30 Days of Piping Engineering – Day 11: Piping Supports and Hangers Basics
Welcome to Day 11 of our 30 Days of Piping Engineering series on our App! We’ve covered testing, fabrication, insulation, and more. Today, we’re diving into piping supports and hangers—the unsung heroes that keep your piping systems stable and safe.
What Are Piping Supports and Hangers?
Piping supports and hangers are structures designed to hold pipes in place, absorb loads, and allow for movement due to thermal expansion or vibration. They are critical for maintaining system integrity and complying with codes like ASME B31.3. Here’s a breakdown:
- Types of Supports:
- Rigid Supports: Fixed supports like pipe shoes or base supports that resist movement, ideal for heavy loads or static systems.
- Flexible Supports: Spring hangers or sway braces that allow controlled movement, compensating for thermal expansion or seismic activity.
- Anchors: Fully restrain pipes at specific points to control direction and prevent excessive displacement.
- Functions:
- Load Bearing: Supports the weight of the pipe, fluid, and insulation, preventing sagging.
- Movement Accommodation: Allows for expansion and contraction without inducing excessive stress, linking back to our stress analysis discussions.
- Vibration Control: Dampens vibrations from pumps or flow-induced turbulence, enhancing system longevity.
- Design Considerations: Support spacing depends on pipe size, material, and operating conditions. For example, a 4-inch steel pipe might need supports every 10-15 feet, adjusted for temperature and pressure.
Properly designed supports prevent pipe failure, reduce maintenance, and ensure safety, especially in high-temperature or high-pressure systems like those in refineries.
Real-World Example
In a power plant, spring hangers were installed on a steam line to accommodate a 150°C temperature change, preventing stress cracks and extending the pipe’s service life by years.
Did you know ?
The first documented use of pipe supports dates back to the Roman aqueducts? They used stone and concrete supports to maintain the gradient of lead pipes, a precursor to modern steel hangers and supports!
Your Day 11 Takeaway
Piping supports and hangers are essential for stability and safety. Understanding their basics prepares you for the next steps in piping design. Tomorrow, we’ll explore piping valves and fittings—see you then!