From Experts for Experts

The availability and long life of a plant are decisive prerequisites for its economic operation and profitability. A significant influence in this regard is the trouble-free functioning of the piping systems – which connect the major components like the veins in an organism. Any faulty behavior on their part can lead to failure of the whole system. The piping systems are inherently dependent on the operational safety of their supports.

Profitability through availability and long life

The pipe supports must comply with changing operating conditions especially after many years of service. In order to ensure this, not only do the components need to be of the highest quality but they must also be installed in the correct and professional manner.

Piping can never be better than its supports!

Risk of breakdown due to support defects

Depending upon the product quality and prevailing operating conditions, the functionality of the supports can be seriously affected. Above all, spring relaxation can lead to reduced load-bearing capacity, while wear and corrosion may cause increased friction. Defective supports in piping systems result in uncontrolled additional stresses, which if ignored, can result in long-term damage, especially at sensitive connection points, thus increasing the risk of failure.

The faults most frequently noted in pipe supports:

Faults in pipe supports

• increased friction due to corrosion and wear
• relaxation of springs in variable and constant supports
• faulty load settings of variable and constant supports
• jammed bearings and guides
• broken or bent rods
• deformed or broken pipe clamps
• frozen mechanical shock absorbers
• leaks in hydraulic shock absorbers
• deformed connections in shock absorbers and rigid struts 
• errors in support design
• incorrect installation of supports
• poor quality of certain brands

Inspection and servicing for operational safety

Without inspection of the nominal positions and the condition of the supports, critical deviations cannot be detected. If they remain undetected and are not rectified, costly long-term damage is inevitable. As a preventive measure, regular plant inspections and assessments of the supports by trained personnel are highly recommended. By checking the nominal positions and making qualified judgments, they can identify and eliminate critical stress conditions. In older plants in particular, the thermal pipe displacement and the condition of the supports should be systematically inspected at regular intervals. Any deviations detected can then be corrected by prompt action, avoiding costly damage and plant failure.