A pipe support is a device or assembly that supports the weight of pipe. Pipe supports are generally secured to the floor or any other structural support below the pipes.

There are two types of pipe supports: standard support and custom support. A standard support is a vendor-qualified support, made from prefabricated components for use within a certain range of load and movement. A custom support is a custom-designed frame, such as a welded steel frame or pipe rack.

If you are interested in working in the field of piping, there are several key terms that you should understand. This guide covers some of the common terms in piping supports, including expansion loops, pipe hangers, compensators and pipe anchors.

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Pipe hangers

Pipe hangers are anchor points to control the expansion in a piping system. Devices, such as valves, heavy flanges and pumps are generally supported independently in a piping system. A pipe hanger is generally suspended from a beam or other structural support above the pipes.

I recommend: You can read through information about pipe hangers at TGM, a provider of thermal efficiency solutions for various industries, such as aerospace, transportation and semiconductors.

Expansion loops

An expansion loop is a loop that lessens the effect of expansion or contraction of the pipeline.

I recommend: You can browse through Spirax-Sarco Limited’s Web site for detailed information about expansion loops.

Piping flexibility

Flexibility is one of the most important factors in piping systems. Thermal expansion (expansion and contraction due to change in the pipe temperature) creates enormous force and stress on the piping system. However, if the piping is flexible, the expansion can be absorbed without creating undue force on the system.

I recommend: Project Monitor publishes detailed information on piping flexibility and its importance.

Compensators

Compensators or pipe expansion joints absorb movement and vibration in the pipeline. They are extremely important in systems that transmit high-temperature commodities.

I recommend: GlobalSpec, an online resource, provides information on compensators and their applications.

Constant spring hanger

A constant spring hanger (also known as a constant or constant load hanger) supports the pipe's deadweight while allowing vertical movement due to thermal expansion. Constants are at places where maintaining a constant stress is critical. Constants maintain a nearly stable upward load on the pipe as the pipe moves up or down, over a certain range.

I recommend: To learn more about constant spring hangers, you can refer to Techno Industry, a spring support manufacturer. Additionally, Piping Technology and Products, a supplier of pipe supports and expansion joints, also provides information about constant spring hangers.

Pipe anchor

A pipe anchor secures the pipe to its support. You will need to design pipe anchors in such a way that they can take the force generated by the piping movement.

I recommend: Piping-Designer.com, an information resource for the piping industry, gives a good explanation about pipe anchors.

There are many pipe support designs that correspond with their use: from nuclear pipe supports, to a rooftop pipe support, as well as various pipe support systems. Pipe support materials from vary also. There are stainless steel pipe supports, as well as ones made of copper or UV protected plastic. Various support pipe designs even incorporate pipe hangers and pipe clamps.

You can use pipe supports on the very large scale, such as gas pipelines, or on a more modest but no less important scale, inside buildings. Since the pipe support design varies from application to application, it's important to get the pipe support system that will work well for you. Consider these options when looking for the pipe supports you need.

1. Use pipe supports designed to carry larger pipes.

2. Employ smaller pipe supports inside buildings.

3. Choose UV protected pipe supports for rooftop applications.

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Pick larger pipe supports for larger loads

Pipe supports designed to carry larger pipes work well in buildings, and with the pipe lines of Alaska. Generally speaking, pipe supports for larger pipes have similar pipe support design, which includes a stand with a saddle or cradle pipe support. These are often adjustable, which is especially important if the place where they're being use is uneven ground. Often the pipe supports are for use in conjunction with a pipe hanger and pipe clamp.

I recommend: Two out of the many companies that make larger pipe supports are Cooper B-Line and E-Z Line.

Choose different pipe supports for inside plants

Pipe hangers and pipe supports accommodate vertical movement and work well in the plant environment. When choosing pipe supports for a nuclear plant, a pipe support that is designed to accommodate movement as well as load is important, as the temperature fluctuations as well as the pressure of the contents within the pipes could cause movement of the pipe. Spring-loaded pipe supports and hangers are essential.

I recommend: Many companies design and sell types of pipe supports. Two or the many noted companies are Bergen-Power Pipe Supports and Piping Technology and Products.

Pick UV protected plastic and coated copper pipe supports for your roof

Rooftop pipe supports preserve the membrane of the roof while supporting the pipes. Since the membrane of the roof is one of the major barriers to water infiltration, you must make every effort to preserve it. Rooftop pipe supports are on a smaller scale than the pipe supports mentioned above, and are often made of UV protected plastic so they can withstand the effects of the weather and sun. Often these rooftop pipe supports are made of specially coated copper that also withstands the elements. Rooftop pipe support designs include a sled, rollers and channels, and can be for use with or without hangers. Some rooftop pipe supports can accommodate up to four pipes, and can come with optional high wind or seismic packages.

