Pipe Support for Low Temperature

Low-temperature piping systems in LNG terminals, cold storage facilities, and industrial refrigeration demand support components that can handle both extreme thermal contraction and continuous mechanical loads. Without proper restraint, pipes operating below -45°C may shift, bind, or transmit excessive stress to nozzles and flanges. Our low-temperature pipe support portfolio addresses these challenges through a combination of cold-tough structural steel, low-friction sliding surfaces, and controlled load paths. For projects that must comply with seismic design requirements, the Seismic Pipe Support range provides tested assemblies that limit displacement in all three axes while permitting thermal movement. When rotating equipment or pressure pulsation induces steady-state vibration, the Anti Vibration Pipe Support series uses elastomeric or spring-damped elements to isolate high-frequency energy and protect adjacent piping. For sudden transient events such as relief valve discharge or water hammer, the Shock Absorbing Pipe Support units are calibrated to absorb peak forces without imposing rigid restraint during normal thermal cycling. In applications where pipe expansion must be accommodated with minimal frictional resistance, the Pipe Support with PTFE Plate option combines a mirror-finished stainless steel slide plate with a PTFE bearing pad to reduce the coefficient of friction to below 0.08. Typical installations include LNG regasification terminals, ethylene storage, ammonia refrigeration, and cryogenic laboratory piping. In these environments, the support must maintain structural integrity at temperatures down to -196°C while also preventing ice formation on the outer surface. Our low-temperature supports incorporate non-hygroscopic insulation and vapor barriers to eliminate condensation and ice adhesion. The result is a support system that reduces heat leakage, extends insulation life, and simplifies maintenance access.

Pipe Support for Low Temperature is engineered for cryogenic and chilled-water service where thermal contraction can exceed 3 mm per meter. The construction combines a cold-formed structural steel channel with a pre-compressed polyurethane insulation pad and an adjustable stainless steel pipe clamp. The clamp is lined with a 3 mm PTFE-based release film to allow axial movement without scratching the pipe surface. Height adjustment from 100 mm to 600 mm is achieved through a threaded stem and locknut arrangement, while lateral guides provide ±25 mm of transverse travel. All carbon steel components are hot-dip galvanized to ASTM A153 or coated with a two-part epoxy for corrosion resistance in humid or marine environments. Stainless steel hardware is available for direct contact with cryogenic fluids or where chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking is a concern. The support assembly is tested at -196°C using liquid nitrogen immersion, and the insulation is rated for continuous exposure down to -200°C without cracking or delamination. For LNG lines, the support spacing is typically determined by the allowable span under full vacuum and frost load. Our standard modules are designed to meet a maximum deflection of L/240 at rated load. Installation requires no field welding; all connections are bolted and can be adjusted after cold stabilization. The base plate is predrilled for M16 or M20 anchor bolts on a 200 mm × 200 mm pattern. On-site torque requirements are 80 N·m for structural bolts and 40 N·m for clamp bolts. A complete pipe support assembly weighs between 12 kg and 85 kg depending on size and load class.

• Pre-compressed polyurethane foam insulation block with density of 80 kg/m³ and thermal conductivity of 0.022 W/m·K
• PTFE slide surface with a static coefficient of friction ≤0.08 and dynamic coefficient ≤0.05
• Adjustable height range from 100 mm to 600 mm in 50 mm increments
• Lateral guide travel of ±25 mm to handle pipe misalignment and thermal movement
• Charpy V-notch impact toughness of 27 J at -46°C for structural steel components
• Corrosion protection systems: hot-dip galvanizing, zinc-rich epoxy primer, or stainless steel
• Design pressure rating of 20 bar for optional integral pipe shoes with clamping rings
• Compliance with MSS SP-58, ASME B31.3, and EN 13480 for pipe support design and fabrication