The major differences between standard springs and
furnace springs are in their construction and their intended use. Furnace
springs operate in much the same way as other variable spring supports. They are
designed to support the pipe or tubes that are subjected to vertical thermal
movement. The design changes are necessary because furnace springs are exposed
to extreme temperatures.
Coatings - Furnace springs are almost always coated with
red oxide primer in order to avoid any potential hazards when exposed to high
temperatures. Standard springs are usually hot dipped galvanized, which, when
exposed to high temperatures, tends to melt the zinc coating. The molten zinc
can then cause damage to the surrounding pipe and equipment.
Construction – Whereas many of the standard variable spring
components are interchangeable, the furnace spring assemblies are constructed
from components unique to its application and intended use. The furnace spring
incorporates a welded design for the housing assembly unlike standard spring
housings that use a bolted configuration. The internal components of the furnace
spring are designed to center the spring coils within the spring's housing to
prevent misalignment. In addition, the spring housing is modified to accommodate
lug attachments on existing furnace tubing and equipment. Special fabricated
casings, spring coils, and nameplates may also be used to accommodate increased
travel.
Design - Some furnace springs are designed in order for the spring
to be used as a means to determine the loading of the catalyst tubes. In these
applications, an exact spring rate is determined for each assembly. The exact
spring rate (which may differ slightly from published spring rate values) can
then be used to determine the weight of the tubing system in order to balance
the unit.
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