Innovation and customer focus have been at the core of our business since day one. A defining example of this commitment is the Big Ton Spring Support, a solution engineered to meet a critical customer need when no viable option existed in the marketplace.
The challenge was significant: support an extremely large vessel within a confined space while eliminating the need for expansion joints—components that are prohibited in many facilities due to the hazardous nature of the materials being processed. Our customer needed a safe, reliable, and space-efficient solution, and our engineering team delivered.
Drawing on decades of engineering expertise, we developed the Big Ton Spring Support to handle exceptionally high vertical loads over 78,000 pounds, all within a compact footprint and with easy post-installation adjustment. The result is a robust, adaptable system designed to perform where conventional supports fall short.
The Big Ton Spring Support is best described as a rigid load-distribution platform supported by multiple springs operating in parallel. This proven design approach—commonly used beneath horizontal pressure vessel saddle supports and paired with slide plates or roller systems—offers unmatched load capacity, flexibility, and reliability. Its modular, multi-spring configuration allows for customization while maintaining off-the-shelf availability, enabling faster lead times and reduced project risk.
By combining innovative engineering with practical, real-world solutions, the Big Ton Spring Support exemplifies our commitment to delivering high-performance products that solve complex challenges, enhance safety, and provide exceptional value to our customers.
When a chemical processing facility in Brazil required a highly specialized support solution, they turned to our engineering team to deliver a design that balanced strength, durability, and precise movement control under demanding conditions.
For this project, we custom-designed Big Ton spring supports equipped with stainless steel roller assemblies, tailored specifically to the plant’s operational and environmental requirements. The support frames were fabricated from carbon steel, while 2205 duplex stainless steel shim plates were selected to provide superior strength and corrosion resistance.
A key element of the design was a large, custom-fabricated “oil pan” constructed from AR400 abrasion-resistant steel, chosen for its exceptional durability and wear resistance. AR400 steel offers a minimum Brinell hardness of 360 and a nominal hardness of 400, making it ideal for long-term service in high-load applications.
The stainless steel rollers were engineered to fit precisely within the oil pan, with each Big Ton support positioned directly on top. The pan is filled with oil to provide continuous lubrication, allowing the system to accommodate axial and lateral movement smoothly while reducing friction and wear. To further enhance performance and reliability, the assemblies include specialized spring coils and neoprene drip shields, protecting both the coils and lubrication system from debris and contamination.
Each Big Ton unit measures 26-1/2″ × 33″ × 26-1/2″, delivers 0.499 inches of vertical movement, and features a spring rate of 13,450 lb/in. Designed for operating loads up to 78,318 pounds, every unit was load-tested prior to shipment to ensure performance, safety, and reliability in the field.
This project highlights what we do best—engineering solutions where standard products fall short. Backed by an experienced team of engineers and designers, we routinely transform unique and unconventional requirements into proven, practical solutions. By combining innovation, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of real-world applications, we help our customers turn complex challenges into successful outcomes.
