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PTFE Slide Plates: Built for Real-World Movement
June 29, 2025

Custom Designed PTFE Slide Plate and Pipe Shoe Assemblies

In many situations, fixed equipment must be able to move in axial and/or lateral directions. 

Surfaces where controlled movement is desired are ideal for Piping Technology’s PTFE Slide Plates. Typically, you will find these slide plates underneath pressure vessels or other heavy equipment, such as pumps and compressors, that must be able to move freely along their support surfaces to prevent unplanned outages or operational downtime. 

Without PTFE Slide plates, friction between metal components puts your equipment at risk of misalignment, ruptured lines, or anchor failures, which in turn shortens the lifespan of both piping and equipment.

PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) slide plates help prevent these issues by providing a low-friction interface, enabling smooth movement.

What’s at Stake in the Field

Whether it’s a pipe shoe sliding on a beam or a heavy vessel on embedded steel, surface friction can lock systems in place, causing stress and damage. Without the right slide interface, steel-on-steel friction causes wear, cracking, and eventually system failure. 

PTFE slide plates resolve this issue by reducing friction and maintaining structural alignment, which is especially crucial during thermal cycling. As temperatures fluctuate, pipes expand and contract, and the slide plates allow for this pipe movement without stressing supports or causing misalignment.

How PTFE Slide Plates Work

PTFE slide plates are two-part assemblies. PTFE is bonded to a carbon steel bottom plate and is also bonded to the top plate, which makes up the slide plate assembly. Once the bottom assembly is attached to the existing steel and the upper assembly is connected to the bottom of a pipe shoe or trunnion, a low-friction surface is created, allowing for both axial and lateral movement. The PTFE layers are mated from the upper and lower assemblies, allowing movement between the moving component and a fixed support beam or surface.

The result: Easy, controlled movement that reduces load transfer to anchors, minimizes friction, and extends equipment life.

Real-World Example: Natural Gas Pipeline Using PTFE Slide Plates

An international pipeline construction company partnered with us to supply PTFE slide plates for a major gas pipeline project in Africa.

The slide plate assemblies supported pipe shoes mounted on structural steel beams, accommodating both axial and lateral movement while maintaining structural stability.. 

We engineered and delivered twenty guided cradle supports, ranging in size from 8″ to 30″. Each was fabricated from carbon steel and painted for corrosion resistance.  

Thanks to our in-house inventory of PTFE, we accelerated production and avoided costly field delays, delivering exactly what the project needed, right on time.

Where PTFE Slide Plates Are Used

  • LNG terminals
  • Petrochemical plants
  • Refineries
  • Power plants
  • Beneath equipment like pumps and compressors
  • On spring supports 
  • Bridges: Highway bridges, overpasses, railroad bridges
  • Cross-beam and girder slip joints

Key Benefits of PTFE Slide Plates in the Field

  • Produces a low coefficient of friction between a stationary support element and the moving pipe support component
  • Enables controlled pipe movement to prevent overstress during thermal expansion
  • Ideal for low-heat and high-velocity conditions.
  • Minimizes friction between steel components, reducing wear
  • Pairs easily with other supports like pipe shoes and spring cans
  • Operates effectively from –320°F to +500°F, maintaining its low-friction properties across this wide temperature range

Engineer’s Take: Why Choose Our PTFE Slide Plates

PTFE slide plates are a trusted choice for engineers thanks to their high load-handling capacity, consistent low-friction performance, and long-term durability. 

We offer sizes ranging from 4″ x 4″ to 12″ x 12″ (and larger if needed), engineered to support both lateral and axial movement without compromising structural integrity. 

Unlike most suppliers, we stock PTFE in-house, ensuring faster lead times and dependable availability. We can custom-manufacture slide plates to your exact specifications, including custom shapes, thicknesses, and bonding requirements. 

PTFE is easy to install, requires no surface treatment or grouting, and performs reliably in all weather conditions, making it a smart, low-maintenance solution for demanding applications. 

Project Manager’s Take

From the project manager’s perspective, these plates solve several key problems: they reduce rework caused by misaligned pipe shoes, eliminate costly delays waiting for movement-compatible supports, and help preserve the integrity of anchors and foundations. With our rapid turnaround and in-house inventory, you can keep the installation on track and avoid any extended wait time.

Products Often Paired with PTFE Slide Plates

PTFE slide plates are commonly ordered with:

  • Pipe shoes
  • Hold-down clamps
  • Type F variable springs
  • Big Tons
  • Spectacle Blinds 
  • Embed Plates 
  • Pipe Saddles

Why Choose Piping Technology for Your Slide Plate Needs?

