When you’re dealing with the stress of a large project, it is easy to rush through installation. But when it comes to installing pipe supports, being careless can have devastating effects on your system.
Want to learn how to avoid disasters and install your pipe supports the right way? Read on. We’ve highlighted the dangers of sloppy pipe support installation and laid out how you can keep your piping system running smoothly.
Unfortunately, if you don’t take extra care when you’re installing pipe supports, it can result in disaster. Take one pipeline accident that occured in 2013 in Alberta, Canada. When one of the pipeline’s elbow joints burst, it poured 16.5 million cubic metres of natural gas into the surrounding area.
The cause?
Sadly, the installation of the joint didn’t account for thermal expansion. Temperature changes in the pipes put extra pressure on the elbow. Ultimately, the joint burst, production shut down, and pipeline owners were left suffering the consequences.
This is just one instance when imprecise pipe support installation caused severe problems. Here are some common installation dangers to watch out for:
When pipe supports are improperly installed, it often doesn’t just affect a single support or section of piping. Here are some unfortunate potential consequences of sloppy pipe support installation:
Even though there are steep consequences for poor pipe support installation, you can protect against them by taking a few preventative steps. Here are some ways to avoid problems as you’re installing supports:
If you want your pipe supports to perform, it is important to understand their overall purpose. That requires looking at your supports from a holistic perspective and following industry guidelines.
The best pipe supports don’t just stop disasters from happening. They also proactively strengthen your piping system. As you’re installing pipe supports, make sure they’re improving your system by playing a few key roles:
By giving extra attention to your piping system’s most vulnerable points, you can help stop disasters before they happen. During installation, pay special attention to those spots in your piping system that are exposed to extra wear, corrosion, and pressure. Here are some especially vulnerable areas to consider:
If there are installation problems plaguing your piping system, you can avoid disaster by identifying them right away. Here are some signs of poor pipe support installation:
If your piping system is displaying early warning signs, it is best to replace or adjust your supports before they break down altogether.
By understanding how pipe supports work, you’ll have everything you need to install supports with confidence.
Want to learn how to control pipe movement and use restraints to improve your piping system’s performance? Read our Complete Guide to Pipe Restraints for an in-depth look at pipe supports, including tips on installation.