Span tables
Recommended maximum support spans depend on pipe size, schedule, contents (gas vs liquid), and insulation. Tables in MSS SP-58/69 and most company specs give spans for water-filled CS pipe; derate for heavier fluids and for spans containing concentrated loads (valves, flanges).
Common support types
- Rest / shoe: vertical load on a pipe rack
- Guide: restrains lateral movement, allows axial
- Anchor: restrains all six directions at a fixed point
- Spring hanger: variable or constant effort for vertical thermal movement
- Snubber: restrains dynamic loads only (e.g. PSV reaction)
Shoe selection
- Welded T-shoe for hot lines on a rack
- Insulated shoe (e.g. Cryogel block) for cold service to break the thermal bridge
- Slide plate (PTFE/graphite) under the shoe to reduce friction load on the structure
Outputs
Support locations and types appear on stress isometrics, support standard drawings, and the support schedule. Critical lines are confirmed by pipe-stress analysis (Caesar II / AutoPIPE).
Key references
- · MSS SP-58
- · MSS SP-69
- · Project pipe support standards
Use of this content
This page is a decision-support and training reference. It is not a substitute for the governing code, the project specification, or the judgement of a responsible engineer. Always validate against the current edition of the applicable standard before use on live engineering work.