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.
A trunnion pipe support is a structural component used to support a piping system and is connected directly to the process line. It functions as a secondary pipe element, helping hold the main line in position for stability. ASME standards guide their application and analysis to ensure safety and reliability, particularly in high-energy piping and under various operating conditions.
In standard applications, trunnions are used to:
Support sections of pipe vulnerable to weight or stress
Help manage pressure at directional changes like elbows
Provides added stability and structural strength by helping reinforce the system at critical load points
Prevent displacement under heavy loads or external forces
In cryogenic systems, however, added challenges emerge. Maintaining thermal insulation at support points is critical. Without it, heat transfer through the support could lead to the evaporation of liquids into gases, cause condensation, and/or result in ice buildup. Over time, this can damage the pipe or disrupt flow.
Custom Trunnion Base ELL Pipe Supports for Cryogenic LNG Applications
Trunnions Designed with Insulation for an LNG Facility
At an LNG gasification facility, our customer required pipe supports that could prevent the transfer of heat and provide trunnion-like stability and strength. Piping Technology & Products collaborated closely with the client to design a customized solution that met both mechanical and thermal performance requirements.
The result was a trunnion base ELL support with a layered construction: an A36 carbon steel base, an integrated insulation block, and a stainless steel pipe saddle. This configuration prevented heat transfer between the pipe and the support.
By incorporating an insulation block into this design, we prevented heat transfer from the trunnion pipe support to the process line, which is a feature that a standard trunnion does not offer. The trunnion keeps the cold pipe separated from warmer support steel, suppressing frost build-up at the base and pipe rack. The pre-insulated support design maintained a steady temperature for the LNG from Point A to Point B, preventing it from warming up and converting from a liquid into a gas.
What Is a Trunnion Base ELL Support and How Does It Work?
A trunnion base ELL support for LNG applications is a specialized insulated pipe support designed for cold-service and cryogenic process lines. It supports the main pipe while creating a thermal break between the pipe and the support base.
Unlike standard trunnions, which are not designed to address thermal integrity, this design minimizes thermal bridging.
It typically uses:
A carbon steel base for structural strength
A block insulation layer to isolate temperature
A stainless steel pipe saddle that connects to the process pipe
Where Trunnion Base ELL Supports Are Used
Trunnion base ELL supports are specifically designed for cold-service environments where thermal performance is critical.
They are commonly used in LNG liquefaction and gasification facilities, where maintaining sub-zero temperatures is essential to system operations and safety. These supports also play a key role in ethylene and ammonia plants, which use chilled piping to move process materials while minimizing energy loss.
In all cases, the design enables operators to move product from one stage to the next without experiencing temperature changes, condensation, or structural complications caused by frost buildup.
Key Field Benefits
Thermal isolation is built in; it prevents cold pipe surfaces from transferring extreme temperatures to structural steel, helping maintain safe operating loads without added field insulation.
Reduces condensation, prevents ice formation, and pipe damage
Custom-fit to specification for pipe sizes ranging from 2 in. to 60 in., fitting cleanly into the line
Supports heavy vertical loads while preserving pipe wall integrity
Material matched to the parent pipe to maintain mechanical and chemical compatibility
Delivered fast, often within weeks, even for custom builds
Provides rigid support in low-movement areas, preventing pipe sag or collapse in static runs or where line displacement is minimal.
Helps reduce stress at elbows and vertical transitions, reinforcing piping in high-pressure or structurally sensitive locations.
Why Engineers Choose Trunnion Base ELL Supports
Engineers specify trunnion base ELL supports when thermal isolation is non-negotiable. These supports are sized according to the process pipe’s outside diameter and insulation thickness, ensuring a proper interface without modifying the pipe’s thermal envelope.
The materials used, including carbon steel (for areas not in direct contact with the process line), high-performance insulation, and stainless steel, are known to perform reliably in environments that reach as low as -300°F.
Why Project Managers Trust It
Project managers rely on trunnion base ELL supports to avoid the common pitfalls that delay cold-service projects. Because the insulation is integrated into the support design, there’s no need to coordinate separate insulation crews or handle last-minute RFIs about support height or fit-up.
