May 2025 | Piping Technology & Products, Inc.

Custom Pig Launchers Built for High-Pressure Pipeline Performance

May 29, 2025

24" x 30" diameter, 740 PSIG Pig Launchers and Receivers — 24″ x 30″ diameter, 740 PSIG Pig Launchers and Receivers

Maintain Flow, Prevent Downtime, and Protect Pipeline Integrity

As debris builds up inside long pipelines, it becomes increasingly difficult for the media to flow. If left unchecked, this buildup can compromise safety and trigger costly maintenance shutdowns.

Pig launchers provide a proven and reliable inline solution. Allowing for the insertion of pipeline inspection gauges, custom pig launchers & receivers are engineered for cleaning, separation, and inspection. In some cases, our custom pig launcher systems let you maintain pipeline performance without depressurization, keeping operations online and flow rates steady.

How a Pig Launcher Works

A pig launcher is a pressure-rated chamber that safely introduces a pipeline inspection gauge, commonly referred to as a “pig,” into a piping system. Once loaded, sealed, and pressurized, the pig is pushed through the line by the flow of media or compressed gas. The pig removes debris, separates media, and/or inspects for defects along the way.

Each pig launcher & receiver unit includes:

Major barrel for pig loading and collection
Minor barrel that is inline with the main pipeline
Quick-opening closure for safe, quick, and reliable access to the pig when it’s in the launching and receiving process
Valves and flanges designed to maintain flow through the bypass line with pressure gauges, vents, drains, pig indicators, and more; all designed to ensure project-specific specs are maintained

When paired with a receiver, it forms a complete pigging system, ideal for routine maintenance, pipeline integrity checks, or product batching without interruption to operations.

Case Study Example: High-Pressure Pigging System Built to Spec

A petrochemical plant needed a pig launcher and receiver package for two separate high-pressure lines. The design required tight alignment with operating conditions and quick field readiness.

Specs Delivered:

System pressure: 740 PSIG
Operating temperature: 170°F
Barrel sizes:
- Set 1: 24″ minor × 30″ major × 138″ long
- Set 2: 10″ minor × 14″ major × 132″ long
Material: API 5L X52 carbon steel
Application: High-pressure process lines requiring regular pigging
Design Code: ASME Section VIII, Div. 1

Each pig launcher unit was hydrotested by our in-house quality team, sandblasted, and externally coated for corrosion resistance. Units were fabricated to match line specs, fully documented, and shipped ready for installation.

Application Uses for Pig Launchers in the Field

Our pig launchers are routinely used in:

Crude oil pipelines
Natural gas transmission lines
Petrochemical and chemical process systems
Refined product transportation LNG terminals and compressor stations

Where flow assurance and cleanliness matter, pigging systems are standard practice.

Key Benefits of Pigging Systems for Your Project

Inline maintenance keeps the product moving without system shutdowns
Custom-built to match pipe diameter, pig dimensions, and service pressure
ASME U-stamped with complete test documentation and hydrotesting
Quick-opening closures reduce labor time and improve safety
Corrosion-resistant finishes extend product life in demanding environments
Full traceability and QA/QC documentation delivered with each order
Short lead times and responsive project coordination

Engineer’s Take: Designed for Field Integrity

Engineers specify our pig launchers because they’re engineered for real-world performance:

Sized for your pig and pressure class
Built from API-grade steel for mechanical strength
Precise CAD modeling is available for integration and layout planning
Instrumentation ports available for pressure monitoring or automation
Documentation packages include MTRs, weld maps, and hydrotest records

No guesswork. Every unit arrives with data that validates the design.

Project Manager’s View: Predictable, Field-Ready, and On Schedule

From planning through installation, our systems help you keep projects on track:

Pre-engineered fit means fewer RFIs and no retrofit risk
Responsive engineering support keeps timelines moving
Safe closures and access simplify routine maintenance
On-time delivery prevents scheduling bottlenecks
Clear documentation reduces approval cycles and install confusion

You’re not just buying a launcher—you’re gaining a partner who understands the cost of delay.

Let’s Build Your Pig Launcher to Spec

Need a pig launcher that meets your pressure class, fits your system, and delivers on schedule? We’re ready.

