Adjustable pipe supports are mechanical devices that serve the dual purpose of supporting pipes and accommodating movement due to factors such as thermal expansion, contraction, vibration, and seismic activity. Their adaptability makes them indispensable in systems where pipes are subjected to changes in temperature, pressure, and environmental conditions.
Adjustable pipe supports are a type of pipe support that can be adjusted to accommodate different pipe sizes and heights. They are typically utilized in industrial and commercial applications where pipes subject to vibration or thermal expansion must be supported.
There are many different types of adjustable pipe supports available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Types Adjustable Pipe Supports
Rod hangers
A rod hanger is a type of pipe support that uses a threaded rod to connect to a base and a saddle that supports the pipe. The rod can be adjusted to change the height of the support, making it a versatile option for supporting pipes of different sizes and heights.
Rod hangers are commonly made of steel or stainless steel and come in a variety of sizes and shapes. They can be used to support pipes in a number of environments, such as industrial, commercial, and residential.
Types of rod hangers
Vertical rod hangers: These hangers are designed to support pipes that are suspended vertically. They typically have a threaded rod that is inserted into a hole in the ceiling or wall and then secured with a nut.
Horizontal rod hangers: These hangers are designed to support pipes that are suspended horizontally. They typically have a threaded rod that is inserted into a hole in a beam or joist and then secured with a nut.
Adjustable rod hangers: These hangers allow the height of the support to be adjusted, making them a versatile option for supporting pipes of different sizes and heights.
Spring rod hangers: These hangers use springs to absorb vibration and keep the pipe in place. They are typically used in applications where there is a lot of vibration, such as in industrial settings.
Spring hangers
Spring support are introduced to piping system to provide support at a location where the pipe is moving away from a fixed support and to reduce nozzle loads on equipment by providing better load sharing.
A spring hanger is a type of pipe support that uses a spring to absorb vibration and keep the pipe in place. The spring is typically made of steel or stainless steel and is located between the pipe and the support structure.
These supports use springs to absorb vibration and keep the pipe in place. To suit varying pipe sizes and weights, the spring tension can be modified.
Spring hangers are typically used in applications where there is a lot of vibration, such as in industrial settings. They can also be used to support pipes that expand and contract due to variations in temperature.
Types of spring hangers
Constant tension spring hangers: These hangers have a spring that is pre-tensioned to a specific load. This type of hanger is typically used in applications where the load on the pipe is relatively constant.
Variable tension spring hangers: These hangers have a spring that can be adjusted to accommodate different loads. This type of hanger is typically used in applications where the load on the pipe may vary.
Adjustable spring hangers: These hangers allow the height of the support to be adjusted, making them a versatile option for supporting pipes of different sizes and heights.
Sway braces
A sway brace is a type of pipe support that is used to prevent pipes from swaying or oscillating. They are typically made of steel or aluminum and are attached to the pipe and a fixed structure.
Sway braces work by providing a restraining force to the pipe. When the pipe tries to sway, the sway brace applies a force in the opposite direction preventing the pipe from moving.
Sway braces are typically used in applications where there is a risk of the pipe swaying or oscillating, such as in areas with high winds or earthquakes. They can also be used to support pipes that are vulnerable to thermal expansion and contraction.
Types of sway braces
Spring sway braces: These braces use springs to provide the restraining force. The spring is typically pre-tensioned to a specific load, which determines the amount of sway that the brace can resist.
Hydraulic sway braces: These braces use hydraulic fluid to provide the restraining force. The hydraulic fluid is contained in a cylinder, and the piston in the cylinder applies the force to the pipe.
Mechanical sway braces: These braces use mechanical linkages to provide the restraining force. The linkages are typically made of steel or aluminum, and they are designed to provide a specific amount of resistance to sway.
Turnbuckles
A turnbuckle is a device used to adjust the tension or length of a rope, cable, tie rod, or other tensioning system. It is typically made of steel and has a threaded rod that can be turned to tighten or loosen the support.
Turnbuckles are used in a variety of applications, including:
- Pipe supports
- Cable assemblies
- Lifting and rigging
- Temporary structures
- Marine applications
Turnbuckles are available in a range of sizes and styles, as well as materials such as steel, stainless steel, and aluminium. The appropriate type of turnbuckle for a particular application will be determined by the project’s specific requirements. Factors to consider include the load that the turnbuckle will be subjected to, the environmental conditions in which the turnbuckle will be used, and the need for corrosion resistance.
Types of Turnbuckles
Open turnbuckle: This type of turnbuckle has two threaded rods that are connected by a clevis. The clevis is typically made of steel or stainless steel, and it has a hole in the center that allows the turnbuckle to be attached to a pipe or other structure.
Closed turnbuckle: This type of turnbuckle has two threaded rods that are connected by a sleeve. The sleeve is typically made of steel or stainless steel, and it prevents the turnbuckle from coming loose.
Quick-release turnbuckle: This type of turnbuckle has a lever that allows the tension to be released quickly. This type of turnbuckle is typically used in applications where the tension needs to be adjusted frequently.
Adjustable turnbuckle: This type of turnbuckle has a threaded rod that can be adjusted to accommodate different loads. This type of turnbuckle is typically used in applications where the load on the turnbuckle may vary.
Turnbuckles are available in a range of sizes and styles, as well as materials such as steel, stainless steel, and aluminium. The appropriate type of turnbuckle for a particular application will be determined by the project’s specific requirements. Factors to consider include the pipe size, weight, and vibration level, as well as the environmental conditions.
