Role of Adjustable Pipe Supports in Piping System

Author: Judith Morrison

Change is constant in the piping industry. I’m sure you’re witnessing unanticipated twists, calls for upgrades, and unexpected events periodically. Are your pipe supports sufficient to meet the current needs and upcoming changes? Adjustable pipe supports play a vital role in the proper functioning of the piping systems. They are designed in such a way that can be manually adjusted to suit specific site conditions.

Further, adjustable pipe supports comprise of nuts and bolts arranged to easily tighten, loosen or move from one place to another. It increases worker’s safety and enables them to complete jobs right the first time.

I understand that choosing the right pipe support system is a wise decision to keep the process intact despite adverse storms. And, this article covers reasons that set adjustable supports apart in the piping industry.

Application: Adjustable pipe supports are standard stock saddles and an adjustable stand. The support section harnesses the pipe and uses adjustable bolts to secure it with restraint. It enables you to lift or lower pipes by rotating bolt nuts. This ensures pipe elevation and it can easily adjust the vertical alignments of pipes. It allows easy cleaning, maintenance, and other crucial changes in the piping system.

Types of Adjustable Pipe Supports

Adjustable pipe supports are designed in different styles.

  • Rigid Supports – Pipe restraints that restrict movement in at least one direction.
  • Hold-down Straps – It stops pipes from moving up and down or side to side. It is usually used pipe support devices to control pipe vibration.

    • Benefits of Adjustable Pipe Supports

    Here are the top 3 reasons why experts recommend adjustable supports.

  • Enhanced Safety: Pipeline failure incidents can cost more than just money. It potentially puts your on-site team at dangerous risk. If a pipeline collapses or ruptures, it requires a quick fix. Adjustable supports enable you to make swift modifications without having to break down and reassemble whole sections of pipe. It’s easier to make any number of spur-of-the-moment changes by loosening adjustable supports in the face of natural disasters, severe weather conditions.
  • Cost-Efficient: It is one of the most important advantages of using adjustable pipe supports. It reduces the number of welds you need to make in the piping system. They are usually secured with a U-bolt or open saddle. Welds require special care, inspections, and treatment. Welding is prone to weak spots in the piping system and vulnerable to corrosion. Using adjustable supports in pipes means less exposure to corrosion.
  • Easy to Maintain: It is vital to protect against surface wear and clean piping regularly. If you can’t access the areas underneath supports, pipes could be in danger of corrosion. Adjustable supports can be loosened, tightened, or disassembled which makes it easy to access pipes and detect signs of corrosion in no time.

    • Conclusion

    Challenges and pitfalls are unavoidable when it comes to designing the piping system. Piping design plays a vital role in any process plant facility and so it requires precision with design. If you’re looking for flexibility in your piping system, consider hiring a piping system engineering services company experienced in handling the most complex projects.