Adjustable Pipe Saddles for Stabilizing Heavy Horizontal Piping Under Dynamic Loads

May 23, 2025

30" Dia. Adjustable Pipe Saddle Supports Designed for an Oil Refinery

Designed to prevent deformation and reduce stress at key support points, adjustable pipe saddles deliver fixed, stable support where movement is not an option.

Chosen When Precision Elevation and Structural Rigidity Are Non-Negotiable

Heavy piping systems under load can shift, sag, or deform, especially when unsupported over distance or exposed to vibration, thermal change, or movement, putting your process-critical fixed equipment at risk . Adjustable pipe saddles are engineered to eliminate those risks.

By locking the pipe into a fixed elevation and anchoring directly into structural steel or concrete, these supports maintain piping system alignment reduce localized stress prevent any long-term deformation in critical systems.

Why Engineers Choose Adjustable Pipe Saddles Over Adjustable Pipe Stands

Engineers will usually specify adjustable pipe saddles when systems require exact pipe elevation, concentrated load handling, and rigid structural anchoring that won’t shift under pressure. For projects where pipe supports must prevent movement entirely, rather than allow for it, saddles are the reliable, constructability built solution.

Adjustable Pipe Saddles vs. Fixed Pipe Saddles: What’s the Difference?

Adjustable Pipe Saddles

Adjustable pipe saddles feature a fixed-height saddle (the curved cradle that supports the pipe), but are mounted on adjustable vertical supports or stanchions. This allows the elevation to be fine-tuned during installation to match field conditions, which is ideal when construction tolerances, structural discrepancies, or elevation mismatches are likely.

How It Works:

A seamless center pipe section can be rotated to raise or lower the saddle height.
Pre-drilled base plates make anchor bolt installation fast and consistent.

Carbon steel construction with red oxide primer or hot dipped galvanized coating ensures corrosion resistance in harsh environments.

Fixed Pipe Saddles

Fixed pipe saddles are completely static supports. Both the saddle and its structural stanchion are built to a specified height, with no option field adjustability. They’re designed when exact elevations are known in the piping system, to achieve maximum stability and zero movement under load.

Case Study: Adjustable Pipe Saddles for an Oil Refinery Retrofit in Michigan

When an EPC firm was retrofitting sections of a Midwestern oil refinery, they needed the infrastructure to support large process lines with varying elevations across aging foundations. We were able to design and manufacture custom adjustable pipe saddles for 24″ and 30″ diameter piping, fabricated from carbon steel and coated with red oxide to withstand Michigan’s seasonal shifts.

Adjustable Pipe Saddle Product Specs:

Pipe Sizes: 24″ and 30″ OD
Support Height: Adjustable from 40″ to 42″
Material: Carbon steel, red oxide finish
Adjustment Mechanism: Rotatable center pipe
Delivery: Shipped within two weeks

The EPC team completed the install without site rework, saving time and ensuring alignment across uneven foundation grades.

Ideal Applications for Adjustable Pipe Saddles

Adjustable saddle supports are frequently used in:

Oil and gas refineries
LNG terminals and gas processing plants
Petrochemical and chemical plants
Power generation and utility facilities
Pipe rack and sleeper systems in retrofit projects

Any application requiring elevation flexibility or working around existing steel is a strong fit.

Why Engineers Choose Adjustable Pipe Saddles

Height adjustability eliminates field rework
Faster installation that requires no welding or on-site modifications
Pre-drilled base plates ensure bolt-down accuracy.
Code compliant that meets ASME B31.3 and MSS-SP (Manufacturers Standardization Society Standard Practices) standards.
Corrosion-resistant with protective coatings
Available fast and quick turnaround to meet schedule demands

Why Engineers Choose Piping Technology & Products

Engineers trust us to supply them with adjustable pipe saddle that are:

Load-tested and fabricated to custom project specs
Adjustable within tight tolerances
Available with full CAD support, drawings, and stamped calculations
Built to meet ASME, ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials), and NACE (National Association of Corrosion Engineers) standards.

The rotatable center section allows for precise elevation control, enabling engineers to dial in exact support heights without adding field modifications or compromising load-bearing integrity.

Why Project Manager’s Choose Piping Technology & Products

Project Manager’s value adjustable pipe saddles because they:

Avoid schedule slip from misaligned piping or uneven foundations
Reduce field RFIs and last-minute design changes
Minimize costly rework and field welding.
Fit into value-engineered packages that reduce labor and install time.

