Resources

Resources

High-Temperature Pre-Insulated Pipe Support for a Chemical Plant

Custom High-Temperature Pre-Insulated Pipe Support for a Chemical Plant

This custom-designed insulated pipe support will be used for a high-temperature pipeline at a chemical plant in Canada. This hot shoe was customized without the U-base and modified with an extended length. It will be used to prevent the movement of a 6″ diameter pipe in the axial direction. Axial stops will be welded to the clamp O.D. in the field. The plates are 11-5/8″ O.D. x 48″ in length and fabricated from A36 carbon steel. The insulation is 2″ thick high-density calcium silicate and well-suited for temperatures up to 1200°F. A hot shoe is a pipe support that can be used for high-temperature applications, such as high-pressure steam lines or boiler feed water, where heat loss through the pipe support is not desirable. Insulated hot shoes can be designed and used for temperatures up to 1400° Fahrenheit.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 06022021

Furnace Applications – Spring Supports, Expansion Joints & Furnace Seal Bags

Ptp furnace application products

An industrial furnace, also known as a direct heater or a direct-fired heater, is a device used to provide heat for an industrial process. Furnace designs vary as to their function, heating duty, type of fuel, and method of introducing combustion air. Heat is generated by an industrial furnace by mixing fuel with air or oxygen, or from electrical energy. The residual heat will exit the furnace as flue gas. Types of industrial furnaces include batch ovens, vacuum furnaces, and solar furnaces. Industrial furnaces are used in applications such as chemical reactions, cremation, oil refining, glasswork, metallurgy, mechanical engineering, chemicals, ceramic, and building materials. Industrial furnaces using fossil fuels are characterized by heat losses from flue gases with a temperature of 500°C and above.

PT&P supplies many products that are well-suited for furnace applications. The first category we’ll take a look at is engineered spring supports. We size furnace springs the same way as we would for a conventional variable or constant spring support. Construction may include a welded design instead of bolted and custom nameplates with the test data and ID tag. Most furnace spring supports are coated with red oxide primer to avoid potential hazards when exposed to high temperatures.

Ptp furnace application variables in service combined

PT&P specially designed and fabricated hundreds of altered Type-A variable spring hangers in order to accommodate the special travel and spring rate needed to support the furnace tubes of a hydrogen reformer in Venezuela. To accommodate customer-specified travel and spring rates, modified spring coils were required. With a travel of 8-7/8″, the variable spring hanger casing lengths were increased from the standard size of 32″ to over 6′ long. The calculated spring rate is 79 lb/sq in for an operating load of 2,804 lb. and an installed load of 3,505 lb. The housings are coated with heat-resistant paint, which protects the spring coils from corrosion and high temperatures in the furnace area.

Expansion joints are not installed inside furnaces due to the extremely high temperatures of the environment and the piping system. Expansion joints will typically be found on the ductwork and in the piping coming in and out of the furnace. In the last six months, we have shipped over 40% of our expansion joint jobs in less than 2 weeks to meet customer project deliverables.
Fabric expansion joint application

Fabric expansion joints that are in-service near furnaces, typically include a 3-layer belt consisting of silicone, fiberglass, PTFE, and mineral wool insulation. The configurations are either round, rectangular or square as seen in the examples below.

Ptp furnace application products

Furnace bags are used to seal high-temperature tubes that penetrate the furnace floor. The furnace bag consists of multiple layers of flexible, flame and heat-resistant, impervious fabric designed to operate from start-up to high-temperature design conditions. The bag will expand and contract with the varying furnace temperatures.

Furnace Bag

Stainless steel clamps or band straps connect one end of the pipe that goes through the penetration opening and the other to another sleeve in the furnace floor. A tapered steel coil is installed around the conduit inside the bag to prevent the fabric from collapsing inward during vacuum conditions. PT&P’s standard furnace seal bag is nickel reinforced, with a special coating that reduces airborne fibers and increases tensile strength.

 

Furnace application diagram

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 11092021

PT&P Manufactures and Installs an 85 ft. Pipe Rack and Pipe Spools

PT&P supplied “on-time delivery” of two industrial structural steel pipe racks and the accompanying pipe spools that would be attached to storage tanks measuring approximately 120 ft. in diameter and over 85 ft. tall. Pre-engineered pipe racks attached to storage tanks are used in a wide range of industries from waste water treatments plants, community water storage tanks, to above ground storage tanks used in refineries, natural gas, and petrochemical plants.

PT&P leveraged its breadth of manufacturing and engineering capabilities to reduce costs for its client in the deployment of this pipe rack. Our focus was to complete as much work as possible in our production facility, where costs are typically far lower than in the field. We made adjustments to the design to aid in-field deployment to minimize total overall costs. This project also leveraged our capabilities with structural steel, pipe spools, TPI, and insulation. We have all of these capabilities in-house, which made it easy to fabricate the complex structures in this project.

Each pipe rack had an overall dimension of 12 ft. wide and 113 ft. tall and was fabricated from carbon steel. Due to the overall length, each frame was fabricated in two sections in our shop in order to transport each to the job site. Additionally, each frame was provided with lifting lugs designed by PT&P to facilitate both, the transporting of each frame half-section and the subsequent vertical lift of each completed unit. Each pipe rack was fitted with 9 pipe spools ranging in diameter from 2″ to 12″ (6 were insulated pipe spools, and 3 were non-insulated pipe spools). The pipe material used to fabricate the pipe spools were SA-53, SA-106, and SA-333.

Six of the pipe spools were supplied pre-insulated. At the ends of each section of the pipe spool, there were bare sections of pipe where PT&P field services would later perform “tie-in welds” in the field.

Ptp pipe racks large tank installation 181868 500pxw

After completing shop fabrication, the pipe racks were prepared to be transported to the job site location for final assembly before installation by PT&P field services. This consisted of bolting the two halves of the pipe rack together and completing the “tie-in welds” at each pipe spool connection. All of the “tie-in welds” were examined and verified by X-ray analysis. After completion of all the “tie-in welds”, PT&P Insulation Department installed insulation in the field on the 6 pipe spools requiring insulation at these connection points.

Ptp rod hangers 181868
Rigid Rod Hangers

Each section of the pipe spool was supported from the top of the rack by a rigid rod hanger also supplied by PT&P. Rod hanger assemblies are round steel bars normally threaded and used to connect other components, such as pipe support hardware, to make a pipe hanger assembly. PT&P’s field service team installed the main pipe rack with seven pipe spools each over 86 ft. long on large storage tanks. The pipe spools were positioned on the pipe rack steel using special U-bolts to “guide” the piping.

U-bolts are u-shaped rods with threaded ends that fit around a pipe and are attached to a supporting member. These U-bolts were coated in plastic to prevent corrosion between the pipe and the U-bolt material. Additionally, thermoplastic isolators (TPI) were also used to prevent corrosion between the pipe rack steel and the pipe spools. TPI can be customized in height, width, length of TPI, hole sizes, hole locations, and special shapes.

TPI Pipe
U-Bolt with TPI
Frp wear pads 143770
FRP Wear Pads

Also installed on the insulated pipe spools were FRP wear pads that rested on the thermoplastic Isolator. FRP is also known as non-metallic wear pads, which are used for corrosion protection for uninsulated piping systems to extend the life of the pipe.

Ptp pipe racks large tank installation layout 600px

After assembly by the PT&P field services, each complete unit was lifted vertically into position and bolted to the storage tank at the “tank connection points.” This demonstrates our ability to provide rare expertise in all facets of project management including planning, engineering design, logistics, and job site management.

