5 Must-Have Features in a pipe support clamp

Which pipe clamps are the best?

When it comes to selecting the best pipe fixings for a job, there is no &#;one size fits all&#; solution. In fact, selecting the best fixings depends on each unique installation environment and application requirements.

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What needs to be taken into account when selecting the best pipe clamp?

Temperature:

Temperature variations can cause pipes to expand and contract. If the correct fixings and clamps are not used to take into account the pipe movement due to temperature changes, the installation could fail and cause damage to the building.

Before you can select the right clamps to deal with thermal expansion, you first need to calculate the level of thermal expansion on the pipework.

Weight:

All pipe clamps have a maximum load bearing capacity, which means you need to select a clamp which is suitable for supporting the load required.

As an example, you may require special heavy duty pipe clamps with a high safe working load to ensure the pipes are secured properly. These can also help you achieve maximum bracket distances between clamps as they are able to take more force.

Materials:

Pipes made from different materials will react very differently in certain scenarios. For example, there are many different types of plastic pipe (PE, PVC, PA, PP etc). Each has a different temperature resistance, and different resistance levels to chemicals such as oils, greases, acids, chlorine etc. This can affect what type of clamp should be used. For example, plastic pipes should usually be secured with a lined metal clamp or plastic clamp. An unlined metal clamp can lead to corrosion if used on a plastic pipe.

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Then there are different types of metal pipe &#; steel, iron, copper and so on. This can determine what kind of pipe clamp can be used, for example, stainless steel pipe clamps cannot be used to fix a copper pipe as the two metals will react. So a nylon coated or plastic clamp must be used.

Broadly speaking, pipe shoes can be separated by material and makeup. Traditionally, pipe shoes have been made of metal and can come as large pre-insulated fixtures. More recently, composite pipe shoes have made their way onto the scene. Each different shoe has its own unique qualities, capabilities, advantages, and disadvantages. Here&#;s an overview of the different pipe shoe types:

METALLIC SHOES

Traditional metallic pipe shoes have been common in the industry for decades. In the past, manufacturers have designed metallic pipe shoes using structural shapes from cost-effective materials. For instance, manufacturers might use I-beams or channel beams to form a shoe. Right away, it&#;s easy to see the benefits of using these simple materials to form a pipe shoe. They&#;re made of materials that are easy to access and a wide range of suppliers can make them. They also tend to be fairly low cost and aren&#;t overly complex to install or produce.

However, there are some disadvantages to these traditional shoes. First, using any type of unprotected metal for a shoe can be dangerous. Pairing up dissimilar metals can lead to corrosion underneath the welded shoe. They also aren&#;t ideal for systems that undergo heavy temperature changes because metal-on-metal pairing can encourage ice formation and wear

MORE ADVANCED METALLIC T-STYLE SHOES

Beyond these relatively simple traditional shoes, there are more advanced T-style metallic pipe shoe designs. Often referred to as T-slides, some of these metallic shoe options feature cradles and U-bolts, or two clamps to hold the pipe in place.

Beyond having a slightly more intentional design than that of traditional shoes, these metallic shoes have advantages of versatility. Many T-style pipe shoes can be paired with wear pads or other liners. This eliminates metal-on-metal contact, allows for better control of a shoe&#;s movement, and can provide greater protection to the piping system.

Other metallic shoes can be built from other channel material or plate to any custom dimensions. The major advantage of this is that you get exactly what you want. But as is the case with anything custom, you will have to pay for that flexibility, and the price can become prohibitive when compared to that of other options.

How to Install

Metallic shoes can be welded directly to the pipe in a pipe fabrication shop or in the field. When installing, it&#;s always a good idea to use professionals and welders who uphold industry standards such as MSS SP-58. Additionally, using U-bolts or clamps to install piping is no more complicated than using a wrench.

COMPOSITE PIPE SHOES

Composite pipe shoes offer a corrosion-resistant alternative to metallic shoes. Still, composite materials are often misunderstood. Because they don&#;t have the same rigid makeup of metal, it&#;s common for some to assume that composites are weak. However, they can actually be extremely durable. Here&#;s a look at some popular composite pipe shoes that are available today:

ProTek Composite Pipe Shoe

The ProTek composite pipe shoe is a UV-resistant, non-metallic pipe support that is built to withstand heavy pressure and especially hot and cold temperatures. It has 150,000 pounds of compressive strength, a temperature range of -320 to +400 degrees Fahrenheit, and is resistant to chemical attack. Because of its makeup, it has become a popular option for corrosion-heavy systems such as onshore and offshore refineries and plants.

They also offer an advantage in the way they fit against pipes. They fit against piping snugly, with their inner diameter crafted to fit the pipe&#;s outer diameter precisely. This essentially keeps corrosive elements from sneaking in between the pipe and the support. With a precise fit, the shoe seals off vapors and stops corrosive materials from settling on pipes.

How to Install

ProTek shoes don&#;t require specialized installation. They&#;re lightweight and don&#;t require welding. The installation process includes simply fixing the shoe to the pipe using steel bands and silicone.

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