What is the Advantage and Disadvantage of pipe support clamp

Utilizing the right pipe hanger is essential for ensuring the stability and integrity of piping systems. Pipe hangers provide support and help prevent damage, and several important elements need to be considered when selecting the most suitable option. The factors that impact pipe system performance include the environment in which it is installed and the particular requirements of the system.

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This article will outline the key considerations to keep in mind when choosing a pipe hanger for your project.

What is a Pipe Hanger?

Pipe hangers are hardware used in construction and plumbing to steady and support pipes. They help align, reduce vibration, and prevent sagging by suspending pipes from walls or ceilings. Pipe hangers are versatile and can support different pipe materials, including PVC, copper, and steel. They come in different designs and sizes to fit various pipe sizes, applications, and load capacities.

1. Clevis Hangers

A Clevis hanger is used to support horizontal pipe runs in a variety of different applications. It&#;s designed to enable the efficient suspension of piping in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, among other utilities.

The Clevis hanger is comprised of a clevis and a U-bolt. The clevis wraps around the pipe, while the U-bolt fits over it. The two parts are secured with nuts for hanging the pipe at an adjustable height and angle, which is one of the benefits of using a clevis hanger.

2. Riser Clamps

Riser clamps are specifically designed to support vertical piping. They clamp onto the pipe and allow the pipe&#;s weight to be carried across a larger area. They are often used in building and industrial applications where vertical pipes need to be secured and supported, especially when running through multiple floor and ceiling levels.

A riser clamp works by transferring the load of the pipe to the building structure. It encircles the pipe and is tightened to hold the pipe securely. The lower part of the clamp, which is flat, rests on the upper surface of the structural member (like a floor or a beam). The upper part of the clamp grips the pipe to prevent it from moving downward.

3. Sliding Saddles

A Sliding saddle is a type of pipe support designed to manage both the weight of the pipe, and any movement from thermal expansion and contraction. It consists of two main parts: the saddle and a base that it can slide on. The saddle is shaped to fit the contour of the pipe, and distribute its weight over a larger area to reduce the pressure on any single point.

The sliding base underneath the saddle is typically constructed of two plates of material, often metal, with low friction between them. One plate is fixed, and the other is connected to the saddle, and can slide on the fixed plate.

4. J-Hangers

J-Hangers are ideal for light loads and can be easily attached to structural members with a rod or fastener. The J-shaped design provides superior support for piping systems. J-hangers are often used for light-duty applications, particularly with smaller diameter pipes such as those used in residential or light commercial plumbing.

One end of the J-hanger is typically attached to a structure such as a wall or ceiling using screws or other fasteners, while the curved portion of the J provides support for the pipe. The design allows the pipe to be easily inserted and removed from the hanger, which makes it a flexible choice for installations where adjustments may be needed.

5. Band Hangers

Band hangers are brackets that support insulated or non-insulated pipes from overhead and allow for vertical adjustment. They are frequently utilized in fire safety sprinkler systems to suspend and join piping. Band hangers are used in commercial buildings and large multi-family complexes due to their lightweight design and lower costs.

6. Spring Hangers

Spring hangers are used for supporting piping systems that undergo significant vertical movement due to thermal expansion contraction, vibrations, or other dynamic forces.

Spring hangers consist of a spring mechanism that allows the pipe to move while still providing support. The spring mechanism can either be variable spring hangers or constant spring hangers, depending on the application:

Variable Spring Hangers

Variable spring hangers work on the principle that the support load remains relatively constant while the pipe moves. As the pipe moves due to thermal expansion or contraction, the spring compresses or expands to accommodate the movement to maintain the support.

Constant Spring Hangers

Constant spring hangers maintain a nearly constant supporting force over the entire travel range of the support. This is usually accomplished by a mechanical system within the support that compensates for the changing spring force as the hanger moves.

Constant spring hangers are typically used in situations where a variation in the force supporting the pipe could cause problems, such as damage to the pipe or connected equipment.

7. Split Ring Hangers

Split ring hangers are a type of pipe hanger used to suspend or mount pipes, especially in scenarios where the pipe cannot be turned or moved significantly.

They are commonly used in both light industrial and commercial applications. As their name suggests, split ring hangers are designed as a ring that is split into two parts.

This allows them to be installed or removed without having to lift or move the pipe, which makes them a convenient choice for certain installations. The hanger encircles the pipe to provide support over a large surface area, which can help to distribute the weight of the pipe and reduce stress points.