We have a fully diversified operation that is customizable based on your unique needs. If you just need stock supports and standard items, we can provide them very quickly. Our engineering team can help find the best support(s) for your application. Or our field service team can inspect your pipeline conditions and recommend the best solutions. Our team also regularly completes installations and conducts on-site project management. We are your one-stop shop for pipe supports, insulated supports, expansion joints, vibration solutions, pipe stress analysis, and more.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 05182021

Over 1/2 a Million Instrument Stands for LNG Service and Operator

Over 1/2 a Million Instrument Stands for LNG Service and Operator

Floor mount support modules utilize a 1/4″ steel base plate to clamp, bolt, or weld instrument assemblies directly to a wall or beam. These primary modules can be used independently or together with secondary modules to construct a universal support package for any instrument in any position. These units were furnished with a hot-dipped galvanized finish to protect against corrosion. We can also provide other finishes such as painted or powder-coated. Instrument stands are used in almost any plant that utilizes process instrumentation such as flow meters, pressure, and temperature sensors, and other instruments used to monitor processes both onshore and offshore. PT&P also offers a complete line of adjustable instrument support components which, when combined, will create various configurations to your exact requirements or individual needs. In addition, we can also provide customized instrument supports fabricated from 304 SS or other materials according to your company’s specifications. We have supplied instrument stands for coker units, LNG, and refinery facilities. For additional information about our instrument support stands, please click on the following link: PT&P Instrument Supports Catalog

In these times of supply chain considerations and challenges on major projects, we’ve consistently been the best partner to ensure timely design, production, and delivery of project needs on any scale with the largest range of products and services throughout your piping systems. Along with being a proven supplier on multi-billion dollar projects, we also work hand in hand with single-plant turnaround needs every day.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 08182020

B-Type Variable Spring Hangers for an overseas LNG Facility

B-Type Variable Spring Hangers for an LNG Facility in Texas

Type: B-Type Variable Spring Support Assemblies
Size: 13″ to 120″ range pipe elevation
Design: Operating Loads: 9,320 lb. to 28,2000 lb.
Spring Rates 4,700 lb./in. & 5,320 lb./in
Material: | Hot-dipped Galvanized Carbon Steel
Testing: Load & Travel Test |  Q.C. Inspection

These variables were supplied to an overseas LNG facility where accessibility is limited due to the remote location in the facility as well as the plant itself. Products shipped must be very dependable and long-lasting because of the difficulty of shipping to this location. Variables use coiled springs to support a load and allow movement. The resistance of the coil to a load change during compression is why these devices are called “variables”. We offer a variety of different designs of variable spring pipe supports. PT&P, with its long-standing history and experience, has set up optimized manufacturing to offer an unparalleled set of customization options with minimal impact on delivery timeframes to support JIT deliveries and help manage cash flows on such large capital-intensive projects. In addition to our standard (hot-dipped galvanized, neoprene coated spring coils) variable spring supports, we can customize our springs to accommodate special materials, finish, dimension, load, load adjustment, travel, and travel stops, as well as provide sensors for remote monitoring.

Given the shift in global LNG production due to volatile political situations outside the US, the US has become the largest exporter of LNG this year globally. US LNG exports will continue to grow because of increased LNG export capacity, increased international natural gas and LNG prices, and increased global demand, especially in Europe.

During the initial build-out in LNG globally in the late 1990s/early 2000s, PTP provided the platform to its customers and their clients for extensive innovation concerning all phases of development concerning pipe supports for LNG plants and terminals, starting with product design, testing, material, and climate considerations. As the “thought leaders” in product design, we helped develop and produce the now most commonly used cryogenic supports utilizing G-10 insulation. As LNG capital projects return to the US, you can count on PTP to provide an unparalleled track record and expertise to move your LNG projects along safely in a timely, cost-effective manner to meet world energy needs.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 04072020

Sway Strut & 3-Bolt Pipe Clamp Assemblies

 

Sway Strut & 3-Bolt Pipe Clamp Assemblies Designed for a Power Plant in California

Type: Sway Strut & 3-Bolt Pipe Clamp Assembly
Size: 30″ NPS | 44-1/8″ CC | 4″ Adjustment
Material: Carbon Steel | 304 Stainless Steel
Design: Restrain Tensile/Compressive Force in 1 Direction
Permit Movement in Other Directions

PT&P fabricated and designed sway strut and 3-bolt pipe clamp assemblies for a power plant in California. Supplied to a natural gas-fired, combined-cycle facility, the plant will produce over 620-megawatts of power and help to repower older generating infrastructure with more environmentally friendly technology. The assemblies are manufactured from carbon steel with 304 stainless steel load pins. They are designed for a 30″ diameter pipe. This sway strut has a pin to pin length of 44–1/8″ and comes with a standard 4″ adjustment. The sway struts are designed to restrain either tensile or compressive force in one direction while providing for movement due to thermal expansion or contraction in other directions.View Product.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 08132019

Sway Struts Designed for an LNG Liquefaction and Export Facility

Sway Struts Designed for an LNG Liquefaction and Export Facility

Piping Technology & Products is a manufacturer of all types of pipe supports to areas all over the world ranging from sports stadiums to geothermal to infrastructure applications. In fact, many of the items you will see on our website were developed for the specific requirements of a customer who could not use the standard designs available in our industry. These sway strut assemblies were designed and fabricated for a large LNG liquefaction and export plant. Sway struts are used in a wide range of applications in power plants, chemical and refineries to restrain movement in tension (or X plane) while allowing lateral movement (in the Y and Z plane). These fig. 2100F, size C sway struts are designed with 4” adjustment for loads up to 4,500 lb. The pins are fabricated from a high alloy steel for added strength and the threaded rod ends are carbon steel and hot-dipped galvanized. The sway strut body was hot-dipped galvanized after the donut and pipe were welded. The rod ends and end brackets were galvanized a second time for added corrosion resistance after the holes for the IKO bearings and pins are enlarged to fit these component parts. The C-C dimension is 30-11/16” and a quality control inspection involving thread engagement was completed prior to shipment. Piping Technology and Products is a manufacturer of all types of pipe supports to areas all over the world ranging from sports stadiums to geothermal to infrastructure applications. In fact, many of the items you will see on our website were developed for the specific requirements of a customer who could not use the standard designs available in our industry. If you do not find what you need, or if you need technical advice, please contact us.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 06222021

Standard Pipe Support Components Available on Amazon

Need a standard product quickly? Or know what you need and don’t need a quote? Skip the line and order through Amazon. From forged carbon steel turnbuckles and light or heavy 2-bolt, 3-bolt pipe clamps, riser clamps to long tangent u-bolts, we stock standard sizes for your quick-turn orders.

*If you need assistance, we are always available 24×7 via our emergency service or just send an email to info@pipingtech.com.

 

Ptp fig30 forgedcsturnbuckle
Fig. 30 Forged Carbon Steel Turnbuckle		 Ptp fig60 heavy 2 bolt pipe clamp
Fig. 60 Heavy Two-Bolt Pipe Clamp
Ptp fig70 light 3 bolt pipe clamp
Fig. 70 Light Three-Bolt Pipe Clamp		 Ptp fig80 heavy 3 bolt pipe clamp
Fig. 80 Heavy Three-Bolt Pipe Clamp
Ptp fig90 riser clamp
Fig. 90 Riser Clamp		 Ptp fig100 long tangent u bolt
Fig. 100 Long Tangent U-Bolt
Ptp fig90 riser clamp
Piping Technology & Products, Inc. Expansion Joint (85 PSI)		 Ptp fig100 long tangent u bolt
Piping Technology & Products, Inc. Expansion Joint (150 PSI)
Ptp fig90 riser clamp
Piping Technology & Products, Inc. Expansion Joint (300 PSI)

Constant Spring Supports

Proper installation and maintenance of constant spring supports are critical to ensuring the safety and reliability of thermal piping systems. A constant support is specifically engineered to deliver a uniform supporting force throughout its vertical travel range, allowing for thermal expansion while minimizing additional stress on connected equipment.

