June 2002

Process Industry Practices

Piping

PIP PNC00001
Pipe Support Criteria for ASME B31.3
Metallic Piping
Table of Contents
1. Introduction .................................. 2
1.1 Purpose ............................................. 2
1.2 Scope................................................. 2

2. References.................................... 2
2.1 Process Industry Practices................ 2
2.2 Industry Codes and Standards.......... 2

3. Definitions .................................... 3
4. General ......................................... 3
5. Design Requirements .................. 3
5.1 Pipe Support Welded Attachment
(Excluding Trunnions)........................ 3
5.2 Pipe Support Clamped Attachment ... 4
5.3 Pipe Support Trunnions..................... 4
5.4 Insulated Piping ................................. 4
5.5 Support for Load-Sensitive
Equipment Nozzle ............................. 4
5.6 Pipe Support Brackets for Vertical
Vessels .............................................. 5
5.7 Supports for Valve Operator.............. 5
5.8 Supports for Relief Valve Piping........ 5

Process Industry Practices

5.9 Supports for Slug Flow ...................... 5

5.10 Supports for Reciprocating
Compressor and Pump Piping .......... 5
5.11 Support Requirements for Piping
Systems Subject to AcousticallyInduced Vibration............................... 6
5.12 Pipe Supports for Large OD Pipe
(Greater than NPS 24) ...................... 6
5.13 Corrosion Protection.......................... 6
5.14 Hydrostatic Test Condition ................ 7

6. Pipe Support Selection

Guidelines................................... 7
6.1 Shoes................................................. 7
6.2 Guides, Stops, and Anchors.............. 7
6.3 Rod Hangers ..................................... 7
6.4 Brackets and Structural Supports...... 8
6.5 Base Supports ................................... 8
6.6 Spring Supports................................. 8
6.7 Sway Braces...................................... 8
6.8 Sway Struts ....................................... 8
6.9 Hydraulic or Mechanical Snubbers ... 8
6.10 Slide Plates........................................ 9

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PIP PNC00001
Pipe Support Criteria for ASME B31.3 Metallic Piping Systems

1.

June 2002

Introduction
1.1

Purpose
This Practice outlines the minimum basic criteria for supporting aboveground
metallic piping systems in accordance with ASME B31.3 (henceforth referred to as
the Code).

1.2

Scope
This Practice provides the governing criteria of the design and selection of pipe
supports for aboveground piping systems. Project requirements shall identify the
extent of design, selections, and shop and field fabrication of pipe supports by the
contractor.

2.

References
Applicable requirements in the following Practices and industry codes and standards shall be
considered an integral part of this Practice. The latest edition and addenda of the following
references in effect on the date of contract award shall be the governing document, unless
otherwise noted. Short titles will be used herein when appropriate.
2.1

Process Industry Practices (PIP)

PIP PNC00004 Piping Flexibility Analysis
PIP PNFS0001 Miscellaneous Pipe Support Details (Working)
PIP STS05120 Fabrication of Structural and Miscellaneous Steel
Specification

2.2

Industry Codes and Standards

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
ASME B31.3 Process Piping
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
ASTM A123 Zinc (Hot-Dip Galvanized) Coating on Iron and Steel Products
ASTM A325 High Strength Bolts for Structural Steel
American Welding Society (AWS)
AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code Steel
Manufacturers Standardization Society (MSS)
MSS SP-58 Pipe Hangers and Supports Material, Design and
Manufacturer

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Process Industry Practices

PIP PNC00001
Pipe Support Criteria for ASME B31.3 Metallic Piping

June 2002

3.

Definitions
Code: As defined in Subsection 1.1 of this Practice
contractor: The responsible party for performing engineering and detail design of the piping
systems
designer: The responsible professional in charge of the engineering and detail design of the
piping support systems
owner: The party that awards the contract. The owner may be the owner or owners
authorized agent.

4.

5.

General
4.1

Supports for piping systems shall conform to the requirements of the Code and
PIP PNC00004.

