Spring Supports or Spring Hangers are important components in pipe systems for supporting and controlling pipe displacement. By providing an adjustable support force, they can effectively absorb the displacement of the pipe due to thermal expansion and contraction, mechanical vibration and other factors, thus reducing the stress on the pipe and its connecting equipment. Here is how the spring support hanger works and its key features:
1. Basic structure
The spring support and hanger are mainly composed of the following parts:
spring: Core component responsible for providing adjustable support.
shell: Protect springs and other internal components while serving as a base for installation.
Upper connector: Usually bolts, hooks, or welded joints used to secure supports and hangers to building structures or brackets.
Lower connector: Used to connect pipes or pipe clamps to ensure that the pipes are properly supported.
Indicator: Displays the degree of spring compression to help monitor the working status of supports and hangers.
2. Working Principle
Preset load and displacement
During installation, the spring supports and hangers will be preset with an Initial Load according to the design requirements, that is, the supporting force applied to the pipeline at normal temperature conditions.
When the temperature of the pipe increases or decreases, axial elongation or shortening of the pipe occurs due to thermal expansion and contraction effects. At this point, the springs in the spring support hanger will compress or stretch accordingly to accommodate this displacement change and maintain constant support for the pipe.
Constant force support
Ideally, the spring support hanger can provide almost constant support force within a certain range, and can maintain a stable support effect even in the case of pipe displacement. This is because the spring is designed with the maximum expected displacement of the pipe in mind, ensuring that it functions effectively throughout the working stroke.
Displacement compensation
The spring support hanger allows the pipe to have some degree of freedom in the vertical direction and can be moved up or down without excessive additional stress on the pipe. This can help alleviate the problem of pipe distortion caused by temperature changes or other factors.
Limit lateral displacement
While spring support hangers are primarily used to handle vertical displacement, guides are also included in some designs to limit the lateral offset of the pipe, ensuring that it moves only in the intended direction.
3. Types and Applications
Common spring support and hanger：
Suitable for most applications that require simple vertical support, such as steam pipes, hot water pipes, etc. in industrial plants.
Variable force spring support and hanger：
Provides supporting forces that can be adjusted with displacement, suitable for those complex working conditions with special requirements for supporting forces, such as high-pressure pipelines in large chemical plants.
Guided spring support and hanger：
Includes additional guiding mechanisms to ensure that the pipeline moves only in the axial direction, preventing lateral forces or torsion, and is widely used in infrastructure construction such as bridges and tunnels.
4. Selection and Installation Considerations
Correct selection：
According to the operating conditions (such as temperature, pressure), displacement range and support requirements of the pipe, select the appropriate spring support and hanger model and technical parameters.
Precise installation：
The installation position should be as close as possible to the key parts that need to be supported to ensure that the spring support and hanger can function effectively.
Follow the installation guidelines provided by the manufacturer to ensure that each component is fitted in place and tightened well.
Periodic inspection：
Regularly check the condition of the spring support and hanger, including the degree of compression of the spring, the tightness of the connectors, and whether there are signs of corrosion.
Use the indicator to monitor the spring compression, ensuring it is always in the normal operating range.
Maintenance and maintenance：
For exposed spring supports and hangers, attention should be paid to moisture-proof and corrosion-proof, and protective measures should be taken if necessary, such as painting or wrapping protective layer.
Replace aged or damaged parts in time to ensure long-term stable operation of supports and hangers.
5. Advantage
Reducing pipeline stress: By absorbing the thermal expansion, contraction and other displacements of the pipe, the stress on the pipe and its connecting equipment is significantly reduced and the service life is extended.
Improve system security: Effective support and displacement compensation functions help to prevent pipeline leakage or fracture accidents due to excessive stress, and ensure the safe and reliable operation of the system.
Optimize performance: Rational use of spring supports and hangers can optimize the layout of the whole pipeline system, simplify the installation process, and reduce maintenance costs.
Summary
Spring supports and hangers play a vital role in pipeline systems through their unique design and working principle. They can not only provide the necessary support, but also effectively cope with the challenges posed by various displacements, ensuring the safe and stable operation of the pipeline system. Proper selection, installation, and maintenance of spring support hangers is essential to achieving these goals.