This guide outlines the key steps for adjusting, installing, and maintaining support hanger assemblies. Whether commissioning a new constant spring support or performing routine checks on an existing piping support, following these precise technical procedures will help maintain consistent load balance, extend equipment life, and prevent costly structural or operational failures.

Installation and Maintenance of Constant Spring Supports

Download Installation PDF

Travel stops are installed in all constants before shipping. Hydro test blocks are added when
deemed necessary per PT&P discretion. These must be present during any hydro testing, but must
be removed/backed-up before normal operations (commissioning).

Travel indicator marks Red, White, & Blue:
All constants are shipped with at least 3 color coded rivets (red, white and blue).
Red: operating (HOT) position
White: installation (COLD) position
Blue: over travel (MAX AVAILABLE) position

1) Hanger constant 100-A, 100-B, 100-C, 100-D, 100-E (Layout-A), 100-E (Layout-B), 100-G,
200-A, 200-B, 200-C, 200-D, 200-E. Figure 1 below show view of travel indicator markings found
on below constant support types.

Fig1

Figure 1: Hanger Type Constants Travel Markings

 

2) Base type constants: 100-F (Layout-A), 100-F (Layout-B), 200-F.

Figure 2 below show view of travel indicator markings found on above constant support types.

Fig2

Figure 2: F-type Constants Travel Markings

 

3) Base type constants: 100-U & 200-U.

Figure 3 below shows a view of travel indicator markings found on above constant support types.

Fig3

Figure 3: U-type Constants Travel Markings

 

Travel Stop Styles:

Caution: Do not disengage travel stops from their position by force. Forcing the travel stops could cause serious bodily injury, and/or serious damage to the support.

In most cases, travel stops with styles 1, 2, or 3 (figure 4) are removed by hand or light tapping once balance is achieved between the constant support and the entity (piping, vessel, etc) it is supporting. Figure 5 shows examples of the travel stops storage location. May vary with different support types.

Fig4 5

 

– Installing types 100-A, 100-B, 100-C, 100-D, 100-E, 200-A, 200-B, 200-C, 200-D, 200-E:

1. Secure the hanger to a structure capable of handling the operating load, at a point where the constant’s load coupling (turnbuckle) is directly over the desired point of attachment to the pipe in the operating position.

2. The hanger rod and loading arm of the constant should be unobstructed and free to move.

3. Attach the connecting rod to the load coupling (turnbuckle) with full thread engagement.

4. Transfer the load in preparation for Hydro testing and/or commissioning, by turning on the load coupling (turnbuckle) in such a way that will draw the upper and lower rods together to eliminate all slack in the assembly.

5. Hydro testing (if required), with travel stops engaged, should be done at this time, before going to step 6.

6. The travel stop (painted red) should now be removed once any hydrotesting is completed. The travel stop pin/key shall be in position “B” in figure 6 before it can be removed. Referring to figure 6, unscrew the left & right side nuts by one turn (if equipped). Looking closely, if the pin/key is as in position “A”, rotate the load coupling (turnbuckle) such that to draw the rods together to get to position “B”. If the pin/key is as in position “C”, rotate the load coupling (turnbuckle) such that to separate the rods from each other to get to position “B”. Once disengaged (position “B”), the travel stop/s may be removed and stored in its/their designated location on the constant’s frame (figures 4 & 5).

7. The hanger travel indicator should now be readjusted to the cold position (white mark) shown in figure 1, using the load coupling (turnbuckle) one last time.

8. When the operating conditions are reached, check the hanger to ensure the hanger travel indicator is at or near the hot (red mark) position shown in figure 1. If not, contact the piping designer for further analyses/review of the system.

9. If desired, adjustment can be made by turning the load coupling (turnbuckle) to align the indicator to the hot (red mark) position. This support should be noted for further analyses.

Fig6

 

– Installing types 100-N:

1. Secure the hanger to a structure capable of handling the operating load, at a point where the constant’s load coupling (turnbuckle) is directly over the desired point of attachment to the pipe in the operating position.

2. The hanger rod and loading arm of the constant should be unobstructed and free to move.

3. Attach the connecting rod to the load coupling (turnbuckle) with full thread engagement.

4. Transfer the load in preparation for Hydro testing and/or commissioning, by turning on the load coupling (turnbuckle) in such a way that will draw the upper and lower rods together to eliminate all slack in the assembly.

5. Hydro testing should be done at this time, if required, before going to step 6.

6. The travel stop (painted red) should now be removed. Referring to figure 6 on page 5, if the pin is as in position “A”, rotate the load coupling (turnbuckle) such that to draw the rods together to get to position “B”. If the pin is as in position “C”, rotate the load coupling (turnbuckle) such that to separate the rods from each other to get to position “B”. Once disengaged (position “B”), the travel stop may be removed and stored in its storage pipe on the side of the frame (figure 7 ).

7. The hanger travel indicator should now be readjusted to the cold position (white mark) shown in figure 1 (page 1), using the load coupling (turnbuckle) one last time.

8. When the operating conditions are reached, check the hanger to ensure the hanger travel indicator is at or near the hot (red mark) position shown in figure 1 (page 1). If not, contact the piping designer for further analyses/review of the system.

9. If desired, adjustment can be made by turning the load coupling (turnbuckle) to align the indicator to the hot (red mark) position. This support should be noted for further analyses.

Fig7

– Installing type 100-G:

1. Support the pipe at the desired elevation.

2. Attach the load rods to a structure capable of handling the operating load, and at the C-C dimension the constant assembly is designed for.

3. The load rod and loading arm of the constant should be unobstructed and free to move.

4. Attach the constant assembly to the load rods using the load coupling (turnbuckle) with full thread engagement.

5. Using the load couplings (turnbuckles), level the pair of channels connecting the two constants. These channels should now be under the piping being supported.

6. Keeping the channels leveled, transfer the load in preparation for Hydro testing and/or commissioning, by turning on each of the load coupling (turnbuckle) in such a way that will draw the upper and lower rods together to eliminate all slack in the assembly.

7. Hydro testing should be done at this time, if required, before going to step 8.

8. The travel stop (painted red) should now be removed. Unscrew the nuts by one turn (if equipped). Referring to figure 6 (page 5), if the pin/key is as in position “A”, rotate the load coupling (turnbuckle) such that to draw the rods together to get to position “B”. If the pin/key is as in position “C”, rotate the load coupling (turnbuckle) such that to separate the rods from each other to get to position “B”. Once disengaged (position “B”), the travel stop/s may be removed and stored in its/their designated location on the constant’s frame (figures 4 & 5 on page 4).

9. The hanger travel indicator should now be readjusted to the cold position (white mark) shown in figure 1, using the load coupling (turnbuckle) one last time.

10. When the operating conditions are reached, check the hanger to ensure the hanger travel indicator is at or near the hot (red mark) position shown in figure 1 (page 1). If not, contact the piping designer for further analyses/review of the system.

11. If desired, adjustment can be made by turning the load coupling (turnbuckle) to align the indicator to the hot (red mark) position. This support should be noted for further analyses. Figure 8:

Fig8

 

-Installing types 100-F (layout-A):

1. Secure the constant’s base plate to the structure.

2. Attach a load coupling (sway strut) to the piping, then to the constant’s load arm (figure 9).

3. Transfer the load in preparation for Hydro testing and/or commissioning, by turning on the load coupling (sway strut pipe) in such a way that will expand the upper and lower rod end assemblies to eliminate all slack in the assembly. 4. Hydro testing should be done at this time, if required, before going to step 5.

