PIPE SUPPORT / GENERAL NOTES & DESIGN ...

02 Jul.,2024

 

PIPE SUPPORT / GENERAL NOTES & DESIGN ...


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1.     Recommending standards practices

  1. ASME / ANSI 31.1 & 31.3 i.e. Power Piping & Process Piping
  2. MSS &#;SP 58 Pipe Hangers and Support: Materials, Design & Manufacturers
  3. MSS &#;SP 69 Pipe Hangers and Support: Selection & Application.
  4. MSS &#;SP 77 Guidelines for Pipe Support Contractual Relationships.
  5. MSS &#;SP 89 Pipe Hangers and Supports: Fabrication & Installation Practices.
  6. MSS &#;SP 90 Guidelines on Terminology of Pipe Hangers & Supports.

1.1. The code ASME B 31.3 specifies under clause 321.1.1 the layout and design of piping and its supporting elements shall be directed toward preventing the following:

  • Piping stresses in excess of those permitted in the Code
  • Leakage at joints
  • Excessive thrusts and moments on connected equipment (such as pumps and turbines)
  • Excessive stresses in the supporting (or restraining) elements
  • Resonance with imposed or fluid-induced vibrations
  • Excessive interference with thermal expansion and contraction in piping which is otherwise adequately flexible
  • Unintentional disengagement of piping from its supports
  • Excessive piping sag in piping requiring drainage slope
  • Excessive distortion or sag of piping (e.g., thermoplastics) subject to creep under conditions of repeated thermal cycling
  • Excessive heat flow, exposing supporting elements to temperature extremes outside their design limits

2.     Determination of Support locations

Support locations are dependent on many considerations, such as pipe size, piping configuration, the location of heavy Valves and fittings, and the structure that is available for support. Following rules of thumb will help when doing the flexibility analysis and operation and maintenance:

  • As much as possible, attach supports to straight pipe rather than elbows, other fittings, Valves, flanges or instruments, but provide supports near instruments, and other devices that are likely to be removed for maintenance.
  • Provide space for adding loops to piping near load sensitive equipment, e.g. in pump suction lines.
  • Consider the need to add friction reducing slides between the piping and support steel.
  • Support piping such that spools to be removed for equipment maintenance can be removed without adding temporary supports.
  • Minimize the use of spring hangers.


3. Design Requirements

3.1. Pipe Support Welded Attachment (Excluding Trunnions)

3.1.1 Pipe attachment welds shall conform to the Code.

3.1.2 For carbon steel and ferrous pipe materials through 9% chrome operating between -20°F (-29ºC) and 500°F (260ºC), pipe support attachment material shall be carbon steel. For carbon steel and ferrous pipe material through 9% chrome operating above 501ºF (261ºC), pipe support attachment material shall be the same as the supported pipe.

3.1.3 For other pipe material, pipe support attachment material shall be the same as the supported pipe.

3.1.4 When required, wear pad minimum dimensions shall be 16-inches (406-mm) long by 1/4 pipe circumference. The thickness shall be 1/4 inch (6 mm) for sizes up to and including NPS 24, and 3/8 inch (10 mm) for larger sizes.


 3.2. Pipe Support Clamped Attachment

3.2.1.       Clamp material shall be in accordance with the following table:

3.2.2 Galvanized clamps may be used with stainless steel piping between 501ºF (260ºC) and 750°F (399ºC) provided a thin-gauge (28-gauge minimum) stainless steel isolation shield is inserted between the clamp and the pipe.


3.3. Pipe Support Trunnions

3.3.1 Unless otherwise specified by the owner, materials for trunnions, reinforcing pads, and gussets shall be the same nominal composition as the supported pipe.

3.3.2 Reinforcing pads shall not be used at elbows, unless otherwise specified by the designer.

3.3.3 Adjustable base trunnions may be used to accommodate differences in elevation or field tolerances.

3.4. Insulated Piping

3.4.1 Supports for insulated piping shall be such that insulation will not be damaged at the point of support because of pipe movement.

3.4.2 Supports for cold-insulated pipe shall be supported around the insulation to avoid cold bridges and protrusions through the vapor barrier.

3.4.3 Supports for piping insulated for cold conservation or anti-sweat shall be designed to prevent the formation of condensation. The support shall be designed so that the insulation will not be crushed.

3.4.4 Supports for insulated piping shall be designed for thermal plus acoustic insulation thickness.

3.4.5 Trunnions on cold-insulated piping shall be insulated for a length equal to T+3t , where T is the insulation thickness of the line and t is the insulation thickness of the trunnion. Thereafter, the trunnion shall have a minimum uninsulated length of 6 inches (150 mm). If the trunnion length does not meet this requirement,either the entire trunnion shall be covered with cold insulation or a cold-insulated support shall be used.

