-dip galvanized is crucial. This is something that Pro Support Solutions and partner MEFA provide, ensuring that the quality is always exceptional.
Corrosion of piping can be expensive if the right adjustable pipe supports aren&#;t chosen
Although you might have to pay a lot to prevent the corrosion of your piping if you don&#;t choose the right adjustable pipe support, you can avoid this by selecting the right provider and the right components, such as Pro Support Solutions&#; many different types of pipe hangers.
As mentioned, the piping supports provided by Pro Support Solutions are hot-dip galvanized, protecting them from expensive corrosion damage.
2. Rigid supports: What are they?
A rigid support is specifically suited to mitigate movement of a pipe in at least one direction. These types of supporting structures are installed into the pipe&#;s foundation, and the supporting structure/structural foundational support, but these types of supports are not adjustable.
What are the main types of rigid pipe supports?
Three of the main types of rigid pipe supports include pipe shoes, dummy leg pipe supports, pipe hangers and struts. Other examples of rigid pipe supports include slide plates and t-slide supports.
What are the benefits of rigid pipe supports?
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The two main benefits of rigid pipe supports are that they both support the pipes and guide them in the right direction. They also prevent sagging.
Rigid pipe supports carry the weight of a piping system
The main benefit of rigid pipe supports, such as rod hangers, is that they mitigate movement transmission that thermal changes or vibrations can cause to piping. This keeps the structure, the weight of the pipes, and the load they carry secure and well-supported.
Rigid pipe supports prevent sagging and guide the piping system accurately
The second main benefit of rigid pipe supports is that they guide the piping system and ensure they do not move downward. In other words, rigid pipe supports, such as pipe show supports, prevent the pipe from sagging excessively under the weight of the load.
What are the drawbacks of rigid pipe supports?
Two main drawbacks of rigid pipe supports include that they require welding in some cases, they are often unable to be adjusted and can make it tricky to access the piping if an engineer needs to make changes to the structure.
Rigid pipe supports require welding
Since rigid pipe supports require welding, there are two main costs to be aware of if you choose this type of pipe support: the cost of welding itself and the potential costs incurred due to prolonged downtime when fixing a piping system with a rigid pipe support.
You cannot easily adjust a rigid pipe support
Rigid pipe supports are not always flexible when compared with adjustable pipe supports. This means it might not be possible to access your piping if you want to make changes to accommodate the requirements of your project or fix any errors with ease.
More specific piping support examples
Then, there are several other types of pipe support classifications, including limit stop supports, a pipe anchor or fixed point support, transverse guides, loose support, and longitudinal guide. Here&#;s more on each of those classifications.
Limit stop supports
Using a limit stop pipe permits free movement in certain directions, specifically when the pipe movement moves at right angles in relation to the axial direction, but they restrict movement in terms of the axial direction.
Fixed point supports
Fixed point supports prevent pipe movement in three directions, including three rotational directions. It can rotate and for certain projects might be used alongside a pipe guide support, offering anchor support for the pipe&#;s thermal loads.
Transverse guides
You can use transverse guides alongside a loose support. Transverse guides are particularly useful for restricting longitudinal movement, which is movement that is perpendicular in comparison to the pipe&#;s length. They do permit longitudinal movement.
Loose support
Using a loose support is ideal if you want to support the weight of a pipe, but only for supporting piping along the vertical direction.
Longitudinal guide
You can use a longitudinal guide to support pipes if you need to restrict movement specifically for the transverse direction. Longitudinal pipe supports are used alongside loose pipe supports as well.
Pipe supports: Choose excellence for your project
There&#;s no question that choosing quality pipe supports is essential when completing your pipe engineering project. This isn&#;t always easy given the broad range of pipe supports available for the project.