5. The travel stop pin (painted red) should now be removed. Referring to figure 11 below. If the pin is as in position “A”, rotate the sway strut load coupling such that to separate the rod end assemblies from each other (see figure 10) to get to position “B”. If the pin is as in position “C”, rotate the sway strut load coupling such that to draw in the rod end assemblies together to get to position “B”. Once disengaged (position “B”), the travel stop pin may be removed and stored in the travel stop holder on the constant’s frame.

6. The travel indicator should now be realigned with the cold position (white mark) shown in figure 2 on page 2, using the sway strut load coupling one last time.

7. When the operating conditions are reached, check the support to ensure the travel indicator pin is at or near the hot (red mark) position. If not, contact the piping designer for further analyses/review of the system.

8. If desired, adjustment can be made by turning the load coupling (sway strut pipe) to align the indicator to the hot (red mark) position. This support should be noted for further analyses.

Fig9 10 11

-Installing type 100-F (layout-B) and 200-F (without hydro test blocks):

Note: Installation drawings below are shown for 100-F (layout-B). Type 200-F has the same installation procedure except that the coil housing is in the horizontal position.

1. Attach the base plate of the constant to the supporting structure by placing the constant in its installation location. If the clearance is tight, temporarily force the load flange down (using the travel stop nuts installed on the all-threaded rod painted red) by loosening the 2 upper travel stop nuts, then tightening the 2 lower travel stop nuts (3/8” max) (figure 12A). Then move the constant into installation location.

2. Loosen the 2 lower travel stop nuts to allow the load flange to rise up to the installed height: 3/8″ max. If the clearance is bigger than 3/8″, shim or grout the constant or pipe attachment accordingly. Tighten the 2 upper and 2 lower travel stop nuts to the travel stop angles in preparation for the hydro testing.

3. Hydro testing should be done at this time, if required.

4. The travel stop rods (painted red) should now be removed. Refer to figure 13 on page 11. Back down the 2 lower travel stop nuts flush to the bottom or the travel stop rods. Back up the 2 upper travel-stop nuts at least 1-1/2 times the nut thickness.

5. Unscrew the travel stop rods from the load flange by rotating the rods clockwise until completely removed. Store rods in their designated location on the constant’s frame (see figure 14 on page 11).

6. If the travel indicator pin on the load arm does not line up with the white mark, as in figure 3, when it should, contact the piping designer for further analyses/review of the system.

7. The constant effort support is now ready for commissioning and operation activity.

 

Fig12a

-Installing type 100-F (layout-B) and 200-F (with hydro test blocks):

Note: Installation drawings below are shown for 100-F (layout-B). Type 200-F has the same installation procedure except that the coil housing is in the horizontal position.

1. Attach the base plate of the constant to the supporting structure by placing the constant in its installation location. If the clearance is tight, temporarily force the load flange down (using the travel stop nuts installed on the all-threaded rod painted red) by loosening the 2 upper travel stop nuts, then tightening the 2 lower travel stop nuts (3/8” max) (figure 12A on page 9). If the hydro test blocks are preventing the load flange from moving down, temporarily remove the hydro test blocks by grinding-off the tack welds that holds them in place, and sliding them out (figure 12B). Then move the constant into installation location.

2. If hydro testing will be performed before commissioning the constant, re-insert the hydro test blocks in their original place after grinding the block as necessary to fit, and tack weld (figure 12B).

3. Loosen the 2 lower travel stop nuts to allow the load flange to rise up to the installed height: 3/8″ max. If the clearance is bigger than 3/8″, shim or grout the constant or pipe attachment accordingly. Tighten the 2 upper and 2 lower travel stop nuts to the travel stop angles in preparation for the hydro testing.

4. Hydro testing should be done at this time, if required, with the hydro test blocks inserted.

5. The hydro test blocks along with the travel stop rods (painted red) should now be removed. Remove the hydro test blocks by grinding-off the tack weld holding them and sliding them out. Refer to figure 13 on page11, to remove the travel stop rods. Back down the 2 lower travel stop nuts flush to the bottom or the travel stop rods. Back up the 2 upper travel stop nuts at least 1-1/2 times the nut thickness.

6. Unscrew the travel stop rods from the load flange by rotating the rods clockwise until completely removed. Store rods in their designated location on the constant’s frame (see figure 14 on page 11).

7. If the travel indicator pin on the load arm does not line up with the white mark, as in figure 3, when it should, contact the piping designer for further analyses/review of the system.

8. The constant effort support is now ready for commissioning and operation activity.

Fig12b

 

Fig13 14

-Installing type 100-U and 200-U (without hydro test blocks):

Note: Installation drawing below (figure 15A) is shown for 200-U. Type 100-U has the same installation procedure except that the coil housing is in the vertical position.

1. Attach the base plate of the constant to the supporting structure by placing the constant in its installation location. If the clearance is tight, temporarily force the load flange down using the travel stop nuts installed on the all-threaded rod (painted red), by loosening the 4 lower travel stop nuts, then tightening the 4 upper travel stop nuts (1/4” max).

2. Move the constant into its installation location.

3. Loosen the 4 upper travel stop nuts to allow the load flange to rise up to the installed height. If the clearance is bigger than 1/4″, shim or grout the constant or pipe attachment accordingly.

4. Tighten the 4 upper and 4 lower travel stop nuts onto the travel stop plate (load table feet) in preparation for the hydro testing.

5. Hydro testing should be done at this time, if required.

6. Back up the 4 upper travel-stop nuts all the way up flush with the top of the installation rods.

7. Back down the 4 lower travel-stop nuts all the way down.

8. If the white marks on load flange feet and travel scale do no remain lined up after line has reached its commissioning statues, contact the piping designer for further analyses/review of the system.

9. The constant effort support is now ready for commissioning and operation activity. Figure 15A:

Fig15a

-Installing type 100-U and 200-U (with hydro test blocks):

Note: Installation drawing below (figure 15B) is shown for 200-U. Type 100-U has the same installation procedure except that the coil housing is in the vertical position.

1. Attach the base plate of the constant to the supporting structure by placing the constant in its installation location. If the clearance is tight, temporarily force the load flange down using the travel stop nuts installed on the all-threaded rod (painted red), by loosening the 4 lower travel stop nuts, then tightening the 4 upper travel stop nuts (1/4” max). If the hydro test blocks are preventing the load flange from moving down, temporarily remove the hydro test blocks by grinding-off the tack welds that holds them in place, then sliding them out. Continue to lower the load flange as needed.

2. Move the constant into its installation location.

3. Loosen the 4 upper travel stop nuts to allow the load flange to rise up to the installed height. If the clearance is bigger than 1/4″, shim or grout the constant or pipe attachment accordingly.

4. If hydro testing will be performed before commissioning the constant, re-insert the hydro test blocks in their original place after grinding the block as necessary to fit; then tack weld.

5. Do not tighten the 4 lower travel stop nuts. This is to allow the hydro test blocks take the load. If tightened, damage to the rods and/or the load table feet may occur.

6. Hydro testing should be done at this time.

7. Remove the hydro test blocks.

8. Back up the 4 upper travel-stop nuts all the way up flush with the top of the installation rods.

9. Back down the 4 lower travel-stop nuts all the way down.

10. If the white marks on load flange feet and travel scale do no remain lined up after line has reached its commissioning statues, contact the piping designer for further analyses/review of the system.

11. The constant effort support is now ready for commissioning and operation activity.Fig15b

 

Inspection & Maintenance Procedure

After installation and hydro testing, but before commissioning:

Look for tools, straps, construction debris, and temporary supports that have been left behind which can impair operations of the support by obstruction.

