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Pipe Supports

Find the right pipe supports for your needs

By Marjorie Gilbert
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.

 

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

 

  • 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.

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