Typically, one end of the hanger is bolted or screwed into a wall, ceiling, or other structural member, while the other end can be adjusted to securely grip the pipe.

8. Roller Hangers

Roller hangers and supports are a specialized type of pipe support used to accommodate the movement of the pipes due to thermal expansion, contraction, and other dynamics. They consist of a hanger attached to a structure like a ceiling or wall, and a roller that the pipe rests on.

The roller allows the pipe to move back and forth with less friction than if it was resting directly on a stationary hanger. This can help reduce stress on the pipe, particularly in high-temperature applications where thermal expansion and contraction can be significant.

Choosing the Right Pipe Hanger

Selecting the right type of pipe hanger involves considering the specific needs of your piping system, including load, movement, and temperature conditions. Buckaroos, Inc. offers a comprehensive range of high-quality pipe hangers to meet diverse system requirements, for effective, long-lasting pipe support.

Here are some key considerations:

Pipe Material

Some materials may require specific types of support or may not be compatible with certain types of hangers. For example, copper piping may need specific types of hangers to prevent galvanic corrosion when in contact with different metals.

Pipe Size and Weight

The diameter and weight of the pipe, including the weight of the contents it carries, are key factors. Larger, heavier pipes require stronger, more robust hangers.

Thermal Expansion and Contraction

If the pipe carries fluids at high temperatures, it may expand and contract significantly. In such cases, adjustable or flexible hangers like spring hangers or roller hangers, which can accommodate this movement, might be needed.

Vibration

In some applications, such as machinery or equipment that generates vibrations, specialized hangers designed to dampen or resist vibration may be necessary.

Corrosion Resistance

In environments where corrosion is a concern, such as in chemical plants or outdoor installations, hangers made from corrosion-resistant materials or with protective coatings may be necessary.

Load Distribution

Ensuring that the weight of the pipe is evenly distributed can help prevent damage to the pipe. Certain hanger designs, like band hangers, are particularly good at evenly distributing the load.

Pipe Support Products from Buckaroos

Buckaroos® Sliding Saddles are special saddles designed for use in dynamic piping systems. They provide controlled linear movement at hanger locations. Sliding Saddles can be used instead of roller hangers, which can be expensive and prone to rust. A combination of Sliding Saddles, Clevis hangers, and rigid insulation is cost-effective and more efficient. You can easily identify each Sliding Saddle by its Sliding Saddle sticker label.

The CleviShield&#; from Buckaroos offers protection to the vapor barrier that encapsulates the pipe and a durable means of supporting overhead piping, ranging in size from 2&#; O.D. to 12&#; O.D. The product is composed of a galvanized shield that rests in a centered position inside a galvanized clevis hanger. The two components are welded together at point of contact. Depending on the application, the CleviShield&#; is available in galvanized carbon steel or stainless steel.

The High Density Fiberglass Blocks come in different sizes and are used to provide support for insulated pipes that pass through load-bearing clevis hanger support locations. They help maintain uniform insulation thickness and prevent any damage that could occur from compression.

The Buckaroos® Support is a wooden dowel precision-cut and attached to a PVC disc. The supports are designed to provide extra strength to pipe insulation where it passes through load-bearing clevis hanger supports on insulated pipe systems. By adding rigidity, the insulation is better protected from being compressed excessively or getting damaged, which helps maintain its consistency and thickness.

Buckaroos Clean Saddles&#; are used to support medium and light compressive strength pipe insulations in Clevis hanger piping systems. The saddles work with various pipe insulation materials such as rubber tubing, phenolic foam, polyisocyanurate, cellular glass, and fiberglass. They are particularly useful for ammonia refrigeration, chilled water, refrigeration, plumbing, and heating piping systems.

Get the Best Pipe Support Solutions with Buckaroos

Ready to explore our comprehensive range of pipe hangers and find the perfect solution for your project? Visit Buckaroos Inc. today! We have a team of experts who can help you choose from our wide selection of piping systems to optimize your system&#;s performance. Don&#;t settle for less &#; choose Buckaroos for unparalleled quality and reliability.

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Piping systems can be deceptive. When they&#;re running smoothly, it&#;s hard to see the wear, danger, and deterioration subtly creeping in. However, they&#;re up against powerful natural hazards.

Pipes carry corrosive materials and often face extreme external climates. Movement and vibrations are inherent, and as heavy metallic structures move, they wear down, corrode, and risk breaking open.

At the same time, changes in temperature stand as another foe to piping systems. Temperature changes can cause heat transfer, promote damaging friction, and create destructive ice formation.