After maintenance and before commissioning:

Look for tools, straps, construction debris, and temporary supports that have been left behind which can impair operations of the support by obstruction.

Periodic inspection and maintenance:

Depending on the environment in which the constant effort support is installed, a biyearly, quarterly, or monthly visual inspection is advised. Monthly to quarterly inspection is highly recommended for supports in windy, sandy, dusty, and salty environments.

Inspection should be done for the following:

  • The presence of debris and foreign objects, such as sand, heavy dust, and bird nests that could hamper the support operation movement from cold to hot or hot to cold.
  • That the position of the travel indicator located on the load flange feet, is lined up with the red mark anticipated in the design (during operations), or lined up with the white mark (during shutdown). If this is not the case, the piping designer should be notified
  • The presence of physical deformation in the support.

Piping Technology & Products constant effort supports use self-lubricating rollers and bearing, that do not require any periodic lubrication.

 

Essential Piping Support Adjustments and Calibration

Caution: Under no circumstances should an attempt be made to remove the lock nut and the load adjustment nut, in sketch 1 on next page, from the constant spring support as this will result in a serious physical injury.

Every constant spring support is calibrated in the factory and set to the load specified on the nameplate. Load adjustment in the field is discouraged as it may significantly change the system.

However, to provide for situations where it is desired to increase or decrease the constant’s design load, the constant spring supports are equipped with load adjustment capability. The load adjustment capability consists of a load adjustment scale and indicator which are used to increase (Figure 10A) or decrease (Figure 10C), the load by 10%. Thus, a 2000-pound support can be adjusted for loads from 1800 to 2200 pounds. The travel stop nuts must be engaged before an accurate load adjustment procedure can be performed. Adjusting the load to higher or lower load from the load specified on the nameplate, using the load adjustment scale, is approximate.

Note: Misalignment from the cold set at installation time does not indicate load increase or decrease in the supported system. It indicates further analyses/review is required

Note: The +/-10% in the side of the coil housing is meaningful when the support is at the cold position and locked. Once the travel stop is disengaged (pin removed, nuts backed off), this indicator should be ignored. It will be moving away from the Zero mark as the load arm moves up and down. In many cases it will go out of its load adjustment scale. The constant support is still at its designed load.

 

The +/-10% Travel Scale

The length from the Zero mark to the +10% or -10% (figure 16) varies based on the coils being used in the support. In general it varies from 1/4” to 1-1/2” starting at the Zero mark.

If smaller load % change is desired, the distance from the Zero mark to the +10% or -10% must be divided accordingly.

Formula: new load % * Distance (from Zero) / 10%

Examples:

Distance from Zero to 10% is 3/4”. To get -5%: -5 * 0.75” / 10 = -0.375” (back up the load adjustment nut 0.375”) To get +3%: 3 * 0.75” / 10 = +0.225” (compress the load adjustment nut 0.225”)

Distance from Zero to 10% is 1/2”. To get -5%: -5 * 0.5” / 10 = -0.25” (back up the load adjustment nut 0.25”) To get +3%: 3 * 0.5” / 10 = +0.15” (compress the load adjustment nut 0.15”)

 

 

Fig16

Pre-Installation Checks for Your Support Hanger

See figure 17A for an overall description of the back part of the spring coil housing.

While the red travel stop pin is NOT in place:

Pull or release the load on the hanger rod to place the cam half way within its travel slot. Most of the time, the travel slot is bigger than the total travel. If the travel slot does not exist, then set the cam midway. Hold that position in place.

1. Measure the distance between the inner face of the can’s top plate and the outer face of the spring’s closure plate; marked “H” in figure 17B.

2. Cut 2 round bars having “H” length, with a diameter equaling the spring rod diameter.

3. Backup the lock nut from the load adjustment nut located on the spring rod. Measure the distance between the edge of the spring rod and the outer surface of the load adjustment nut, marked “A” in figure 17C.

4. Pull some more on the hanger rod downward to pull in the closure plate, until you are able to slide in the 2 round bars cut earlier in step # 2. Make sure that they are placed opposite to each other between the can top plate and spring closure plates (see figure 17D).

5. Release the load on the hanger rod slowly until the round bars take the entire load from the spring. You should be able to shake the spring rod with some force at this time.

6. If load is being added, pull up some more on the hanger rod to push out the spring rod and its nut. Gap between the nut and the closure plate should be at least the nut movement or bigger.

7. Turn the nut clockwise to add load (A + nut movement), or counter clockwise to decrease load (A – nut movement). Nut movement is based on the 10% tag attached to the spring can.

8. Tighten the locking nut while holding the load adjustment nut in place.

9. Pull on the hanger rod again until you are able to release and remove the 2 round bars inserted earlier in step # 4. Expect less/more movement from the hanger rod since the spring nut has been moved (the constant is now loaded).

10. Rotate the turnbuckle to move the travel indicator pin to the desired height.

Fig17

Load Adjustment Procedure For Base Type Restricted End Spring Can

Note: Load adjustment drawing (figure 18E on page 20) is shown for type 200-F. Type 100-F has the same load adjustment procedure except that the coil housing is in the vertical position.

See figure 18A (page 20) for an overall description of the back part of the spring coil can. Position the load flange roughly halfway within its total travel range (while travel stop rods are not installed). Push it down if it is higher. Allow it to push up if it is lower. Hold that position.

1. Measure the distance between the inner face of the can’s top plate and the outer face of the spring’s closure plate; marked “H” in figure 18B (page 20).

2. Cut 2 round bars having “H” length, with a diameter equaling the spring rod diameter.

3. Backup the lock nut from the load adjustment nut located on the spring rod. Measure the distance between the edge of the spring rod and the outer surface of the load adjustment nut, marked “A” in figure 18C on page 20.

4. Lower the load flange to pull in the closure plate until you are able to slide in the 2 round bars cut earlier in step # 2 (colored green in figure 18D on page 20). Make sure that they are placed opposite to each other between the can top plate and spring closure plates.

5. Raise the load flange by using a strap (or another lifting device), up until you are able to shake the spring rod with some force. Note that the weight to be lifted is the weight of the load flange assembly only. Not the design load.

6. If load is being added, raise the load flange up some more to push out the spring rod and its nuts. Gap between the nut and the closure plate should be at least the nut movement needed or bigger. Nut movement is based on the 10% tag attached to the spring can (explained on pages 15 and 16).

7. Turn the nut clockwise to add load (A + nut movement), or counter clockwise to decrease load (A – nut movement).

8. Tighten the locking nut while holding the load adjustment nut in place.

9. Lower the load flange and remove the strap (or another lifting device).

10. Push the load flange down with force, equaling the new load, until you are able to release and remove the 2 round bars inserted earlier in step # 4. Expect less/more movement from the load flange before you are able to release the round bars inserted because the spring nut has been moved. The constant is now loaded, and can be set to the cold position if desired.

Fig18

Load Adjustment Procedure for Base Type 100-U & 200-U Restricted End Spring Can

Note: Load adjustment drawings (figure 19E & 19F on page 22) are shown for type 200-U. Type 100-U has the same procedure except that the coil housing is in the vertical position.

See figure 19A (page 22) for an overall description of the back part of the spring coil can.

Position the load table roughly halfway within its total travel range by simultaneously screwing up/down the upper 4 travel stop nuts, then screwing up the lower 4 nuts located on the 4 travel stop rods colored red. Hold that position in place.

1. Measure the distance between the inner face of the can’s top plate and the outer face of the spring’s closure plate; marked “H” in figure 19B (page 22).