Adjustable pipe saddles make a project manager’s job easier, are built for changing field conditions, and are backed by a team that picks up the phone when it counts, 24/7. Our responsive engineering and quick-ship capabilities support fast-paced schedules, and our ability to align with field constructability needs—including work package-based production for module or scope schedules—helps keep projects on track from procurement to commissioning.

Adjustable Pipe Saddles are Usually Paired With:

Pipe Shoes: for insulation or wear protection
Variable Spring Hangers: for dynamic load balancing
Anchor Clamps: for fixed points and thrust loads
Embed Plates: for secure base installation in concrete

We are the only manufacturing company that engineers, fabricates, and ships all your pipe support needs from our manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas.

Talk to an Engineer

Are adjustable pipe saddles right for your next project? Talk with our engineering team about sizing, specs, and turnaround times.

Request a Quote
PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 03102013

The Piping Pressure Boundary and ASME B31.3

May 19, 2025

Introduction: Why this simple concept is a career game-changer

All industries combined spend literally billions of dollars per year in engineering and construction with one focus, the protection of the public through pipeline pressure boundary integrity assurance. Key to this goal is ASME B31.3. However, ASME B31.3 can be complex and ever-changing. Further, this piping code often references other complex ASME codes for further information and technical guidance.

If you’re looking to take your career to the next level, our ASME B31.3 Emerging Subject Matter Expert online course offers a deep dive into the practical and theoretical knowledge you need. With more than 10 hours of ASME-accredited content, it’s designed for our future ASME Subject Matter Expert engineers like you — ready to specialize, prepared to lead. Once you pass the final exam at the end of the full course, you will receive an ASME certificate of completion with 15-PE/PDH credits.

Demystifying Perceived Conflicts and Omissions in ASME B31.3

Industries go to great lengths in engineering analyses, construction/welding procedures and commissioning to assure public safety with high integrity final pressure boundary assurance of piping while paying only cursory attention in the codes to flange design and deployment. Flanges are a break in the pressure boundary and thus, should receive constant focus in the codes. Today’s high temperature flanges are virtually free of focus and remain a constant cause of process fires and hazardous leakage.

Additionally, constant threats to today’s elevated temperature ASME B31.3 piping pressure boundary integrity are

Design Pressure and Temperature definition,
Advanced pipe wall thickness calculations for high temperature, cyclic service
Vibration,
Expansion Joint design and troubleshooting,
Mitered bend design,
Branch area replacement,
Hydrogen service,
Low temperature brittle fracture.

Industries that rely on ASME B31.3

ASME B31.3 applies to a range of sectors where process piping plays a central role. Here are a few:

Oil and gas
Chemical and petrochemical plants
Pharmaceutical manufacturing
Food and beverage processing
Power generation
Semiconductor fabrication

In these fields, learning ASME B31.3 online gives engineers the flexibility to study while working, helping them stay competitive and meet ever-evolving regulatory demands.

Why compliance with ASME B31.3 matters

Noncompliance isn’t just a paperwork issue — it’s a risk factor. Following process piping standards reduces the likelihood of leaks, failures, explosions, or costly shutdowns. It is required by liability insurance. It also ensures:

Worker safety: Preventing injuries and fatalities.
System reliability: Minimizing repairs and unexpected downtime.
Regulatory approval: Meeting local and international codes for construction and operation.

Compliance signals competence. For engineers, it can mean the difference between stagnation and upward mobility.

Who should learn Seek an ASME B31.3 Subject Matter Expert Level?

While plant managers, quality assurance personnel, and project engineers all benefit from knowledge of B31.3, this course is especially critical for:

Mechanical engineers moving into responsible piping engineering positions or construction roles.
Project engineers supporting complex and critical piping design and construction projects.
Inspectors and QA/QC specialists seeking to qualify for ASME B31.3 projects.
Emerging engineers on the path to becoming SMEs looking for promotions or leadership designations.

Investing in an accredited online ASME piping course shows initiative and positions you as a valuable team member ready to take on more responsibility.

