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Pig Launchers and Receivers Designed for a Crude Export Pipeline
September 19, 2023

Pig Launchers and Receivers Designed for a Crude Export Pipeline

Sweco Fab., Inc. designed and fabricated pig (pipeline intervention gadget) launchers and receivers with closures for a crude export pipeline in Mexico. Pig Launchers and receivers are pressure-containing vessels or sections of piping within a pipeline system that are utilized for pipeline maintenance, cleaning, and inline inspection for upstream, downstream, and midstream operations. The design of the launcher and receiver depends on the pig and pipeline design conditions. Crude oil, wet gas, dry gas, and product lines are typically cleaned with pipeline pigs monthly or semi-annually.

These units were custom-designed per ASME CODE B31.3 and weighed 2,400 lb. They are 120″ in length and have 12″ dia. minor barrels and 18″ dia. major barrels. The barrels are fabricated from API 5L Gr. B pipe, the flanges from SA105, and the closures are manufactured from carbon steel. The launchers are designed for operating temperatures ranging from -20°F to 212°F at 943 psig. They were radiography-tested and hydro-tested on-site at our manufacturing facility at 1,415 psig for two hours.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 02212014

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A-Type Variable Spring Supports for a Process Power Plant in Oklahoma
August 29, 2023

A-Type Variable Spring Supports for a Process Power Plant in Oklahoma

Type: Variable Spring Supports
Size: Rod Diameter 2” / Casing 8′ long & 3 1/8” Diameter
Material: Carbon Steel
Design: Operating Load 31,563 lbs., Installed Load 29,000 lbs., 0.82″ Downward Movement
Testing: Standard Load & Travel Tests

PT&P designed two standard PTP-4 size 210 A-type variable spring supports for a process power plant in Oklahoma. The springs are fabricated from A36 carbon steel with a hot-dipped galvanized finish. The springs are designed to accommodate a hydro test load of 34,000 lbs. with an operating load of 31,563 lbs. and an installed load of 29,000 lbs., with the movement of 0.82″ downward. Standard load and travel tests were conducted on the variables before shipment. The specially designed springs utilize a rod diameter of 2″ and the spring casing 8′ long and 3 1/8″ in diameter.

In addition to the products we offer, we also have an experienced field service team. Over 80% of the field service we do is for engineered supports, including constant and spring supports. Inspecting pipe supports in high-energy piping systems such as refineries, chemical plants, and power plants is critical for ensuring safety and reliability. Neglecting these inspections can lead to major consequences detailed below:

  • Structural Failures: Over time, pipe supports can weaken due to corrosion, vibration, or other factors. Without inspection, undetected defects can result in the failure of these supports, causing pipes to sag, bend, or even rupture. This can lead to catastrophic accidents and expensive repairs.
  • Leakage: When pipe supports degrade, they may cause pipes to shift or disconnect, leading to leaks at flange connections and other types of connections in high-pressure systems caused by pipe strain. These leaks can release hazardous substances, causing environmental damage, health risks, and operational disruptions.
  • Reduced System Efficiency: Improperly supported pipes can experience increased friction, causing higher energy consumption to maintain the desired flow rates. This inefficiency can result in increased operational costs and decreased overall system performance.
  • Loss of Containment: In high-energy piping systems, failure to inspect supports can compromise containment integrity. A pipe rupture or leak called a “failure in the pressure-containing boundary,” can release hazardous materials, posing serious risks to personnel, nearby communities, and the environment.
  • Regulatory Non-Compliance: Many industries are subject to regulations and standards governing the inspection and maintenance of high-energy piping systems, including ASME B31.1 and 31.3 and API570. The implications of non-compliance can result in legal consequences and fines.
  • Increased Maintenance Costs:With regular inspections, minor issues can be managed so they do not escalate into costly and timely major problems such as extensive repairs or complete system replacement.
  • Loss of Productivity:Unexpected failures and repairs can disrupt production schedules and lead to unplanned downtime, causing financial losses and impacting the company’s reputation.

