2 Types of Pipe Support: Overview, Benefits and Drawbacks

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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?

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

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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

Mounting element that transfers loads from a pipe to supporting structures

A pipe support or pipe hanger is a designed element that transfer the load from a pipe to the supporting structures. The load includes the weight of the pipe proper, the content that the pipe carries, all the pipe fittings attached to pipe, and the pipe covering such as insulation. The four main functions of a pipe support are to anchor, guide, absorb shock, and support a specified load. Pipe supports used in high or low temperature applications may contain insulation materials. The overall design configuration of a pipe support assembly is dependent on the loading and operating conditions.

Loads on piping system

Primary load

These are typically steady or sustained types of loads such as internal fluid pressure, external pressure, gravitational forces acting on the pipe such as weight of pipe and fluid, forces due to relief or blow down, pressure waves generated due to water/steam hammer effects.[1]

Sustained loads:

Occasional loads:

• Wind load: Piping which are located outdoors and thus exposed to wind will be designed to withstand the maximum wind velocity expected during the plant operating life. Wind force is modelled as a uniform load acting upon the projected length of the pipe perpendicular to the direction of the wind. Wind pressure for various elevations will be used to calculate wind force using the following formula. Fw = Pw x S x A, where Fw = The total wind force, Pw = The equivalent wind pressure, S = Wind Drag coefficient shape factor, A = Pipe exposed area.
• Seismic load: Seismic loading Seismic load is one of the basic concepts of earthquake engineering which means application of an earthquake-generated agitation to a structure. It happens at contact surfaces of a structure either with the ground,[2] or with adjacent structures,[3] or with gravity waves from tsunami.
• Water hammer: Water hammer (or more generally, fluid hammer) is a pressure surge or wave caused when a fluid (usually a liquid but sometimes also a gas) in motion is forced to stop or change direction suddenly (momentum change). Water hammer commonly occurs when a valve closes suddenly at an end of a pipeline system, and a pressure wave propagates in the pipe. It's also called Water hammer hydraulic shock.
• Steam hammer: Steam hammer, the pressure surge generated by transient flow of super-heated or saturated steam in a steam-line due to sudden stop valve closures is considered as an occasional load. Though the flow is transient, for the purpose of piping stress analysis, only the unbalanced force along the pipe segment tending to induce piping vibration is calculated and applied on the piping model as static equivalent force.
• Safety valve Discharge: Reaction forces from relief valve discharge is considered as an occasional load. The reaction force due to steady state flow following the opening of safety relief valve in an open discharge installation can be calculated in accordance with ASME B31.1 Appendix II and applied on the piping model as static equivalent force.

Secondary load

Just as the primary loads have their origin in some force, secondary loads are caused by displacement of some kind. For example, the pipe connected to a storage tank may be under load if the tank nozzle to which it is connected moves down due to tank settlement. Similarly, pipe connected to a vessel is pulled upwards because the vessel nozzle moves up due to vessel expansion. Also, a pipe may vibrate due to vibrations in the rotating equipment it is attached to.

Displacement loads:

• Load due to thermal expansion of pipe
• Load due to thermal movement of equipment

A pipe may experience expansion or contraction once it is subjected to temperatures higher or lower respectively as compared to temperature at which it was assembled. The secondary loads are often cyclic but not always. For example, load due to tank settlement is not cyclic. The load due to vessel nozzle movement during operation is cyclic because the displacement is withdrawn during shut-down and resurfaces again after fresh start-up. A pipe subjected to a cycle of hot and cold fluid similarly undergoes cyclic loads and deformation.

Types of pipe supports

• Rigid support
• Spring support
• Snubber/Shock absorber

Rigid support

Rigid supports are used to restrict pipe in certain direction(s) without any flexibility (in that direction). Main function of a rigid support can be Anchor, Rest, Guide or both Rest & Guide.

1) Stanchion/pipe shoe:

Rigid support can be provided either from bottom or top. In case of bottom supports generally a stanchion or Pipe Clamp Base is used. It can be simply kept on steel structure for only rest type supports. To simultaneously restrict in another direction separate plate or Lift up Lug can be used. A pipe anchor is a rigid support that restricts movement in all three orthogonal directions and all three rotational directions, i.e. restricting al the 6 degrees of freedom This usually is a welded stanchion that is welded or bolted to steel or concrete.[2] In case of anchor which is bolted to concrete, a special type of bolt is required called Anchor Bolt, which is used to hold the support with concrete. In this type of support, normal force and friction force can become significant. To alleviate the frictional effect Graphite Pad or PTFE plates are used when required.