2. Cut 2 round bars having “H” length, with a diameter equaling the spring rod diameter.

3. Backup the lock nut from the load adjustment nut located on the spring rod. Measure the distance between the edge of the spring rod and the outer surface of the load adjustment nut, marked “A” in figure 19C (page 22).

4. Lower the 4 bottom nuts, then lower the load table to pull in the closure plate until you are able to slide in the 2 round bars cut earlier in step # 2 (colored green in figure 19D on page 22). Make sure that they are placed opposite to each other between the can top plate and spring closure plates.

5. Raise the table by unscrewing the upper 4 travel stop nuts simultaneously until the inserted round bars take the entire load from the spring. Continue to raise the same nuts all the way to the top of the rod. You should be able to shake the spring rod with some force at this time.

6. Place spacers between the rollers and the load table feet using metal flat bars or wooden blocks (figure 19E on page 22). Minimize the gap between the rollers and spaces as much as possible.

7. Raise the load table some more by screwing up the 4 lower travel stop nuts until the rollers are pushed up about ¼” by the spacers (see figure 19F on page 22).

8. If load is being added, raise the table up some more to push out the spring rod and its nuts. Gap between the nut and the closure plate should be at least the nut movement or bigger. Nut movement is based on the 10% tag attached to the spring can (explained on pages 15 and 16).

9. Turn the nut clockwise to add load (A + nut movement), or counter clockwise to decrease load (A – nut movement).

10. Tighten the locking nut while holding the load adjustment nut in place.

11. Lower the 4 bottom travel stop nuts all the way down to separate the rollers from the spacers. Remove the spacers.

12. Lower the table some more using the 4 upper travel stop nuts, with a force that will equal to the new load, until you are able to release and remove the 2 round bars inserted earlier in step # 4. Expect less/more movement from the table before you are able to release the round bars inserted because the spring nut has been relocated.

13. Finally back up the 4 upper travel stop nuts all the way up to put the constant back in service. The constant is now loaded, and can be set to the cold position if desired.

Fig19

FAQs

 

Q: What is the primary function of a constant support?

A: A constant support is designed to provide a consistent, unvarying supporting force throughout its full range of vertical travel. This makes it ideal for piping support systems experiencing significant thermal movement, as it minimizes load transfer to connected equipment and helps maintain system integrity.

 

Q: How do I know when the spring support is properly adjusted during installation?

A: A spring support is properly adjusted when the position indicator aligns exactly with the specified hot or cold load marks on the travel scale. This confirms that the constant spring is carrying the correct calculated load of the piping system and will perform as intended throughout its range of movement.

 

Q: When do I remove the travel stops on my support hanger?

A: Travel stops or locking pins must be carefully removed from the support hanger after the piping has been fully installed, hydro-tested, and insulated, but before the system goes into active thermal operation. This ensures the support can properly accommodate thermal movement during service.

 

Q: How often should a constant spring be inspected?

A: Constant spring supports should be visually inspected during routine plant maintenance or scheduled turnarounds. Inspections should verify that the piping support components are free from excessive corrosion or debris, and that the travel indicator remains within the designed operating range to ensure proper performance.

Custom Designed Pipe Shoes for a Facility in Louisiana

 

Custom Designed Pipe Shoes for a Facility in Louisiana

 

Type: Pipe Shoes
Size: 20” x 20”x 12”
Material: A 516 Gr. 20 Carbon Steel | 304 Stainless Steel
Testing: Standard Q.C. Inspection

Pipe shoes and pipe guides are available in a variety of designs. Slide plates may be included on the pipe shoes for smooth sliding. Custom pipe shoes and anchors can be designed to meet your specific design requirements. We can design pipe supports, such as these, for use on pipelines containing expansion joints or other critical components where lateral and vertical pipe movement needs to be controlled. Similar to this design, we can also manufacture pipe supports such as spider guides (our PT&P Fig.6) that are used adjacent expansion joints in order to avoid a fulcrum that could impose lateral and vertical deflection on critical components such as pumps, compressors, and turbines often used in various green energy plants such as nuclear, geothermal, solar, biomass and hydropower. The guides of the spider guide can be furnished with split sleeves for easy installation or solid, and they can be modified to suit special applications.

PT&P custom-designed and fabricated multiple pipe shoes for a general industrial contractor in Louisiana. The base of the pipe shoes are fabricated utilizing low-temperature carbon steel A516 Gr. 70, and the clamps are fabricated from 304 stainless steel. The pipe shoes provide rigid support to the pipeline in the vertical and lateral directions while allowing axial movement. The dimensions are 20″ x 20″x 12″.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 10102019

Compact Springs for a Chemical Manufacturing Plant for Agriculture

Compact Spring Supports Custom-Designed for a Chemical Manufacturing Plant for Agriculture

Compact spring supports (also known as disc springs) were custom-designed for a chemical plant in the agricultural industry. We design each compact spring for specific applications. Usually, they are used in “tight” spaces where the conventional variable spring is too tall to fit the allowable space between the pipeline and supporting steel structures. In general, compact springs serve the same function as a conventional variable spring, to relieve vibration and stress in the pipeline and associated equipment. The springs supplied here are designed for loads ranging from 5,038 lb. to 15,144 lb. and spring rates from 5,904 lb./in. to 44,455 lb./in. Also, these disc springs were designed for thermal movement ranging from 0.011” to 0.46”. The assemblies are fabricated from 304 stainless steel and include Bronzphite® and stainless steel slide plates to lower the coefficient of friction due to lateral movement. Since there is lateral movement, the conventional variable spring would require “internally guided load columns”, however, these units incorporate a “guiding” feature within the spring’s design. They have an installed height of 10-1/2″ – 26”. Each assembly underwent load testing and other NDE and visual inspection by our QC department before shipment. Applications such as skid-mounted process equipment, pump and control skids, skid plants, and other types of skid packages where space is extremely limited are ideal applications for compact springs.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 07122021

Pipe Saddles Custom Designed for LNG Facility

 

Pipe Saddles Custom Designed for a Large Liquefaction Project at an LNG Facility

Type: Heavy-Duty Pipe Saddles
Size: Up to 48” Diameter
Material: A36 Carbon Steel
Testing: Q.C. Visual Inspection | Pipe Dimensional Tests

This week’s featured product, Piping Technology & Products, Inc. custom-designed heavy-duty pipe saddles for an LNG facility in Louisiana. The pipe saddles are part of a large liquefaction project and range in size. The largest pipe saddle will support a 48” diameter pipeline. They are fabricated utilizing A516 Gr70N low-temperature carbon steel base plates, and web plates. Standard Q.C., visual inspection with pipe dimensional tests were performed prior to shipment. A pipe saddle is a structure consisting of a saddle and integral base used to support the pipe by transmitting the load or forces to the adjacent structure. Since we are a custom fabrication shop, we specialize in the design and manufacture of pipe shoes and saddles to accommodate sloping lines, pipe elbows, hot and cold temperature lines, as well as storage tanks and pressure vessels. In addition to pipe saddles, we have also supplied a wide variety of pipe supports to LNG projects, as well as, Floating Rings. Below is just a brief list of supports supplied to LNG projects from our product portfolio:

Varibale Assemblies

Constants Assemblies

Pipe Hanger Hardware

Slide plates and wear pads

Snubbers, Sway braces

Cryogenic Insulated Shoes-G10 as well as PUF

Insulated Trunnions

Adjustable Pipe Stands

Our products have gone into all key components of LNG facilities ranging from the liquefaction plant, the flare lines, loading lines, the terminals, and storage tank facilities.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 01082020

Bulletproof Protection Shield (Critical Defense Product)

Bulletproof Protection Shield (Critical Defense Product)

  • Cost effective
  • Easy to move
  • Compact folding function for storing
  • Minimal set-up for convenient access
  • Includes bulletproof riot shields rack for placement/storage
  • No maintenance required

PT&P designed and fabricated a full coverage bulletproof shield for a company in Texas. This critical defense product is cost-effective, easy to move, compact to store, and convenient to access at a moment’s notice. Each unit includes slots in order to store four bulletproof riot shields. We hope the need never arises; however, this safety product is suited for public spaces such as schools, churches, concerts, public events, government agencies, and functions. The shield can function as a cover for a doorway providing safety to inhabitants while also allowing for mobility enabling persons the ability to exit safely from an unforeseen situation. The key design considerations this shield sought to address were safety of the defense personnel by providing for head to toe protection but also enabling mobility during one onto one incidents.
In addition to our deep technical expertise in the design and manufacturing of supports and expansion joints for piping systems, we have always been able to pivot to build what is the task in the moment by our customers and community. The bulletproof shield showcases our ability to be flexible, think outside of the box, and solve most problems.
Some of our key products, such as the big ton, are a product of this kind of exchange with our customers. We invite you to take a look at your project needs and our scale and capabilities and ask what we can do for you.