Correct installation and regular inspections are essential to mitigate risks and ensure industrial facilities’ safe and efficient operation. We have a team of engineers and technicians who are qualified to inspect pipe supports and expansion joints and can assist with diagnosing problems, replacement, and identifying models, types, and sizes. We provide field service to our clients for all product categories we manufacture, even if we are not the OEM because serving our clients is our first priority.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 11272017

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Clamped Pipe Shoes Custom-Designed for an Offshore Vessel Project
August 22, 2023

Clamped Pipe Shoes Custom-Designed for an Offshore Vessel Project

These special clamped pipe shoes with isolators were supplied for an offshore vessel project. Offshore renewable energy companies are exploring the viability of developing an offshore charging facility for electrified vessels and using ammonia-powered or hydrogen-powered fuel cells to power marine vessels. As the world’s only major Expansion Joints and Engineered Pipe Supports manufacturer, we are uniquely positioned to service various piping needs. The 210 pipe shoes were fabricated from carbon steel for pipe sizes ranging from 1″ to 24″ in diameter. They are supplied with a hot-dipped galvanized finish for corrosion resistance and range in length from 8″ to 16″ with 4″ from the BOP. These pipe shoes include a dampening isolator in between the pipe and the shoe to reduce vibration and noise. The isolator pad is typically made of a “rubber bonded cork elastomeric” which can be designed to suit the application for temperature and other system needs as specified.

1,485 supports were supplied for this order, including these pipe shoes. At Piping Technology and Products, we supply products to facilities that are helping to reduce carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 06292021

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Custom-Designed Hot Shoes
August 15, 2023

Hot Shoe Custom Designed for a 16-inch pipeline for a mining facility in the Caribbean

Type: Pre-Insulated Pipe Supports “Hot Shoes”
Size: 18″ Length | 16″ Dia. | 4″ Insulation
Material: A240 Gr. 304 L Stainless Steel | Firetemp®
Design: 25,000 lb. – 50,000 Load
Testing: Standard Q.C. Inspections

Piping Technology & Products, Inc. designed and manufactured pre-insulated pipe supports for a high-temperature pipeline for a gold mine. Our subsidiary, Pipe Shields, created this category and family of products.

The “hot shoes” are 16″ in diameter, including 4″ of insulation, and are 18″ in length. They are fabricated from A240 Gr 304 L stainless steel and high-density calcium silicate insulation. The insulation material is noncombustible and can be supplied in varying densities to accommodate different loading applications. This type of insulated support is also utilized in lithium battery plants, automotive manufacturing, data centers, semiconductor manufacturing facilities, sports stadiums, hospitals, and other facilities where there are high-temperature pipelines. In many cases, these lines are for chilled water, hot water, and HVAC systems. These hot shoes are custom designed to support loads from 25,000 lb. to 50,000 lb. at an operating temperature of 1,400°F. Standard tests were performed for a three-week rush job.

For this particular project, we provided a larger scope of material in addition to the pre-insulated supports shown here. We worked with the pipe module fabricator and the EPC for the same project. The scope of material and services included engineering services, insulated supports, pipe hanger hardware, clamps, rods, guides, anchors, structural bolts, nuts, and washers. The project dates back to 2010; however, this mine has last year undergone a plant expansion and mine life extension project designed to increase throughput and allow the operation to maintain a minimum annual gold production of approximately 800,000oz until 2040.

We regularly support customers for the life of their facilities, sometimes over 40 years. We see every customer relationship as long-term and strategic so we can be part of their continued success.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 03262019

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Cryogenic Pipe Saddles with Micarta® Insulation for LNG Service
August 1, 2023

Insulated Pipe Supports for Low Temperatures

PT&P manufactured cryogenic pipe saddles for LNG transportation pipelines. These types of insulated supports have been utilized in LNG plants around the world. Insulated supports are also used on cold piping in semiconductor plants or plants that make batteries to eliminate condensation.

