By Jerry Godina
January 26, 2011
Slide plates are designed to provide a low coefficient of friction between stationary structures and 
moving pipe supports. The plates provide a surface friction that has been carefully designed to provide for movements of the piping systems, due to factors such as thermal expansion. In this way, the slide plates allow the system to move with less force, keeping it in proper working order.
Assembly Basics
Slide plates are usually arranged in what is known as a ‘sandwich’ formation, which consists of an upper slide plate component and a lower slide plate component.
The lower slide plate may also be welded to a stationary support (i.e. structural steel member), which grounds the plate, while the other plate is attached to the moving component directly. As the system moves, friction is transferred at the intersection of the two plates.
When ordering, always specify the dimensions of the upper and lower slide plate. As a rule, the upper slide plate should be large enough to completely cover the lower plate at all times.
Recommended Applications / Temperature Limits
The recommended applications temperature limit is negative 320 fahrenheit to positive 500 fahrenheit with a low pressure load (PSI)
Different plates are suited for different temperature limits. While all plates have been rigorously tested for suitability within industrial settings, understanding the particular variables of that setting is vital to purchasing the appropriate plate for each application.
PTFE, 25% Glass Filled Slide Plates
These slide plates will handle temperatures from negative 320 degrees Fahrenheit to positive 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
The PTFE plates are ideal for cross beam and girder slip joints, air preheaters, penstocks, vessels, and other industrial and architectural applications.
Installation of PTFE plates is available in two configurations, the standard and custom. The standard assembly features two sets of 3/32” thick PTFE pads bonded to 1/8” carbon steel backing plates with a 1/2” lip for field welding. The custom assembly features 2 sets of 3/32” thick PTFE pads bonded to the specified backing material, with a minimum 1/2” lip for full welding. If the desired thickness of the backing plate is not the standard 1/8,” those who are purchasing the plate should specify a different thickness when placing their order
Bronzphite® Slide Plates
-320F to +1100F with 5000 PSI
Bronze plates impregnated with graphite will also handle temperatures up to positive 1100 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, bronze plates are suited for high pressure systems with a load of up to 5000 PSI.
The bronze plate is available in a standard configuration, which consists of the bronze plate bolted to a steel backing plate, allowing it to be welded in the field. The plate is self-lubricating and durable, and is recommended for a variety of industrial applications, including pipelines, storage tanks, and dust collectors.
Graphite Slide Plates
Up to 1,000˚ F with 2000 PSI
For those systems which produce exceptional pressure and heat, pure graphite slide plates are recommended. With a range of up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit for ambient conditions, and 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit for inert settings, graphite slide plates can also handle up to 2000 PSI. The graphite plates come in two different configurations, the ‘bonded’ and ‘bolted’ assembly. The bonded configuration consists of a ¼” thick graphite pad bonded to a metal backing plate. The bolted configuration consists of a ½” thick graphite pad bonded and bolted to a metallic backing pad. Both configurations can either be tack welded or fully welded to support components.
Graphite plates are best for heavy infrastructures such as bridges, highway overpasses, railroad bridges, and airport hangar doors. Domes, roof slabs and corbels, vibration pads and other architectural features are also suitable applications. In the industrial realm, offshore drilling rigs, wind tunnels, and other heavy machinery benefit from graphite plates.
Marinite Slide Plate
Marinite can be used as the insulating material in hot piping supports. The most widely known grade for Marinite is grade P. Marinite-P is most often used as structural insulation because of its high dimensional stability. Marinite-P is incombustible, provides high insulation values, and high compressive strengths and is thus appropriate in high-load and high-temperature applications. The material minimizes decay, rust, and corrosion and it resists damage during installation and provides durable service. The material acts as a suitable insulator in fireproofing and heat processing equipment applications up to 1200°F (649°C).