The Pipe Support Blog

Subject: Constant Spring Supports Design and Application ** Webinar is worth 1 PDH Credit for TX Professional Engineers This Webinar is over... visit www.pipingtech.com/webinar to view the recording.  

This Webinar will focus on the different types of constant spring supports. Learn about the special features available, in addition to the design of a constant support. View how the different cam/coil configurations produce a unique response to an applied load. Discover the step by step process used to size a spring for your application. Learn about the different attachments, testing, and installation and maintenance procedures. View examples of failed supports provided by our Field Service Division and learn why they failed and how to prevent it. Gain knowledge of the valuable tips used when deciding to adjust or replace a constant spring support, as well as shutdown and isolation procedures. The featured presenter, Jerry Godina has over 13 years experience as a pipe support designer and manages PT&P's engineer training development program. He also inspects existing supports, consults on site remediation projects and oversees installation on a regular basis.

Custom Vertical Constant Hangers

PT&P manufactured constant spring supports to custom dimensions of 21" height x 13" width x 7.5" depth. The total travel is 7", with an actual travel of 3.5" in both up and down directions. The rated load is 180 lb. and they will be used to support pipe lines for a power plant in Louisiana.

Do you see a need for constant hangers in your plant? Get pricing today!

U-Type Constants for an Oil Refinery in Taiwan

These Figure 200 U-Type horizontal upthrust constants are designed to support piping from below. They are fabricated from carbon steel. These constants were also hot dipped galvanized and then specially painted. In addition, they are able to handle loads of up to 13,600 lbs. Each constant has a capacity of 4 total travel. They range from 55 to 62 long. Load testing and external inspections were completed to ensure the quality of these constants.

Want to learn more about constants? View a constant spring webinar today!

Horizontal Upthrust Constants for a Power Plant

The horizontal upthrust constants (Fig. PTP200-U) were fabricated from carbon steel and chrome-moly for a Heat Recovery Steam Generator. The constants range in sizes PTP-200 size 3 to 65 and weigh from 24 lbs to 1,300 lbs. They support loads of 100 lbs to 8,100 lbs. The constants support pipes and equipment subjected to vertical movement due to thermal expansion at locations where transfer of stress to other supports or equipment can be critical. Horizontal upthrust constants are utilized in areas where horizontal travel is unacceptable. Standard testing was completed for performance and quality assurance.

Want to learn more about constant springs? View a constant webinar today!

Piping Technology & Products, Inc. Performed Field Services for a Power Generating Plant in Texas

PT&P was contracted to assist in the determination of pipe support maintenance at a power plant in Texas. The constant effort support springs with loads of excess of 9,500 lbs and the variable spring supports with loads of 450 lbs were marked for needing attention.

Cleaning Variable Spring Unit

Inspecting Variable Springs for Performance

PT&P's objectives were to:

* Evaluate the pipe supports
* Determine state of performance
* Provide a plan of action
* Train personnel on-site to perform adjustments and replacement of supports or support components
* Provide final inspection of modified supports

After Cleaning & Preparation of the Constant

Final Assembly with Added Slide Plates

The pipe supports needing attention could not be set to the required installation position. A plan was initiated to recondition some of the support components such as turnbuckles and rods. This would allow a greater range of field adjustment to the pipe supports. During a planned shut-down, PT&P Field Service Units returned to the site to modify the existing supports. The initial phase of the modifications included bracing the piping in order to isolate and lock the supports in position. Then, they were disconnected from the system and modifications to the assemblies were completed. Afterwards, the supports were reinstalled and any necessary adjustments were completed. A total of eight pipe supports were modified or adjusted.

Roller Bearing Needing Maintenance

Restored Roller Bearing

 

Do you see a need for a routine inspection of your plant? Contact us for a quote today!

Upthrust 200-U Type Constants for an Oil Refinery

The upthrust constants (PTP Fig. 200-U) were fabricated from A36 carbon steel. Weighing at 4,150 lbs each, they measure 94” long, 27” wide, and 43” tall. They support loads from 90,700 lbs to 93,000 lbs with 4” of vertical travel. In addition, they are custom designed with extra supporting points for heavier loads. They are used to support the piping system from beneath the pipeline. Upthrust constants only allow for vertical travel and are used where horizontal travel is unacceptable. Standard load and travel testing was completed to assure quality and performance.

Do you require u-type constants in your plant or refinery? Let us price them for you now!

Constants for an Oil Refinery in Texas

These constant hanger assemblies are used to support piping systems subjected to vertical movement. They are capable of supporting loads ranging from 3,000 lbs to 63,000 lbs with a travel range of 5". They have dimension between 73" long, 36" tall, and 23" wide to 80" long, 27" tall, and 12 3/4 " wide. Standard testing was performed for quality assurance.

Constants for an Oil Refinery in Texas

Do you see a need for constant supports in your refinery? Let us price them for you today!

Constant Hangers for an Engineering Company

Constant hangers provide constant support for pipes subject to vertical movement due to thermal expansion. These Type E Constant Hangers are made from carbon steel ranging from 5 to 7 in length. Their applicable loads range from 17,300 lbs to 30,000 lbs. The total travel ranges from 2 to 9 . Standard constant load testing was performed for quality assurance per customers request.

Do you require constant hangers for your current project? Get pricing today!

Constants for Energy Plant in Louisiana

Piping Technology & Products, Inc. custom designed and manufactured Type 200-C constant springboxes for an energy plant in Louisiana.

The constant measures 23 x 40 designed for an operating load capacity of 8,300 lbs. and a total travel range of 8. The constant is fabricated of A36 carbon steel. To ensure quality, standard load and travel tests were performed prior to shipping.

Do you see a need for constant spring supports in your piping system? Get pricing today!

PTP 200 F-Type Constants

PTP 200 F-Type Constants

The constants measure 35” x 12” x 20 ¼” and 29” x 10” x 19 ½”. The products have a maximum travel of 5” and can support loads up to 790 lbs. and 430 lbs. They are constructed of A36 steel with a hot dip galvanized finish. The frames on the custom designed constants were elongated to meet customer’s specifications. Standard load and adjustment testing was performed to ensure quality prior to shipping.

Want to learn more about constant supports? View a past constant webinar today!