Eliminating this extra field work speeds up installation, lowers labor coordination complexity, and reduces the risk of frost-related damage during startup. By arriving job-ready and material-matched, these supports enable faster handoff to commissioning teams and help keep the schedule on track.
Why Choose Piping Technology for Your Cryogenic Pipe Supports
We deliver custom-engineered cryogenic pipe supports built to meet the exact demands of cold-service environments.
Our in-house team manages the entire fabrication process, from material selection to final delivery, providing you with tighter control over schedule and quality.
For complex or high-load applications, we can perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to verify stress points and optimize steel thickness for performance and safety. With decades of experience and a proven track record in LNG, ammonia, and ethylene systems, we provide both the technical expertise and manufacturing speed your project requires.
When dealing with cryogenic piping systems, thermal isolation is more than a preference, it’s a necessity.
That’s where cold shoes come in. Cold shoes are specialized pre-insulated pipe supports designed to prevent the transfer of extreme cold from the pipe to surrounding structures.
These supports are critical in preserving structural integrity and ensuring safe operation in cryogenic environments, withstanding temperatures as low as -300°F.
At Piping Technology & Products, we manufacture cold shoes with high-density polyurethane foam (PUF) insulation. Known for its superior thermal resistance, low weight, and adaptability, PUF is ideal for minimizing heat transfer while maintaining structural support.
Built for Extreme Conditions — and Big Pipelines
In a project for a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility in Mozambique, we fabricated a series of custom-designed cryogenic pipe supports engineered for performance in high-demand applications.
Key Product Specs:
Pipe Diameters: 30″ to 72″
Support Dimensions: 45″ to 88″ high, 42-1/2″ to 85-1/2″ wide, 28″ to 33″ long
Insulation: 5″ to 6″ thick high-density polyurethane foam
Materials: Carbon steel with hot-dip galvanized finish; aluminized steel jacket for vapor barrier
Polyurethane foam insulation (PUF) was selected for its reliability under thermal stress and ability to be customized to various pipe sizes.
Our in-house engineering and fabrication capabilities allow us to deliver high-performance supports that meet exact project specifications while minimizing installation and maintenance issues.
Designed for the LNG Industry
LNG facilities demand exceptional durability, reliable thermal performance, and insulation systems that prevent heat ingress into cryogenic pipelines. Without proper cryogenic pipe supports like cold shoes, LNG systems face a range of serious challenges:
Boil-Off Gas (BOG): Heat ingress can cause LNG to vaporize, leading to pressure buildup and product loss.
Frost and Ice Formation: External surfaces can ice over, causing structural stress and safety hazards for workers.
Material Embrittlement: Non-cryogenic components may crack or fail when exposed to ultra-low temperatures.
Increased Energy Use: Systems become less efficient, requiring more power to maintain cryogenic conditions.
Environmental and Safety Risks: Uninsulated lines can leak LNG vapor, potentially forming flammable gas clouds.
These issues drive up costs, introduce safety concerns, and reduce system reliability.
From small-bore lines to massive pipe systems like those in this project, our cold shoes are engineered to prevent these outcomes at LNG operating plants.
With high-density PUF insulation and heavy-duty construction, they support large-diameter lines while minimizing thermal transfer, resisting corrosion, and protecting the integrity of LNG infrastructure.
Beyond Cold Shoes: Full-Scope Support for LNG Projects
Piping Technology & Products is more than a manufacturer—we’re a project partner. In addition to cold shoes, we offer a comprehensive suite of products commonly used in LNG and other cryogenic applications:
No matter the environment or engineering challenge, we deliver solutions that align with your project goals—on time, on spec, and ready for installation.
Need custom cryogenic supports or want to discuss your next LNG project?
