Steel pipe shoes are supports that are used to elevate heavyweight and oversized pipes inserted in steel structures. These pipe shoes prevent the pipeline from contraction and expansion due to continuous thermal activity. They also support all the load of the pipeline. This load includes the internal pressure of the fluid, all pipe fittings, wind load, water hammer, steam hammer, seismic load, pipe expansion and contraction, and many other. Let’s discuss in detail everything that you should know about steel pipe shoes.
Types of Steel Pipe Shoes
Rigid Support
A rigid pipe shoe support is used to keep the pipe fixed in a place and restrict its movement. Also, it helps to anchor, rest, and guide the pipeline. These rigid supports are of three basic types:
Stanchion: This type is used just to restrict the movement of pipe in any orthogonal or rotational direction.
Rod Hanger: This support is used on the top of the pipeline and consists of a clamp, eye nut, rod, and beam attachment.
Rigid Strut: This type can be used in both vertical and horizontal direction to provide support to the pipeline. It consists of a stiff clamp, rigid strut, and welding clevis.
Spring Support
Spring supports use helical coil compression springs so that they can control the thermal movement of the pipeline. The different types of spring support include:
Variable Hanger: It can support the moderate vertical movement. The load on pipe varies depending on the cold and hot conditions of the pipe.
Constant Hanger: This type can support the large vertical movement. The load remains constant when the pipe moves from cold to hot conditions.
Snubber/Shock Absorber
As the name suggests, a shock absorber takes the load of the pipe and allows the pipe to work under normal operating conditions. The most important benefit of this type is the dynamic restraint. This support is necessary to protect your pipeline form conditions like an earthquake, fluid disturbance, environmental activities, and other system functions. They are very stiff and hence, can carry more load compared to other types. There are different types of snubber/shock absorber which are classified on the basis of their working principle. They are:
Hydraulic Snubber
Mechanical Snubber
Insulated Pipe Support
Engineered Spring Support
Benefits of Steel Pipe Shoes
The most important benefit of using steel pipe shoes is that they have high load capacity. Because of some peculiar features of steel, using it in pipe shoes becomes essential. It makes the steel pipe shoes more durable and also make them resistant to various environmental factors. Also, due to their ductility and malleability features, different sizes of steel pipe shoes can be made. A structural steel fabricator in Edmonton can help you create steel pipe shoes based on the size and requirement of your pipeline.
Pipelines need to be supported to create a better foundation for your construction. A pipe shoe helps support smooth flow of the liquid in the pipeline and also, protects excess load on the base or foundation of any building. Any steel structures that you create can last longer with the use of these steel pipe shoes. Therefore, make sure you consult the right steel company to use pipe shoes for your construction purpose.
