Pipe hangers are one of the most used products in present days supporting industrial piping systems. Any engineer, contractor, or plumber should know something about pipe hangers. Hence, in the article, we will discuss what pipe hangers are, their types, and what to consider while installing them.
What are pipe hangers?
Pipe hangers are mounting hardware used to support piping systems attached to ceilings or walls. They maintain the weight of pipes and position them in a way to ensure proper and correct alignment to the smooth operation of the system. Pipe hangers are indeed used by residential, commercial, and industrial systems in piping by water plumbing and gas pipelines.
What Material Are Pipe Hangers Made Of?
1. Steel: Being the most universally used material for pipe hangers and the most commonly applied material in this regard, steel is strong, versatile, and durable, which explains why it is preferred to be used here. Galvanized or stainless steel is best used in areas that usually develop corrosion as quickly as possible- mainly outdoors or industrially, because galvanization prevents rust and prolongs the life of the hanger.
2. Copper: In a plumbing system using copper piping, copper hangers are sometimes used in order to match the pipe material; copper is corrosion-resistant and works well with its matching piping material, especially water supply systems, but pipe hangers made of copper are less common than those made of steel.
3. Aluminum: Aluminum pipe hangers are lightweight and corrosion-resistant, making it especially useful in applications where weight becomes a concern, or where the hanger is exposed to moisture or chemicals.
4. Plastic: When the service is light, plastic pipe hangers are used. Usually, they are made from PVC and other robust polymers. Plastic hangers are low-cost with simple installation, but they are not found suitable for heavy and high-temperature piping systems.
5. Rubber: Rubber-lined pipe hangers are sometimes used for noise reduction or vibration control. The rubber layer prevents the pipe and the hanger from coming into direct contact with one another, thereby reducing noise and lessening wear and tear over time.
Pipe hangers are pretty crucial in the context of plumbing or industrial piping. Hangers are installed with different types of material such as steel, copper, or plastic.
Most of the time, the material that is widely used for making hangers is steel due to its durability and longer longevity. Sometimes, though, copper or plastic hangers are used, but these are limited to light-duty applications or specific systems.
Types of Pipe Hangers
1. Spring Hangers: These are kinds of support systems that are used for the purpose of pipeline load bearing and also for controlling vibration. Hangers spring loaded devices hold up the pipe and diminish movement and stress.
They are mostly used in pipelines where due to high temperature or pressure, the pipes expand because of thermal activity. While designing and applying the hanger, utmost care is taken in which it is so designed and placed that it may be a durable and efficient system.
2. Saddle Hangers: Saddle hangers are a type of support that mainly supports horizontal pipes. They help to share the weight of the pipelines; these could be light. Pipework is not completely damaged due to the equal weight it carries. These are highly durable materials and easy to set up, both in industries and houses.
3. Riser Clamps: Riser clamps are mechanical supports that support vertically mounted pipes. Such clamps hold the pipe in place and provide uniform stress on the support so that the pipe does not keep shifting due to its weight. Because these clamps have steel or other strong metallic composition, they can provide good support to a pipe regardless of the application of intensity. They are used in multi-story buildings and industrial settings in which vertical piping systems are quite rampant.
4. Clevis Hangers: Clevis hangers consist of a U-shaped structure and are used to secure the pipes in place without movement or vibration. Clevis hangers provide uniform distribution of pipeline weight and are easy to install. They are usually applied in industrial and commercial piping systems where the pipes have to be suspended at a safe distance from the structure. Clevis hangers are made up of strong materials.
5. J Hangers: Pipe J hangers are a special type of support; they are designed like J to suspend pipelines. They are applied to fit horizontal pipes underneath ceilings or beams. The pipe is firmly held by the J hanger while keeping it in proper position and stability.
They are usually made of steel or galvanized metal, which makes them resistant to rust and very durable. Pipe J hangers are widely used for light and medium pipeline support in plumbing and HVAC systems.
6. Band hangers: Pipe band hangers are also simple and effective types of support designs meant for use to suspend the pipes in an absolutely safe way. In such hangers, a metal band is wound around the pipe to affix it to the underlying structure. Pipe band hangers are applied for aligning pipes in both horizontal and vertical directions.
7. Split Ring Hangers: The split ring pipe hangers are one of the simplest and most effective support methods that are ready to install directly out of the box to hold up the pipelines. The hangers contain a design in which split rings fit around the pipe on each side, straightening and stabilizing the pipe. They also have quite easy installation processes and can fit various sizes and weights of pipes, and they are applied everywhere in both industrial and residential areas where pipes need support ends.
8. Roller Hangers: Suspension systems that allow pipes to slide and carry loads. This pipe hanger with rollers or wheels below the pipe will move the pipe smoothly and absorb possible pump-induced vibrations. In such cases, alignment and stability of the pipe are maintained, especially when it moves due to change in thermal expansion or contraction.
Key Considerations for Installing Pipe Hangers
- Choose the Right Type: Select appropriate type of hanger based on pipe material, size, and application.
- Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Proper installation should adhere to the manufacturer's recommended specifications for safe and efficient operation.
- Inspect Regularly: Periodically-Inspect the hangers for wear and corrosion periodically, especially in corrosive environments.
- Ensure Proper Spacing: Hangers should be spaced based on the accepted standard common in that industry. This will then ensure there is support and alignment.
Advantages of Pipe Hangers
Pipe hangers have various advantages which maximize the effectiveness and longevity of piping systems. Such hangers align pipelines and support them, which controls the movement and vibration of the pipes.
This increases the life of the pipeline and reduces the risk of damage. Pipe hangers also manage thermal expansion and contraction, which is important in high temperature and pressure conditions. These hangers distribute the weight of the pipeline evenly.
So this was detailed information about pipe hangers. Now you must have known how many types of pipe hangers are there, what material they are made of and about the benefits of pipe hangers.
0 comments:
Post a Comment