PIPE SUPPORTS

Satish Lele

Following hardware is used to create supports.

1.Rest Support: The weight of the piping is usually carried on

supports made from structural steel, or steel and concrete.

Saddle: It is a welded attachment for pipe requiring insulation,

and subject to longitudinal or rolling movement (resulting from
temperature changes other than climatic). Saddles may be used with
guides.

Pipe Support Brackets:

This arrangement can carry a load up to 1,000 kgs (2,200 lbs). If

the structure is made of concrete, a steel plate is embedded in
it. You can support a pipe 1 meter away, and its size is up to 125
mm (5") NB from the structure, with 150 mm (6") Channel, welded to
the steel plate. If pipe size is more than that, 250 mm (10")
Channel is welded to the steel plate. In case support such as U
bolt, U clamp or shoe are there with this support, dimension A may
be changed as required, case by case.
This arrangement can carry a load up to 1,500 kgs (3,300 lbs). If
the structure is made of concrete, a steel plate is embedded in
it. You can support a pipe 1 meter away, and its size is up to 125
mm (5") NB from the structure, with 150 mm (6") Channel, welded to
the steel plate. If pipe size is more than that, 250 mm (10")
Channel is welded to the steel plate. An additional channel is
welded below the channel. In case support such as U bolt, U clamp
or shoe are there with this support, dimension A may be changed as
required, case by case.

If the structure is made of steel structural, support is welded

directly to it. You can support a pipe 1 meter away, and its size
is up to 125 mm (5") NB from the structure, with 150 mm (6")
Channel, welded to the steel structure. If pipe size is more than
that, 250 mm (10") Channel is welded to the steel structure. In
case support such as U bolt, U clamp or shoe are there with this
support, dimension A may be changed as required, case by case.
If the pipe is in vertical direction, it is supported by 100 x 100
x 8 (4" x 4" x 1/4") Angle. Angle is welded to steel structure. A
support clamping, such as U bolt, U clamp or shoe are provided
along the pipe.

Pipe Support Brackets: These are made of 100 x 100 x 8 (4" x 4" x
1/4") Angle. The type depends on the number and size of pipes to
be supported. It is welded at the top to a steel structure.
Pipe Support Bracket from Pipe 3" through 24":

A shoe is provided for a hot pipe. It is also covered with

insulation material. A hot pipe can run along with other pipes.
2.Hanger Support: It is a device which suspends piping (usually a
single line) from structural steel, concrete or wood. These are
generally adjustable for height.

Pipe Hanger Support for Bare / Insulated pipe 1/2" through 24": A
pipe clamp is tied around the pipe. It is supported from a beam.
The height from the beam is adjusted by a turn buckle.
3.Anchor Support: A rigid support which prevents transmission of
movement (thermal, vibratory etc.) along piping. Construction may
be from steel plate, brackets, flanges, rods, etc. Attachment of
anchors to pipe should preferably encircle the pipe and be welded
all around as this gives better distribution of stress in the pipe
wall.

Anchor for Bare Pipe 2" through 24" (For Offsite).

4.Dummy Leg Support: In this an extension piece (of pipe or rolled

steel section) is welded to an elbow in order to support the line.
This part rests or anchors on some steel member.
Dummy Pipe Support for Bare pipe 2" through 24": This is provided
on elbow. It is made of pipe of same material. Pipe is covered at
the end with a cap. A hole is drilled in cap. It is supported on
structure.
Dummy Pipe Support for Insulated pipe 2" through 24": This is for
insulated pipe. A shoe of same size is provided on dummy leg.
6.Guide: This allows a pipe to move along its length. The pipe can
not move sideways.

Low support Guide and Cross Guide for Bare and Insulated Pipe 2"
through 36":
6.Shoe: It is a piece of metal attached to the underside of a
pipe, which rests on supporting steel. It is primarily used to
reduce wear from sliding for lines subject to movement. It permits
insulation to be applied to pipe.

Pipe for Hot Insulated Alloy/SS Pipe 2" through 8" up to 400o C:

Pipe for Hot Insulated CS Pipe 10" through 30":

Pipe for Hot Insulated Alloy/SS Pipe 2" through 8" up to 400o C:

Pipe for Hot Insulated Alloy/SS Pipe 10" through 24" up to 400o C:
Pipe Saddle for Bare Pipe 14" through 48":
Pipe Saddle for Bare Pipe 14" through 48":
Special Pipe for Insulated pipe:
7.Slide Plate: In this two slide plates of graphite, teflon or
some special materials, fixed to steel plates, are fixed to the
flat surface of the pipe support. These plates are faced for low
friction able to withstand mechanical stress and temperature
changes.

8.Sway Brace: This is also called as sway arrestor. It is

essentially a helical spring in a housing which is fitted between
piping and a rigid structure. Its function is to buffer vibration
and sway.

Pipe U Clamp for Bare pipe 1/2" through 24":

Pipe Hold Down Clamp for Bare Pulsating pipe 1" through 24":
Pipe Span

Maximum Spacing between Pipe Supports: The locations of piping

supports are dependent upon four factors: pipe size, piping
configuration, locations of Valves and fittings, and the structure
available for support. Individual piping materials have
independent considerations for span and placement of supports.

Pipe size relates to the maximum allowable span between pipe

supports. Span is a function of the weight that the supports must
carry. As pipe size increases, the weight of the pipe also
increases. The amount of fluid which the pipe can carry increases
as well, thereby increasing the weight per unit length of pipe.

The configuration of the piping system affects the location of

pipe supports. Where practical, a support should be located
adjacent to directional changes of piping. Otherwise, common
practice is to design the length of piping between supports equal
to, or less than, 75% of the maximum span length where changes in
direction occur between supports. Refer to the appropriate piping
material chapters for maximum span lengths.

Valves require independent support, as well as meters and other

miscellaneous fittings. These items contribute concentrated loads
to the piping system. Independent supports are provided at each
side of the concentrated load.

Location, as well as selection, of pipe supports is dependent upon

the available structure to which the support may be attached. The
mounting point shall be able to accommodate the load from the
support. Supports are not located where they will interfere with
other design considerations. Some piping materials require that
they are not supported in areas that will expose the piping
material to excessive ambient temperatures. Also, piping is not
rigidly anchored to surfaces that transmit vibrations. In this
case, pipe supports isolate the piping system from vibration that
could compromise the structural integrity of the system.

Spacing is a function of the size of the pipe, the fluid conveyed

by piping system, the temperature of the fluid and the ambient
temperature of the surrounding area. Determination of maximum
allowable spacing, or span between supports, is based on the
maximum amount that the pipeline may deflect due to load.
Typically, a deflection of 2.5 mm is allowed, provided that the
maximum pipe stress is limited to 1,500 psi or allowable design
stress divided by a safety factor of 415, whichever is less. Some
piping system manufacturers and support system manufacturers have
information for their products that present recommended spans in
tables or charts. These data are typically empirical and are based
upon field experience.

Pipe Support Spans