Insulated pipe supports are designed to prevent direct heat transfer between pipes and their supports. Thus, they prevent heat loss due to conduction at each support. Whether a cold or hot temperature pipeline, the transfer from cold to hot or hot to cold is prevented. They serve the following purposes: Carry the load and allow necessary movement (when used with slide plates) at each point of support, provide insulation in the support area where the regular pipe insulation is not sufficient to support the load and minimize installation costs by reducing the time required to install the support. The supports are not welded to the pipe, and each unit is shipped completely assembled (except for the riser supports and anchor supports, both of which require some welding). In HVAC and plumbing applications, insulated supports also help prevent condensation and corrosion under insulation (CUI) by maintaining the vapor barrier at the support point. Their use contributes to better energy performance, reduced maintenance, and compliance with MEP design standards focused on energy efficiency and moisture control in building systems.
For this project, we custom-designed 98 insulated pipe supports for an ammonia project at a chemical plant in Louisiana. The supports were designed for both cryogenic and high-temperature pipe systems, with an 8″ to 22″ baseplate width and a 10″ to 28″ saddle length. They were designed for pipe diameters of 6″-24″ and are composed of polyurethane foam for cryogenic and high-density calcium silicate insulation for high temperatures. Standard Q.C. and dimensional tests were performed prior to shipment.
This project was a combination of upgrading a current anhydrous ammonia plant and adding new capacity to the facility. We worked with the EPC, on-site contractors, and operators to ensure specifications and delivery deadlines were met over a three-year period during project construction. In addition to the insulated supports discussed here, we designed, manufactured, and shipped bellmouth reducers, metallic expansion joints, pipe shoe guides and anchors, pipe hanger hardware, slide plates, snubbers, sway braces, struts, and variable spring supports.
Beyond ammonia and chemical processing facilities, insulated pipe supports are widely used across other industries where thermal control and system integrity are essential. These include petrochemical plants, LNG and cryogenic gas facilities, power generation plants, and district energy systems for heating and cooling networks. They are also integral to MEP infrastructure in data centers, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and food processing plants, where preventing condensation and maintaining precise temperature control are critical. In each of these applications, insulated supports help maintain energy efficiency, protect against corrosion under insulation, and ensure long-term reliability of piping systems operating under extreme temperature conditions.
PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 06232015
