Pipe Supports & Special Pipe Supports

Pipe Supports 

Pipe supports are one of the most important parts of any piping system. In industries such as oil & gas, power plants, chemical plants, and refineries, pipelines carry fluids safely from one place to another. However, pipes are not self-supporting. Without proper supports, pipes can bend, vibrate, crack, or even collapse.

In this article, we will explain pipe supports in very simple language. You will learn:

• What pipe supports are
• Why pipe supports are required
• Different types of pipe supports
• Rigid supports and anchors
• Special pipe supports (SPS)

What Are Pipe Supports?

Pipe supports are mechanical structures used to hold, guide, or restrain pipes. Since piping systems carry heavy fluids and operate at high temperature and pressure, they need proper support to stay safe and stable.

Piping systems are not self-supporting. This means that a pipe alone cannot safely carry its own weight, the fluid weight, and external forces such as wind or earthquakes.

Pipe supports help to:

• Carry the weight of the pipe and fluid
• Control pipe movement
• Reduce vibration
• Protect connected equipment like pumps and heat exchangers
• Prevent pipe damage and failure

Why Pipe Supports Are Required

Pipe supports are required for many important reasons. Let us understand them one by one.

1. Weight Control

Pipes can become very heavy due to:

• Pipe material weight
• Fluid inside the pipe
• Insulation weight

Supports help carry this weight and prevent sagging or bending of pipes.

2. Thermal Expansion Control

When pipes carry hot fluids, they expand. When they cool down, they contract.

Pipe supports help control this expansion and contraction so that stress levels remain within safe limits.

3. Vibration and Movement Control

Flowing fluid, rotating equipment, or external forces can cause vibration in pipes. Supports reduce these vibrations and protect the system.

4. Protection Against External Forces

Pipe supports also protect piping systems from:

• Wind loads
• Earthquake loads
• Shock and impact loads

Main Types of Pipe Supports

Pipe supports are available in many types depending on their function. The most commonly used pipe supports are explained below.

1. Gravity Supports

Gravity supports mainly carry the vertical weight of the pipe.

Examples:

• Pipe rests
• Pipe hangers

These supports allow the pipe to expand freely in the horizontal direction.

2. Thermal Restraints

Thermal restraints are used to control pipe movement due to temperature changes.

Examples:

• Guides
• Anchors
• Directional restraints

3. Special Purpose Supports

These supports are used for specific conditions such as vibration or sway.

• Sway braces
• Vibration dampers

4. Dynamic Restraints

Dynamic restraints protect piping systems from shock or sudden loads.

• Snubbers

5. Low Friction Supports

To reduce friction forces, special materials are used.

• PTFE slide plates
• Rollers
• Graphite plates

Rigid Pipe Supports

Rigid supports are the most common type of pipe supports.

The main purpose of rigid supports is to provide support in one or more directions and restrict unwanted movement.

Types of Rigid Supports

• Rest supports
• Guide supports
• Line stops
• Anchors

Rest Supports

Rest supports carry the vertical load of the pipe.

They allow movement in the horizontal direction due to thermal expansion.

Common examples include:

• Pipe shoe on beam
• Pipe resting on concrete sleeper

Guide Supports

Guide supports restrict pipe movement in one or more horizontal directions.

They allow axial movement but prevent lateral movement.

Guides are commonly used to control thermal expansion.

Line Stops

Line stops restrict pipe movement in one direction only.

They are useful when movement must be controlled in a specific direction.

Anchors in Pipe Supports

An anchor is a very strong mechanical connection between a pipe and a structure.

Anchors are usually:

• Welded
• Bolted

The structure connected to the anchor must be strong enough to withstand large forces.

Full Anchors

A full anchor does not allow the pipe to:

• Move
• Rotate
• Twist

All six degrees of freedom are restrained at a full anchor location.

Special Pipe Supports (SPS)

Special pipe supports are non-standard supports.

They are not available in standard support drawings and are usually designed based on stress engineer requirements.

Why Special Supports Are Needed

Special supports may be required due to:

• Unusual pipe movement
• Space limitations
• High stress conditions
• Equipment protection

Examples of Special Support Requirements

• Non-standard gap in guides or stoppers
• Uneven guide gaps (example: 5 mm on one side and 8 mm on the other)
• No rest support but guide or stop required at the same location
• Vertical gaps above or below the pipe
• Spring combined with a guide
• Use of Teflon or graphite pads

If a special support is required multiple times in a project, it should be standardized to save time and cost.

Importance of Pipe Support Design

Proper pipe support design ensures:

• Safe operation
• Longer equipment life
• Reduced maintenance
• Lower risk of failure

Incorrect support design can lead to:

• Pipe cracks
• Equipment damage
• Leakage
• Plant shutdown

Conclusion

Pipe supports are a critical part of any piping system. They help carry weight, control movement, reduce vibration, and protect equipment.

Understanding different types of pipe supports such as rests, guides, anchors, rigid supports, and special supports is very important for piping engineers and students.

With proper pipe support design, piping systems can operate safely, efficiently, and reliably for many years.

If you are learning piping engineering, mastering pipe supports is one of the first and most important steps.