3.5.     Support for Load-Sensitive Equipment Nozzle

For piping connected to load-sensitive equipment, the support system shall be designed to minimize the weight and weight moment on the equipment nozzle.

3.6.     Pipe Support Brackets for Vertical Vessels

3.6.1 The pipe support bracket shall be located as close to the nozzle as practically possible.

3.6.2 Support for overhead lines may need to be designed for hydrostatic test conditions.

3.6.3 The spacing of vessel piping guides shall be based on the maximum allowable piping span as determined by the designer

3.6.4 When pipe is installed while the vessel is in the horizontal position (dress-out); the vessel attachments, piping support, and guide brackets shall be designed for this temporary horizontal position.


3.7.    Supports for Reciprocating Compressor and Pump Piping

3.7.1 All lines subject to vibration resulting due to pulsation of reciprocating compressor or pump shall be restrained in directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pipe, whether an acoustic study has been performed or not. Either clamp-type supports allowing only axial movement or hold-down-type supports allowing both axial and lateral movements shall be used. Coupling moments created by the clamps shall be evaluated by the designer.

3.7.2 Pipe supports shall preferably be supported on concrete.

5.10.3 The maximum unsupported spans of lines subject to the effects of vibration shall be evaluated by the designer.

3.7.4 All supports shall be designed for the various dynamic loads imposed by the vibrating lines.

3.7.5 Adjustable wedge-type supports for volume bottles located directly under the compressor cylinders shall be used. These supports shall be designed to allow final support adjustment when a full operating temperature has been reached.

3.7.6 Cinch anchors shall not be used for supports that are anchoring or restraining vibrating lines.

3.7.7 Vibrating lines should have independent support structures if it is feasible.


3.7.    Support Requirements for Piping Systems Subject to Acoustically-Induced Vibration

When a piping system is identified for an acoustically-induced vibration, the piping system and the supports shall be designed for the effects of vibration and fatigue. The use of bolted-on supports, supports with full circumferential bands, or stiffening rings should be considered.


 3.8.    Pipe Supports for Large OD Pipe (Greater than NPS 24)

3.8.1 Saddle reinforcement or wear pads shall be used at the point of support bearing to handle the weight load and to protect abrasion.

3.8.2 The maximum allowable span for various pipe diameters and wall thicknesses shall be developed by the designer.

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3.8.3 Wear pads shall be constructed of equal or higher grade material than the supported pipe.

3.8.4 When possible, pipe shoes may be used in place of wear pads.

3.8.5 The pad bearing surface shall be a minimum of 4 inches (100 mm) in length.


3.9.    Corrosion Protection

3.9.1 Stainless steel and copper pipe support components do not require any surface coating, unless otherwise specified.

3.9.2 Spring coils shall be coated per manufacturer&#;s standards, unless otherwise specified.

3.9.3 All support steel connecting to the structures shall be galvanized, unless otherwise specified.

3.9.4 All pipe supports (i.e., lugs, shoes, trunnions, etc.) welded to pipe spools shall be prepared and coated the same as the supported pipe.

3.9.5 Unless otherwise specified by the owner, all support elements in the following list shall be hot-dip galvanized:

  • Eye nuts
  • Turn buckles
  • Beam attachments
  • Adjustable base supports
  • Spring housings
  • Load flanges
  • Threaded rods
  • Bolts and nuts

3.9.6 Galvanized coating shall conform to the requirements of ASTM A123 with the following exceptions:

a)      The weight of zinc coating shall not average less than (0.7 kg/m2).

b)     No individual specimen shall show less than (0.6 kg/m2) of zinc coating.

3.10.     Hydrostatic Test Condition

When temporary supports for hydrostatic testing are not used, permanent supports shall be designed for a hydrostatic test case.

A guide to pipe clamps

Pipe clips, as they're also called, are typically used in plumbing, heating, drainage and electrical applications and come in a range of different materials. They're also sometimes referred to as pipe clamp brackets, but brackets can also be part of the fixing system, such as pipe support brackets. In this article we cover:

Pipe clamps are supports for suspended pipes, whether vertical or horizontal. They shouldn't be confused with pipe fasteners, which join two pipes together. The job of pipe clamps is to securely hold pipes, while allowing for any movement or expansion to enable the application's maximum performance.

The main pipe clamp types have their own subset of clamps. They&#;re first affixed to a wall, ceiling or support base before securing the pipe.