Learn from the best: Enroll in our Future Subject Matter Expert ASME B31.3 online certification course

At Piping Technology & Products, we’ve partnered with Michael Shelton, a Subject Matter Expert, for over fifty (50) years of hands-on ASME Piping and Pressure Vessel codes in numerous fields. Michael has been an a university adjunct graduate professor and taught industrial ASME courses for over twenty (20) years and is one of only three ASME B31.3-certified teachers.

Together, we have developed a high-impact ASME B31.3 Future Subject Matter Expert online program tailored to real-world applications. This piping design course for mechanical engineers offers:

More than 10 hours of comprehensive video lessons
Self-paced learning for working professionals
In-depth coverage of real-world applicable case studies of the ASME B31.3 code
15 PE/PDH credits upon completion, with an ASME-certified certificate
Immediate access to start learning right away

Whether diving into complex calculations or wanting to gain essential expertise in hydrogen piping design, this course equips you with the tools to master the code and stand out among your peers.

Click here to enroll now

Or learn more on our online courses hub.

Final thoughts: Become the go-to expert in your company

ASME B31.3 isn’t just another code — it’s a blueprint for career advancement. As companies prioritize code compliance, risk mitigation, and technical expertise, engineers who’ve taken the initiative to get certified become indispensable. This isn’t just about knowledge; it’s about leadership.

Whether you want to enhance your credibility, lead projects, or prepare for promotion, the path starts with the right education. Continue on to your next title of Subject matter expert.

Start today — earn your credentials and elevate your career.

Knee braces 5 25 — Galvanized Knee Braces

Keeping Pipe Support Systems Stable, Even Under Lateral Load and Wind Stress

Unanticipated lateral loads from wind gusts to seismic tremors can quickly compromise pipe support systems in any projects. Structural instability around critical piping runs is a project risk that no project manager wants to explain. That’s where galvanized knee braces step in. These structural supports reinforce vertical pipe stands and structural steel, preventing sway, racking, or collapse during field events ranging from vibration control to water hammers.

How They Work: Braced to Resist and Built to Last

Galvanized knee braces function as diagonal steel members welded or bolted between vertical and horizontal components, forming rigid triangles that distribute and counteract horizontal forces. At Piping Technology & Products, we custom-fabricate galvanized knee braces from carbon steel and then “hot-dip galvanize” the entire unit for corrosion protection. This protects the knee braces from extreme weather conditions and exposure to saltwater and rain, which are often conditions seen at operating facilities.

The braces are prefabricated for standard layouts or designed custom to accommodate irregular geometries, offset loads, or tight envelope requirements. Once installed, they create a stable moment-resisting frame that ensures structural integrity for lateral loading.

Where They’re Used: Cross-Industry Structural Reinforcement

Galvanized knee braces are commonly deployed in:

Petrochemical plants: Pipe racks, platforms, and vertical supports
Power generation facilities: Turbine and cooling system infrastructure
Midstream terminals: Metering skids and loading platforms
Water treatment facilities: Pipe galleries and elevated walkways
Pulp & paper mills: Vertical piping columns under dynamic loads

Benefits at a Glance: Engineered Strength and Field-Ready Durability

Reinforces structures against wind, vibration, and lateral movement
Hot-dip galvanized for maximum corrosion resistance
Compatible with new construction and retrofits
Custom-fit to jobsite dimensions for fast install
Cuts down the risk of structural failure or pipe movement
Reduces field rework from instability or misalignment

From the Engineer’s Desk: Why Structural Teams Trust Them

Engineers specify PT&P knee braces for their:

Load-tested performance: Designed per AISC and ASCE standards
Precision fit-up: 3D CAD modeling and detailed drawings ensure integration with structural and piping systems
Corrosion protection: Zinc-coating meets ASTM A123 for extended outdoor service
Structural compliance: Meets seismic bracing requirements in applicable zones

From the Project Manager’s Chair: Why Project Managers Prefer Us

Reduce change orders and field delays tied to lateral support issues
Arrive at the site ready to install; no onsite fabrication is required.
Help pass inspections by mitigating the risk of sway or movement.
Keep installation timelines and labor hours on track.
Fit smoothly into fast-moving construction phases with zero surprises.

