Blog

Cryogenic Insulated Pipe Supports Designed for a Petrochemical Complex in Louisiana
September 3, 2024

Cryogenic Pipe Supports Designed For A Petrochemical Complex In Louisiana

Type: Pre-Insulated Pipe Supports for Cryogenic Application
Size: 46″ – 52″ Diameter Range | 10 lb. & 20 lb. Density PUF Foam
Material: Hot-dipped Galvanized Carbon Steel | PUF | Polyester Film & Aluminum Foil
Testing: Dimensional and Visual Inspection

These cold shoe pre-insulated pipe supports were designed for a cryogenic pipeline at a petrochemical complex in Louisiana. These supports range in size from 46" to 52" in diameter and are engineered for temperatures as low as -20°F. The supports feature a dual-density polyurethane foam (PUF) insulation: the top portion has a density of 10 lb., while the bottom is 20 lb. high-density PUF. The shoe and bearing plates are constructed from carbon steel and finished with hot-dip galvanization for durability and corrosion protection. These cold shoes also include a vapor barrier, consisting of a three-layer lamination of polyester film and aluminum foil, ensuring effective insulation. Standard quality control tests were conducted on all units before shipment to ensure compliance with performance standards.

This type of cold shoe design is also utilized on liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage tanks. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) storage tanks are specialized containers designed to store LNG, which is natural gas that has been cooled to a liquid state at approximately -260°F (-162°C). This liquefaction process reduces the volume of the gas by about 600 times, making it much more efficient to store and transport. Most LNG tanks are double-walled with an inner and outer shell. The inner shell, typically made of stainless steel or nickel alloy, contains the LNG, while the outer shell, often made of carbon steel or concrete, provides structural support and can store up to 200,000 cubic meters or more.

Our pre-insulated pipe support portfolio is the most complete in terms of the types of insulation we work with and the industries we serve. We design and manufacture supports with:

  1. Permali (Cold Shoe) – Temperature range: Ambient to -300°F – Compressive strength: 22,000 PSI – Tensile strength: 28,000 PSI **

  2. Micarta (Cold Shoe) – Temperature range: Ambient to -300°F – Compressive strength: 39,000 PSI – Tensile strength: 12,000 PSI **

  3. Polyurethane (Cold Shoe) – Temperature range: Ambient to -300°F – Compressive strength: 200 PSI to 911 PSI (dependent on density) – Tensile strength: 12,000 PSI

  4. Foam Glass (Cold or Hot Shoe)** – Temperature range: -450°F to 1,000°F – Compressive strength: 100 PSI – Tensile strength: 50 PSI

  5. Marinite (Hot Shoe) – Temperature range: Ambient to 1,200°F – Compressive strength: 2,000 PSI – Tensile strength: 500 PSI **F. Calcium Silicate (Hot Shoe)** – Temperature range: Ambient to 1,200°F – Compressive strength: 160 PSI – Tensile strength: 50 PSI

The supports can be manufactured with carbon steel or stainless or the material the project may require. The thrush plates can be hastelloy, inconel, etc depending on the pipe material. Working with different metallurgies is a part of standard manufacturing protocols.

These supports are deployed in semiconductor, petrochemical, nuclear, blue hydrogen, blue ammonia, solar, LNG, pharma, data centers, automotive, mines, pulp/paper, building materials, food processing and EV battery plants.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 03282017

Read More

Variable Springs for a Propane Dehydrogenation Unit in Texas
August 27, 2024

Variable Spring Supports For A Propane Dehydrogenation Unit In Texas

Type: Variable Spring Supports
Size: Accommodate Elevation Difference up to 11′-5″
Material: Carbon Steel | Hot-dipped Galvanized
Design: 20,000 lb. Load | 4,700 lb./in. Spring Rate

