Roller supports in piping
Roller supports are designed to support pipes in applications where horizontal movement due to expansion and contraction occurs. Roller supports can rotate and shift freely along the surface on which the roller rests. The surface can be horizontal, vertical or inclined at any angle.
Roller supports are pipeline support elements that allow the pipeline placed on them to slide. They are designed to support heavy pipelines that transport fluids at various temperatures.
The temperature range to which pipes are exposed, due to temperature changes in both the environment and the fluid being transported, causes the pipes to expand, creating friction at each of the supports. Roller supports are designed to reduce this friction and, depending on the type, are also suitable for counteracting lateral wind loads.
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Versions of Roller Supports
Roller supports essentially consist of a sheet steel frame that supports one or two carbon steel rollers which are mounted on self-lubricating bushings that rotate and move on a stainless steel pin that is an integral part of the frame.
The rollers may be cylindrical or consist of two truncated cone sections linked together. Because they are self-lubricating, they require no maintenance and retain their original mechanical properties over time.
Roller supports are available in several types, and each type is available in different sizes for different pipe diameters and maximum allowable loads.
Installation instructions
Most roller supports can be attached to structures by welding or bolting. For piping with large diameters, small thicknesses and significant linear weights, the concentrated loads that may occur at the contact points between pipe and roller must be carefully evaluated to avoid failure.
To avoid the aforementioned inconveniences, it is recommended to install supports with smaller spacing and with appropriate reinforcements at the bearing points.
In the case of insulated pipes, appropriate supports should be used, as they are designed to prevent contact between the coil and the insulating material by holding up the pipe.
Adjustable Pipe Rollers
Adjustable Pipe Rollers are designed to support pipes in applications where horizontal movement, due to expansion and contraction, occurs and vertical adjustment is required.
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Adjustable pipe rollers are similar to the pipe rollers described in the first part of this page. The advantage of these rollers is that they are adjustable in height, which can neutralize unevenness of the surface.
Approvals: Meets federal specification and Manufacturers Standards Association such as MSS SP-58 (Type 46).
Related Post(s)
On this page are the most common standard pipe supports specified, but there are many more standards available. MSS SP-58 for instance has more then 60 standard Support types...