4.2

Unless otherwise specified by the owner, pipe supports, guides, anchors, and
attachments details shall be provided by the contractor and submitted to the owner for
approval. These details shall be per PIP PNSF0001.

4.3

The design of miscellaneous pipe supports shall address expansion and contraction
forces and movements in piping.

4.4

The effect of frictional resistance to thermal movement of the pipe shall be

considered in the design of piping systems and in the design of supports.

4.5

Pipe support design shall conform to the requirements of MSS SP-58.

4.6

Structural steel for support design shall conform to the requirements of

PIP STS05120.

4.7

Welded joints for pipe supports shall conform to the requirements of AWS D1.1.

Design Requirements
5.1

Pipe Support Welded Attachment (Excluding Trunnions)

5.1.1

Pipe attachment welds shall conform to the Code.

5.1.2

For carbon steel and ferrous pipe materials through 9% chrome operating
between -20F (-29C) and 500F (260C), pipe support attachment material
shall be carbon steel. For carbon steel and ferrous pipe material through 9%
chrome operating above 501F (261C), pipe support attachment material
shall be the same as the supported pipe.

5.1.3

For other pipe material, pipe support attachment material shall be the same as
the supported pipe.

5.1.4

When required, wear pad minimum dimensions shall be 16-inches (406-mm)

long by 1/4 pipe circumference. The thickness shall be 1/4 inch (6 mm) for
sizes up to and including NPS 24, and 3/8 inch (10 mm) for larger sizes.

Process Industry Practices

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PIP PNC00001
Pipe Support Criteria for ASME B31.3 Metallic Piping Systems

5.2

June 2002

Pipe Support Clamped Attachment

Clamp material shall be in accordance with the following table:
Pipe Material
Temperature
-20F to 500F
(-29C to 260C)
501F to 750F
(261C to 399C)
>750F
(> 399C)

5.2.2

Carbon Steel/
Chrome-Moly
Galvanized CS
Galvanized or
Coated CS
Compatible Material
Suitable for Temp.

Stainless Steel

Other Alloys

Galvanized or
Coated CS
SS or Coated CS
(See 5.2.2)

Galvanized or
Coated CS

SS

Coated CS
Compatible Material
Suitable for Temp.

Galvanized clamps may be used with stainless steel piping between 501F
(260C) and 750F (399C) provided a thin-gauge (28-gauge minimum)
stainless steel isolation shield is inserted between the clamp and the pipe.

Pipe Support Trunnions

5.4

5.5

5.3.1

Unless otherwise specified by the owner, materials for trunnions, reinforcing

pads, and gussets shall be the same nominal composition as the supported
pipe.

5.3.2

Reinforcing pads shall not be used at elbows, unless otherwise specified by

the designer.

5.3.3

Adjustable base trunnions may be used to accommodate differences in

elevation or field tolerances.

Insulated Piping
5.4.1

Supports for insulated piping shall be such that insulation will not be
damaged at the point of support because of pipe movement.

5.4.2

Supports for cold-insulated pipe shall be supported around the insulation to

avoid cold bridges and protrusions through the vapor barrier.

5.4.3

Supports for piping insulated for cold conservation or anti-sweat shall be

designed to prevent the formation of condensation. The support shall be
designed so that the insulation will not be crushed.

5.4.4

Supports for insulated piping shall be designed for thermal plus acoustic
insulation thickness.

5.4.5

Trunnions on cold-insulated piping shall be insulated for a length equal to

T+3t, where T is the insulation thickness of the line and t is the insulation
thickness of the trunnion. Thereafter, the trunnion shall have a minimum
uninsulated length of 6 inches (150 mm). If the trunnion length does not meet
this requirement, either the entire trunnion shall be covered with cold
insulation or a cold-insulated support shall be used.

Support for Load-Sensitive Equipment Nozzle

For piping connected to load-sensitive equipment, the support system shall be
designed to minimize the weight and weight moment on the equipment nozzle.

