Piping Support Specification - Pipelines, Piping and Fluid ... - Eng-Tips

Hi

I wonder what it takes to built a good piping support specification like the one I've attached to my post. I mean...where does one start from? Which Code's,Standards, Norms, should one use if we talk about piping systems in refinery. I've seen a dozen of piping support specifications, some are very decent others according to my humble opinion are not because they are lacking essential information like allowable support loading.

My opinion is that you have to have a good theoretical and practical understanding of the subject in hand. If you just look at the various pipe support design which are available in this standards you must conclude that a rather impressive knowledge is behind it. At least I think it is.

In my company we don't have such specifications, instead we use pipe supports like clamp bases already manufactured from Manufacturer like LISEGA or BERNECKER or...We use their software and the support loads we've calculated form the stress analysis to select suitable pipe clamp.
Recently we had a case in which there were complaints from the contractor that we used supports for carbon steel piping (A 106 Gr.B) made of very expensive material like 13CrMo4-5, which by the way we got from the software selection, and not the less expensive one like 235JR or 355JR. So we had to "manually" check if the 355JR material is also an adequate material for this situation at hand.

To avoid this kind of situations in the future we are thinking of developing our own piping support specification.

Any ideas?

We've had the same issue. We needed our own support specs as well.

The industry we serve makes it (somewhat) challenging as we dont do major oil&gas or refinery sites, but our customers are still are those major compamies. So we need some sort of compliance to major O&G specs. Our spec needed to be simple, effective, and a one size fits all. A few more extra bucks doesnt mather to us; the biggest linesize we typically see in our plants are 3" to 4", however weve done as large as 8"-10" on a rare instant. Thats why we ended up with a few support types, actually only 2 or 3 types, which fit all supporting needs.

Our spec is verified by simple hand calculations, and were currently updating our pipe support spec and will be conducting simple FEA calcualtions to verify their strength, both at ambient and at design temperature. The spec calls out either 316 supports or carbon steel (HDG or coated). We never have done CSEF piping systems like 13CrMo4-5 or P11 or P91, so we have no need for such materials in support.
Our spec lists max allowable loads for each support type, both axial and lateral. Our supports are either rigid or sliding. Anything different (trunnions, etc.) are specials and will be designed on a case by case basis. Hangers, both variable and spring, follow from pipe stress analysis; we always by these from LISEGA, we dont go for a buck cheaper with all the less robust designs out there from other vendors.

If you work to B31.3, follow MSS SP rules (#58 being the most important, but also #69, #77, #89 and #90). If you work to EN , review chapter 13 and the applicable appendix N which defines the requirements pertaining to supports. There's a link to the PED in EN wrt supports.

So I guess it all boils down to the typical application you work to. For us, linesizes are small, and 95% we do is stainless, the rest usually being nickel alloys like C276, 800H, etc. We hardly ever do carbon steel.

Can you explain what you scope of work is in piping systems?

PS; your first post does not contain an attachment.

To ensure your piping system operates efficiently, it’s essential to carefully consider both the location and type of pipe supports.

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Plumbing codes mandate that all piping and its contents be properly supported to maintain alignment and prevent sagging. These codes also typically require hangers and strapping materials to be made from approved, non-corrosive materials that won’t cause galvanic action. Additionally, the materials must be strong enough to support the weight of the pipes and their contents. Approved materials like stainless steel and galvanized steel offer corrosion resistance, ensuring long-term durability.

Code also dictates the distance between supports, which varies based on the size and material of the pipe. Proper spacing ensures the piping system remains stable and prevents undue stress on the pipes.

Different pipe materials and sizes require specific types of pipe supports:

• PVC pipes and CPVC pipes: Lightweight and versatile, they are commonly supported with schedule 40 PVC pipe clamps or brackets.
• Copper pipes: These may require insulated pipe clamps to prevent noise and vibration.
• Steel pipes, such as carbon steel or galvanized steel:  Heavier pipes demand heavy-duty pipe hangers or steel pipe brackets for secure support.
• Cast iron pipes: Often used for drain waste and vent (DWV) systems, they require strong, durable riser clamps or pipe straps.

For example, a one-inch copper or CPVC pipe will require a different hanger type and size than a comparable one-inch gas pipe due to differences in wall thickness, diameter, and weight.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of pipework support manufacturer. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

After considering factors like material, size, load, and required support spacing, the final choice of pipe support may come down to personal preference.

Oatey Tip: The strength of your pipe supports is only as reliable as the material they’re anchored to, whether wood or concrete. Secure installation is critical for ensuring long-term durability.

Oatey’s Complete Range of Pipe Support Products

Oatey offers a comprehensive range of pipe-support products for various applications, including heating, DWV piping, and water-supply systems. From pipe hangers and brackets to pipe clamps and straps, Oatey products ensure safe and efficient installations. Additionally, Oatey provides solutions for protecting your pipes and fittings once installed.

Let’s take a closer look at the different types of pipe supports.

Pipe Clamps

Pipe clamps allow for a quick and easy installation of copper tube piping. Below is a breakdown of Oatey pipe clamps and how they are best utilized:

If you want to learn more, please visit our website small high density cyrogenic pipe support with aluminum.