 

View video on this products’ function

C4000 through C4300 Pre-Insulated Positive Pipe Anchor

How to install this anchor on a pipe?
Does it need to be welded to pipe?

Installation Steps

Installation instructions c4000 3

  1. Center the base weldment assembly (bottom strap with shop welded outer thrust plates) under the applicable support location on the pipe section as shown.
  2. Insert the lower half shield (structural insulation material and sheet metal jacket) between the outer thrust plates and under the pipe as shown.
  3. Place the upper half shield (structural insulation material and sheet metal jacket) over the pipe and lower half shield installed in Step 2 as shown.
  4. Assemble top strap weldment assembly.
    • Top strap with shop welded outer thrust plates over the upper half shield and install the bolts through the clamp ears with nuts on top.
    • Apply the torque on the bolts, select torque value that correspond with the pipe size and model designation of the unit shown on Table 1 below. During tightening, it is recommended that the nut is turned rather than the bolt head and that the bolts be cross-torqued until the required torque has been achieved to obtain an even pressure on the structural insulation.
    • Ensure that the bolts are properly cross-torqued. by checking the spacing “B” between the ears to be approximately the same.
  5. Locate and position factory supplied inner thrust plates (two on each side of the assembly) on the pipe. Locate and position the inner thrust plates on the pipe. When properly positioned weld them to the pipe shown (see Table 1 for the weld size.)
  6. Weld base of anchor assembly to support member as shown. Select “W” (Weld Size) that correspond with the pipe size and model designation of the unit.

Installation instructions c4000 2

Inner Thrust Plate Detail

Note:
In order to act properly as designed, it is important that there is a zero clearance between the inner thrust plates and structural insert. It is recommended that the inner thrust plates be clamped tight against the structural insert before welding and remained clamped until the weld has completely cooled off to avoid or minimize shrinkage and/or distortion due to welding. If there is axial clearance, cut galvanized sheet metal shims to the same outline as the inner thrust plates and install them to reduce this clearance to zero.

People Also Ask:

Q: What is the cost of anchors?
A: We can send you a quote with the lead time.

Q: What is the lead time?
A: Estimated lead time will be sent with a quote.

Q: How to contact your company?
A: You can contact us directly.

For more information, see installation Instruction for C4000 through C4300 Pre-Insulated Positive Pipe Anchor

Graphite Slide Plate for Boiler Supplier in Canadian Plant

10 Feet Long Graphite Slide Plates for a Plant in Alberta
10 Feet Long Graphite Slide Plates for a Plant in Alberta

The top sheet of graphite measures 1/2″ x 11 1/2″ x 115 1/2″. This particular design also includes a bottom sheet of graphite with the same dimensions, but only 1/4″ thick. Each individual graphite sheet is bonded to a hot dipped galvanized backing plate with a 1/2″ lip all around for full welding. In an application where the pipe has large amount of movement due to thermal expansion, slide plates can be utilized to eliminate friction between the pipe support and the supporting member. Graphite is used when the slide plate must function at high temperatures. These particular graphite slide plates are designed for 1000ºF.

Want to learn more about slides plates? View a recording of a past slide plate webinar today!
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Variable Springs for a High-Temperature Furnace Application

PT&P Custom Designed Furnace Spring Support Cans For Chemical Plant
PT&P custom-designed and fabricated variable spring supports for a furnace application at a chemical plant in California. The furnace cans are manufactured from carbon steel and painted with red oxide primer because they are exposed to high temperatures where hot-dipped galvanizing is not feasible. The springs are designed for an operating load of 1,261 lb., with movement of 9″ and dimensions of 6″ x 52″ in length. Load tests were performed prior to a 12-14 week shipment.

Within a Reformer, heat-resistant cast alloy tubes are used to produce hydrogen during the process of desulfurization in refining plants, ammonia, methanol, and fertilizer plants. These catalyst tubes (also called reformer tubes) are periodically changed within the units after years of operating under high pressure and temperatures. The new or replacement tubes are manufactured from alloy material that can be lighter or heavier than the previous tubes installed. As a result of this weight change, new furnace springs may also need to be replaced.

Most recently we completed a project for a key client for the largest refinery in Central America with a specialized design using our nano-constant, the world’s smallest constant spring hanger. It supports 765 pounds of load and 7″ of travel in a 0.89 cubic foot envelope (7″ x 10″ x 22″). This particular furnace application required very stringent requirements of load deviation of less than 3% and all supports were made from stainless steel to meet furnace requirements. So, for these particular units, no coating was required since they were manufactured from stainless steel. In order to accomplish this special requirement, our engineering team designed and manufactured a new constant load test machine in-house.

We have manufactured various types of furnace springs and constants for a variety of EPC firms over the past few decades. Our experience and knowledge of the different designs and configurations have helped us to become one of the leading manufacturers of springs and pipe supports for furnace applications.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 07232018

Constant Supports Custom-Designed for an Ethane Cracker

Constant Spring Supports Custom-Designed with Brush Strip on Horizontal Travelers for an Ethane Cracker

These constant spring supports for an ethane cracker for one of our largest and oldest customers who we worked with almost daily for years. As a matter of fact, a majority of the hangers in this plant are supplied by PT&P dating back to 1971. Today, the new cracker project was designed to take advantage of cheap shale-derived ethane feedstock.

The constant supports were supplied with horizontal travelers with a special “brush strip” help limit the entry of foreign objects. The constants are designed to support an 8” diameter pipeline leading into a furnace. Each spring coil is neoprene coated and the spring can housing is hot-dipped galvanized to protect against corrosion. This type of rigid spring hanger uses a coil or series of coils to accommodate pipe movement throughout the piping system. These particular constant assemblies are designed for horizontal movements ranging from 1” to 6.6” and loads up to 1320 lb. We can customize any material, finish, dimension, load, load adjustment, travel, and travel stops, as well as provide sensors for remote monitoring.

This project was unique in design and testing requirements requested by the client and their customer. Every constant support we build is load-tested by our quality and production teams. In some cases, the customer will ask to witness the testing of a single unit which we do on a regular basis. However, for this project, every constant spring was witness tested with the client’s inspection and engineering teams located at our manufacturing facility utilizing our custom in-house designed test machine.

Heavy-Duty Pipe Clamps for Service at a Coal-Fired Power Plant

Heavy-Duty Pipe Clamps for Service at a Coal-Fired Power Plant

These clamps were installed in a coal-fired power plant on the Ohio River, and this plant features one of the largest smokestacks in the world at 1038 feet. For this plant, sub-bituminous coal is used in conjunction with steam turbine technology to generate thermal power with over 10k gigawatts of output annually.