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Process Industry Practices

PIP PNC00001
Pipe Support Criteria for ASME B31.3 Metallic Piping

June 2002

5.6

5.7

Pipe Support Brackets for Vertical Vessels

5.6.1

The pipe support bracket shall be located as close to the nozzle as practically
possible.

5.6.2

Support for overhead lines may need to be designed for hydrostatic test
conditions.

5.6.3

The spacing of vessel piping guides shall be based on the maximum

allowable piping span as determined by the designer in accordance with
PIP PNC00004.

5.6.4

When pipe is installed while the vessel is in the horizontal position

(dress-out); the vessel attachments, piping support, and guide brackets shall
be designed for this temporary horizontal position.

Supports for Valve Operator

Valves and valve operators shall be evaluated and supports shall be provided as
required.

5.8

Supports for Relief Valve Piping

Reaction force of safety relief devices shall be evaluated and supports shall be
provided as required.

5.9

Supports for Slug Flow

Reaction forces acting at changes in direction due to slug flow shall be evaluated, and
supports shall be provided as required.

5.10

Supports for Reciprocating Compressor and Pump Piping

5.10.1 All lines subject to vibration resulting due to pulsation of reciprocating
compressor or pump shall be restrained in directions perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the pipe, whether an acoustic study has been performed
or not. Either clamp-type supports allowing only axial movement or
holddown-type supports allowing both axial and lateral movements shall be
used. Coupling moments created by the clamps shall be evaluated by the
designer.
5.10.2 Pipe supports shall preferably be supported on concrete.
5.10.3 The maximum unsupported spans of lines subject to the effects of vibration
shall be evaluated by the designer.
5.10.4 All supports shall be designed for the various dynamic loads imposed by the
vibrating lines.

Process Industry Practices

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PIP PNC00001
Pipe Support Criteria for ASME B31.3 Metallic Piping Systems

June 2002

5.10.5 Adjustable wedge-type supports for volume bottles located directly under the
compressor cylinders shall be used. These supports shall be designed to
allow final support adjustment when a full operating temperature has been
reached.
5.10.6 Cinch anchors shall not be used for supports that are anchoring or restraining
vibrating lines.
5.10.7 Vibrating lines should have independent support structures if it is feasible.
5.11

Support Requirements for Piping Systems Subject to AcousticallyInduced Vibration

When a piping system is identified for an acoustically-induced vibration, the piping
system and the supports shall be designed for the effects of vibration and fatigue. The
use of bolted-on supports, supports with full circumferential bands, or stiffening rings
should be considered.

5.12

Pipe Supports for Large OD Pipe (Greater than NPS 24)

5.12.1 Saddle reinforcement or wear pads shall be used at the point of support
bearing to handle the weight load and to protect abrasion.
5.12.2 The maximum allowable span for various pipe diameters and wall
thicknesses shall be developed by the designer.
5.12.3 Wear pads shall be constructed of equal or higher grade material than the
supported pipe.
5.12.4 When possible, pipe shoes may be used in place of wear pads.
5.12.5 The pad bearing surface shall be a minimum of 4 inches (100 mm) in length.

5.13

Corrosion Protection
5.13.1 Stainless steel and copper pipe support components do not require any
surface coating, unless otherwise specified.
5.13.2 Spring coils shall be coated per manufacturers standards, unless otherwise
specified.
5.13.3 All support steel connecting to the structures shall be galvanized, unless
otherwise specified.
5.13.4 All pipe supports (i.e., lugs, shoes, trunnions, etc.) welded to pipe spools
shall be prepared and coated the same as the supported pipe.
5.13.5 Unless otherwise specified by the owner, all support elements in the
following list shall be hot-dip galvanized:

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eye nuts

turn buckles

beam attachments

adjustable base supports

spring housings

Process Industry Practices

PIP PNC00001
Pipe Support Criteria for ASME B31.3 Metallic Piping

June 2002

load flanges

threaded rods

bolts and nuts

5.13.6 Galvanized coating shall conform to the requirements of ASTM A123 with
the following exceptions:
a. The weight of zinc coating shall not average less than 2.25 oz/ft2
(0.7 kg/m2).
b. No individual specimen shall show less than 2.0 oz/ft2 (0.6 kg/m2) of
zinc coating.
5.14

Hydrostatic Test Condition

When temporary supports for hydrostatic testing are not used, permanent supports
shall be designed for a hydrostatic test case.