These cold shoe pre-insulated pipe supports were designed for a cryogenic pipeline at a petrochemical complex in Louisiana. These supports range in size from 46" to 52" in diameter and are engineered for temperatures as low as -20°F. The supports feature a dual-density polyurethane foam (PUF) insulation: the top portion has a density of 10 lb., while the bottom is 20 lb. high-density PUF. The shoe and bearing plates are constructed from carbon steel and finished with hot-dip galvanization for durability and corrosion protection. These cold shoes also include a vapor barrier, consisting of a three-layer lamination of polyester film and aluminum foil, ensuring effective insulation. Standard quality control tests were conducted on all units before shipment to ensure compliance with performance standards.
This type of cold shoe design is also utilized on liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage tanks. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) storage tanks are specialized containers designed to store LNG, which is natural gas that has been cooled to a liquid state at approximately -260°F (-162°C). This liquefaction process reduces the volume of the gas by about 600 times, making it much more efficient to store and transport. Most LNG tanks are double-walled with an inner and outer shell. The inner shell, typically made of stainless steel or nickel alloy, contains the LNG, while the outer shell, often made of carbon steel or concrete, provides structural support and can store up to 200,000 cubic meters or more.
Our pre-insulated pipe support portfolio is the most complete in terms of the types of insulation we work with and the industries we serve. We design and manufacture supports with:
Permali (Cold Shoe) – Temperature range: Ambient to -300°F – Compressive strength: 22,000 PSI – Tensile strength: 28,000 PSI **
Micarta (Cold Shoe) – Temperature range: Ambient to -300°F – Compressive strength: 39,000 PSI – Tensile strength: 12,000 PSI **
Polyurethane (Cold Shoe) – Temperature range: Ambient to -300°F – Compressive strength: 200 PSI to 911 PSI (dependent on density) – Tensile strength: 12,000 PSI
Foam Glass (Cold or Hot Shoe)** – Temperature range: -450°F to 1,000°F – Compressive strength: 100 PSI – Tensile strength: 50 PSI
Marinite (Hot Shoe) – Temperature range: Ambient to 1,200°F – Compressive strength: 2,000 PSI – Tensile strength: 500 PSI **F. Calcium Silicate (Hot Shoe)** – Temperature range: Ambient to 1,200°F – Compressive strength: 160 PSI – Tensile strength: 50 PSI
The supports can be manufactured with carbon steel or stainless or the material the project may require. The thrush plates can be hastelloy, inconel, etc depending on the pipe material. Working with different metallurgies is a part of standard manufacturing protocols.
These supports are deployed in semiconductor, petrochemical, nuclear, blue hydrogen, blue ammonia, solar, LNG, pharma, data centers, automotive, mines, pulp/paper, building materials, food processing and EV battery plants.
Pipe Shields/PT&P designed and manufactured pre-insulated pipe shoes for a 54″ diameter pipeline in a propane dehydrogenation unit within a chemical processing plant in Texas. The hot shoes are custom-designed with a wide base along with slide plates to accommodate lateral movement and axial movements of +/- 4 1/2″. We designed the hot shoes to include additional bolting along with bolting torque recommendations in order to help prevent slippage of the pipe inside the pipe shoe. We designed the supports to accommodate vertical loads up to 22,200 lb. and temperatures up to 1800°F. The outer part of the shoe was manufactured of hot-dipped galvanized carbon steel while the inner insulation material is 4″ thick high-density calcium silicate insulation.
Here’s a breakdown of their key purposes:
Load Bearing and Movement: Insulated pipe supports are designed to carry the weight of the pipe while also accommodating necessary movement. This is important to prevent stress on the piping system and ensure its longevity.
Insulation: In areas where regular pipe insulation cannot be installed, such as at support points, high density insulated pipe supports can both support the vertical load while providing a layer of insulation. This helps to maintain the temperature of the fluid flowing through the pipes and minimizes heat loss.
Cost Efficiency: By reducing heat loss and minimizing the need for additional insulation materials, insulated pipe supports can help minimize the overall cost of field installation. Additionally, their pre-assembled nature saves installation time, further contributing to cost efficiency.