This term simply refers to the components that will work together to support pipes. The system can include clips and clamps, pipe hangers, screws or bolts, anchors, struts and anything else you plan to use. These components are also called pipe clamp fittings. Your system should:

Also called pipe screw clamps, these come in two halves and are secured with two screws or bolts on either side of the clamp. Single-screw standard clamps are also available for faster installation. Typically, standard clamps come in steel. The single-screw variety feature a rubber lining that isolates vibration and provides sound insulation. Styles can also vary. Standard pipe clamp dimensions come in a wide range of sizes, so you should find something to suit your needs.

Metal can crack or break plastic pipes if secured too tightly, while plastic provides a softer hold. This makes plastic ideal for softer metals, such as copper plumbing. Plastic clamps and clips work well when pipes are thin and somewhat fragile, or when it&#;s carrying gas or another lightweight load. With this type, the pipe is put through the clamp and the arm is closed over it. These are also typically quick-release pipe clamps.

Saddle clamp pipe supports, as shown here, half saddle pipe clamps and U-bolts are traditional clamps that hold steel or copper pipes. Saddles transfer the weight of the pipe to a supporting base. They&#;re best used when issues such as vibration and insulation aren&#;t a factor. U-Bolts and other pipe clamp U types are typically used to elevate pipes and are secured to beams and ceilings.

Designed to support heavy loads and are used both indoors and outdoors. These tend to come in two parts with locking bolts. They&#;re usually made of steel and some are also lined to reduce noise and isolate sound.

You can sometimes use other components as pipe brackets and pipe hanging systems, particularly in the building and service industry.

Cable ties are ideal for fixing insulation to pipes or working in conjunction with pipe clips, but they can also support the pipes themselves with the aid of cable tie mounts . These are self-locking and easily installed by hand. They are resistant to extreme temperatures and offer great strength and durability. Another good option is strap and buckle cable ties , which has a tensile strength of 350 lbs.

The rubber profile isolates vibration and noise. The steel is zinc plated for corrosion resistance. P-clamps, which are typically used for hose and cable bundles, can serve as small pipe clamps to support lightweight loads. Ideal as an electrical pipe support.

Wherever pipes are used, clamps or their alternatives are needed. One clamp can usually work across all applications. We say &#;usually&#; because what counts is the diameter of the pipe and the environment where the clamp will go. The table below is a guide to what clamp types are most commonly used for the application.

Choosing the right clamps involves considering the material. That choice will be dictated by the material of the pipe. Metals are best at tolerating high temperatures, but connecting different metals to each other will cause galvanic corrosion.

For example, don&#;t use a stainless-steel clamp on a copper pipe. Contact between these two dissimilar metals causes a reaction. There is no universal agreement as to which metal causes the corrosion, but that it happens is a fact.

Plastic hose clamps

Brass pipe clips with stainless steel pipes

Or, stainless steel clips with brass pipes &#; what we&#;re talking about here is how the metals react. Some stainless steels can work with brass. It depends on the grade of the stainless steel. These are the grades that tend to work well with brass:

  • 301
  • 304
  • 310

You can learn more about this topic in Understanding stainless steel grades.

Brass pipe clamps add an aesthetic touch, but they&#;re also corrosion resistant, which makes them a good choice for exposed pipes.

Stainless steel famously resists corrosion. It also offers excellent wear resistance. Do not use stainless steel with carbon steel, as this will cause galvanic corrosion. If you&#;re planning on using it with brass pipes, see the subsection above, Brass pipe clips with stainless steel pipes.

Copper pipe clips

You already know you shouldn&#;t use copper with any stainless steels. Copper pipe clips are best used with plastic or domestic copper pipes. Like brass, copper won&#;t corrode, and they&#;re an appealing option if aesthetics are relevant.

Steel pipe clamps

Corrosion is a fact of life, but you can slow it down. Most steel clamps are zinc plated to resist corrosion. These clamps are ideal for steel tubes, cast-iron tubes and for use with insulated pipe supports. Steel clamps have a hard grip on pipes, so if you need flexibility, consider another material for your clamp. These clamps often use threaded rod, a component you can learn more about in our Guide to threaded rods.

Plastic pipe clamps

Ideal when your pipes need a degree of flexibility, as needed when movement or expansion occurs due to heat or cold. These clamps come in a range of plastics, from nylon 6/6 to PVC. Of course, PVC pipe is used the world over, and a plastic clamp is ideal, as it provides a softer grip.

For more Cold Pipe Support Bracketinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.