At Piping Technology, we stock over one million pounds of mixed inventory (including PTFE), enabling us to manufacture custom slide plates quickly and ship them fast. 

Our slide plates are available in a range of materials, including PTFE, graphite, bronzphite, stainless steel, and more, to meet the unique demands of your project.

We specialize in engineering cost-effective, custom solutions for complex piping challenges. Consult with one of our engineers today to discuss sizing, compatibility, or application needs, or Request a Quote to get pricing and lead times for your next project.

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Hydraulic Snubbers Built for Real-World Events
June 23, 2025

Hydraulic Snubbers Designed for a Geothermal Facility

Designed to control movement during impulse and prevent sudden displacement 

When thermal movement, seismic activity, or pressure surges strike, unrestrained piping systems can suffer catastrophic failures. For project managers and engineers tasked with safeguarding critical infrastructure in unpredictable environments, hydraulic snubbers provide a tested and proven line of defense.

Without them, it could lead to breaks in the piping system, cause misalignment issues, and/or anchor bolt failure. With tight project schedules and in high-risk applications, that’s a scenario no one can afford.

How Hydraulic Snubbers Work

Hydraulic snubbers allow free thermal movement during normal operating conditions. But when a sudden shock load occurs, such as a water hammer, blast, or seismic event, the hydraulic snubber reacts instantly to restrict movement.

By automatically locking up during sudden displacement and staying passive during slow, normal motion, they effectively protect the piping system without interfering with normal operation. This dual-mode performance makes them ideal for high-performance applications requiring both flexibility and protection.

Case in Point: Custom Manufactured Hydraulic Snubbers for a California Geothermal Plant

For a geothermal facility in California, Fronek Anchor/Darling, a division of Piping Technology & Products (PT&P), designed and fabricated high-load hydraulic snubbers tailored for seismic resilience. In this application, our engineers designed two unique snubbers and a three-bolt pipe clamp:

  • Hydraulic snubbers designed for a 50,000 lb. max load, 5” cylinder, 6” stroke, measuring 34 ¾” to 37 ⅝” piston-to-piston.
  • Hydraulic snubbers designed for a 20,000 lb. max load, 2 ½” cylinder, and 6” stroke, measuring 56 15/16” to 59 5/16” piston-to-piston. 
  • Custom three-bolt carbon steel pipe clamps designed to fit the snubbers and accommodate the high loads.

Before shipment, our quality and production teams performed cycle testing on each hydraulic snubber unit, extending it from zero to its full range. 

The result: the geothermal facility received vibration protection that met strict seismic standards, safeguarding its piping system from high-intensity earthquakes without interfering with thermal movement or risking damage.

Where Hydraulic Snubbers Work Best

Because of the ability to restrict and control sudden movements, snubbers are ideal for specific needs, such as:

  • Geothermal plants, where the buildup of steam could cause steam hammers in the pipeline.
  • Petrochemical plants, where sudden forces like pressure surges, thermal expansion, or seismic activity could impact system stability and safety
  • Power plants, where dynamic loads such as seismic events, steam hammers, or turbine trips could cause sudden pipe movements.
  • Nuclear plants, where seismic activity and system fluctuations can affect the movement of critical liquids and gases. 
  • High-vibration environments that aren’t always predictable
  • Seismically active zones that require restraint under load but flexibility at rest.

At the geothermal facility in California, our snubbers were necessary in ensuring the heat of the pipes didn’t cause misalignment of their route. Because of our hydraulic snubbers, these pipes can transport energy safely and without interruption to thousands of homes. 

Key Benefits of a Hydraulic Snubber

The benefits are visible the moment they are needed. Because of its design, a hydraulic snubber:

  • Transfers shock and vibration from the piping equipment to the building structure during dynamic events, absorbing the impact instantly.
  • Allows free movement under normal thermal expansion
  • Minimizes damage risk from water hammer or seismic activity
  • Has a fully customizable stroke and can be supplied with pipe clamps for specific load applications.
  • Can be easily and efficiently cycle tested for durability and code compliance

Engineer’s Take: Why Choose Our Hydraulic Snubbers 

Engineers and project managers trust hydraulic snubbers from Fronek/Anchor Darling and PT&P because they:

  • Meet ASME and seismic restraint codes.
  • Are manufactured to specific specs based on an engineer’s and project manager’s application needs.
  • Can be manufactured and delivered at a faster rate than many other manufacturing firms.
  • Are designed and tested for long-term performance.
  • Offer replacement parts and repair services on existing snubbers in your facility

Products Often Paired with Hydraulic Snubbers

Get the Specs, Validate the Fit and Envelope

Talk to an Engineer today to get stroke, clamp, and load options tailored to your job, or Request a Quote to start planning with accurate lead time and technical documentation.