Pair With These Products

Galvanized knee braces are often specified alongside:

Pipe Shoes with Base Support
Structural Pipe Clamps
Anchor Bolts and Embed Plates
Seismic Restraint Systems
Custom Pipe Racks and Frames

These systems work in tandem to deliver structural stability across your piping support infrastructure.

Get Ahead of Lateral Load Issues

Talk to an engineer today or Request a Quote
PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 07052000

Adjustable Pipe Stands Built to Simplify Installation and Reduce Rework

May 12, 2025

Adjustable Pipe Stands to Support Ductile Iron Pipe

Engineered for Real-World Pipeline Adjustments and Long-Term Stability

When pipelines expand, contract, or shift due to temperature or pressure changes, every EPC team knows one thing: the pipe support system must flex with them, without sacrificing safety or structural integrity. Adjustable pipe stands compensate for onsite variances, allowing installers to make real-time height or positioning changes.

These stands support the pipe and its contents while transferring the load to the structure below. The vertical adjustment feature makes accounting for elevation differences and thermal movement easier. The design of the pipe stand allows it to be easily installed, adjusted, and maintained.

Custom-Built Pipe Stands for a Gulf Coast Natural Gas Facility

We manufactured adjustable pipe stands for a natural gas processing plant on the US Gulf Coast. Our team designed these supports to meet strict project demands, including:

Pipe sizes ranging from 10″ to 20″
Heavy axial loads exceeding 6,000 lbs
Frequent thermal cycling from gas temperature shifts
Harsh, corrosive coastal environments

Our engineering team worked closely with the EPC contractor throughout design and procurement. Each pipe stand was fabricated to exact elevation and load specifications.

Because they’re adjustable, the pipe stands allow precise field alignment. This saves time during installation and helps ensure a smooth commissioning process.

Adjustable Pipe Stands: Built for the Energy Sector and Beyond

This set of adjustable pipe stands was part of a larger infrastructure upgrade in the U.S. natural gas sector, where precision, safety, and long-term reliability are non-negotiable.

Adjustable pipe stands like these are commonly used in:

Gas processing plants
Loading skids for rocket propulsion
Waste water treatment facilities
Petrochemical facilities
LNG terminals
Compressor stations

Midstream pipeline projects

What Are Adjustable Pipe Stands?

Adjustable pipe stands are external supports designed to sit on structural steel or embedded concrete pedestals. They’re ideal for systems exposed to thermal expansion, elevation changes, or installation mismatches.

Key benefits of adjustable pipe stands include:

Height can be adjusted to handle pipe movement from thermal expansion or contraction.
Installs easily with little to no welding or field rework required.
Built for durability and able to perform in harsh conditions.
Proven, robust design that reduces long-term maintenance needs.

Why Engineers Choose Adjustable Pipe Stands in Their Designs

Our fig. 44 adjustable pipe stands are a trusted choice for engineers designing complex piping systems. They offer critical flexibility and compatibility across a wide range of pipe sizes and configurations.

With known load ratings and adjustable elevation, engineers can:

Avoid over-specifying fixed supports that may fail when pipes expand or contract.
Build in flexibility early by modeling the fig. 44 adjustment range into 3D plant layouts.
Prevent late-stage rework when elevation specs are finalized near the end of design.
Ensure construct ability with a proven, field-ready design.

These pipe stands also support value engineering. Their flexibility is especially helpful in brownfield retrofits and multi-phase projects. Each design is load-tested by our QA/QC teams at our manufacturing plant located in Houston, Texas, compliant with ASME support standards, and built for safe, stable use in the field.

Why Project Managers Trust Adjustable Pipe Stands

Project managers count on adjustable pipe stands to solve challenges that appear late in the schedule, without creating new ones.

They help:

Simplify alignment in the field, reducing delays.
Cut back on field welding or grinding during installation.
Fix tolerance gaps found during QA/QC or commissioning.
Shorten install time and reduce labor hours..

When your project scope shifts or your timeline tightens, adjustable pipe stands give you back margin, keeping your install on track and within budget.

Additional Engineered Supports for Energy Applications

We also manufacture a full range of engineered pipe supports tailored to energy sector demands:

Pre-insulated pipe supports for cryogenic and high-temperature lines
Sway braces and snubbers for seismic and dynamic control
Constant and variable spring supports
Pipe shoes and saddles for elevated piping runs
Anchor supports to restrain pipe movement in critical areas

All supports are built to meet or exceed ASME and ASTM standards and can be customized with special coatings, finishes, or material upgrades to match your site conditions.

