Pipe Supports
Overview
Pipe supports are vital components in any industrial piping system, playing a critical role in managing mechanical loads, thermal movement, and long-term system integrity. Whether in power plants, refineries, or commercial infrastructure, pipe supports help prevent sagging, joint stress, and vibration-related damage.
At STS Industrial, we supply a comprehensive range of pipe supports, hangers, and structural attachments to meet the needs of new construction, retrofits, and ongoing maintenance programs.
In this guide, we’ll break down the roles of pipe supports, key support types, material compatibility, and what to consider when designing or specifying them.
What Are Pipe Supports?
Pipe supports can be divided into two functional categories:
Supports – Carry the weight of the piping and contents (vertical load).
Restraints – Control or limit movement due to temperature changes, pressure, or external forces like wind or seismic activity.
Both are necessary for proper system performance and code compliance with ASME B31.1/B31.3, MSS SP-58, and other standards.
Types of Pipe Supports
STS Industrial offers a wide variety of pipe support components designed to meet a range of industrial needs. Below is a breakdown of common pipe support types and their typical applications:
| Component | Function/Application |
|---|---|
| Pipe Clamps | Provide secure, load-bearing support by clamping around the pipe. Used for anchoring pipes to structural steel in vertical or horizontal configurations. |
| Clevis Hangers | Two-piece supports that suspend piping from overhead structures. Allow limited vertical movement and accommodate minor thermal expansion. |
| Pipe Rings | Lightweight, adjustable ring supports for suspended lines. |
| Beam Clamps | Attach to structural steel or I-beams without drilling or welding. Provide a mounting point for hangers or threaded rods in overhead systems. |
| C-Clamps | Used to fasten pipe supports to structural elements. Provide a clamping point for rods or hangers without structural modifications. |
| U-Bolts | Provide support and lateral restraint by clamping the pipe to a structure. Prevent lateral movement and guide alignment. |
| Standon Pipe Supports | Provide vertical support for piping on elevated pipe racks, structural supports, or equipment platforms. |
Pipe Support Installations
Products Shown:
The Importance of Proper Pipe Support Design
Selecting the correct pipe material for the application is just one aspect of an effective piping system. Accurate sizing, cradle selection, and the integration of components—such as valves, and fittings—require precise calculations to ensure system integrity is maintained. If system loads exceed the design capacity, additional analysis is necessary to prevent failure.
While thorough planning for pipe supports may seem excessive, it is essential for long-term performance and reliability. Properly engineered pipe support systems are designed to meet one or more of the following critical functions:
Control Pipe Stress: Maintain stress within allowable limits to preserve structural and material integrity.
Prevent Joint Leaks: Reduce movement and shifting that can compromise seals and connections.
Dampen Vibration: Absorb operational vibrations that can lead to fatigue or failure.
Handle Dynamic Loads: Mitigate the effects of seismic activity, wind forces, and transient events such as water hammer.
Prevent Pipe Sag: Support piping at appropriate intervals to avoid deformation and maintain slope or flow direction.
Manage Temperature Variations: Accommodate thermal expansion and contraction from environmental or process-related temperature changes.
Protect Inline Components: Shield gauges, valves, and other equipment from excessive loads or mechanical stress.
Distribute Thermal Loads: Direct and manage thermal forces to prevent overstressing of pipe walls or supports.
Support Overall System Stability: Reduce strain on interconnected structures and components within the support network.
Proper installation of piping within hangers and supports is essential for maintaining structural integrity and achieving insulation efficiency. This requires thoughtful consideration of pipe size, weight, length, and system configuration. When evaluating hanger and support solutions for your project, STS Industrial offers the expertise, product range, and fabrication capabilities to ensure a safe and reliable system built to spec.