Characteristics and Application Scenarios of Different Types of Pipe Supports and Hangers

Pipe supports and hangers are crucial in maintaining the integrity, alignment, and performance of piping systems in industrial facilities. Based on functionality and design, supports can be categorized into several types, each with unique characteristics and suited to specific scenarios.

This article explores the main types of pipe supports and hangers, their structural features, and where each type is best applied.

1. Rigid Supports

Characteristics:

Fixed or limited movement

Designed to sustain vertical and lateral loads

Made of strong materials like carbon or stainless steel

Common Types:

Pipe shoes

Clamp supports

Bracket supports

Application Scenarios:

Horizontal pipelines with minimal thermal movement

Areas with low vibration or dynamic load

Systems where pipe alignment is critical (e.g., water treatment, HVAC)

2. Spring Supports

Spring supports are designed to accommodate vertical movement caused by thermal expansion or load variation.

a) Variable Spring Supports

Characteristics:

Uses coil springs with changing load support across movement range

Allows controlled pipe movement in vertical direction

Moderate support force variation

Applications:

Systems with moderate thermal movement

Steam lines, hot oil piping, boiler connections

b) Constant Spring Supports

Characteristics:

Maintains constant supporting force over a range of vertical displacement

Uses a counterbalancing mechanism (e.g., lever-arm design)

Applications:

High-temperature pipelines with significant vertical expansion

Refineries, power plants, high-pressure steam systems

3. Hangers

Pipe hangers suspend pipes from overhead structures and allow limited motion depending on configuration.

Types:

Rigid Hangers: Fixed rods or clamps, no allowance for vertical movement

Spring Hangers: Provide vertical flexibility using springs

Sway Braces: Designed to control lateral movement from wind or vibration

Application Scenarios:

Suspended piping in multistory buildings, tunnels

Process lines in petrochemical plants

Overhead utilities in commercial or industrial settings

4. Sliding Supports

Characteristics:

Allows horizontal movement due to thermal expansion

Typically includes a slide plate made of PTFE, graphite, or stainless steel

Low-friction interface reduces stress on pipes

Applications:

Long pipeline runs with axial expansion

Above-ground pipelines exposed to solar heating

LNG, oil, and natural gas systems

5. Guide Supports

Characteristics:

Restrict lateral displacement but permit axial movement

Typically include rollers or guide brackets

Applications:

Pipelines with large thermal expansion in a controlled direction

Systems needing precise linear expansion guidance

Pipelines supported by racks or steel structures

6. Anchors and Stops

Characteristics:

Rigidly fix the pipe to a structure

Prevent any movement, both axial and lateral

Applications:

Strategic points in long pipelines to isolate expansion

Interfaces with equipment (e.g., pumps, tanks)

Systems requiring segment control during expansion/contraction

7. Vibration Control Supports

Characteristics:

Include dampers, snubbers, or flexible isolators

Reduce vibration transmission from machinery or turbulent flow

Can be mechanical, hydraulic, or elastomeric

Applications:

Compressors, pumps, or turbines with connected piping

Seismic-prone areas

High-frequency flow or pulsating fluid pipelines

8. Trunnion Supports

Characteristics:

Vertical pipe support using stub brackets (trunnions)

Common for large-diameter or heavy pipes

Applications:

Petrochemical plants

Horizontal pressure vessels

Fixed platforms with limited hanger space

Conclusion

Selecting the appropriate type of pipe support or hanger requires careful consideration of the pipeline’s operational environment, thermal behavior, structural layout, and system demands. Understanding each type’s characteristics ensures optimal support system design, preventing premature failure, misalignment, or excessive stress on connected components.