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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Variable Spring Support with Bronzphite® Slide Plates for a Facility in Canada
May 21, 2024

Variable Spring Support With Bronzphite® Slide Plates Designed For A Facility In Canada

PT&P manufactured these F-type variable spring supports for a facility in Canada. The springs are fabricated from A36 carbon steel with a hot-dipped galvanized finish. The variables installed heights range from 11" to 15" and are designed for operating conditions up to 4,000 lbs. Bronzphite® is best suited for high loads, low-velocity applications and where the use of oil or grease is undesirable or not feasible. The bronze plate acts as the bearing surface, withstanding heavy loads, while the graphite inserts provide a solid, oil-free lubricant. Type F base springs are not typically designed for lateral loads, so slide plates such as Bronzphite® are employed to reduce the stress that could be imposed on the spring and pipeline by reducing the sliding friction between the spring’s load flange and the pipe shoe, trunnion or supporting steel. Also added to these springs are Internally Guided Load Columns which provide additional support for lateral loads. As with all of our variable supports, these were quality-checked with a 100% spring coil deflection test and a load cell calibration to set the assembly at the prescribed installed load.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 05232016

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54" Dia. Pre-Insulated Pipe Shoes Custom Designed for a Pipeline in Texas
May 14, 2024

54&Quot; Dia. Pre-Insulated Pipe Shoes Custom Designed For A Pipeline In Texas

Pipe Shields/PT&P designed and manufactured pre-insulated pipe shoes for a 54″ diameter pipeline in a propane dehydrogenation unit within a chemical processing plant in Texas. The hot shoes are custom-designed with a wide base along with slide plates to accommodate lateral movement and axial movements of +/- 4 1/2″. We designed the hot shoes to include additional bolting along with bolting torque recommendations in order to help prevent slippage of the pipe inside the pipe shoe. We designed the supports to accommodate vertical loads up to 22,200 lb. and temperatures up to 1800°F. The outer part of the shoe was manufactured of hot-dipped galvanized carbon steel while the inner insulation material is 4″ thick high-density calcium silicate insulation.

Here’s a breakdown of their key purposes:

  1. Load Bearing and Movement: Insulated pipe supports are designed to carry the weight of the pipe while also accommodating necessary movement. This is important to prevent stress on the piping system and ensure its longevity.
  2. Insulation: In areas where regular pipe insulation cannot be installed, such as at support points, high density insulated pipe supports can both support the vertical load while providing a layer of insulation. This helps to maintain the temperature of the fluid flowing through the pipes and minimizes heat loss.
  3. Cost Efficiency: By reducing heat loss and minimizing the need for additional insulation materials, insulated pipe supports can help minimize the overall cost of field installation. Additionally, their pre-assembled nature saves installation time, further contributing to cost efficiency.
  4. Non-Welded Design: Unlike traditional supports that may require welding to attach to the pipe, insulated pipe supports are not welded. This simplifies installation and reduces the risk of damage to the pipe or insulation during the installation process.
  5. Shipment as Fully Assembled Units: Insulated pipe supports are typically shipped as fully assembled units, except for certain types like riser supports and anchor supports, which may require some welding during installation. This pre-assembly reduces the need for on-site assembly and ensures consistency in quality across installations.

Overall, insulated pipe supports offer a comprehensive solution for maintaining thermal efficiency, structural integrity, and cost-effectiveness in piping systems.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 02242015

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Variable Spring Hangers for an Upstream and Valve Project in Thailand
April 30, 2024

Variable Spring Hangers Designed For An Upstream And Valve Project In Thailand

PT&P designed and manufactured these variable spring hanger assemblies for a Flue Gas Cooler and SCR system in Thailand. The SCR system utilizes urea to reduce NOx levels. These variable spring hanger assemblies incorporate the use of three-bolt pipe clamps (fitted with metric bolting for this overseas order) ranging in sizes from 6″ to 12″ diameter with elevation differences ranging from 68-½” to 138-1⁄2″ from the pipe rack structure steel member to the center of the pipe. The B-Type spring hanger assembly uses coil springs to support the load and allow for vertical movement. They are furnished with one lug welded to the top of the spring’s transition plate. The transition plate can be designed for different connection arrangements utilizing 2 lugs or a threaded connection. All forty-seven variable spring supports were quality-checked with a 100% spring coil deflection test utilizing a load cell to also set the assemblies at the prescribed installed load. These spring hanger assemblies were packaged for export shipment at our facility.

Variable supports are typically used for the following considerations in piping systems:

  • Compensating for Thermal Expansion
  • Maintaining Stress and Load
  • Installation in Piping Systems
  • Maintenance
  • Supporting Heavy Loads

Variable spring cans play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and stability of piping systems by compensating for thermal expansion or contraction, supporting heavy loads, and allowing for vertical movement. They are essential components in industries such as petrochemical, power generation, semiconductor, refining, paper and pulp processing, and other applications where large-scale piping systems are employed.

Variable spring cans come in a variety of designs and are constructed using different materials to suit specific applications and environmental conditions. Materials commonly used for variable spring cans include carbon steel, stainless steel, and special alloys. The selection of materials is crucial to ensure that the device can withstand the corrosive effects of certain fluids or harsh environmental conditions.

Variable spring supports, along with our array of engineered support solutions, stand as a fundamental pillar of our business. They enable us to actively collaborate with our clients, whether it involves the products we’ve manufactured, systems subjected to pipe stress and Finite Element Analysis (FEA), or items serviced through the expertise of our field service team.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 02232016

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