Key Considerations for Pipe Support and Hanger Installation

In industrial piping systems, pipe supports and hangers play a critical role in maintaining structural integrity, ensuring proper load distribution, and allowing thermal movement. Improper installation of these components can lead to pipe stress, misalignment, and even system failure. Below are essential practices to follow during the installation of pipe shoes, guides, spring supports, and hangers to ensure long-term system reliability.

Pipe Support and Hanger Installation

1.Pre-Fabrication and Surface Protection

Pipe supports can be prefabricated on the ground to improve efficiency and quality:

Perform centralized fabrication, including cutting, welding, derusting, and anti-corrosion treatment before installation.

Clearly label each support with its model and specification to avoid installation errors.

2.Proper Welding of Pipe Shoes

When welding pipe shoes to pipes:

Ensure full penetration welds for strong, reliable attachment.

The weld height should be based on the thinnest material being joined.

For arched or curved pipe supports, always leave ventilation holes to prevent gas entrapment during welding, which could lead to weld defects.

3.Accurate Installation of Various Support Types

All types of pipe supports must be installed according to design drawings:

Guide supports, fixed supports, and adjustable hangers should be installed at their designated locations.

Ensure each support type is used for its intended purpose—e.g., guide supports allow axial movement, fixed supports restrict it, and adjustable supports accommodate height variations.

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4.Spring Hanger Adjustment

For spring-type supports and hangers, special attention is required:

Positioning pins used during transport and hydrostatic testing should be removed before commissioning.

Spring load adjustment must be performed during system startup to ensure the hanger applies the correct force as per design conditions.

5.Maintain Adequate Clearance Around Welds

Proper spacing between pipe welds and supports is critical to avoid structural stress and inspection challenges:

The minimum clearance between a pipe circumferential weld and the nearest support should be no less than 50mm.

For welds that require post-weld heat treatment (PWHT), the distance to the nearest support should be at least 5 times the weld width, and not less than 100mm.

Avoid placing pipe supports directly over welds. If unavoidable, the welds under the support must undergo 100% radiographic testing (RT) to ensure integrity.

6.Avoid Welds Within Pipe Support Zones

Welded joints should not be located within the contact area of the pipe support. This ensures:

• Unobstructed inspection and maintenance access
• Even load distribution on the pipe
• Prevention of stress concentration at the weld area

If a weld is covered by the support, it should be fully inspected using radiographic methods to detect internal flaws.

Proper installation of pipe supports and hangers is essential for the safe and efficient operation of piping systems. By following best practices—including accurate welding, correct spacing, and adhering to design specifications—project teams can avoid structural issues, facilitate inspections, and ensure long-term performance.

At Haihao Group, we provide not only high-quality pipe fittings and support systems but also technical support to ensure every project meets international standards and customer expectations. Email:sales@haihaogroup.com