PT&P designed and manufactured over 50 variable spring supports for a propane dehydrogenation (PDH) unit in Texas. The components, including the spring cans, rods, welded beam attachments, turnbuckles, and clevises, were fabricated from hot-dipped galvanized carbon steel to ensure durability and corrosion resistance. These variable spring supports are engineered to accommodate an elevation difference of up to 11’-5″ from the bottom of the steel structure to the pipe connection. They are designed to handle an operating load of 20,000 lb., with a spring rate of 4,700 lb./in., and facilitate a 0.007″ upward movement. Each support underwent standard load testing before being shipped to ensure they met the required specifications and performance standards.
In addition to spring supports, PDH units require other products from the Piping Technology and Products portfolio. Our field service team regularly works with PDH units by doing inspections and fine-tuning the supports because of the heavy loads the equipment requires. The experience of our team coupled with the knowledge and access to our specialized tools and equipment has clients calling us on a regular basis.
Spring supports are one example of what we can provide, but we also have designed and manufactured floating rings, fabric and metallic expansion joints, slide plates, constant supports, and fabricated pipe shoes, guides, and anchors in PDH units. PDH plants have the unique challenge of having high-temperature requirements.

Increasing demand for propylene in various industries such as automotive, packaging, and construction is driving the growth of the PDH unit market. Propylene is a key ingredient in the production of various plastics and synthetic materials, which are in high demand globally. Rising investments in petrochemical infrastructure in emerging economies, particularly in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, are creating new opportunities for PDH unit manufacturers. The increasing demand for petrochemical products in these regions is driving the installation of new PDH units.

Variable spring supports are widely used in various industrial applications where pipelines, equipment, or structures experience vertical movement due to thermal expansion, weight changes, or other dynamic loads. Some common applications are heat exchangers, reactors, steam pipelines, high-temperature piping, and pumping stations to name a few. At PT&P, we specialize in designing and manufacturing custom variable spring supports tailored to meet the specific needs of both new plant constructions and retrofitting projects. Our expertise extends to creating custom solutions that seamlessly integrate into existing applications in older plants, even when the design is based on a competitor’s model. This flexibility ensures that our clients receive the optimal support system for their unique requirements, regardless of the plant’s age or existing infrastructure.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 11062018

Read More

Hold-Down Pipe Clamps for a Steam Methane Reformer (SMR) Supplying High-purity Hydrogen
August 20, 2024

Hold-Down Pipe Clamps Designed To Limit Vibration Caused By Rotating Equipment And Avoid Damage To The Surrounding Piping System

PT&P has significant expertise in the custom design and fabrication of hold-down pipe clamps, specifically tailored for piping systems and skid-mounted units across the power, chemical, and refinery industries worldwide. These hold-downs are engineered to minimize vibration caused by rotating equipment and to protect the surrounding piping systems from potential damage.

The hold-downs are constructed from carbon steel and feature a hot-dipped galvanized coating for enhanced durability. To further improve their performance, PTFE slide plates are incorporated into the design, which reduces friction between the pipe and the clamp, allowing for controlled movement when necessary. Additionally, fabric pads are used to enhance vibration dampening, ensuring the integrity of the system.

These clamps are designed for pipelines with diameters ranging from 2″ to 16″. The dimensions of the hold-downs vary, with sizes ranging from 3″ wide x 9-1/8″ long to 8″ wide x 25-3/4″ long. They are built to withstand operating temperatures of up to 200°F. A meticulous Quality Control visual inspection was conducted prior to shipment, ensuring that only the highest quality products are delivered.

Hold-downs are used in many applications. This year we have supplied them to refineries, semiconductor plants, chemical plants, and power plants. We were the first in the industry to create a catalog to make it easy for our clients to select what would work best in their application. Take a look at a Product Figure Index to see what we offer. PT&P can custom design and fabricate hold-downs for any pipe size application. Beyond hold-downs, PT&P also offers a variety of vibration control devices designed to accommodate different pipe orientations and locations, providing comprehensive solutions for vibration management in complex piping systems.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 09222020

Read More

Graphite Slide Plates Ranging in Size from 4″ to 10″
August 13, 2024

 

 

Graphite Slide Plates For An Technology And Engineering Company In North Carolina

Type: Graphite Slide Plates
Size: 4”-10” Length | 4”-10″ Width
Material: Graphite Sheets | Carbon Steel
Design: 2000 PSI Operating Pressure

PT&P manufactured multiple graphite slide plates for a technology and engineering company in North Carolina. The materials for these slide plates are made of graphite sheets with carbon steel backing pads. The dimensions range in length 4″ to 10″ and width 4″ to 10″ with an operating pressure of 2000 PSI. The carbon steel backing pads are hot dipped galvanized. The graphite pads were then bonded to carbon steel backing plates with a ¾ lip all around to allow for field welding. For high temperature applications, we can also bond and bolt the graphite slides to the carbon steel backing plates.

