At Piping Technology & Products, we are driven by a commitment to solving complex engineering challenges and doing what is right for our customers. When mechanical misalignment threatens system integrity, effectively managing piping strain becomes critical.
If left unaddressed, excessive pipe strain can lead to serious damage to sensitive equipment such as rotating machinery, valves, and flanges. Our team takes a proactive approach, designing custom support solutions and adjustable pipe fittings and components to restore proper alignment and reduce stress within the system.
By eliminating dangerous structural forces that cause strain on the pipe, we help ensure safe, reliable operation and long-term performance. Our dedication to engineering excellence means that when challenges arise, we deliver solutions that strengthen your infrastructure and protect your investment.
Solutions for Piping Alignment and Pipe Strain
One of the pragmatic issues PT&P sees often in the field is issues around the alignment of piping. As the diameter of piping increases, construction teams have an increased difficulty in getting a complete alignment, which can pose issues for highly sensitive equipment such as compressors.
Key sources of misalignment issues are:
- Settling of Heavy Equipment – PT&P has spoken to numerous operators who have soil conditions that lead to equipment shifting or sinking over time.
- Construction “Tolerance” – It is very difficult with larger diameter piping to get perfect alignment in construction.
- Damage to Piping – Any damage that occurs over time, leading to even modest deformation of the piping, will cause potential alignment issues.
Mitigating Pipe Strain with Custom Engineering and Adjustable Pipe Fittings
The issue with piping misalignment is that it puts strain on flange connections, which would cause maintenance issues with expensive equipment.
The key to solving piping alignment issues is properly identifying the problem. This should include both the types of misalignment AND the expected change over time. For example, an issue such as settling will likely grow over time, so a fixed solution will not be as effective as one that allows for adjustment.
PT&P product solutions for alignment include:
In PT&P’s experience, the use of expansion joints for alignment around equipment such as pumps and compressors is very common. As the diameter of the piping gets larger, it becomes increasingly difficult to achieve the level of alignment demanded by equipment manufacturers. PT&P is uniquely qualified to build expansion joints for alignment solutions, as we are the only major expansion joint manufacturer that also builds pipe spools and engineered pipe supports. As a result, our solution can utilize multiple tools to solve alignment issues.
The difference in using an expansion joint for alignment rather than thermal growth is that the force required to compress or extend the bellows must be applied manually. The expansion joint can be pre-set and locked into place at PT&P or put into place in the field. With some expansion joints, the spring rate of the expansion joint may be too great to place on the piping system. In these scenarios, the expansion joint should be pre-set for the required movement and locked into place so the force of the bellows spring rate is not applied to the piping system. Examples of expansion joints that can be used for alignment include:
- Externally Pressurized Expansion Joint – In this EJ, the media flows outside the expansion joint. This eliminates pressure inside the EJ and issues around squirm pressure, allowing for high degrees of axial movement. Because the exterior of this EJ is a pipe, it also handles difficult exterior conditions and rough handling better. View past projects in our product archives for externally pressurized expansion joints.
- Universal Expansion Joints – These expansion joints are useful for supporting larger degrees of lateral misalignment. View past projects in our product archives for universal expansion joints.
- Single Expansion Joint – These expansion joints can be used for any type of misalignment, but offer more limited amounts of adjustment. View past projects in our product archives for single expansion joints.
Custom Pipe Spool
PT&P can fabricate a custom pipe spool designed to resolve the alignment issue or integrate a pipe spool piece with an expansion joint. For example, a spool piece could be used to solve an angular misalignment issue, while an expansion joint could be used to solve a lateral alignment issue. PT&P can make pipe spools out of any material required, including:
- Stainless – 304, 316, 321, …
- Hastelloy
- Inconel
- INCOLOY®
PT&P service offering for piping alignment and pipe strain solutions includes:
Product Selection Support – When you order products from PT&P, we include support on product selection as a part of the order. You can reach an expert from PT&P who can assist in providing a recommendation on the type of expansion joints that best suit a designed range of adjustability.
Laser Scanning – For existing alignment issues, PT&P can use an as-built laser scan to understand the existing level of misalignment and develop a solution. Laser scanning is particularly useful for designing custom pipe spools.
Custom Pipe Spool / Expansion Joint Design – PT&P can custom-design a solution to solve a specific alignment issue using different types of tools that best fit the scenario. We can also advise on material options in cases of difficult conditions in terms of media.
Pipe Strain Measurement – PT&P can measure strain at flange connections to better understand the strain being placed on sensitive equipment.
FAQs
Q: What are the most common causes of piping strain in industrial systems?
A: Piping strain is typically caused by thermal expansion, improper installation, weight overloads, or structural settling, all of which force the piping out of its natural, stress-free alignment.
Q: Why is it dangerous to leave pipe strain unaddressed?
A: Unresolved pipe strain transfers massive, unintended loads onto connected pumps, turbines, and flanges. Over time, this leads to severe mechanical fatigue, dangerous leaks, and catastrophic equipment failure.
Q: How do adjustable pipe fittings help resolve alignment issues?
A: Adjustable pipe fittings provide the necessary mechanical flexibility to correct misalignment during both installation and active operation. They allow engineers to effectively relieve stress without requiring a complete reconstruction of the piping system.
Q: What is the most effective way to support a strain pipe?
A: A strain pipe experiencing elevated stress should first be evaluated to determine the appropriate load adjustments and alignment corrections. Engineered supports—such as variable spring hangers, slide plates, or custom rigid struts—can then be implemented to accommodate movement, relieve stress, and restore the system to a neutral, balanced condition.