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Custom Pipe Clamps for 256-Mile Natural Gas Pipeline Across Ohio
June 16, 2025

110 Custom Designed Pipe Clamps for a Construction Company in Ohio

Project-Driven Pipe Clamp Fabrication Delivered in 8 Weeks

A construction firm set out to build a 256-mile natural gas pipeline across Ohio to meet the growing energy needs of the Midwest. A few challenges: ensuring that support components for the 42-inch diameter line could meet technical requirements and scheduling demands with no room for error.

To ensure the safe and long-term operation of its piping systems, the project team turned to Piping Technology & Products (PT&P) to design and deliver more than 100 custom-fabricated pipe clamps

Project Requirements and Pipe Clamp Design Specifications

The project managers could not afford delays, rework, or compliance issues from unsuitable pipe clamps that did not adhere to engineered specifications.
What the project demanded:

  • Custom-manufactured clamps for 42-inch OD pipe
  • Hot dip galvanized for outdoor exposure, which would minimize future maintenance needs

PT&P engineered and manufactured 110 heavy-duty pipe clamps tailored to this job’s exact needs from our Houston facility.

Technical Highlights: How the Pipe Clamps were Built

  • Pipe Diameter: 42 inches
  • Clamp Width: 12 inches
  • Material: A36 carbon steel body with bonded vibration control materials (Other options: Neoprene, PTFE, isolation pads, Fabreeka®, and more)
  • Fabrication: In-house manufacturing
  • Quality Control: Visual examination and fit-up verification for pipe OD were conducted before shipment to meet industry-standard inspections
  • Delivery: 8 weeks, end-to-end

Engineer’s Take: Structurally Sound and Specification-Driven

Engineers on this project required proof that their supports would withstand the field conditions. Our clamp design included bonded wear pads to protect the pipe from damage and corrosion. All materials were verified to meet MSS SP-58 guidelines, ensuring long-term performance with no compromise on safety.

Project Manager’s Take: Zero Rework, On-Time Delivery

Avoiding schedule slippage was critical.  By validating technical requirements at each stage, we avoided rework, reduced delays, and delivered with confidence. Our 8-week turnaround and proactive communication, which included scope reviews, design approvals, milestone check-ins, and regular updates, eliminated guesswork. Every clamp arrived jobsite-ready, clearly labeled, spec-compliant, and fit to install with no field adjustments.

Why Project Managers Choose PT&P Pipe Clamps

  • Short Lead Times: Most of our products have an 8-week turnaround time, even on complex builds
  • Built to Spec: Made to your specs, no compromise on fit or load (standard products are also available)
  • Made in the USA: Full fabrication and QC from our Houston facility
  • Production Scalability: Capable of supporting both small-volume and high-volume orders

Clamp Configurations We Offer 

We manufacture a wide range of pipe clamps, including:

  • Standard pipe clamps
  • Adjustable clamps
  • Riser clamps
  • U-bolts
  • Fully custom configurations and options on materials and coatings

Most complex builds are fabricated to order at our Houston facility to meet exact project needs, whether that’s load rating, environmental resistance, or non-standard diameters.

By delivering precisely engineered, high-quality clamps, PT&P supported the safe and efficient development of this state-wide pipeline project. We are proud to support cleaner energy transitions by enabling fuel switching from coal to gas and allowing access to lower-cost shale gas reserves. 

Most large-scale projects require tailored designs like this one. That is why, with recent investments in our manufacturing operations, we are uniquely positioned as the only manufacturer to provide high-quality, custom-made solutions for your piping systems to our clients faster and on a larger scale than ever.

Need Project-Specific Pipe Clamps?

Our ability to design and manufacture sets us apart, providing confidence and assurance to our clients and their customers that we will strictly adhere to their specifications and job site requirements.

We’re one of the few U.S. manufacturers with in-house engineering, custom fabrication, and full quality control (QC) capabilities for high-specification pipe clamps.

Talk to an Engineer about your next project or Request a Quote today.

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Hold-Down Pipe Clamps with PTFE Slide Plates Offer Secure, Low-Friction Thermal Movement
June 9, 2025

HD-2 and HD-3 Hold-down Pipe Clamps

Allow Axial Movement While Maintaining Vertical Restraint

Pipe hold-down clamps secure the pipe in place while allowing it to expand, contract, and shift naturally without stress concentration or misalignment.