The materials used for slide plates can be specified based on the design. Other materials used in addition to graphite are:

  • PTFE
  • Bronzephite
  • Stainless Steel
  • Marinite

Comparison Chart of the different options:

Temperature Max Load Coefficient of Friction
Graphite +1000F Air & +3000F Intert Loads up to 2000 PSI 0.15
PTFE -320F to +400F Loads up to 0.01 to 0.20
25%Glass filled 2000 PSI
Bronzphite Up to 500F Loads up to 5000 PSI 0.15
Stainless Steel Up to 1500F Loads up to 5000 PSI 0.06 to 0.08 (polished)
Marinite +400F to +800F 100 PSI to 2500 PSI 0.06 to 0.08

Common applications for slide plates include:

  • Bridges: Railroad, Highway, Overpasses
  • Vibration Pads
  • Heat Exchangers
  • Wind Tunnels
  • Transmission Towers
  • Offshore Drilling Rigs
  • Airports
  • Dust Collectors , Overpasses
  • Heavy Machinery
  • Refinery Equipment
  • Air Preheaters
  • Nuclear Applications
  • Storage Tanks
  • Domes

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 07292019

Read More

Variable Spring Supports for a Major Pipeline Expansion Project
July 30, 2024

Ptp Variable Spring 182218

PT&P supplied F-type variable spring supports for a pipeline 1150 km (715 miles) long carrying various kinds of crude and refined products including gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. By removing the old pipeline and replacing it with a larger diameter pipeline, the capacity of this line tripled the previous capacity allowing for it to carry 85% more of what is transported through British Columbia. This increased, in turn, oil tanker capacity at the terminal seven times.

These spring supports are designed for small movements and operating loads ranging from 15,679 lb. to 19,688 lb. The housing is fabricated from A-36 carbon steel, hot-dipped galvanized, and then painted with 3 different coats (primer, intermediate, and topcoat) of paint to protect against the harsh Canadian winters while providing long-term protection against corrosion. These variables will include PTFE, 25% glass filled, and slide plates welded to the top of the load flange to allow for translational movement. Each spring is load tested and then preset to the specified installed load and inspected for quality assurance before shipment.

Why PT&P? For this particular project, the PT&P team worked with the client through the client’s six-month bidding process on the project. Our unique combination of experience, engineering expertise, and production knowledge enabled customers to secure the project. PTP addressed coating considerations, and technical queries, and met the demanding delivery needs of the project. PT&P’s turnaround time from PO receipt to the material on-site was 10 weeks.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 02012022

Read More

Custom Compact Springs Designed to Support a Storage Tank
July 15, 2024

PT&P partnered with Disc Spring Technology (DST) and is now manufacturing the compact spring support. Resolve your overloaded pump/ heat exchanger/ vessel nozzle loads with the DST Compact Spring Support. The DST Compact Spring Support is specifically designed to relieve excess loading on process equipment.

Benefits: Minimizes excessive loads on sensitive equipment, same load for smaller working range (25-50% less space), ideal for locating under equipment flanges & reduces design time, maintenance cost, and accidents.

Custom Compact Springs Designed To Support A Storage Tank

Type: Compact Spring Supports
Material: A-36 Carbon Steel | HDG | Stainless Steel
Design: 0.25″ Movement (upward) | 5,000 lb. Load
Testing: Load and Travel Testing

These compact spring supports were custom-designed to support a storage tank at a facility in Texas. The housing was fabricated from A-36 carbon steel and hot-dipped galvanized to protect them against corrosion. The disc springs are engineered using the stainless steel Belleville disc springs designed for large loads but small movements. In this case, the springs are designed to support a load of 5,000 lb. and movement of 0.25" (upward). The installed height can range from 5" to 10" depending on the client-specified load and movement. As a result, compact springs are ideal for "tight spaces" such as modular process skid mounted piping, machinery, and equipment for military and industrial applications. Disc springs can also be installed beneath rotating equipment (such as pumps and compressors) to help reduce or eliminate the transfer of vibration to associated steel and concrete structures. Each of these assemblies underwent load testing and visual inspection prior to shipment.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 10092017

