Load-bearing support: This is the most basic function of pipe supports. They bear the weight of the pipe itself, the medium inside the pipe, and the insulation layer, evenly distributing the load to the support, steel structure, or concrete foundation, preventing the pipe from sagging, deforming, or even breaking due to its own weight.
Limiting and fixing:Different types of pipe supports (such as fixed pipe supports, guide pipe supports, and limiting pipe supports) can restrict the direction and magnitude of pipe displacement:
Fixed pipe supports:Completely restrain the radial and axial displacement and rotation of the pipe, used as a fixing point in the piping system to ensure the stability of the entire system.
Guide pipe supports:Allow the pipe to expand and contract freely along the axial direction (to cope with thermal expansion and contraction), but restrict radial displacement to prevent the pipe from deviating from its designed route.
Limiting pipe supports: Limit the amount of pipe displacement in a specific direction to prevent excessive displacement from impacting equipment or pipe supports.
Compensating for thermal expansion and contraction:When transporting high-temperature or low-temperature media, pipes will experience significant thermal expansion and contraction deformation due to temperature changes. Sliding pipe supports and rolling pipe supports reduce friction during pipe expansion and contraction, allowing the pipe to expand and contract freely, releasing thermal stress, and preventing cracking and damage due to thermal stress.
Vibration reduction and noise reduction: For pipelines conveying vibrating media (such as pump outlet pipes and compressor connection pipes), pipe supports with vibration-damping pads (such as rubber or polyurethane) can be used to absorb vibrations generated during pipeline operation, reduce noise transmission, and protect the pipeline and foundation structure from vibration damage.
Protecting the pipe and insulation layer: The parts of the pipe support that contact the pipe are usually treated with anti-slip and anti-wear materials to prevent the pipe from being scratched during displacement. For insulated pipelines, specialized insulated pipe supports (such as polyurethane cold-insulated pipe supports and vermiculite heat-insulated pipe supports) can reduce cold and thermal bridging effects, reduce cold or heat loss, and prevent the insulation layer from being crushed and damaged.
Easy installation and maintenance: The standardized design and modular installation of pipe supports simplify the pipeline laying process and facilitate construction positioning. During pipeline maintenance and component replacement, pipe supports can temporarily support the pipeline, reducing operational difficulty.