Benefits of Adjustable Pipe Supports
Flexibility: Adjustable pipe supports accommodate movement, preventing stresses that could lead to pipe failure or damage.
Vibration Isolation: These Adjustable pipe supports dampen vibrations caused by machinery or fluid flow, safeguarding nearby equipment and reducing noise.
Longevity: By minimizing stress on pipes, adjustable pipe supports extend the operational lifespan of piping systems.
Maintenance Ease: With adjustable components, it’s easier to inspect and replace parts as needed without disrupting the entire system.
Customization: Adjustable pipe supports can be tailored to specific pipe dimensions, load requirements, and movement parameters.
Applications adjustable Pipe Supports
Power Plants: Adjustable pipe supports are crucial in power generation facilities, where the extensive piping network experiences significant thermal fluctuations.
Oil and Gas Industry: Adjustable pipe supports are used in the oil and gas sector, adjustable pipe supports play a role in the transportation of hydrocarbons, providing stability in challenging environments.
Petrochemical Plants: These facilities require versatile adjustable pipe supports systems to handle the diverse array of chemicals and fluids being transported.
Commercial Buildings: HVAC systems rely on adjustable supports to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction in heating and cooling lines.
Manufacturing Facilities: Industrial processes involve various fluids, often at extreme temperatures. Adjustable pipe supports ensure the integrity of these systems.
what is pipe stress analysis
Pipe stress analysis is an engineering to determine the stress and strain in materials / pipes and its elements subjected to static and dynamic loads / forces.
Stress analysis can be carried out by experiments, manual methods, using nomograms, computational simulation or the combination of these methods.
To carry out pipe stress analysis using computer simulation, the following software’s are generally in use in our industry.
Software used for Stress analysis
- CAESAR II
- CAEPIPE
- AUTOPIPE
- Triflex
- Simflex
- Rohr2
Why pipe stress analysis is required?
- Stress analysis is required to study behaviour of a typical piping system under the prescribed Loads (Staticand Dynamic) and there-by a solution can be find out in order to avoid failure of piping system.
- Maintaining the piping system’s stresses within the permitted limits as specified by the applicable code.
- To keep the nozzle loads on static and rotating equipment within the allowable limit as defined in the respective code or by Client or Vendor.
- To keep the support loads within the allowable limits as agreed with Client or internally with structural dept.
- To check the Interference of piping with adjacent piping / supports due to thermal displacements.
- To prevent unintentional disengagement of piping from its supports.
- To check the sagging of piping between the supports.
- To determine the requirement of type of supports, spring hangers & their optimum location.
- To check Leakage at joints and flanges.
- To determine the requirement of expansion bellows / joints and their optimum location.
- To tackle dynamic pipe problems such as mechanical vibration, acoustic vibration, water hammer, relief valve discharge, and so on.
- To determine the reinforcement of pipe to pipe intersection (branch connection)
- Overall to help in optimizing the piping design.
As per Code B 31.3 – A319.1.1
Piping systems shall be designed to prevent thermal expansion or contraction, pressure expansion, or movement of piping
supports and terminals from causing:
(a) failure of piping or supports from overstrain or fatigue
(b) leakage at joints
(c) detrimental stresses or distortion in piping or in connected equipment (pumps, for example), resulting
from excessive thrusts and moments in the piping
Types of Stresses / Loads
Primary Stresses / Loads
Primary stresses are caused by imposed loading and are necessary to satisfy the equilibrium between internal
and external forces and moments of the piping system.
Some characteristics of primary loads are :
- Primary loads are usually force driven (gravity, pressure, spring forces, etc.
- Primary loads are not self limiting.
- Primary loads are typically not
cyclic in nature.
- Secondary Stresses / Loads
These are caused due to restraining of the displacement. The displacements can be either due to thermal
expansion or by outwardly imposed restraints – thermal displacement, imposed
anchor movement, settlement, vibration etc.
Secondary loads
- Secondary loads are usually displacement driven.
- Secondary loads are almost always self limiting.
- Secondary loads are typically cyclic in nature (except settlement).
Stress in pipe
Different type of Stress in pipe:
- Longitudinal/axial Stress (SL)
- Circumferential Stress (Hoop Stress SH)
- Radial Stress (SR)
- Shear Stress (t)
- Bending Stress (Sb)
- Torsional Stress (St)
LOADS ON PIPING
Loading on piping systems can be broadly classified based on their nature as primary and secondary. Primary loading occurs from sustained loads like dead weight and not self-limiting in nature i.e.; deformation will not bring relaxation on stress. Secondary loads,
like thermal expansion loads, are self-limiting in nature; deformation will result in redistribution of stress. Secondary loads do not cause failure of the component in a single application. They are important from fatigue consideration. Loads in piping systems can also be classified as static and dynamic loads, based on their effect.
Static load on piping system include
1. Weight ( Dead loads and Live loads )
2. Thermal expansion and contraction effect ( Secondary in nature )
3. Effect of support, anchor and thermal movements
4. Internal and external pressure loading
Live loads under weight include snow, ice loads etc. and dead loads consists of weight of pipe material, fluid,
valves and other superimposed permanent loads.
Dynamic load on piping system include
1. Impact force
2. Wind load
3. Seismic load
4. Vibration
5. Relief valve discharge load
Stress pipe support symbol used in the isometric
3 thoughts on “Best 3 Adjustable Pipe Supports”