Read More

Mechanical Snubbers Designed for an Industrial Chemical Plant in Brazil
June 25, 2024

Mechanical Snubbers Designed For An Industrial Chemical Plant In Brazil

Type: Mechanical Snubbers
Size: Length: 40-3/8” to 60-3/4″
Material: Carbon Steel | Hot-dipped Galvanized | Paint
Design: 1,000 lb.  – 6,000 Load | Stroke: 4″ – 5″

Mechanical snubbers are designed to allow pipe deflection in tension or compression when operating under normal conditions, but if an impulse load occurs (such as a water hammer, earthquake, wind, or other transient forces), the snubber becomes activated and acts as a rigid restraint to limit pipe movement. So, in general, mechanical snubbers t have two modes of operation. In passive mode, the resistance mechanism is disengaged and the snubber “free wheels” with very low resistance. In active mode, the mechanism is engaged, and the snubber limits the acceleration to a low threshold value, becoming a rigid restraint. Mechanical snubbers are used in nuclear, geothermal, and other green energy plants, as well as, the traditional chemical, refinery, and power plants. Our superior design combined with rugged construction and corrosion-resistant parts makes these units extremely reliable for a wide range of loads and movements. Typically mechanical snubbers require no maintenance. Our team of engineers can also custom design and test snubbers to accommodate your unique application.

For this particular project, in addition to the mechanical snubbers, we also supplied pre-insulated cold supports, constants, variables, and rod hangers which were delivered ahead of schedule to meet the client’s delivery needs. PT&P and its subsidiaries design and manufacture the largest range of products for piping systems globally. With today’s supply chain considerations, projects can mitigate risk by working with a single strategic supplier and ensuring timely project completion and success. Our approach is unique. The key factors are our focus on the following:

  • Systems – Proprietary systems allow PT&P to manage complexity
  • Engineering – 10 Industrial Engineers in Production
  • Automation – extensive investment in automation
  • Quality – IS0 9001 certified with a large QA team
  • Training – programs to grow personnel to highly artisan/skilled functions (e.g. TIG Welding Gauge Material)
  • Scale – 500+ Production Employees and over 10% of the team are engineers
  • Experience – 40+ years with 5M+ products in service

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 07152022

Read More

Big Ton Spring Supports Designed for an LNG Facility in Australia
June 18, 2024

Big Ton Spring Supports Designed For An Lng Facility In Australia

These big ton variable spring assemblies were custom designed for an LNG plant in Western Australia. They were specially designed with PTFE, 25% glass-filled slide plates, and will be used to both support the vertical load and allow thermal growth of horizontal pressure vessel saddle supports. These units measure 30″ x 30″ and are capable of supporting a load up to 95,000 lb. with down travel of 2 to 5mm vertical.

Horizontal pressure vessels are used in a wide range of industries as storage containers, separation tanks, or settling drums. Our Big Ton springs have also been designed and manufactured to support very large Gasifiers. These units mix air, steam, and coal under high temperatures/pressures to produce syngas which is considered a source of renewable energy because it’s more efficient than direct combustion of the original feedstock (coal) since it can be combusted at higher temperatures so that the thermodynamic upper limit produces better efficiency.

As one of the first companies to design, manufacture, and test big tons, we possess the engineering expertise, testing, and “know-how” in order to meet or exceed many of our client’s expectations. Our exceptional design team is able to build 3D models and perform FEAs in order to ascertain optimum designs for big tons for given applications.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 02092016

Read More

Hold-Down Pipe Clamps Designed for a 36″ Diameter Natural Gas Pipeline
June 4, 2024

Hold-Down Pipe Clamps Designed For A 36&Quot; Diameter Natural Gas Pipeline

Type: HD-2 Hold-Down Pipe Clamps
HD Size: 36″ Dia. x 12″ W x 8-7/16″ H
Wedge Size: 23-3/16″ L x 6″ W
Material: Carbon Steel | PTFE
Testing: Standard Q.C. Tests

PT&P designed 50 HD-2 hold-down pipe clamps with pipe wedges for a natural gas pipeline in Texas. They were fabricated from carbon steel and include PTFE slide plates. The hold-downs are designed for a 36" pipeline, and are 12" wide by 8-7/16" tall. The wedges are 23-3/16" long by 6" wide. They are designed for an operating temperature of 400°F and have an adjustable height. Standard quality control tests were performed prior to shipment.