Thermal expansion can disrupt alignment, overstress anchors, and damage coatings, particularly on large-diameter pipes measuring 20 inches or more in diameter. Without proper restraint, pipe systems can buckle supports or shift pipe saddles, triggering high-cost field repairs.

In compressor stations, wastewater treatment facilities, pipeline terminals, petrochemical plants, and LNG terminals, slight misalignment can threaten structural integrity. Long lead times on specialized supports only aggravate the situation.

That’s why engineers choose pipe hold down clamps that install cleanly, eliminate the effects of stress, and account for thermal expansion.

HD-2 and HD-3 Pipe Hold Down Clamps with PTFE Slide Plates Manufactured by Piping Technology

Our HD-2 and HD-3 pipe hold-down clamps are designed to provide secure vertical restraint and controlled axial movement of the pipe.

These hold-down clamps are designed for pipes with diameters of 20 to 30 inches and are manufactured from carbon steel. The clamp saddle and base are lined with PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) and 25% glass fiber-filled slide plates, creating a durable, low-friction sliding surface.

The result: restrained vertical load with smooth axial movement, while restraining vertical and lateral movement in the piping system.

How it works:

  • PTFE-lined (or graphite) surface allows low-resistance axial pipe movement without binding or buckling
  • Glass fiber fill reinforces the sliding surface under load
  • Carbon steel body ensures long-term structural stability
  • Typically installs using a bolt-down configuration, minimizing the need for field welding

Case Study: Rush Delivery to South Dakota Natural Gas Pump Station

A natural gas pump station in South Dakota required large-diameter hold-down clamps that could withstand thermal cycling, vibration, and harsh outdoor exposure.

Project Specs:

  • Pipe Diameter: 20″ to 30″
  • Quantity: 22 custom-fabricated pipe hold down clamps
  • Material: Carbon steel with 25% glass-filled PTFE liners
  • Application Environment: Outdoor station, high-vibration compressor skid
  • Turnaround: One-week rush fabrication, shipped on time, zero field modifications

The hold-down clamps arrived installation-ready with clear labeling and documentation: no grinding, no guesswork, no schedule slip.

We pride ourselves on being the manufacturing leader for large-scale projects, providing rapid delivery to meet construction milestones. We offer a 24-hour emergency support hotline for critical situations:

Where Pipe Hold Down Clamps Work Best

  • Natural gas compressor and pump stations
  • Petrochemical and chemical processing plants
  • LNG terminals and cryogenic transfer lines
  • Structural steel pipe racks and skids for space aviation, semiconductor, and battery plants
  • Long-run pipe systems requiring expansion, travel control 

Field Benefits of Pipe Hold Down Clamps

  • Controls axial, vertical, and lateral movement, where uncontrolled movement can damage expensive equipment or cause safety hazards. 
  • Reduces clamp friction and wear with PTFE-lined saddle 
  • Minimizes rework and installation risk with a bolt-in design
  • Installs fast, no welding or fit delays
  • Engineered for vibration control to dampen and restrict pipe vibration, preventing fatigue or failure.
  • Built to spec for 20- to 30-inch diameter pipe
  • Shipped labeled and documented to streamline the installation

Engineer’s Take: Designed for Restraint

These hold clamps meet ASME and ASTM material and performance specifications, and every hold-down clamp undergoes rigorous internal quality checks and inspections. The PTFE slide plates enable axial movement of pipes without binding in piping systems and protect coatings. Engineers use them to control the piping system and meet ASME code requirements on critical long-run systems. For a pipe stress engineer, the use of hold-downs with PTFE can be a valuable tool in directing and managing the thermal expansion of the piping system.

Project Manager’s Take: Built to Install Without Surprises

When project timelines are tight, you don’t have room for guesswork. These pipe hold down clamps ship fast, even in a rush, and arrive ready to bolt in place. No RFI triggers, no field-fit delays. Just labeled, documented, fabrication-verified components that hold up during commissioning and beyond. Less risk, fewer delays, and lower total install cost.

Commonly Paired Products

Talk to an Engineer

Piping Technology has one of the largest engineering departments in the piping support manufacturing industry. If you think pipe hold-down clamps would be a good solution for your next project, but would like to discuss it with our technical engineers, then contact us today!

If you are ready to move forward with a quote for your next project, then send us an RFQ for pipe hold down clamps.
Contact Us

If you are ready to move forward with a quote for your next project, then send us an RFQ for pipe hold down clamps.
Request a Quote

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