Cryogenic Pipe Saddles with Micarta® G-10 Insulation for LNG Service

A cold shoe is a pipe support used for cryogenic applications where the transfer of cold temps from the pipeline to the surrounding steel pipe rack is not desirable. These supports can be used for temperatures down to -320° Fahrenheit.  This particular type of insulated pipe saddle assembly was fabricated with a carbon steel base plate, 304L stainless steel saddle, and an insulation block. The overall size ranges from 25” x 19” x 12-¾” to 29” x 25” x 13-3/8”. These pipe shoes were manufactured to support pipe sizes ranging in diameter from 36″ to 42″ NPS.

For additional information about Insulated Pipe Supports go to our product page.

Cryogenic Pipe Saddles Made for LNG Project

For this job, our client was a new entrant into the LNG engineering and design market space, and this was one of their capstone projects internally and for the marketplace.  Given PTP’s long history and experience concerning LNG pipe supports, we served as strategic partners in the engagement.  We identified that the client was using a pre-existing standard that underestimated the amount of Micarta® insulation thickness needed to provide adequate insulation for the facility.

PT&P engineers recognized that the insulation was not sufficient, and we tested the existing design using a test fixture we developed to demonstrate our concern.  PT&P utilized thermal scanning (infrared technology) to measure temperature at various locations around the insulated pipe support. As a result of our tests, our client corrected the concern, saving dollars, man hours, and scheduled project completion.

pipe support thermal scanning image
pipe support on test

Our work with facilities such as these are a great example of our commitment to providing clean, affordable energy to the world.

To find additional information about our Cryogenic Pipe Saddles visit our product page.

 

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 03092021

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Custom Sway Braces Designed for Coker Units
July 25, 2023

 

Sway Braces Custom Designed for Coker Units at an Oil Refinery in the Virgin Islands

 

Type: Custom Sway Braces with Ball Joints
Material: A36 Carbon Steel | Hot-dipped Galvanized
Testing: Standard Load Testing & Q.C. Inspection

PT&P custom-designed sway braces on an urgent basis to replace existing sway braces at one of the ten largest oil refineries in the world initially built over 75 years ago. These sway braces will be used in Coker units that have long displacements. They are fabricated with “ball joints” at both ends due to the “banana effect,” where the Coker unit will actually bend due to the heating of one side of the Coker unit faster than the opposite side. The casing, pipe, coils, threaded rods, turnbuckle, ball joints, etc., are all fabricated from carbon steel with a hot-dipped galvanized finish.

The maximum loads, spring rates and movements for the sway braces are as follows:

Max Load (lb) Spring Rate (lb/in) Max Movement (+ / – in)
2475 90 10″
3800 267 3-3/4″
3480 120 9″
2500 200 2″

Learn more about our sway brace products and place an order with us today!

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 03102020

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F-Type Variable Springs with Rollers
July 18, 2023

 

F-Type Variable Spring Support & Pipe Roller Assemblies Designed for a Fabrication Company in Texas

Type: Variable Springs w/ Rollers
Size: Springs: 11.1/16″ H | Rollers: 24″ -36″ Dia.
Design: 700-15,970 lb. Loads | 650°F Temp.
Material: HDG Carbon Steel | Cast-iron
Testing: Standard Load Testing & Q.C. Inspection

Variables use coiled springs to support a load and allow movement. The resistance of the coil to a load changes during compression, which is why these devices are called “variables”. We offer a variety of different designs of variable spring pipe supports. View Variable Spring Supports Product Section.
For this application, the variable spring with rollers were used in natural gas compressor stations in Texas. Compressor stations are an essential part of a natural gas pipeline that moves natural gas from one location to another. At these stations, natural gas is re-pressurized and sent back into the pipeline system where it travels until the next compressor station. The location and distance between compressor stations is dependent on terrain, and the number of gas wells in the vicinity. Frequent elevation changes and a greater number of gas wells will require more compressor stations.
The compressor station, also called a pumping station, is the “engine” that powers a long-distance natural gas pipeline. As the name implies, the station compresses the gas (increasing its pressure) thereby providing energy to move it through the pipeline. The compressor is driven by a motor fueled by some of the natural gas bled from the pipeline. The size of the station and the number of compressors (pumps) varies, based on the diameter of the pipe and the volume of gas to be moved.
Piping Technology and Products and its subsidiaries provide products and services to this critical piece of the energy infrastructure with not only variable spring supports with rollers showcased here, but also with insulated supports, expansion joints, pipe shoes, guides, and anchors.