However, keep in mind that a good pipe support will not only carry a pipe, but it will:
Support the primary and secondary loads of a pipe
Absorb shock that your pipe might endure
Prevent the sagging of a pipe
Withstand changes of temperature in a pipe
Ensure you can effortlessly access the pipe to make changes
Guide the pipe effectively
Ensure your plant environment is safe
If you have been searching for a pipe support option that ticks all of the above boxes, be sure to take a look at Pro Support Solutions and partners MEFA and DG-SKID . Our quality solutions and piping technologies are second to none and guarantee perfection when completing your plant engineering project.
Expired
In the design of piping systems, the piping engineer or designer is responsible for locating the pipe supports and restraints to take care of the loads and displacements imposed on the piping system for the various load cases. A piping system may have several types of supports and restraints to take care of the various loads imposed on it and to allow the piping system to function safely under operating, design and occassional load conditions.
ASME B31.3 does not explicitly define the difference between pipe support and restraint. However the definition of restraint is implied in para. 319.2.1 which states "A piping system will undergo dimensional changes with any change in temperature. If it is constrained from free expansion or contraction by connected equipment and restraints such as guides and anchors, it will be displaced from its unrestrained position". Thus restraint by definition is a structural element used to constrain or limit the thermal movement of a piping system. On the other hand, support can be defined as a structural element or assembly that is required to absorb the piping system weight loads and contain the sustained longitdunal stress within the allowable limits. The function of a support is to sustain the weight of the pipes, fittings, flange assemblies, valves and the pipe contents including additional loads arising due to insulation or external or internal coating/lining on the pipe.
Besides the function of a restraint to control of thermal movement, it may be required to achieve one or more of the following functions:
Depending on the piping configuration, a combination of support and restraint may be installed at one location. For example a shoe support and guide is a combination of a support and restraint.
Pipe supports may be broadly classified as rigid supports and resilient or flexible supports. A brief understanding of various types of pipe supports is provided below.
Majority of pipe supports in a plant facility will fall under the category of rigid supports. A rigid support is primarily used to support the weight of pipe and its components. Hence its purpose is to prevent the downward movement of pipe. Support intervals or spans are chosen such that the pipe does not sag excessively due its self weight and the weight of its contents and insulation. A bare pipe may be allowed to rest on a structural member or if the pipe is insulated it may be provided with a shoe. In the later case the bottom of the shoe will rest on the structural member. A shoe support provides a larger contact surface with structural steel member as against bare pipe resting on structural member which results in line contact. Figure below shows examples of shoe support configurations which are most commonly used.
The choice of shoe type depends on the size of pipe and the weight of the pipe and its contents. For smaller pipe sizes and lesser loads, a single T-section cut from structural steel section such as IPE or HEA member is welded to the bottom of pipe to form a shoe support. As the pipe size increases and the pipe becomes heavier the shoe support is designed with two vertical members which allows the pipe load to be spread over a larger surface area of the pipe wall resulting in lower local stresses in the pipe wall. The shoe support with saddle uses a reinforcement saddle plate that is welded to the bottom of the pipe. The saddle plate usually subtends an arc of 90° or 120°. The saddle plate can be fabricated from the parent pipe material. However if the parent pipe has high wall thickness, the saddle plate is formed from plate material such as ASTM A36 for carbon steel pipes. A pipe saddle spreads the pipe load over a much larger portion of the pipe surface area and substantially reduces the local pipe wall stresses.
Pipe shoes also serve as convenient means to provide slope on lines routed on pipe racks by using shoes of different heights to achieve the required slope. This allows the pipe rack to be kept at a constant elevation for the other lines which are not required to be sloped.
Another example of rigid pipe support is a dummy support also called trunnion support. A dummy support consists of a tubular member which is welded to the pipe instead of structural member.
A vertical pipe is conveniently supported by using two dummy supports which rest on structural members. Depending on the load and the available structural steel member one dummy support may be used instead of two dummy supports. A base type dummy support is used at control valve stations or pump piping. The base of the dummy support may rest on structural steel member, concrete foundation with base plate or on a spring support depending on the piping configuration and design. A trunnion support may also be welded to a elbow in horizontal direction to support the piping as shown above. The trunnion length should be kept as short as possible to minimize the bending moment and stresses it can cause at the weld joint on the pipe. Trunnion supports may be welded on reinforcing pipe saddles for heavy pipe loads to distribute the pipe load over a larger pipe wall area.
