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Are you completing an industrial piping project, and do you require a set of piping supports? It’s always vital to be prepared, understand their top six functions, and know how to install them successfully. Knowing which piping properties to consider before you buy your piping supports is also crucial. In this article, we’ll cover all of these factors. You’ll find out the six critical functions of pipe supports and what to watch out for when installing them. Read until the end to find the vital facts.

What are pipe supports?

Pipe supports are components that transfer a load of a pipe to the structures that support it. For pipeline support to work efficiently, you must select the right type for your project, and there are a few different types to know.

What are the main pipe support types?

The main pipe support types include primary supports, such as guide supports and pipe shoes, and secondary pipe support types, such as racks. [caption id="attachment_4126" align="alignright" width="2560"]  [/caption]

What are the critical functions of pipe supports?

There are four critical functions of pipe supports. Not only do they anchor pipes, but they also support the pipe’s loads, absorb the shock, and guide piping to the correct location.

1. Anchoring piping: What does anchoring pipes mean?

The process of anchoring a pipe involves pinning pipes to one area and stopping them from moving. When you anchor a pipe, the pipe should no longer be able to move sideways, up, or down. There are a couple of methods you can use to anchor a pipe. Welding is one option. Using a stanchion or pipe support is another.  

2. Supporting piping: What does supporting a pipe’s load mean?

Supporting a pipe’s load involves not only supporting the pipe’s weight but the weight of the pipe’s content and fittings. It also involves supporting the coverings of the pipe, which may include pipe insulation. The optimum method for supporting a pipe’s load is to use rigid pipe supports, which you cannot adjust. They ensure the pipes don’t move and support piping efficiently.

3. Absorbing pipe shock: What does absorbing pipe shock mean?

Absorbing pipe shock prevents an ensuing shockwave when moving water is closed off suddenly due to a closed valve. It’s possible to absorb pipe shock by using a shock absorber, but pipe supports can also reduce pipe shock by providing a suitable anchorage. 

4. Guiding piping: What does guiding piping mean?

Guiding piping involves using supports and guides to direct movement in one direction and restrict movement in others. You may use a pipe anchor to reroute piping and guide piping in the required direction.

Two other functions of pipe support components

There are a couple of other pipe support functions to consider before you complete the installation process. The first is to help cope with the expansion load. The second is to help cope with the wind load.

Why consider the thermal expansion load when choosing pipe supports?

Although pipe supports can help cope with thermal expansion loads, it’s still critical to consider thermal expansion when choosing pipe support. It’s crucial because your thermal expansion can lead to extra loads on the support. With this expansion load in mind, it’s crucial that you choose specifically suited to the specific extra load.

Why consider the wind lateral load when choosing pipe supports?

Pipe supports have another function: They must support the lateral load that the wind causes. Since pipes with large diameters have greater lateral loads, you must ensure they don’t succumb to these high lateral loads to prevent the pipe from moving from its regular position.

What is the best way to choose and install pipe supports?

The best way to choose and install pipe supports is to follow these five steps:

1. Consider the temperature of your pipes when selecting supports

Ensure you consider your pipe's temperature before choosing a pipe support. For example, a liquid natural gas system may be freezing and need insulated supports for this piping. On the other hand, pipes with loads that run hot may lead to flexing piping materials.

2. Consider the working weight of your pipes

It’s essential that pipe supports can cope with the pipes’ weight. It’s also vital to consider the weight of the liquid that the pipes transport, which can affect the overall weight. Remember that some dense liquids can add even more weight to your pipes. In that case, you should consider adding more pipe supports to prevent the supports from buckling.

3. Select pipe supports that match your project’s environment

Choosing pipe supports that match your project’s environment is vital. There’s no point in choosing pipe supports susceptible to corrosion if your project is offshore, as the salt levels in the atmosphere will quickly eat into the material. For environments like these, it’s always best to select pipe supports that a manufacturer has hot-dip galvanized so that the material can resist corrosion. Galvanized piping supports will fulfill their function of guiding the pipe efficiently despite corrosive environments.

4. Space your pipe supports carefully

It’s crucial to space apart pipe supports correctly for a couple of critical reasons. If you put the supports too far apart, flexing or sagging pipes are the likely outcomes. If the piping hangs, the liquid’s flow won’t be continuous; it will need extra energy to flow efficiently. Ensure you consider the weight of your pipes to set up the spacing accurately, and watch out for drooping pipes.

Top functions of pipe support: What to remember when choosing your components 

Now it’s over to you to choose your pipe support components. Here’s what you should remember:

• The pipe’s weight is crucial when selecting pipe supports, but so are its loads. Consider the entire weight when you choose the pipe support
• Consider thermal expansion, lateral movement, and factor in the potential movement of the pipe
• Consider pipe supports that absorb the possible shock waves

Once you have selected your pipe supports from reputable vendors like Pro Support Solutions, you’ll have no trouble guiding, supporting, anchoring, and absorbing pipe shock. Choose exceptional vendors for exceptional results. Choose Pro Support Solutions.