U-Bolts

U-bolts are a u-shaped rod with threaded ends, that fits around a pipe and is attached to a supporting member.

U-bolts are among the most common and versatile fasteners used in industrial piping systems to secure pipes to structural members. Functioning as a reliable u-bolt pipe support, they are installed on the pipe to restrict lateral movement and reduce vibration. Whether utilized as a simple guide or tightened to function as a rigid u-bolt pipe clamp, our inventory includes a wide range of sizes and finishes. Commonly referred to in the field as a pipe u-bolt or simply a pipe bolt, these components are essential for maintaining alignment. We manufacture u-bolt pipe clamps in carbon steel and stainless steel, with protective coatings such as PTFE, to ensure long-term durability in any environment.

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Q: What is the primary function of a U-bolt pipe support? 

A: The primary function of a u-bolt pipe support is to secure the pipe to a supporting structure. Depending on its installation, it can act as a rest (guide), allowing longitudinal movement, or as an anchor, preventing movement entirely.

 

Q: Can a single U-bolt be used as both a guide and an anchor?

 A: Yes. A single u-bolt can serve either purpose, depending on the installation. If the nuts are tightened to clamp the pipe firmly against the beam, the pipe acts as an anchor (or a u-bolt pipe clamp). If the nuts are set to leave a small gap between the pipe and the bolt, it functions as a guide.

 

Q: What is the difference between standard U-bolts and coated U-bolt pipe clamps?

 A: Standard u-bolts are typically bare metal or galvanized. Coated u-bolt pipe clamps often feature a neoprene, polyolefin, or PTFE coating. These coating protects the pipe surface from damage and corrosion while providing electrical isolation between the pipe and the support.

 

Q: How do I size a pipe u-bolt correctly?

A: To size a pipe u-bolt, you need to know the nominal pipe size (NPS) of the piping system. The u-bolt is manufactured to fit the specified pipe size, typically with extended threads to accommodate various beam thicknesses.

 

Q: Is the term “pipe bolt” interchangeable with U-bolt? 

A: Yes, in many field applications, installers may refer to a u-bolt simply as a pipe bolt. Both terms refer to the same bent-rod fastener used to secure piping to structural elements.

 

Q: Why are four nuts typically used on a U-bolt pipe support installation? 

A: When using a u-bolt pipe support as a guide, four nuts are used (two on top of the beam, two on the bottom). This configuration allows the installer to lock the u-bolt in place with a specified gap around the pipe, ensuring the pipe can slide axially without being clamped tightly.

 

More FAQs…

U-Bolts Information

The humble U-Bolt has been a staple of Operating Plants for decades so we know it is an unusual time to be launching U-Bolt innovation.  However, PT&P has seen many customers struggle with issues around U-Bolts.  ­In fact, one of the challenges is that the U-Bolt is used so often that it is difficult to get the right configuration.  Some of the challenges with U-Bolts include:

Contact Corrosion – the interface of non-insulated steel piping with a U-Bolt is subject to accelerated corrosion at the point of contact. This is due to crevice corrosion which occurs due to the crevice formed next to the contact between the Pipe and base of the U-Bolt. *View more on contact corrosion

Thermal Growth Issues – PT&P has seen many U-Bolts that were not designed to accommodate the axial movement associated with thermal growth.

Corrosion of U-Bolt – certain environments can lead to accelerated corrosion of U-Bolts which are made with traditional galvanized steel.

Sizing – some customers struggle with unusual sizing requirements

Coating of U – some customers struggle with getting the right coating on the U portion of the U-Bolt

 

The Super U-Bolt

 

PT&P’s Super U-Bolt provides customers with solutions to these issues by providing the broadest range of options:

Vibration Energy Absorption – PT&P offers customers the option to add a Vibration Pad which converts some of the mechanical energy of Vibration to heat. A traditional U-Bolt just stiffens the piping system by causing it to resist movement.  However, this does not remove the vibration energy from the system and it continues down the piping system.  Vibration pads offer energy absorption of up to 80% of the mechanical energy being converted to heat! *View more vibration solutions

Eliminate Contact Corrosion with TPI – PT&P’s half-round thermoplastics limit the touchpoint between the piping and U-Bolt.

Material Customization – Customers can specify a broad range of materials including various grades of stainless and even Super Alloys.

Custom Finish on U – PT&P offers a standard plasticized finish. Custom finishes such as Neoprene can also be specified to suit particular applications.

Custom Sizes – PT&P’s unique mass customization manufacturing operation allows us to customize sizes far more easily than any other provider. *View more on customization
*View more on manufacturing

Allowance for Axial Movement – If axial movement is desired, PT&P can provide a configuration that offers a low coefficient of friction. Options include PTFE coating or TPI.

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