2) Rod hanger:

It is a static restraint i.e. it is designed to withstand tensile load only (no compression load should be exerted on it, in such case buckling may take place). It is rigid vertical type support provide from top only. It consists of clamp, eye nut, tie rod, beam attachment. Selection of rod hanger depends on pipe size, load, temperature, insulation, assembly length etc. As it comes with hinge and clamp, no substantial frictional force comes into play.

3) Rigid strut:

It is a dynamic component i.e. designed to withstand both tensile and compression load. strut can be provide in vertical as well as horizontal direction. V-type Strut can be used to restrict two degrees of freedom. It consists of stiff clamp, rigid strut, welding clevis. Selection depends on pipe size, load, temperature, insulation, assembly length. As it comes with hinge and clamp, no substantial frictional force comes into play.

Spring support[3]

Spring supports (or flexible supports) use helical coil compression springs (to accommodate loads and associated pipe movements due to thermal expansion). They are broadly classified into variable or constant effort support. The critical component in both the type of supports are helical coil compression springs. Spring hanger & supports usually use helical coil compression springs.

1.Variable spring hanger or variable effort support:

Variable effort supports also known as variable hangers or variables are used to support pipe lines subjected to moderate (approximately up to 50mm) vertical thermal movements. VES units (Variable effort supports) are used to support the weight of pipe work or equipment along with weight of fluids ( gases are considered weightless) while allowing certain quantum of movement with respect to the structure supporting it. Spring supports may also be used to support lines subject to relative movements occurring typically due to subsidence or earthquakes. A VES unit is fairly simple in construction with the pipe virtually suspended directly from a helical coil compression spring as the cut away sectional sketch shows below. The main components being:

1. Top plate
2. Pressure plate or piston plate
3. Bottom plate or base plate
4. Helical spring
5. Turnbuckle assembly
6. Locking rods
7. Name plate
8. Can section or cover

Normally clients / engineering consultants will furnish the following data when issuing inquiries for variable effort units.

1. Hot load
2. Thermal movement (with direction i.e. up or + & down or -)
3. Maximum load variation as a percentage (LV % max), if max LV is not specified then it is assumed to be 25% as per MM-SP58.
4. Support types i.e. whether hanging type, foot mounted type etc.
5. Special features such as travel limit stop required if any.
6. Preferred surface protection / paint / finish.

Hot load is the working load of the support in the &#;Hot&#; condition i.e. when the pipe has traveled from the cold condition to the hot or working condition. Normally MSS-SP58 specifies max Load Variation ( popularly called LV) as 25%.[4]

Salient features-

• Allows movement in vertical direction
• Load on pipe varies with movement

Used where

• Displacement < 50mm
• Load variability < 25%
• Rod angulation should be less than 4°

Load variation (LV) or percentage variation =[(hot load ~cold load) x 100]/hot load or load variation (LV) or percentage variation =[(travel x spring rate) x 100]/Hot Load Generally spring supports are provided from top but due to layout feasibility or any other reason Base Mounted type support is fixed to floor or structure & the pipe is made to &#;sit&#; on top of the flange of the spring support.

2.Constant spring hanger or constant effort support:

When confronted with large vertical movements typically 150 mm or 250 mm, there is no choice but to select a constant effort support (CES). When the Load variation percentage exceeds 25% or the specified max LV% in a variable hanger, it is choice less but to go for a CES. For pipes which are critical to the performance of the system or so called critical piping where no residual stresses are to be transferred to the pipe it is a common practice to use CES. In a constant effort support the load remains constant when the pipe moves from its cold position to the hot position. Thus irrespective of travel the load remains constant over the complete range of movement. Therefore, it is called a constant load hanger. Compared to a variable load hanger where with movement the load varies & the hot load & cold load are two different values governed by the travel & spring constant. A CES unit does not have any spring rate.

Most prevalent work principle for CSH is a bell crank mechanism. The bell crank lever rotates around the fulcrum point. One end of the Bell crank lever is connected to the pipe &#;P&#;, the other end is connected to the spring by the tie rod. Thus when the pipe moves down from cold to hot condition, the point P moves down, and as it moves down the Bell crank lever will rotate in the anti-clockwise direction & tie rod connected to the spring will be pulled in, by which the spring gets further compressed. When the pipe moves up the bell crank lever will rotate (in the clockwise direction) & the tie rod connected to spring will be pushed out thus allowing the spring to expand or relax.

Another popular principle is three spring or adjusting spring mechanism. In this case one main vertical spring takes the main load of the pipe. There are situated other two spring with horizontal orientation to balance any extra load coming in upward or downward direction.

