Cryogenic Pipe Supports for a LNG Plant in Algeria
The pictures above show cryogenic pipe supports designed by a Houston E&C firm for a LNG plant in Algeria. Piping Technology & Products, Inc. fabricated the these supports for a 14” pipe which operates below –50oF. Three different materials are used. The upper part which bolts to the pipe is fabricated from an alloy which retains its strength at low temperatures. The middle section is a Permali block selected because of its strength and durability and because it is a poor conductor of heat. The bottom plate of galvanized carbon steel is bolted to the Permali block. Permali is a phenolic laminate made from layers of wood impregnated under vacuum with a synthetic resin. A crossed orientation of the hard wood fibers is used to provide extra strength.
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Insulated Pipe Shoes for Hot Applications
Piping Technology & Products, Inc. supplied both “hot shoes” for high temperature lines and “cold shoes” for cryogenic lines in this new plant. The shoes sit on the steel beams of the pipe rack and support the insulated pipe. The bottom photograph shows several of the shoes prior to shipment. The two large cold shoes in the foreground are lined with PUF (polyurethane foam) which functions both as an insulator and as a load bearing member at temperatures as low as –300oF. Hot shoes are lined with calcium silicate or Marinite which can function up to 1200oF.
Do you need pre-insulated pipe shoes for your current or upcoming project? Get pricing today!
Pipe Shoes for Hot Temperature Applications
Pipe Shoes for Hot Temperature Applications
The pictures above show insulated pipe supports designed for two very different temperature applications. The top picture shows an inspector checking “hot” shoes for high temperature piping. They have one 180 degree section of the insulation made of foam glass and the other 180 degree made from calcium silicate. Some components are chosen for their insulating properties only, other must both insulate and support the load of the pipe. The bottom picture shows a 54 inch “cold” shoe of galvanized steel with PTFE slide plates on the bottom. Inside the galvanized steel is bonded a layer of polyurethane foam which has been coated with a white vapor barrier. This polyurethane layer provides both insulation and support of the load at cryogenic temperatures.
Want to learn more about pre-insulated supports? Instantly view a recording of a past webinar!
Color-Coded Insulating Components
The pictures above show pipe supports designed for a system with very cold operating temperatures. The insulating components are polyurethane, which are inside the galvanized steel exterior of the support. At the top left of the picture are the color-coded polyurethane components of a “cold shoe” for a 60” pipe, the top (green) is 14 lb/ft3 density and the bottom (orange) is 20 lb/ft3 density. The higher density material has greater compressive strength but it is a better conductor of heat. The other pictures show finished shoes which have white coating over the polyurethane. Hot shoes, designed for high operating temperatures, are similar but usually have different insulating materials.
Want to learn more about pre-insulated supports? View a recording of a past live pre-insulated webinar.
Bonding Strength Testing for Low Temperature Application Adhesive
In the picture above, a test of the bonding strength of an adhesive designed for low temperature applications is being conducted. Polyurethane strips have been bonded to metal strips which are pulled apart in a load cell which measures the force applied.
Polyurethane is often specified for components of insulated pipe shoes and supports for cold temperature applications. Polyurethane provides both insulation and load carrying capacity for pipes when it is bonded to a metal pipe shoe or support. Piping Technology & Products, Inc. fabricates all types of insulated pipe supports. The type of insulation specified depends on the temperature profile the pipe will experience and the loads and movement at the point of application.
PT&P provides testing services and pipe support maintenance in the field. Let us help you today!