Heavy-duty pipe clamps are bolted around the pipe and connect to the remainder of the pipe hanger assembly. This assembly included a Fig. 30 forged turnbuckle, which is also available on Amazon as a stocked item. PT&P maintains an extensive inventory of pipe clamps required for pipe hangers and support assemblies. These Fig. 80 three-bolt pipe clamps are fabricated from carbon steel and for this project, the pipe clamps were painted with a red oxide primer. These pipe clamps are designed for 36” diameter pipelines and are recommended for suspension of cold pipelines or hotlines where little or no insulation is required and are capable of supporting both horizontal and vertical piping. A visual inspection test along with “sample pipe” dimensional checks were conducted prior to shipment.

Such clamps can be used in any type of piping system for various industries such as chemical, biofuel, food processing, and refining plants. We have the ability to get such products at your jobsite overnight given our pipe hanger hardware inventory of over 1 million pounds, our quick order system through Amazon, and 24/7 manufacturing and engineering support provided by our teams around the clock.

Do you need this exact pipe support? Skip the line and order our standard pipe support components on Amazon. From forged carbon steel turnbuckles and light or heavy 2-bolt, 3-bolt pipe clamps, riser clamps to long tangent u-bolts, we stock standard sizes for your quick-turn orders.

Sway Braces Designed to Absorb Pipeline Vibrations Leading into a Containment Shelter

Sway Braces Designed to Absorb Pipeline Vibrations Leading into a Containment Shelter

This project highlights the application of custom-engineered sway braces to mitigate hazardous vibrations in a pipeline entering a containment shelter. Controlling movement at this critical interface is essential to preserving the integrity of the shelter’s seal and preventing structural fatigue.

To address this challenge, sway-bracing assemblies that absorb energy and resist system oscillation were fabricated. These devices function as effective adjustable pipe braces, allowing installers to make precise field adjustments to accommodate the exact installation geometry. By using a robust sway brace design, the facility effectively dampened dynamic forces, maintaining a neutral position for the piping and protecting the containment zone from resonance-induced damage.

PT&P manufactured fig. 550B sway braces for preventing excessive loading on 12″ diameter flanged expansion joints leading into a containment shelter. The sway braces include our fig. 30 forged turnbuckles, spring casing. and size 3 spring coils along with other internal components. They are fabricated from carbon steel, hot-dipped galvanized, and designed for a spring rate of 450 lb./in. These sway braces measure 91-3/8″ pin-to-pin and are suitable for full deflection forces from 200 to 1,800 lb. Initial pre-compressed spring forces are from 50 lb. to 450 lb. to dampen vibrations, oppose pipe sway and absorb shock forces.

Fig.550b sway braces

Sway braces are recommended for controlling vibration, absorbing shock loadings; guiding or restraining the movement of the pipe resulting from thermal expansion; bracing a pipeline against sway. The vibration control and sway brace is shipped and ready for installation. The rod coupling rotates with slight resistance and the tension test collar can be rotated by hand while holding the rod stationary.

The sway brace should be in the neutral position when the system is hot and operating, at which time the tension test collar should be hand tight. If it is not, the sway brace should be adjusted to the neutral position by use of the load coupling. The screws in the tension test collar need not be loosened, since they serve only to secure it to the load coupling.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the primary function of sway braces in this application? 

A: The primary function of sway braces in this application is to control vibration and restrain the pipe from lateral or swaying movement. They provide a restoring force that resists displacement, helping maintain the pipe in a stable, neutral position as it enters the containment shelter.

 

Q: Why were adjustable pipe braces specified for this project?

 A: Adjustable pipe braces were specified to accommodate field tolerances and ensure precise alignment during installation. The turnbuckle or threaded adjustment mechanism allows installers to fine-tune the brace length to match the exact distance between the pipe and the structural attachment point.

 

Q: How does sway bracing differ from a rigid strut?

 A: Unlike a rigid strut, which locks the pipe in a fixed position, sway bracing incorporates a spring mechanism that allows limited controlled movement. This design helps absorb and dampen vibration while still providing restraint. In contrast, a rigid strut transfers dynamic loads directly to the structure, increasing stress and the potential for structural damage.

 

Q: Can a single sway brace handle both tension and compression loads? 

A: Yes. A properly designed sway brace can exert a restoring force in both tension (pulling) and compression (pushing). This dual-action capability is essential for stabilizing piping systems subject to oscillation, helping control movement in either direction and maintain system stability.

 

Q: Why is vibration control critical for pipes entering a containment shelter? 

A: Unchecked vibration can compromise the seal where the pipe passes through the shelter wall. Implementing effective sway bracing minimizes movement at the penetration point, preserving the airtight or safety seal of the containment structure.

 

Q: Does the sway brace accommodate thermal expansion? 

A: Yes, to a degree. While the primary purpose is vibration damping, the spring element in the sway brace allows limited thermal movement without locking the system, provided the travel does not exceed the spring’s operating range.

 

Q: How are these sway braces sized for the application? 

A: The size of the sway brace is determined by the magnitude of the vibration forces and the weight of the piping system. Engineers calculate the required spring rate and load capacity to ensure the brace can effectively counteract dynamic forces.

 

Q: Is maintenance required for sway bracing assemblies? 

A: Yes. Routine inspection of sway bracing is recommended to ensure the springs remain within their proper load indicators and that the adjustable pipe braces have not loosened due to continuous vibration over time.

 

Constant Supports Designed with Bronzphite® Slide Plates for Oil Refinery in China

These big-ton constant spring supports with Bronzphite® slide plates were designed for a 400 KTA light oil processing and utilization unit in Southeast Asia. The constants are designed for high loads and utilize self-lubricating bearing plates consisting of high-quality bronze and graphite-filled grooves. Bronzphite® can be used where temperatures are up to 1100°F and for high loads, low-velocity applications, and in places where the use of oil or grease is undesirable or unfeasible.

Big Ton Constant Supports Designed with Bronzphite® Slide Plates for Oil Refinery in China

PT&P custom-designed and manufactured a total of four big ton constant spring supports w/ Brozphite® slide plates for a 400 KTA light oil for a processing and utilization unit at one of the largest of largest oil refineries in China. In US refineries, crude oil still makes up a majority of what is produced today: Us energy info admin petroleum supply

These constant assemblies were fabricated from carbon steel and hot-dipped galvanized for extra protection against corrosion. The bronze plate acts as the bearing surface, supporting heavy loads, while the graphite inserts provide a solid, oil-free sliding surface. They are designed for operating temperatures up to 1100°F and an operating load of 187,393 lb., with 1-1/2″ total travel.  It is through the combination of high-strength bearings and impregnated graphite that it is an ideal environment for maintaining excellent wear resistance and durability under severe operating conditions.  Load and travel testing was performed prior to shipment.

Bronzphite slide plate

For this particular crude oil production and mining facility, we also supplied other key products from our portfolio, including variables, snubbers, sway braces, and sway struts. Petroleum refineries change crude oil into products such as jet fuel, gasoline, polypropylene, polyethylene, propane, sulfur, carbon black feed, and diesel that can be used for transportation, heating, feedstocks for making other chemicals, generating electricity, renewable energy, and paving roads.

As an industry leader in the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries for over 47 years, we specialize in designing pipe supports, expansion joints, and insulated supports for unique applications involving both products readily available and products not readily available. Our products are used in the CDU (crude distillation units), hydrocracking units, RFCC (residual fluid catalytic cracking), naphtha hydrotreater, hydrodesulfurization units (also known as alkylation units), and sulphuric acid regeneration (SAR) units in refineries.

 

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 09252017

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