Pipe Supports, Hangers & Restraints
Spring hangers, constant supports, anchors, guides, pipe shoes, snubbers, and support spacing.
- Identify hanger, anchor, guide, and pipe shoe functions
- Describe spring hangers, constant supports, and snubbers
- Explain spool piece prefabrication advantages and procedures
Leçon 1
Hangers, Anchors, Guides & Pipe Shoes
Pipe Hangers
Pipe hangers support pipe from above, carrying the dead weight of the pipe, fluid, and insulation. Common hanger types include:
- Clevis hanger - a U-shaped strap with a clevis pin, suspended from a rod attached to the structure. Most common hanger type
- Band hanger - a flat strap wrapped around the pipe, suitable for lighter loads
- Roller hanger - allows the pipe to move axially (roll) while supporting its weight. Used where thermal expansion causes horizontal movement
Clevis Hanger
Type: Rigid support from above
Movement: Slight swinging
Use: Most common, general service
Roller Support
Type: Support from below
Movement: Axial sliding allowed
Use: Hot lines with expansion
Pipe Shoe
Type: Welded to pipe, slides on steel
Movement: Axial sliding
Use: Insulated hot lines on supports
Anchors
An anchor is a rigid restraint that prevents all movement (axial, lateral, and vertical) at a specific point. Anchors are placed at strategic locations to:
- Control the direction of thermal expansion
- Protect sensitive equipment (pumps, turbines) from pipe forces
- Divide long pipe runs into manageable expansion segments
Guides
A guide restricts lateral movement while allowing axial movement. Guides keep the pipe aligned and prevent buckling in long runs. They are always used with expansion joints to ensure the pipe expands in the correct direction.
Pipe Shoes
Pipe shoes (pipe slides) are welded to the pipe and rest on support steel. They elevate the pipe above the support to provide clearance for insulation and allow the pipe to slide freely during thermal expansion. Pipe shoes also protect insulation from being crushed by support contact.
Exam Tip - Pipe Shoe Purpose
Pipe shoes serve two functions: they provide clearance for insulation and create a low-friction sliding surface for thermal expansion. Without shoes, insulation would be crushed at support points.
Clevis hangers are the most common support type. Anchors prevent all movement at a point. Guides allow axial movement while preventing lateral movement. Pipe shoes protect insulation and allow sliding.