What is a bearing plate?

January 10, 2012

A bearing plate is also referred to as a slide plate. It is a component that can be fabricated from a variety of materials including graphite, PTFE, 25% glass filled, stainless steel, and bronzphite. The purpose of slide plates is to produce a low-coefficient of friction between a stationary support element and the moving pipe support component to reduce the forces generated as a result of pipe deflections during operation.

PTFE, 25% Glass Filled Slide Plates Bonded to Stainless Steel Backing Plates
PTFE, 25% Glass Filled Slide Plates

What are the layers used in a PTFE plate for pipe supports?

February 1, 2011

A PTFEslide plate is simply a layer of PTFE, 25% glass filled material bonded to acarbon steel backing plate.

PTFE Slide Plate
PTFE Slide Plate

How do you install slide plates?

December 1, 2010

For PTFE, 25% Glass Filled Slide Plates:Prior to Welding: Locate the slide plate base in the appropriate position on the existing steel surface. Place a protective covering on the PTFE, 25% glass filled. Where seal welding is not required, follow the diagram shown which indicates 1/8 inch thick fillet weld, 1 inch long every 4 inches around entire perimeter of the base. For welding, use GMAW 0.035 wire or SMAW 3/32 inch stick.Where full seal welding is required, use a similar pattern of welding until a full weld is obtained. This method will prevent damage to the PTFE, 25% glass filled. (A full weld will help prevent seepage of water between the slide bearing plate and the support structure.) Avoid overheating, which may destroy the bonding of the PTFE, 25% glass filled to the base plate.Installation in Concrete: Secure the top and bottom elements together with paper adhesive tape. Then attach the bottom element anchor bolts with wire to the form. After the bottom pour is made, repeat on top element. During the first expansive cycle, the tape will break. For Graphite and Bronzphite Plates – see link below:

How do you bond PTFE to metal?

The most common method of attaching a slide bearing plate to supporting metal structures is through welding.When this approach is used a “lip” must be built since the welding's extreme temperature may break the bond between the low-friction material and the metal plate. A 0.25 inch “lip” is adequate for most welded installations. When welding cannot be used (for safety or other reasons) to attach the slide plates, bolting is the most common substitute.
PTFE Slide Plates Welded to Metal Pipe Saddles
PTFE Slide Plates Welded to Metal Pipe Saddles

What is PTFE?

PTFE is also know as polytetrafluoroethylene. It is used as a component of slide plates and functions as a low-coefficient of friction between a stationary support element and the moving pipe support component.

PTFE Slide Plates
PTFE Slide Plates

What is a slide plate?

November 3, 2010

A slide plate is a component that can be fabricated from a variety of materials including PTFE, 25% glass filled, graphite, Bronzphite®, Marinite®, and stainless steel. The purpose of slide plates is to produce a low-coefficient of friction between a stationary support element and the moving pipe support component to reduce the forces generated as a result of pipe deflections during operation.

PTFE, 25% Glass Filled Slide Plates Bonded to Stainless Steel Backing Plates
Graphite Slide Plates

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