The natural gas pipeline network in the United States is indeed extensive, with over 3 million miles of pipelines crisscrossing the country. These pipelines play a crucial role in transporting natural gas from production sites, such as gas wells and processing plants, to distribution centers and ultimately to consumers, including both commercial and residential users. This vast network ensures that natural gas, an essential energy source for heating, cooking, and electricity generation, reaches homes and businesses across the nation reliably and efficiently.

At Piping Technology and Products, we specialize in custom designed Hold Downs meeting the requirements for a large array of clients. Hold down clamps are a versatile pipe support used in various industries and applications to secure pipelines and they play a crucial role in ensuring workpiece stability, precision, and safety across a wide range of processes in the chemical, refinery, power plant industries.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 04082019

Read More

U-Type Constant Spring Supports Designed for an LNG Plant in Canada
May 28, 2024

U-Type Constant Spring Supports Designed For An Lng Plant In Canada

PT&P designed U-Type constant spring supports for an LNG plant in Canada. These are horizontal constants designed to support piping from below where the base plate is bolted directly to the top of the steel or the foundation using anchor bolts. These specific constant springs are designed to support an operating load of 67,420 lb. with 6″ of total upward travel. The constants are fabricated from galvanized carbon steel for protection against corrosion. Standard load and travel testing were completed to ensure the quality and performance of these constants.
U-Type constant springs are commonly used in industrial applications where there is a need to support pipelines, ducts, or other structures subjected to thermal expansion or contraction. These springs are designed to provide a constant supporting force over a defined range of movement, typically in response to temperature changes. Here are some specific applications where U-Type constant springs might be used:

  1. Piping Systems: In industrial plants, refineries, chemical processing facilities, and power plants, pipelines are often subjected to temperature fluctuations due to the flow of hot fluids. U-Type constant springs can be employed to support these pipelines and compensate for thermal expansion or contraction, preventing excessive stress on the piping system.
  2. HVAC Systems: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems often involve ductwork that expands and contracts with changes in temperature. U-Type constant springs can be installed to support HVAC ducts and accommodate thermal movements, ensuring structural integrity and preventing damage.
  3. Steam Systems: Steam distribution systems in industries such as power generation, food processing, and manufacturing also require support for piping subjected to thermal expansion. U-Type constant springs are used to maintain proper alignment and support in steam piping systems, preventing issues such as pipe stress and misalignment.
  4. Oil and Gas Pipelines: In the oil and gas industry, pipelines are essential for transporting crude oil, natural gas, and petroleum products over long distances. U-Type constant springs help support these pipelines and compensate for temperature changes, ensuring the reliability and safety of the transportation infrastructure.
  5. Process Equipment: Various types of process equipment, such as reactors, heat exchangers, and vessels, experience thermal expansion and contraction during operation. U-Type constant springs may be employed to support and compensate for the movement of such equipment, reducing the risk of damage and prolonging service life.

U-Type constant springs play a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity and reliability of industrial systems and equipment subjected to thermal expansion or contraction.

Constant springs are sometimes installed near rotating equipment such as pumps and compressors used in manufacturing, mining operations, utilities, oil and gas extraction, and cross-country pipelines. By providing constant support to piping leading to rotating equipment subject to both vertical and horizontal movement, these types of spring hangers help to decrease stresses imposed on rotating equipment, thereby extending the life of the bearings and seals within these units.

In our continued efforts to meet projects needs for operationally best in class design with the lowest cost and time to market we created the world’s smallest constant spring support.

Nano Constant
We have designed and built constants for not only refineries, LNG, geothermal plants, petrochemical plants, and renewable energy facilities. The use applications include coker replacement, debottlenecking of furnace operations, installation of a new VDU (vacuum distillation unit) heater, tube, and heater replacement, and flare gas recovery units where the installation of constant spring hangers helped to improve the efficiency of the system or process.

Constant spring supports alongside our portfolio of products are shipped worldwide from our Houston, Texas headquarters, where all our products are manufactured. We are open for plant tours. If you are interested, please let us know so we can schedule some time with your team.

 

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 05102016

Read More
Top