 

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 02172020

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U-Type Constants Designed with Slide Plates for a Polypropylene Plant in Texas
July 4, 2023

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PT&P designed and fabricated a U-Type constant spring support , with PTFE and a 25% glass-filled side plate for a Polypropylene Plant in Texas. The constant is fabricated from carbon steel and hot-dipped galvanized for extra protection against corrosion. The vertical movement is 1.5" total upward travel and is capable of supporting a load of 10,350 lbs. throughout its range of movement. The constant underwent standard load testing prior to shipment.

Along with chemical plants, constant spring supports are utilized in refineries, power plants, and heat recovery steam generators (HRSG). The design of the constant spring support replaced a system of pipe support called a "counterweight" design still used in some facilities today. The counter-weight system utilized pipe clamps or lugs (attached or welded to the pipe), cables, pulleys, and a set of weights. Just like the old-fashioned brass weighing scales, weights were added to one end of the pulley system until an equilibrium was reached. The counterweight design needed a large amount of space with which to operate. Constant spring hangers replaced this system because they require much less space in order to function (similar to some designs we stand on to weigh ourselves). No matter the application, our team of experienced engineers and designers can help to resolve your pipe support needs. Please contact us via our 24×7 emergency service or send an email to info@pipingtech.com.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 08232016

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Cold Shoes and Hot Shoes Designed for an Ammonia Project
June 27, 2023

Insulated Pipe Supports Designed for Cryogenic and High Temperature Pipe Systems for an Ammonia Project

PT&P custom designed 98 insulated pipe supports for an ammonia project at a chemical plant in Louisiana. The supports were designed for both cryogenic and high-temperature pipe systems, with an 8" to 22" baseplate width and a 10" to 28" saddle length. They were designed for pipe diameters of 6"-24" and are composed of polyurethane foam for cryogenic and high-density calcium silicate insulation for high temperatures. Standard Q.C. and dimensional tests were performed prior to shipment.

This project was a combination of upgrading a current anhydrous ammonia plant and adding new capacity to the facility. We worked with the EPC, on-site contractors, and operators to ensure specifications and delivery deadlines were met over a three-year period during project construction. In addition to the insulated supports discussed here, we designed, manufactured, and shipped bellmouth reducers, metallic expansion joints, pipe shoe guides and anchors, pipe hanger hardware, slide plates, snubbers, sway braces, struts, and variable spring supports.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 06232015

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Compact Springs Designed for an Oil Refinery Expansion Project
June 13, 2023

Compact Springs Designed for an Oil Refinery Expansion Project

Type: Compact Spring Supports (Disc Springs)
Material: Carbon Steel | PTFE, 25% Glass-Filled
Design: Movement: 1/32″ to 1/4″ | Load: 12,000 lb.
Testing: Standard Spring Rate & Calibration Tests

These compact spring supports were custom designed for an oil refinery expansion project. They will be installed underneath a heat exchanger supporting a load of up to 12,000 lb. The space available was limited to 3" for the installed height, and the movements ranged from 1/32" to 1/4". These units are the perfect solution for tight spaces where the distance between the supporting steel and the equipment/pipeline is extremely limited. These compact springs are fabricated from carbon steel and utilize engineered Belleville (disc spring) washers to achieve the desired spring rate. 25% glass-filled (PTFE) slide plates are bonded to the top of the load flange and provide a low coefficient of friction in order to adjust the spring’s height.

Here at Piping Technology and Products, we manufacture a wide range of variable spring supports along with constant spring supports. Our experience and know-how have helped to facilitate designs to incorporate site conditions where no conventional support is available.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 03092017

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