PIPING DESIGN LAYOUT TRAINING

LESSON 1
PIPE STRESS
Page 83 of 95
15/11/2002 Rev. 0

1.8 GENERAL DESIGN INFORMATION

Recommended Method of Locating Piping Support Points

The primary objective is to obtain practical support point locations compatible with the structures normal
to the plant, thereby permitting pipe line routing to be finalized as far as possible during study. The
material presented here is primarily for the guidance of the piping designer, detailer or checker and
therefore is limited in scope and subject to changes which will occur when the piping system is
analyzed for flexibility stresses and dead weight loading. Major changes should be avoided with
application of the following general rules.

1.0 Pipe spans should not exceed the recommended spans as shown in the PDG and as
modified by the notes. Lines at temperatures in excess of those listed may require severely
shortened spans and the table does not apply to lines which may vibrate from mechanical
excitation, pressure pulsation or mixed phase flow (flashing).

2.0 Temperature growth or contraction must be computed to determine the type of support
required. Assumptions that a line is supported properly by rigid or non-elastic supports create
a major source of problems. These problems will generally be eliminated if the thermal
behavior of the line is properly evaluated during study. A line that grows off a support is not
properly supported, making it necessary to use an overhead type spring support, or in limited
cases the application of prespring might suffice.

3.0 Support points should be located directly over or under major weight concentrations occurring
in vertical lines, and as close as possible to weight concentrations in horizontal lines in order
to attain what is called balancing moments. Dummy supports are to be avoided if reasonably
possible. For individual cases we prefer supports located in a manner that will take into
account the type of equipment as listed in the following groups.

3.1 Inlet and outlet risers from top nozzles on pumps.

3.1.1 Ambient temperatures with dead weight on nozzles less than 200 lbs./nom.
in. with a maximum of 2000 lbs: 75% of normal span length is permitted
adding length of riser and horizontal run, otherwise additional support
required. Cast iron pumps 50#/nominal in.

3.1.2 Lines 150oF to 300oF: Subject to flexibility analysis, weight and expansion
effects may permit 75% span as above to non-elastic support if prespring is
effective. To be safe, locate support point directly over riser with 3'-6"
minimum clearance from top of line to underside of supporting structure.

3.1.3 Lines 300oF and over: Locate support point directly over riser with same
minimum clearances as above. Where clearances are less it may be