WHAT COULD GO WRONG?

With pipes strained by so many forces, piping systems are up against the constant danger of ruptures and on-site disasters. The good news? Pipe supports can protect pipes from many of the most menacing issues. And as soon as you understand how to fight off the most common destructive forces, you can begin to protect them, too.

Galvanic Corrosion

Galvanic corrosion is an electrochemical process by which one metal causes another metal to corrode and break down. This type of corrosion requires three things: an anode (one metal), a cathode (a second metal), and an electrolyte (usually water, bacteria, or grime).

Simply put, metals have different physical properties. A more noble metal (the cathode) has a tendency to hold on to its electrons and pull electrons from other sources, whereas more basic metals (the anodes) are eager to give their electrons away. That means that when you connect these dissimilar metal types in an electron-heavy environment, the more basic metal will give its electrons to the more noble metal. When a metal gives up its electrons, galvanic corrosion begins, and the metal will rust.

Fitting Failure

Pipe restraints and fittings can help reinforce systems and stop destruction. However, it&#;s possible to put too much pressure on these tools, and that can cause more serious problems. Sloppy installation can easily lead to worn parts and broken fittings, which can set off a chain reaction that snaps or collapses other parts within your piping system.

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It&#;s important to get past the common belief that stopping pipe movement altogether is always the best option. Instead, fittings should promote natural, axial movement and reduce friction whenever possible. At the same time, supports need to be able to hold up to vibrations, pressure, and pipe weight.

THE ROLE OF PIPING SOLUTIONS

Pipe supports are built to counter these forces, and quality piping solutions will lengthen the lifespan of your whole piping system.

First, supports should reduce corrosion. This usually means adding insulation that discourages metal-on-metal corrosion. Because galvanic corrosion occurs when two dissimilar metals interact, supports can stop this destruction by insulating pipes.

Pipe supports can also strengthen systems by physically reinforcing them. In some instances, they can add a protective barrier between the pipe&#;s surface and surrounding harsh surfaces. In this way, supports can prevent ruptures and tears.

At the same time, an efficient support will reduce friction and the wear that results. When a pipe rubs against surrounding surfaces, it becomes vulnerable to cracks, tears, and corrosion. With every small opening that forms, corrosive materials are able to seep in and cause damage. Pipe supports also help pipes move more fluently so they can avoid ruptures or fitting failures.

Wondering how pipe shoes fit into this equation? Pipe shoes should have the same broad goal as other pipe supports. However, they accomplish these goals in a unique way.

For instance, your pipes may be made up of carbon steel. If the surrounding I-beams are made of a more noble metal, like stainless steel, then resting bare carbon pipes directly on beams is dangerous. In time, the electrons from your carbon pipes will pass into the more noble stainless-steel beam. This results in a carbon pipe that&#;s eaten away or weakened. In this case, pipe shoes lift carbon pipes off of the dissimilar metal of the beam and protect them.

Even if metals are compatible, shoes can prevent destruction. Pipes can move for any number of reasons. Vibrations can cause pipes to shift, heat changes can cause pipes to swell or contract, and sloshing liquids inside pipes can create movement. As pipes move, pipe shoes keep different materials from grinding against each other. In the same way, they minimize the movement and direct wear that comes with temperature changes.

This is especially apparent in systems that face extreme cold, like liquid natural gas (LNG) plants. In these cases, even if the connected metals get along, they encourage damaging ice formation. Because metals are conductive, the metal of the beam will encourage heat transfer in pipes. Heat naturally wants to flow between metals. This means metals that touch encourage thermal contraction, ice formation, moving pipes, and surface damage. Well-insulated pipe shoes will help stabilize pipe temperatures and keep heat from exiting or entering pipes.

Regardless of temperature and external conditions, bare pipes that rest on surrounding objects are subject to grinding, friction, and wear. Temperatures and corrosive environments amplify damage. In turn, pipe shoes keep pipes from grinding, tearing, and leaking.

Finally, and most importantly, pipe shoes can allow for a safer working environment because they make it possible to install insulation and personal protection cages on pipe that is too dangerous for workers to be exposed to or touch. By elevating the pipe, the line can be fully encapsulated&#;creating a safer working environment and reducing the risk of injury.

Overall, by lifting pipes off of other surfaces, pipe shoes help pipes maintain their integrity. They prevent metal-on-metal contact and reduce friction damage. Essentially, they can insulate pipes, give them structural support, and promote natural movement.

