Pipe Design 101

Spacing of pipe supports

For chart on deflection of horizontal pipe lines, see next page
When a horizontal pipeline is supported at intermediate average gradients of 100 in 100 , 100 in 150 , 100 in 200 , 100 in 300 ,
points, sagging of the pipe occurs between these supports, and 100 in 400 .
the amount of sag being dependent upon the weight of the
Example. What is the maximum distance between
pipe, fluid, insulation, and valves or fittings that may be
supports for a 400 standard pipeline assuming a pitch or
included in the line. If the pipeline is installed with no
average gradient of 100 in 30 ft?
downward pitch, pockets will be formed in each span, in
Using the chart on the opposite page, find the point where
which case condensation may collect if the line is transport-
the diagonal dotted line for an average gradient of 100
ing steam. In order to eliminate these pockets, the line must
in 30 ft intersects the diagonal solid line for 400 pipe. From
be pitched downward so that the outlet of each span is lower
this point, proceed downward to the bottom line where
than the maximum sag.
Crane has conducted tests to determine the deflection the maximum span is noted to be approximately 22 ft.
of horizontal standard pipelines filled with water, in pipe sizes Code for Pressure Piping: The Code for Pressure
3
/4 to 400 inclusive, the results of which have indicated that for Piping, ASA B 31.1, makes the following statements relative
pipes larger than 200 and with supports having center to center to installations within the scope of the code:
dimensions greater than 10 ft, the resultant deflection is less 605 (g) Supports shall be spaced so as to prevent
than that determined by the use of the formula for a uni- excessive sag, bending and shear stresses in the piping,
formly loaded pipe fixed at both ends. For pipe sizes 200 and with special consideration given to those piping sections
smaller, the test deflection was in excess of that determined where flanges, valves, etc., impose concentrated loads.
by the formula for pipe having fixed ends and approached, Where calculations are not made, suggested maximum
for the shorter spans, the deflection as determined by the use spacing of hangers or supports for carbon steel piping
of the formula for pipelines having unrestrained ends. operating at 750 F and lower are given in Table 21a
Page 96 gives the deflection of horizontal standard (see the table below).
pipelines filled with water, for varying spans, based upon Where greater distance between supports, concentrated
the results obtained from tests for sizes 200 and smaller and loads, higher temperatures, or vibration considerations
upon the formula for fixed ends for the larger sizes of pipe. are involved, special consideration should be given to
The deflection values given on the chart are twice those effects of bending and shear stresses.
obtained from test or calculation, to compensate for any 623 (b) The design and spacing of supports shall be
variables including weight of insulation, etc. checked to assure that the sum of the longitudinal stresses
The formula given below indicates the vertical distance due to weight, pressure, and other sustained external
that the span must be pitched so that the outlet is lower than loading does not exceed the allowable stress (S value) in
the maximum sag of the pipe. the hot condition.
1442 y
h Suggested maximum spacing between pipe supports for
36S2  y2 straight runs of standard wall and heavier pipe
where: (at maximum operating temperature of 7508F)
h Difference in elevation of span ends, inches Nominal Pipe Maximum Nominal Pipe Maximum
S Length of one span, feet Size Inches Span Feet Size Inches Span Feet
y Deflection of one span, inches
1 7 8 19
By eliminating the inconsequential term y2 from the 1 1 /2 9 10 22
2 10 12 23
denominator, the formula reduces to: 2 1 /2 11 14 25
h 4y 3 12 16 27
3 1 /2 13 18 28
The pitch of pipe spans, called the Average Gradient, is a ratio 4 14 20 30
5 16 24 32
between the drop in elevation and the length of the span. This 6 17
is expressed as so many inches in a certain number of feet. Note: The values in the table do not apply where there are concentrated loads
4y between supports such as flanges, valves, etc.
Average gradient
S Spacing is based on a combined bending and shear stress of
The dotted lines as shown on the chart on the opposite 1500 psi when pipe is filled with water and the pitch of the line
page are plotted from the above formula and indicate is such that a sag of 0.1 in. between supports is permissible.

Reprinted with permissionCrane Company.