6.

Pipe Support Selection Guidelines

6.1

6.2

6.3

Shoes
6.1.1

Shoes are required on insulated piping to prevent damage to the pipe

insulation and to provide a sliding surface for pipe movement.

6.1.2

Clamp-on-type shoes shall be used where welding to the pipe is not allowed
or is impractical (e.g., in piping with internal lining, galvanized piping,
piping requiring post-weld heat treatment, etc).

Guides, Stops, and Anchors

6.2.1

Pipe support guides, stops, and anchors are used to control movement of the
piping to meet stress and flexibility requirements, to provide restraint against
static, transient, and dynamic forces; to prevent excessive pipe movement;
and to provide stability to the piping geometry.

6.2.2

The anchor and guide system on piping with unrestrained expansion joints
shall be designed in accordance with the Code.

6.2.3

When more than one piping system is anchored or guided on a common

structure, the structure must be designed for the most severe combination of
the loads.

Rod Hangers
6.3.1

Rod hangers may be used when support underneath the pipe is impractical. In
general, the use of rod hangers should be minimized.

6.3.2

The design shall ensure that rod hangers are not subject to movements
exceeding 4 degrees of swing.

Process Industry Practices

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PIP PNC00001
Pipe Support Criteria for ASME B31.3 Metallic Piping Systems

6.4

6.5

6.6

6.7

June 2002

Brackets and Structural Supports

6.4.1

When attaching brackets to fireproofed steel, the fireproofing shall be

removed and replaced. Brackets shall not be attached to the fireproofing.

6.4.2

Support brackets shall not be attached to ladders, handrails, and other

nonload-carrying structures.

Base Supports
6.5.1

Base supports are used when piping is positioned close to grade level or
platforms. Typical types of base supports are trunnions and stanchions.

6.5.2

The designer shall determine criteria for installing base supports directly onto
paving. If the paving load is exceeded, an independent foundation shall be
provided.

6.5.3

Base supports may be supported directly onto platform grating. The designer
shall determine criteria for support directly onto the grating.

Spring Supports
6.6.1

Spring supports are used to support piping while allowing vertical thermal
movements. Spring supports shall be individually sized and selected.

6.6.2

All spring design data shall be submitted to the owner.

6.6.3

Variable spring supports may be used when the variation between the
installed load and the operating load is 25% or less. Constant spring supports
shall be used when the variability exceeds 25%.

6.6.4

Constant spring supports may be used when there are large vertical
movements, when the limits of the variable spring are exceeded or become
impractical, or when it is necessary to avoid transferring load spring reaction
to critical terminals or equipment.

6.6.5

Selection of spring hangers shall also follow the requirements in

Section 6.3.1 and Section 6.3.2 of this Practice.

Sway Braces
Sway braces may be used to control vibration, absorb shock-loading, restrain the
thermal movement, or brace a piping system against sway. Sway braces shall not be
used for lines connected to reciprocating compressors or pumps.

6.8

Sway Struts
Sway struts may be used to control directional movement of piping due to thermal
expansion or contraction.

6.9

Hydraulic or Mechanical Snubbers

Hydraulic or mechanical snubbers shall be used to design a piping system for impulse
or shock-loading due to earthquake, flow transients, or wind gusts; and when gradual
thermal movement must be allowed.

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Process Industry Practices

PIP PNC00001
Pipe Support Criteria for ASME B31.3 Metallic Piping

June 2002

6.10

Slide Plates
Slide plates are used to reduce frictional forces resulting from pipe movements. The
top surface shall be larger than the bottom surface to prevent the accumulation of
trash on the sliding surfaces.

Process Industry Practices

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