THE DISADVANTAGES OF PIPE SHOES

Although the advantages of pipe shoes outweigh the disadvantages, there are still some things to look out for. When looking at the potential disadvantages of pipe shoes, it&#;s good to remember that materials matter. Unprotected metal shoes have the potential for corrosion if they&#;re not paired with the right insulation.

At the same time, there are natural concerns to consider when pipe shoes are welded directly to supporting beams. Anytime welding occurs, there is potential for stress cracking, especially in chloride-heavy environments like sea air. This means it&#;s usually well worth making sure that all welds are heat treated and welded by professionals.

METALLIC SHOES

Traditional metallic pipe shoes have been common in the industry for decades. In the past, manufacturers have designed metallic pipe shoes using structural shapes from cost-effective materials. For instance, manufacturers might use I-beams or channel beams to form a shoe. Right away, it&#;s easy to see the benefits of using these simple materials to form a pipe shoe. They&#;re made of materials that are easy to access and a wide range of suppliers can make them. They also tend to be fairly low cost and aren&#;t overly complex to install or produce.

However, there are some disadvantages to these traditional shoes. First, using any type of unprotected metal for a shoe can be dangerous. Pairing up dissimilar metals can lead to corrosion underneath the welded shoe. They also aren&#;t ideal for systems that undergo heavy temperature changes because metal-on-metal pairing can encourage ice formation and wear

MORE ADVANCED METALLIC T-STYLE SHOES

Beyond these relatively simple traditional shoes, there are more advanced T-style metallic pipe shoe designs. Often referred to as T-slides, some of these metallic shoe options feature cradles and U-bolts, or two clamps to hold the pipe in place.

Beyond having a slightly more intentional design than that of traditional shoes, these metallic shoes have advantages of versatility. Many T-style pipe shoes can be paired with wear pads or other liners. This eliminates metal-on-metal contact, allows for better control of a shoe&#;s movement, and can provide greater protection to the piping system.

Other metallic shoes can be built from other channel material or plate to any custom dimensions. The major advantage of this is that you get exactly what you want. But as is the case with anything custom, you will have to pay for that flexibility, and the price can become prohibitive when compared to that of other options.

How to Install

Metallic shoes can be welded directly to the pipe in a pipe fabrication shop or in the field. When installing, it&#;s always a good idea to use professionals and welders who uphold industry standards such as MSS SP-58. Additionally, using U-bolts or clamps to install piping is no more complicated than using a wrench.

COMPOSITE PIPE SHOES

Composite pipe shoes offer a corrosion-resistant alternative to metallic shoes. Still, composite materials are often misunderstood. Because they don&#;t have the same rigid makeup of metal, it&#;s common for some to assume that composites are weak. However, they can actually be extremely durable. Here&#;s a look at some popular composite pipe shoes that are available today:

ProTek Composite Pipe Shoe

The ProTek composite pipe shoe is a UV-resistant, non-metallic pipe support that is built to withstand heavy pressure and especially hot and cold temperatures. It has 150,000 pounds of compressive strength, a temperature range of -320 to +400 degrees Fahrenheit, and is resistant to chemical attack. Because of its makeup, it has become a popular option for corrosion-heavy systems such as onshore and offshore refineries and plants.

They also offer an advantage in the way they fit against pipes. They fit against piping snugly, with their inner diameter crafted to fit the pipe&#;s outer diameter precisely. This essentially keeps corrosive elements from sneaking in between the pipe and the support. With a precise fit, the shoe seals off vapors and stops corrosive materials from settling on pipes.

How to Install

ProTek shoes don&#;t require specialized installation. They&#;re lightweight and don&#;t require welding. The installation process includes simply fixing the shoe to the pipe using steel bands and silicone.

CryoTek Composite Pipe Shoe

CryoTek composite pipe shoes have quickly become a popular item in cryogenic piping systems that involve gas liquefaction, LNG terminals, carriers, and ethylene plants.

They have the same corrosion protection and operating temperature advantages as ProTek shoes (-320 to +400 degrees Fahrenheit). However, CryoTek shoes are a sturdy option that can handle a bit more of an axial load than ProTek shoes can. In fact, they have a maximum compressive strength of 27,500 pounds per square inch. They include well-defined insulation that protects piping. Their design also makes them a sturdy option for a stop or anchor. Despite their robust design, these supports are also easy to transport.

