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Variable Spring Pipe Supports for Movement and Load Control
April 28, 2025

Ptp-1 F-Type Variable Spring Assemblies

When pipelines expand and contract due to heat, support systems must adapt to protect capital-intensive, critical path, long-lead-time fixed equipment essential to plant operations and output. That’s where the need for variable spring pipe supports comes in to maintain the integrity of the piping systems.

These supports are designed to carry the vertical weight of the pipe while allowing for thermal movement. As temperatures change and loads change, the pipe shifts. A variable spring reacts with a moment  with the compression of the spring, supporting that movement and keeping your system in balance. They help control how much and in which direction your piping moves, protecting your equipment and keeping operations safe.

Built to Perform: Custom Variable Spring Pipe Supports

At Piping Technology & Products, we recently designed and built a set of variable spring supports used in a large-scale industrial project. These supports were customized to meet the exact project specs and defined operating envelope. Each variable spring was built to:

  • Support loads up to 6,500 lbs 
  • Allow up to 3 inches of movement (tighter tolerances can be achieved if required)
  • Include travel stops to lock movement during shipment and installation
  • Withstand corrosion with hot-dipped galvanized carbon steel housing and bolted design
  • Supplied with a pedestal to achieve a custom-installed height

Every variable spring support made by PTP is load-tested by our quality teams in our facility in Houston for quality and delivered with clear tags and instructions to simplify the installation process.  We have a full-service field service team that can offer oversight during installation if desired.

Made for the Chemical Processing Industry

This project was part of a chemical processing facility—an environment where heat, pressure, and movement are constantly in flux. In these operating conditions with sometimes caustic media, proper pipe support isn’t optional. It’s critical for both safety and uptime. Our spring supports help protect piping, prevent misalignment, and reduce the risk of stress on connected equipment.

More Pipe Support Solutions from PT&P

In addition to variable spring supports, we also provide other engineered solutions used widely in chemical processing plants:

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Precision-Engineered Cryogenic Pipe Supports
April 21, 2025

72&Quot; Dia. Cryogenic Pipe Supports Designed For An Lng Facility

Precision-Engineered Cryogenic Pipe Supports

When dealing with cryogenic piping systems, thermal isolation is more than a preference, it’s a necessity. 

That’s where cold shoes come in. Cold shoes are specialized pre-insulated pipe supports designed to prevent the transfer of extreme cold from the pipe to surrounding structures. 

These supports are critical in preserving structural integrity and ensuring safe operation in cryogenic environments, withstanding temperatures as low as -300°F.

At Piping Technology & Products, we manufacture cold shoes with high-density polyurethane foam (PUF) insulation. Known for its superior thermal resistance, low weight, and adaptability, PUF is ideal for minimizing heat transfer while maintaining structural support.

Built for Extreme Conditions — and Big Pipelines

In a project for a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility in Mozambique, we fabricated a series of custom-designed cryogenic pipe supports engineered for performance in high-demand applications.

Key Product Specs:

  • Pipe Diameters: 30″ to 72″
  • Support Dimensions: 45″ to 88″ high, 42-1/2″ to 85-1/2″ wide, 28″ to 33″ long
  • Insulation: 5″ to 6″ thick high-density polyurethane foam
  • Materials: Carbon steel with hot-dip galvanized finish; aluminized steel jacket for vapor barrier

Polyurethane foam insulation (PUF) was selected for its reliability under thermal stress and ability to be customized to various pipe sizes. 

Our in-house engineering and fabrication capabilities allow us to deliver high-performance supports that meet exact project specifications while minimizing installation and maintenance issues.

Designed for the LNG Industry

LNG facilities demand exceptional durability, reliable thermal performance, and insulation systems that prevent heat ingress into cryogenic pipelines. Without proper cryogenic pipe supports like cold shoes, LNG systems face a range of serious challenges:

  • Boil-Off Gas (BOG): Heat ingress can cause LNG to vaporize, leading to pressure buildup and product loss.
  • Frost and Ice Formation: External surfaces can ice over, causing structural stress and safety hazards for workers.
  • Material Embrittlement: Non-cryogenic components may crack or fail when exposed to ultra-low temperatures.
  • Increased Energy Use: Systems become less efficient, requiring more power to maintain cryogenic conditions.
  • Environmental and Safety Risks: Uninsulated lines can leak LNG vapor, potentially forming flammable gas clouds.

These issues drive up costs, introduce safety concerns, and reduce system reliability.

From small-bore lines to massive pipe systems like those in this project, our cold shoes are engineered to prevent these outcomes at LNG operating plants.

With high-density PUF insulation and heavy-duty construction, they support large-diameter lines while minimizing thermal transfer, resisting corrosion, and protecting the integrity of LNG infrastructure.

Beyond Cold Shoes: Full-Scope Support for LNG Projects

Piping Technology & Products is more than a manufacturer—we’re a project partner. In addition to cold shoes, we offer a comprehensive suite of products commonly used in LNG and other cryogenic applications:

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