The primary aim in the design of pipe hangers and supports is to prevent the occurrence of excessive stresses in pipes or connected equipment by safe, adequate and economic means. It is not possible to devise standard supports for every application, as in many cases, for reasons of economy and convenience, supports are attached to existing structures. In such cases, spacing and details are predetermined largely by existing circumstances.
- Adjustable hanger supports will be provided with the required support structure. eg Turnbuckle, Sling rod assembly, Threaded rod and specific housings to suit environment.
- Roll supports where a longitudinal movement due to temperature changes is present.
- Piping protection where necessary. eg Steam supply, Return piping, High temperature lines.
- Variable Spring Supports will be located / installed at positions where a vertical load variation of up to 20% of variable section is present.
- Constant Effort Supports will be located / installed where piping is subject to vertical load variation greater than 25%, and where a minimum variation in the supporting force is required.
Maximum Spacing of Supports
Nominal Pipe Size | 15 | 20 | 25 | 40 | 50 | 65 | 80 | 100 | 125 | 150 | 200 | 250 | 300 | 350 | 400 | 450 | 500 | 600 |
Span Metres | 2.0 | 2.5 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 8.5 | 9.0 | 10.0 | 10.0 | 10.5 | 11.0 | 12.0 | 14.0 |
Requirements and Limitation
All pipe supports should comply with accepted or approved safety requirements of a general nature with regard to the selection of materials, safety factors to be used in design, limitations in design and minimum dimensions, and selection of the correct type of equipment. Such requirements are as follows:
- Selection of materials
- Limitations on design and minimum dimensions
- Selection of equipment
Design Promise
The designer of pipeline supports will exercise his knowledge, experience and preference to the best advantage within the framework of the foregoing requirements in order to provide equipment of ample strength at reasonable cost.