I recommend: Two of the many companies that manufacture these pipe supports are PHP Systems/Design and Erico.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  While the above information dealt mostly with pipe supports, you should also consider the pipe hangers that are often for use with pipe supports. These also range in configuration from those that attach to the underside of a beam to those that go above it. Speaking with a company representative can help you narrow down the type of hangers that would best suit your application.

If you want to use pipe support systems in your business, you must have adequate knowledge about pipe supports and their usage.

For a pipe support supplier, it is always beneficial to update your knowledge about the types of pipe supports and their suitable applications. You can keep ahead of your competitors by having up-to-date information about the latest pipe support products.

To educate yourself and/or your employees on pipe support system components, you can:

1. Browse through various resources that provide basic information about pipe supports
2. Join training programs to understand pipe supports and their various types
3. Subscribe to magazines that provide information on pipe supports
4. Join associations catering to the pipe support industry
5. Seek an expert's advice in case of any doubts or queries regarding pipe supports

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Understand the basics of pipe support and the relevant terminology

You can find basic information on pipe support systems by browsing through different online resources. Additionally, some reputable data publishing companies provide informative articles about pipe support systems and their components.

I recommend: You can refer to Projectmonitor.com for information on pipe support systems and their importance. GlobalSpec offers basic information about pipe supports, pipe hangers and pipe clamps.

Find professional training programs that explain the use of pipe supports

Some institutions offer courses related to pipe supports. You can also search for customized courses if you want to establish yourself as an expert in the field of pipe supports. Such courses will give you detailed knowledge about pipe supports.

I recommend: Gramya Research Analysis Institute (GRAI) provides a correspondence course on ‘Piping Technology’ that is beneficial to pipe supports manufacturers. Decatur Professional Development offers an online course called ‘Pipe Support Systems’ that describes the importance of pipe support design and also explains various types of pipe supports. You can also join The Center for Professional Advancement, which offers a specialized course called ‘Pipe Supports: Selection, Design, Inspection and Maintenance’.

Update your knowledge about pipe supports and the relevant technology through magazines and articles

Online magazines can provide up-to-date information about the latest pipe support tools and their types. You can subscribe to such journals to keep track of the developments in the piping field. You can also keep yourself updated with the latest developments by reading through technical articles related to pipe supports.

I recommend: Plumbing & Mechanical, a magazine serving the plumbing and piping industry, provides up-to-date information about pipe support designs and offers the latest news on the piping industry. You can also refer to PipingDesign.com, another information resource that publishes technical articles on various aspects of the piping industry.

As you lay pipe for a new building, you want to find pipe supports that are right for the types of pipes you have. You wouldn’t choose the types of pipe supports suitable for carrying massive amounts of fluids, such as an oil pipeline, to run water pipes. And for the same reason, you wouldn’t want to install pipe supports outside that don’t weather well.

As you look at the types of pipe supports available, there are a number of factors that you need to consider. Cost is always a big issue. Determine how many pipe supports you need to properly carry the weight of the pipeline. You should also know:

1. The weight limits of the pipe support system you choose and make sure it is large enough for any expansion you might need in the future.

2. Where you plan to place the pipe supports, so that they don’t interfere with other structures and so you don’t encounter any obstructions for your pipeline.

3. That you have a pipe support system designed for your intended use.

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Select hanging pipe supports

Designed to suspend from a ceiling or roof or attach to a wall, hanging pipe supports are a good way to get the pipes out of the way while still remaining easily accessible. Hanging pipe supports typically involve a hanging system with some type of clamp to secure the pipe in place. Some hanging pipe supports have moveable hangers so you can move the pipeline, while others attach the pipe hangers permanently to ceiling joists or walls.

I recommend: See the selection of hanging pipe supports at Cooper B-Line. Snap-N-Strut offers an adjustable pipe support system for hanging pipes. Its corrosion-proof and chemical-resistant pipe supports easily address any environmental concerns you may have about metal pipe supports.

Use low profile pipe supports

Low profile pipe supports are a good way to install pipes on a rooftop. Typically this type of system has vertical posts attached to a pad. A horizontal roller system attached to the upright posts actually provides the support for the pipes.

I recommend: Advanced Support Products have a selection of low profile pipe support systems. Choose one of its stock styles and work with its pipe support design team to configure a pipe support system that meets your specifications. Miro Industries also has different types of pipe supports, including low profile stainless steel pipe supports.

Build cradle or stanchion pipe supports for heavy pipelines

These types of pipe supports are usually metal or concrete uprights with a U-shaped top for the pipeline. Metal pipe hangers attach the pipe to the stanchions.

I recommend: Pick one of the cradle pipe support designs manufactured by E-Z Line. They also carry all the pipe hangers and pipe clamps necessary to set up your pipe supports. FM Stainless offers saddle pipe supports types and styles. Their pipe hangers and pipe supports are available in stainless steel for durability.