Snubber or shock absorber

Dynamic Restraints: The restraint system performs an entirely different function to that of the supports. The latter is intended to carry the weight of the pipe work and allow it to move freely under normal operating conditions. The restraint system is intended to protect the pipe work, the plant and the structure from abnormal conditions; it should not impede the function of the supports. Conditions that necessitate the use of restraints are as follows &#; &#; Earthquake. &#; Fluid disturbance. &#; Certain system functions. &#; Environmental influences. In areas that are situated on or near to geological fault lines it is common practice to protect the plant from potential earthquake activity. In such plant there will be a very large requirement for dynamic restraints. Fluid disturbance can be caused by the effect of pumps and compressors or occasionally fluid in a liquid state entering a pipe intended for the transportation of gas or steam. Some system functions such as rapid valve closure, pulsation due to pumping and the operation of safety relief valves will cause irregular and sudden loading patterns within the piping system. The environment can cause disturbance due to high wind load or in the case of offshore oil and gas rigs, impact by ocean waves. The restraint system will be designed to cater for all of these influences. A restraint is a device that prevents either the pipe work or the plant to which the pipe work is connected being damaged due to the occurrence of any one or more of the above phenomenon. It is designed to absorb and transfer sudden increases in load from the pipe into the building structure and to deaden any opposing oscillation between the pipe and the structure. Therefore, dynamic restraints are required to be very stiff, to have high load capacity and to minimize free movement between pipe and structure.

Depending on working principle, snubbers can be classified as

• Hydraulic snubber: Similar to an automobile shock arrestor the hydraulic snubber is built around a cylinder containing hydraulic fluid with a piston that displaces the fluid from one end of the cylinder to the other. Displacement of fluid results from the movement of the pipe causing the piston to displace within the cylinder resulting in high pressure in one end of the cylinder and a relatively low pressure in the other. The velocity of the piston will dictate the actual difference in pressure. The fluid passes through a spring-loaded valve, the spring being used to hold the valve open. If the differential pressure across the valve exceeds the effective pressure exerted by the spring, the valve will close. This causes the snubber to become rigid and further displacement is substantially prevented. The hydraulic snubber is normally used when the axis of restraint is in the direction of expansion and contraction of the pipe. The snubber is therefore required to extend or retract with the normal operation of the pipe work. The snubber has low resistance to movement at very low velocities.
• Mechanical snubber: Whilst having the same application as the hydraulic snubber, retardation of the pipe is due to centrifugal braking within the snubber. A split flywheel is made to rotate at high velocity causing steel balls to be forced radially outwards. The flywheel is forced apart by the steel balls causing braking plates to come together thus retarding the axial displacement of the snubber. Rotation of the flywheel is generated by the linear displacement of the main rod acting on a ball-screw or similar device. It is also very expensive.
• A shock absorber absorbs energy of sudden impulses or dissipate energy from the pipeline. For damper and dashpot, see Shock absorber
• An insulated pipe support (also called pre-insulated pipe support) is a load-bearing member and minimizes energy dissipation. Insulated pipe supports can be designed for vertical, axial and/or lateral loading combinations in both low and high temperature applications. Adequately insulating the pipeline increases the efficiency of the piping system by not allowing the "cold" inside to escape to the environment.[5] For insulated pipe, see Insulated pipe

• An engineered spring support upholds a specific load, including the weight of the pipe, commodity, flanges, valves, refractory, and insulation. Spring supports also allow the supported load to travel through a predetermined thermal deflection cycle from its installed condition to its operational condition.

Materials

Pipe supports are fabricated from a variety of materials including structural steel, carbon steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, ductile iron and FRP composites. Most pipe supports are coated to protect against moisture and corrosion.[6] Some methods for corrosion protection include: painting, zinc coatings, hot dip galvanizing or a combination of these.[7] In the case of FRP composite pipe supports, the elements required to form a corrosion cell aren't present, so no additional coatings or protections are necessary.[8]

Standards

• Design: ASME B31.1, ASME B31.3, ASME Section VIII Pressure Vessels
• Manufacturing: MSS-SP58 (Material, Design, Manufacture, Selection, Application & Installation. Note:MSS SP-58- Incorporates and Supersedes the contents of ANSI/MSS SP-69-, MSS SP-77, MSS SP-89, and MSS SP-90), AWS-D1.1, ASTM-A36, ASTM-A53, ASTM-A120, ASTM-A123 and A446, ASTM-A125, ASTM-A153, ASTM-307 and A325, ASTM-C916, ASTM-D, ASTM-D, ASTM-D. Supports with insulation inserts must also reference ASTM-C585.
• Quality Systems: ISO , ASQC Q-92, CAN3 Z299
• Testing: ANSI B18.2.3

References