Popular Industrial Applications for Stainless Steel Pipe Hangers and Supports

Step into any modern industrial facility—from food processing plants to wastewater facilities—and you can hear the ceaseless hum of machinery and see the complex web of pipes running like veins through the infrastructure.  

Have you ever wondered what's holding this intricate network together, safeguarding it from the relentless vibrations and stresses of day-to-day operations? 

From the hidden depths of petroleum refineries to the dizzying heights of skyscrapers, these essential components hold the world together, piece by piece, supporting a global network of industries. 

The Importance of Pipe Hangers and Supports in Maintaining System Integrity

• Providing structural support: Industrial pipe hangers and supports commonly provide structural support to piping systems, counteracting gravity-induced stresses that could otherwise lead to deformation or failure. By properly distributing the weight of the pipes, along with any fluids they may carry, these hangers and supports help to maintain the pipes' structural integrity and prolong their service life. This is particularly important in industries such as oil and gas, where pipes often carry heavy loads over long distances. 
• Absorbing and dampening vibrations: ASC Engineered Solutions (Anvil) pipe hangers and supports are designed to absorb and dampen vibrations from machinery or fluid flow. High-frequency vibrations can cause significant wear and tear on piping systems, leading to premature failure. In the chemical and marine industries, where equipment may generate substantial vibration, hangers and supports are essential to protect piping systems.
• Protection from high-velocity flow conditions: Rapid fluid flow can generate substantial forces, leading to movement or even pipes rupture if not adequately restrained. This is particularly critical in public works projects, such as water or sewage treatment plants, where high-velocity flow is expected.
• Preventing pipe movement and collisions: By securing pipes and controlling movement, industrial pipe hangers and supports help to prevent damage and maintain the spatial organization within complex piping networks. Maintaining an appropriate separation between pipes and surrounding structures cannot only avert potential mishaps but also simplify maintenance procedures.
• Minimizing joint stress: Pipe hangers and supports, such as those manufactured by ASC Engineered Solutions (Anvil), are crucial in mitigating stress on pipe joints, which can result from factors like thermal expansion or contraction. In industries where pipes are subjected to high pressures, heavy loads, or extreme temperatures, pipe hangers and supports are essential to overall piping system stability and resilience.

Types of Pipe Hangers & Supports

1. Adjustable Pipe Hangers: Featuring a U-shaped clevis connected to a threaded rod for height adjustments, these hangers are used in oil refineries to accommodate changes in pipe routing due to equipment placement or terrain variations.
2. Pipe Clamps: Pipe clamps are half-circle-shaped structures that enclose and tighten around pipes with bolts. In chemical plants, they secure pipes carrying corrosive fluids while accommodating thermal expansion and contraction.
3. Pipe Saddle Supports: Resembling a saddle shape to distribute weight over a larger area, these supports are utilized in gas transmission lines to prevent stress concentration on large, horizontal pipelines.
4. Spring Hangers: Equipped with a spring mechanism to allow vertical pipe movement, spring hangers are used in nuclear power plants to compensate for thermal expansion or contraction in coolant fluid lines.
5. Snubbers: These dynamic supports allow regular pipe movement but lock in place during sudden movements. In offshore oil rigs, snubbers protect piping systems from shocks and vibrations due to rough sea conditions or seismic activities.
6. Pipe Shoes: Pipe shoes provide elevated support, typically in the form of a plate or formed sheet metal, for larger or heavy pipes. In geothermal power plants, they reduce stress and wear at the support point of pipes transporting hot fluids.
7. Rod Hangers: Installed from above, rod hangers are rods, often threaded, used to suspend pipes. In shipbuilding, they provide flexibility in adjusting heights and angles to accommodate the ship's structure.
8. U-Bolts: U-Bolts are curved bolts that wrap around the pipe and fasten to a supporting structure. In the mining industry, U-bolts are used to secure air and water supply pipes to the ceiling of underground tunnels.
9. Pipe Roller Supports: Pipe roller supports allow for the horizontal movement of pipes by incorporating a rolling mechanism. In the pulp and paper industry, they support large pipes carrying hot fluids and enable movement due to thermal expansion.
10. Pipe Guides: Pipe guides typically feature a sliding plate or collar, which helps control the pipe's movement. In district heating networks, they manage the direction of pipe movement during thermal expansion, preventing damaging lateral or rotational movements.

Specific Pipe Support and Hanger Applications by Industry

Energy Industry Applications

• Geothermal Power Plants: These plants harness heat from the earth to generate electricity, transporting hot fluids through pipes. Supports and hangers in this context must accommodate thermal expansion, maintain pipe integrity, and facilitate easy maintenance.
• Nuclear Power Plants: Piping systems transport radioactive fluids in such plants. Pipe supports and hangers ensure these systems function safely and efficiently, and they must meet stringent regulatory standards due to the sensitive nature of the operations.
• Wind Turbines: Wind turbines have hydraulic piping systems for braking and cooling. Here, pipe supports and hangers ensure these systems remain stable and functional, even in the face of substantial wind-induced vibrations.
• Marine Renewable Energy: For offshore wind farms or tidal energy systems, pipe supports and hangers ensure the integrity and stability of pipes carrying electrical cables or hydraulic fluids. They have to withstand marine conditions and facilitate maintenance operations.

Oil and Gas Industry Applications

• Oil and Gas Overland Pipelines: These pipelines often span vast distances and carry heavy fluids under high pressure. Pipe supports and hangers help distribute this weight evenly, reduce stress on joints, and mitigate the effects of vibrations caused by fluid flow, ensuring the system's longevity and safe operation.
• Refineries: In refineries, there's a complex network of pipes carrying fluids at different temperatures and pressures. Pipe supports and hangers here help manage thermal expansion and contraction, prevent pipe sagging, and maintain a safe distance between pipes, aiding in regular inspections and maintenance.
• Offshore Rigs: These complex structures involve numerous pipes carrying fluids under high pressure. Pipe supports and hangers are crucial for maintaining the integrity of these piping systems, especially given the harsh marine conditions and constant motion from waves and wind. The pipe supports and hangers used here are typically made from corrosion-resistant materials and designed to withstand high wind loads and wave impacts.

Marine Industry Applications

• Ships and Vessels: Both during the production phase and operation, pipe supports and hangers are used extensively in modern ships to manage an intricate network of pipes used for fuel supply, ballast water, sanitation systems, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. These components ensure structural integrity, manage thermal expansion, and reduce the risk of damage due to ship motion or vibrations.
• Underwater Pipelines: These pipelines, used for oil, gas, or water transportation, require supports to handle their weight and the loads exerted by currents and marine life. Supports also help to manage thermal expansion and contraction due to temperature variations in the water.

Public Works Applications

• Water Treatment Facilities: In these facilities, pipes carry water and waste under various pressures and temperatures. Pipe supports and hangers ensure the integrity of these systems, manage the effects of thermal expansion and contraction, and facilitate regular inspections and maintenance.
• Sewage Systems: In sewage systems, pipes transport waste materials, often at high velocity. Pipe supports and hangers help maintain these systems' structural integrity, mitigate the effects of vibrations, and allow for safe distances between pipes to prevent collisions.
• Bridges: Bridges often have pipes for drainage or utilities. Supports and hangers ensure these pipes stay in place despite weather conditions or vibrations from traffic. They also make inspections and maintenance more manageable.
• Public Transit Systems: In subway or train systems, pipes carry utilities or serve as part of the infrastructure. Pipe supports and hangers here need to manage vibrations from passing trains and maintain the structural integrity of these systems.

FAQs About Industrial Pipe Hangers & Supports

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