Pipelines need support from a foundation or structure. The loads of the pipes generally tend to fluctuate depending on the mass of the substance that flows inside them. Pipe supports are usually constructed on ground to enable them to exert an equal and opposite reaction. The fundamental functions of a pipe support are to anchor, guide, absorb shock and be able to manage varying loads. Moreover, some pipe supports may contain insulation materials if the pipes are used in high or low temperature applications.
Basically, there are two types of pipe support structures, primary and secondary supports. Primary supports are directly attached to the pipeline, whereas secondary pipe supports are attached directly to the foundation or structure supporting the pipe.
Pipe supports are broadly classified on the aspects of their construction and function (purpose).
Based on construction details, pipe supports are broadly classified in three types as:
Rigid Supports:
As the name suggests, rigid pipe supports are designed to allow no movement in at least one direction. This support system is used the maximum in piping. It directly rests on the foundation or structure that is supporting the pipe and cannot be adjusted to the erection tolerances.
The most common types of rigid supports are shoe type (with clamp), shoe type (welded), valve holder, and support brackets (Secondary Support).
Adjustable Supports:
Adjustable pipe supports are rigid type in construction, but they can be manually adjusted as there nuts and bolts arrangements for adjusting the supports. These nuts and bolts are used in order to adjust the support with respect to the actual erected condition of the pipe. Basically, for the erection tolerances in the piping, the support can be adjusted. Most essentially, almost all types of rigid supports can be modified to adjustable supports by using a certain type of bolts and nuts arrangements.
Elastic Supports:
Such pipe supports are commonly used in supporting hot piping. Elastic pipe supports are able to support pipes even when they are constantly moving up or down due to the pressure and flow of substances inside the pipe. Variable type spring supports and constant type spring supports are most common types of elastic supports used for piping.
As we mentioned earlier, there are pipe supports that are classified on the basis of their functions or purposes. The different supports classified as per their functions are - loose support, longitudinal support, transverse support, fixed (non-welded type) or anchor (welded type) support, limit support and special supports. We are the leading producers of structural steel products across North America. Get in touch with us to know more about our projects and steel fabrication processes.
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