When thermal movements are substantial, the pipe may lift off the support if the thermal movement is upwards or the pipe may be subject to large expansion stresses if the thermal movement is downwards and the support does not allow vertical downward movement of pipe. Flexible or resilient supports allow movement of piping while still providing support to the pipe. Thus flexible supports can be defined as pipe supports that provide supporting force throughout the expansion and contraction cycle of the piping system. Spring supports are examples of flexible or resilient supports. Flexible supports are necessary when the pipe needs to be supported and at the same time permitted to move in the vertical direction. In general, when the permitted vertical movement is low to medium and the variation between hot load and cold load is less than 25%, variable spring supports are recommended to be used. When the permitted vertical movement is large, constant spring supports are recommended to be used. There are other factors which will determine the type of spring supports to be used which are beyond the scope of this article.
In a variable spring support, the load imposed by the spring on the pipe varies with the pipe deflection and the magnitude of the load variation depends on the spring rate (or spring constant) of the support. The load variation is the product of spring constant and pipe thermal movement. If a low variation in load is required such as on pump piping supports, it is desirable to choose a spring support with a low spring constant.
In a constant type spring support, the load imposed by the spring on the pipe remains constant throughout the range of thermal movement of the pipe. Constant spring supports are used when the pipe deflection is large (above 50-75mm) and may be used near strain sensitive equipments such as pumps and turbines. The choice of using a variable or constant spring support will be based on the results of piping stress analysis.
Pipe support guide permit axial movement of pipe but restrain the movement of pipe in the lateral direction. Guide may be designed to limit lateral movement in only one direction or lateral movement in two directions. When a guide is used to restrain pipe movement in two directions, the guide also limits the rotational movement of pipe to a certain extent depending on the gap between the guide and the pipe shoe. Guides may be provided as structural members on shoe supports as shown in figure below or they may be provided in the form of U-bolts, Clamps or structural members if the pipe is not provided with a shoe. For pipes routed in vertical direction, guide supports usually take the form of boxed structural members around the pipe or pipe shoe.
Guides are provided whenever the position of pipe has to be maintained on the supports such as on piperacks. If guides are not provided on piping routed on racks, the pipe may snake after some cycles of expansion and contraction. Guides may be required on vertical runs of pipe to take care of wind loads. Guides are frequently provided on pump suction nozzles to minimize transfer of thermal loads on pump nozzles.
Typical Examples of Guide Supports on Pipe ShoesExamples of other Piping Guide Supports
An axial limit stop restrains the pipe movement in axial direction but allows pipe movement in a direction at right angles to the axial direction. It is also commonly referred to as a line stop. Depending on the requirements of stress analysis, the gap between the limit stops or line stops could be different on either sides of the structural steel member. This gap will ensure that the pipe is permitted to expand due to thermal growth for the specfied distance until the gap is closed and the structural steel limits further thermal movement. A limit stop may be used in combination with guide support to provide an anchor support.
Schematic of Limit Stop Pipe Support for Axial RestraintAn anchor is a restraint that prevents pipe translational movement and rotational movement in all the three degrees of freedom, relative to the structure of the anchor. An anchor (structural member) may have flexibility or the anchor itself may have imposed displacement and rotation. For example a nozzle on an equipment is treated as an anchor while carrying out stress analysis. However the nozzle itself may have displacement and rotation due to thermal expansion of the equipment. Further the nozzle also may have certain amount of flexiblity depending on the diameter and wall thickness of the equipment. The pipe connected to the nozzle in such cases is treated as an anchor with imposed displacements.
It may be noted that the ASME B31.3 now explicity permits the flexibility of restraints to be taken into consideration. As per para.319.2.1 of ASME B31.3 "If restraints are not considered rigid, their flexibility may be considered in determining displacement stress range and reactions".
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