PT&P: On-Line Tour: Constants

CONSTANT LOAD HANGERS (page 1 of 2)

BACKGROUND:
A constant is a type of pipe support used when there is vertical movement due to thermal expansion at locations where transfer of stress is critical. Constant spring supports are designed to provide a "constant" resistance throughout a specified travel range at critical points in a piping system. These devices are used to avoid transfer of stress from support to support or to critical connections of the piping equipment.

Constants are divided into two groups, depending on the amount of work required---standard or special. Standard constants are listed in the catalog and require no modifications; special constants, however, require additional design work.

This photo shows the components of constant spring supports prior to assembly. In this case the carbon steel components are galvanized.

The photo below (left) shows a completed constant which is painted with a shop prime coat. The right photo shows a group of spring coils before and after being coated with neoprene to protect against corrosion. Coils are a key component of spring supports.

The two photos show constants in a press with a load cell which measures the force required to pull the constant through its design travel.

The photo to the right shows the data forms used to record the results of this testing. This procedure is used to verify that the constant performs as designed.

Continue with tour of Constant Load Hangers (page 2 of 2).

Questions/Feedback

Piping Technology & Products, Inc.
Online Tour
P.O. Box 34506 / Houston, Texas 77234-4506 / U.S.A.
(713) 731-0030 / (713) 731-8640 (FAX)
www.pipingtech.com / info@pipingtech.com