Plan Confidently. Install easily. Build faster.

When technical performance and schedule certainty are key, adjustable pipe stands offer engineers and EPC project managers peace of mind. From engineering through delivery, our engineering team and technical specialists work as an extension of your team to deliver pipe support solutions that are:

Code-compliant
Field-adjustable
Built for long-term use

Talk to an engineer today to discuss your application and receive a custom solution for your project needs.

Talk to an engineer today or Request a Quote
PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 05022007

Heavy-Duty Pipe Saddles: Precision Support for Heavy Pipes, Long Spans, and Dynamic Load Conditions

May 5, 2025

42" Large Bore Pipe Saddles — 42″ Large Bore Pipe Saddles

Reliable Load Transfer Without Installation Headaches

Pipe saddles are critical solutions for securing heavy pipelines and managing load transfer to structural elements. More than just supports, our engineered pipe saddles help reduce localized stress and maintain system alignment by stabilizing the pipe and minimizing deformation at critical support points.

What is a Pipe Saddle?

A pipe saddle consists of a curved base designed to partially wrap around a pipe, paired with a vertical stanchion that anchors it to a supporting structure. Pipe saddles are essential for:

Managing high loads over long pipe spans.
Preventing deformation, wear, and stress fractures.
Ensuring system stability when support points are limited.

Piping Technology & Products manufactures pipe saddles to exact specifications using durable materials such as carbon steel, with options for specialized coatings to resist corrosion. Whether you need a standard design or a custom configuration, we deliver saddle supports built for your project’s diameter, load, and structural interface requirements.

Case Study: Custom Pipe Saddles for a Midstream Gas Facility

For a midstream natural gas project in the Midwest, Piping Technology designed and delivered a large order of custom-fabricated pipe saddles:

Pipe Size: 36-inch diameter.
Load Requirements: Engineered for substantial dynamic loads.
Finish: Hot-dip galvanized for long-term outdoor durability.
Compliance: Designed to meet ASME standards.

Our in-house engineering team worked directly with the EPC contractor to accelerate the design and fabrication cycle. This proactive collaboration ensured a perfect field fit, eliminated rework, and helped keep the overall project on schedule, addressing a key priority for EPC managers while avoiding any installation setbacks.

Designed for Midstream Energy Demands

In the midstream oil and gas sector, performance, quality, and reliability are non-negotiable. Piping systems must withstand:

Thermal expansion and contraction across long distances.
Environmental exposure to moisture, temperature fluctuations, and corrosive agents.
Variable load conditions over the system’s operational lifespan.

Our pipe saddles deliver the durability and stability midstream operators require, minimizing downtime risks and safeguarding critical infrastructure.

Additional Solutions for Midstream Applications

In addition to heavy-duty saddles, PT&P offers a full range of custom supports engineered for the challenges of midstream energy projects:

Constant and Variable Spring Hangers: Manage vertical movement due to thermal expansion.
Pipe Shoes
Pipe Anchors and Guides: Control axial loads and direct pipe movement safely.
Cryogenic Insulated Supports: Specialized designs for LNG and low-temperature systems.
Custom U-bolts and Clamps: Engineered fastening solutions for complex configurations.

Each product is manufactured to meet project-specific load, movement, and environmental requirements, ensuring seamless system integration.

Why Project Managers Trust Piping Technology

When you partner with us, you get more than just products; you gain a reliable team committed to helping you deliver flawless projects.

We offer:

Engineering Expertise: Real-time collaboration with seasoned engineers.
Proven Product Quality: Materials and manufacturing processes that meet or exceed ASME, ASTM, and API standards.
Manufacturing: Deep manufacturing expertise to deliver scale, large volume, fastest time to market customized solutions with a sharp focus on constructability and site needs.
On-Time Delivery: A proven track record of meeting tight project timelines.
Cost Efficiency: Competitive pricing without compromising quality or performance.
Responsive Support: Fast answers to RFIs, urgent field issues, and design changes.

For Project Managers, that means reduced risk, minimized rework, and higher confidence in project success.

Get the Right Saddle Support for Your Next Project