Non-Welded Design: Unlike traditional supports that may require welding to attach to the pipe, insulated pipe supports are not welded. This simplifies installation and reduces the risk of damage to the pipe or insulation during the installation process.
Shipment as Fully Assembled Units: Insulated pipe supports are typically shipped as fully assembled units, except for certain types like riser supports and anchor supports, which may require some welding during installation. This pre-assembly reduces the need for on-site assembly and ensures consistency in quality across installations.
Overall, insulated pipe supports offer a comprehensive solution for maintaining thermal efficiency, structural integrity, and cost-effectiveness in piping systems.
Operating Temp.up to 1800°F
Operating Loads up to 1000 lb.
Movements of +/- 4-1/2″
Testing:
Standard Q.C. Inspections
Pipe Shields, Inc., a division of PT&P, custom-designed insulated pipe supports for high temperatures in a chemical plant. These "hot shoes" are fabricated from A36 carbon steel and include a hot-dipped galvanized finish. They range in nominal pipe sizes from 1" to 3" and include 1"-2" thick calcium silicate insulation. The supports are designed for an operating temperature up to 1800°F and operating loads up to 1000 lb, with +/- 4 -1/2 movement. Quality control inspections were performed before shipping to Indiana.
Pipe Shields Inc. pioneered the design and manufacture of pre-insulated pipe supports, slides, guides and anchors and is a subsidiary of Piping Technology and Products, Inc. Our products are ubiquitous, serving diverse industries including hospitals, airports, semiconductor plants, automotive plants, EV battery plants, data centers, pharmaceutical plants, food processing, petrochemical plants, and power and renewable energy plants sometimes used in cold service lines and some dual temp lines between TCUs (temperature control units) and reactor jackets. Engineers often specify Pipe Shields and PT&P products as the foundation for designing various piping systems.
Last year we built over 50,000 units of this kind of support in our Houston-based manufacturing facility. We were the first in the industry to employ the use of high-speed manufacturing automation to facilitate the cutting of the high-density calcium silicate to meet tight deliveries required for the projects. The advent of computer-controlled cutting equipment has improved how we do things at PT&P. Integrating these advanced technologies has led to significant improvements in manufacturing processes, enabling unparalleled accuracy in cutting high-density insulation. Computer-controlled cutting equipment allows for intricate and complex designs that were once challenging or impossible to achieve manually. Automating cutting processes has not only reduced human error but also enhanced productivity by accelerating production speeds. Moreover, these systems provide a high level of repeatability, ensuring consistent quality across multiple iterations. Another benefit was that we were able to reduce the material waste generated by human cutting by roughly 10-15%, which allowed us to remain price-competitive on a global scale.
Piping Technology & Products, Inc. designed and manufactured pre-insulated pipe supports for a high-temperature pipeline for a gold mine. Our subsidiary, Pipe Shields, created this category and family of products.
The “hot shoes” are 16″ in diameter, including 4″ of insulation, and are 18″ in length. They are fabricated from A240 Gr 304 L stainless steel and high-density calcium silicate insulation. The insulation material is noncombustible and can be supplied in varying densities to accommodate different loading applications. This type of insulated support is also utilized in lithium battery plants, automotive manufacturing, data centers, semiconductor manufacturing facilities, sports stadiums, hospitals, and other facilities where there are high-temperature pipelines. In many cases, these lines are for chilled water, hot water, and HVAC systems. These hot shoes are custom designed to support loads from 25,000 lb. to 50,000 lb. at an operating temperature of 1,400°F. Standard tests were performed for a three-week rush job.
For this particular project, we provided a larger scope of material in addition to the pre-insulated supports shown here. We worked with the pipe module fabricator and the EPC for the same project. The scope of material and services included engineering services, insulated supports, pipe hanger hardware, clamps, rods, guides, anchors, structural bolts, nuts, and washers. The project dates back to 2010; however, this mine has last year undergone a plant expansion and mine life extension project designed to increase throughput and allow the operation to maintain a minimum annual gold production of approximately 800,000oz until 2040.
We regularly support customers for the life of their facilities, sometimes over 40 years. We see every customer relationship as long-term and strategic so we can be part of their continued success.