Additionally, they offer an advantage in their ability to eliminate heat sync. Their insulation features banding slots inside the shoe, which stay inside the insulation and prevent any heat from entering or escaping.

Because both CryoTek and ProTek shoes are much lighter than their metallic counterparts, they offer an installation advantage over traditional metal shoes. Installation also doesn&#;t require welding or specialized labor.

How to Install

CryoTek shoes are installed using a powerful epoxy. They can be bonded using a static epoxy mixer, which takes the guesswork out of mixing two-part epoxy. From there, the bonded shoe is reinforced with steel metal bands.

PRE-INSULATED PIPE SHOES

Pre-insulated pipe shoes generally consist of hefty stainless steel bodies and an encapsulating insulation foam between the pipe and the stainless steel body to keep the line insulated.

The biggest advantage of pre-insulated shoes is that they come installed and ready to go.

However, with their size and makeup comes some disadvantages. On jobs that require transportation, they can be difficult to maneuver, and setting them in place requires specialized lifting equipment. They also generally come with a relatively hefty price tag.

How to Install

Pre-insulated pipe shoes need to be installed by professionals on-site or pre-fabricated and moved. They generally require heavy, specialized equipment, precise procedures, and professional welders.

COMPARING PIPE SHOE COSTS

When considering your budget, it&#;s a good idea to keep total costs in mind. Of course, that starts with the price of each unit. However, it also means deciding how many units you&#;ll need, the cost of installation, and the long-term costs that may result down the line. Here&#;s a general look at the costs of pipe shoes:

Metal T-Style Shoes

Metal T-style shoes can be some of the most cost-effective shoes out there. However, some low-end T-styles can run the risk of corrosion on their own. Countering that disadvantage leaves room for creativity. It&#;s a good idea to factor in corrosion protection options when weighing this shoe&#;s overall costs.

Metal Shoes with Clamps

The price of metal T-style shoes with clamps can vary, especially depending on which liners you decide to pair them with. However, as a whole, they tend to have a midrange cost, plus the ability to make upgrades by pairing them with things like wear pads or slide plates.

Composite Shoe Costs

At the composite end, ProTek shoes tend to be the more affordable option. In fact, they often come in under or close to the price of their metallic counterparts. CryoTek prices can vary, but they tend to be a good deal more expensive than their ProTek counterparts.

PIPE SUPPORT MOVEMENT

Pipe movement is a major consideration when it comes to pipe supports. Making sure your needs are met and that the pipe does what you want it to is critical to ensuring the optimal function of your piping system. Here are some supports that play important roles in pipe movement.

Resting Support

This is the simplest application for pipe supports and its objective is simply to support the load of the pipe and allow for the free movement of the piping system.

Guided Support

Guided supports are for when you want to restrict lateral and vertical pipe movement but also want to allow for free movement in the axial direction of the pipe.

Slide Plates

In both resting and guided supports, pipe shoes can be used in conjunction with slide plates fastened to the underside of the shoe&#;s base. These plates are generally sodium-etched PTFE that&#;s bonded to 10-gauge carbon or stainless steel. The PTFE is usually paired with a polished stainless steel plate that&#;s attached to the beam to allow for one of the lowest coefficients of friction possible. At the same time, it promotes more natural movement and less wear.

Anchor Support

These supports are used when you want to restrict most, if not all, pipe support movement. These can be fixed to a point&#;preventing movement in the axial, lateral, and vertical directions.

KEY FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING SHOES

Beyond costs, there are several other factors to weigh when making your final pipe shoe selection. First, always think about how well the shoe&#;s composition, design, and features will fit into your specific system.

For instance, if you&#;re operating an offshore rig that&#;s exposed to salt-heavy conditions, you may want to place more emphasis on corrosion-resistant materials. At the same time, if your system is fairly calm and protected from the elements, it may be smarter to focus on shoes with a lower upfront cost.

With those factors in mind, here are some helpful questions to ask in order to get more out of your pipe shoes:

• Do you have a high-stress system that includes heavy weight loads or high vibrations?
• How much physical space do you have to support your pipes?
• How quickly do you need supports?
• What&#;s your timeline?
• How many pipe shoes will you need in total? What line movements do you want to allow or prevent?
• How many people do you have working on your project, and do you have specialized labor?

As soon as you&#;ve picked out the right shoe, you can start to benefit from its unique advantages. For instance, metallic shoes with clamps can be enhanced by adding specialized liners or wear pads. These additions stop metal-on-metal contact and help both pipes and supports last longer.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Pipe Support Bracket. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.