PT&P custom designed “mini” big ton spring supports to support a large centrifugal fan at a chemical refinery in Texas. They are designed to support a total weight of 33,000 lb. within a maximum space envelope of 4″ wide x 16″ long x 8″ tall. As a result, these mini big-tons were fabricated using coils which could be placed in parallel within their respective frames. Four of the unites were comprised of four inner coils nested inside four outer coils to produce an operating load of 4,478 lb. and an overall spring rate of 2,740 lb./in. The smaller load capacity units were configured of four individual coils in parallel with an operating load of 3,735 lb. and a spring rate of 2,300 lb./in. The frame, load flange and all internal components were fabricated from carbon steel. The spring coils were fabricated from ASTM A-5160 spring steel. All supports were tested through their total working range to confirm load capacity and functionality.

Live New Webinar
Sign-up for a Live Technical Webinar…
Variable Spring Support Design, Size Selection, Installation & Maintenance Webinar
Date: Thursday, June 1, 2023 - Register for 10:00 am OR 2:00 pm
*Note: Time Zone is CDT * Central Daylight Savings Time / GMT -5h
Live Webinars are 1 PE/PDH Credit for TX Professional Engineers
This Webinar will focus on the different types of variable spring supports and big ton variable spring supports. Learn about the special features available, in addition to the design of a variable support. View how the different coil configurations produce a unique response to an applied load and see how a spring assembly is loaded. Discover the basic steps in selecting a hanger design and the step-by-step process used to size a spring for your application. Learn about the different attachments, testing, and installation and maintenance procedures. View examples of failed supports provided by our Field Service Division and learn why they failed and how to prevent it. Gain knowledge of the valuable tips used when deciding to replace or re-calibrate a variable spring support, as well as adjustments, shutdown, and isolation procedures.
Upcoming Webinars:
June 8th: U.S. Bellows 101 - The Basics of Expansion Joints 10:00 am
June 15th: Compact Spring Support Webinar 10:00 am OR 2:00 pm
June 22nd: Constant Spring Supports Design and Application Webinar 10:00 am OR 2:00 pm

Online Course
Piping Design and Analysis Influence on Pipe Support Selection and Design
Surveying a piping system? Need to change a current system?
This course is also great for…
• New Engineers, Management and Operations
• Field, Process, Maintenance and New Engineers
• Piping and Piping System Designers and/or Instructors
*This online course is approved for 8 hrs. P.E. Credits