PT&P manufactured cryogenic pipe saddles for LNG transportation pipelines. These types of insulated supports have been utilized in LNG plants around the world. Insulated supports are also used on cold piping in semiconductor plants or plants that make batteries to eliminate condensation.
A cold shoe is a pipe support used for cryogenic applications where the transfer of cold temps from the pipeline to the surrounding steel pipe rack is not desirable. These supports can be used for temperatures down to -320° Fahrenheit. This particular type of insulated pipe saddle assembly was fabricated with a carbon steel base plate, 304L stainless steel saddle, and an insulation block. The overall size ranges from 25” x 19” x 12-¾” to 29” x 25” x 13-3/8”. These pipe shoes were manufactured to support pipe sizes ranging in diameter from 36″ to 42″ NPS.
For this job, our client was a new entrant into the LNG engineering and design market space, and this was one of their capstone projects internally and for the marketplace. Given PTP’s long history and experience concerning LNG pipe supports, we served as strategic partners in the engagement. We identified that the client was using a pre-existing standard that underestimated the amount of Micarta® insulation thickness needed to provide adequate insulation for the facility.
PT&P engineers recognized that the insulation was not sufficient, and we tested the existing design using a test fixture we developed to demonstrate our concern. PT&P utilized thermal scanning (infrared technology) to measure temperature at various locations around the insulated pipe support. As a result of our tests, our client corrected the concern, saving dollars, man hours, and scheduled project completion.
Our work with facilities such as these are a great example of our commitment to providing clean, affordable energy to the world.
304 L Stainless Steel | Protective Coating | Micarta® Insulation
Design:
20″ L x 36″ W x 75″ H | 56″ Dia. Pipeline | -459°F
Testing:
Load & Pull Tests
PT&P designed over 4,000 supports for LNG service in Texas. These pre-insulated pipe shoe and clamp assemblies were custom designed for cryogenic temperatures with special low-temperature grade NP500CR Micarta® insulation. This type of Micarta® consists of a glass fabric with a specially formulated epoxy resin. It has excellent physical properties at operating temperatures down to -459°F. It has very low thermal conductivity and has been produced specifically for use in cryogenic applications. The shoes pictured are fabricated from 304 L stainless steel, A193 GR. B8 bolting, with a protective coating and designed for a 56″ diameter pipeline. The shoes measure 20″ long, 36″ wide(base), and 75″ high. This project included supports varied in pipe sizes from ¾” to 56″ in diameter. Load tests were performed prior to shipping this rush order.
As a leader in the supply of pipe supports for LNG facilities, we’ve passed on to our client’s design expertise, innovations, and deliverables for over 30 years. For this project, we supplied over 90,000 pipe supports over a three-year period, including:
On-site field assistance to identify the material, address material shortages, and inspection
Constant spring supports
Fabricated pipe shoes, guides, and anchors
Insulated shoes and supports
Structural supports
Slide plates
Sway braces and struts
Variable Spring supports
Wear Pads
In recent years, the use of various new and improved insulating materials have helped to produce a better product, made installation easier, lowered maintenance costs, and extended the life of the support. We offer testing at our manufacturing facility in Houston utilizing thermal scanning (infrared technology) to measure temperature at various locations around the support. Often, we build the test structures that are then employed to analyze different products for improvement based on client needs and product optimization in manufacturing and design. The results often lead to design improvements that improve the efficiency of the piping system and reduction in the cost of installation in the field. We offer 24×7 web-based emergency services, providing field service and quick turn-around time when you need it most.
Pipe Shields, Inc., a division of PT&P custom-designed insulated pipe supports with rollers for high-temperature pipelines for a Vaporizer located in Malaysia. The “hot shoes” are fabricated from A36 carbon steel and include FireTemp 28 PCF & 18 PCF. The supports are 79” OD x 18” long x 87” high and designed with Hilman rollers for supporting the pipe from below while allowing it to move axially with minimum friction. Quality control inspections were performed before shipping.
