PipeHangerInspection LangeKimball StressEngineering

Reliability and Maintenance Conference
May 20-23, 2014

Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
San Antonio, TX
RMC-14-48 Inspection of Pipe Supports, Shoes, Stops,

Guides, Restraints, Springs and Hangers:
What is Involved and What to Look For
Presented By:
Lange Kimball
Stress Engineering
Services Inc.
Houston, TX
American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers 1667 K Street, NW 202.457.0480 voice

Suite 700 202.457.0486 fax
Washington, DC www.afpm.org
20006
This paper has been reproduced for the author or authors as a courtesy by the American Fuel &
Petrochemical Manufacturers. Publication of this paper does not signify that the contents
necessarily reflect the opinions of the AFPM, its officers, directors, members, or staff. Requests
for authorization to quote or use the contents should be addressed directly to the author(s)
Abstract
The API and ASME Piping Codes have long recognized the need to
perform regular monitoring of pipe supports and restraints at refineries
and power plants. This is true not only of existing plants but also of new
plants. The condition of pipe supports and restraints is an external
barometer of hidden problems with the piping and attached equipment.
Recognizing pipe support and restraint distress can help prioritize pipe
inspections and equipment maintenance. The first part of such a
surveillance program is setting up the program. This should include: a.)
defining the piping systems that will be monitored, b.) collecting survey
documents, c.) setting up a schedule to perform the work, d.) training plant
personnel who will be performing such a program and e.) obtaining a
commitment by the plant/owners to maintain the program through the life
of the plant. This paper discusses experiences and lessons learned
setting up such programs. Topics will include: 1.) what is a pipe support
and restraint, 2.) types of pipe supports and restraints, 3.) purpose of
inspections, 4.) API 570/574 considerations, 5.) what we look for and 6.)
how results are reported.
RMC-14-48 Page 1 2014 Reliability and Maintenance Conference

Topics to be Addressed
What is a “Pipe Hanger”
Why are Pipe Hangers needed?
Types of Pipe Hangers
Purpose of inspections?
API 570/574 Considerations?
Piping Code Requirements?
What are we looking for?
How are the results reported?
Examples of Problems

What is a “Pipe Hanger”
• The term “Pipe Hanger” can be used
interchangeably with the term “Pipe Support”.
• A “Pipe Hanger” can include anything that:
– Supports the pipe’s deadweight,
– Restrains the pipe’s movement (thermal
expansion, shock load, vibration, etc.)
– Protects the pipe from structural interferences
• Pipe Hangers range from simple supports such as
wooden rail road ties to complex engineered
products.

Why are Pipe Hangers needed?
• The primary purpose of Pipe Hangers is to

safely protect equipment from:
– Overload of equipment nozzles from pipe
weight
– Overload of equipment nozzles from thermal
expansion loads of pipe.
– Overload of equipment nozzles from pipe
shock loads.
– Foreign intrusions such as water induction.

Why are Pipe Hangers needed? (cont’d.)
• The secondary purpose of Pipe Hangers is to

safely protect the piping from:
– Overstress of the pipe due to poor weight distribution.
– Overstress of the pipe due to poor thermal expansion
restraint.
• Pipe Hangers should also:
– Protect the pipe from mechanical/chemical damage
due to interference with structures (rubbing,
corrosion, etc.).
– Protect the pipe from shock loads such as water
hammer, seismic, wind, etc.

Types of Pipe Hangers
• Deadweight supports
– Pipe Shoe
– Rod Hanger
– Spring support (including any device that supports the
pipe while allowing normal movement)
• Restraining supports
– Anchor
– Guide
– Vibration Control
– Shock Absorber

Examples of Types of Pipe Hangers
*Pipe Shoes*
From Anvil Catalog PH‐2006

*Rod Hangers*

*Spring Supports – Variable Load*

*Spring Supports – Constant Effort*

*Vibration Control-Struts*

*Shock Absorber – Snubbers*
From LISEGA 2010 Catalog and Anvil Catalog PH‐2006 Fr

Purpose of Inspections
• Codes are increasing emphasis on plants having
programs aimed at maintaining critical (covered)
piping systems (i.e., API 579, 570 and 574).
• B31.1‐Power Piping Code Chapter VII requires
such a program for certain new systems.
• Part of this program includes monitoring pipe
hangers routinely (i.e., every three (3) years).
• Long recognized that pipe hangers are an external
barometer of the hidden condition of the pipe.

API 570/574 - Considerations
• API 570 5.5.4 External Visual Inspection

• An external visual inspection is performed to
determine the condition of the outside of the
– Piping
– Insulation system
– Painting systems and Coating systems
– Associated hardware
– Check for signs of misalignment, Vibration,
Leakage, etc.

API 570 (continued)
• API is particularly concerned when corrosion product
buildup is noted at pipe support contact areas.
– In that case, it may be necessary to lift the pipe off
such supports for inspection.
– When lifting piping that is in operation, extra care should
be exercised and consultation with an engineer may be
necessary.
– In lieu of or supplementary to lifting the pipe, appropriate
NDE methods (e.g. guided wave EMAT lamb-wave) may
be used.
– External piping inspections may be made when the
piping system is in service.

API 570 (continued)
• External inspections shall include surveys for
the:
– Condition of piping hangers and supports.
– Instances of cracked or broken hangers,
– “Bottoming or topping out” of spring supports,
– Support shoes displaced from support members,
or
– Other improper restraint conditions

API 570 (continued)
• Dummy Legs
– Vertical support dummy legs also shall be checked to
confirm that they have not filled with water that is
causing external corrosion of the pressure piping or
internal corrosion of the support leg.
– Horizontal support dummy legs also shall be checked
to determine that slight displacements from
horizontal are not causing moisture traps against the
external surface of active piping components.

D/A
24” Inlet pipe
F type support
Removed Stanchion
CBY 2 10/27/5

24” inlet pipe to D/A
Circumferential crack
Toe crack
Stanchion
to pipe weld
Stanchion

API 570 (continued)
• The inspector should examine the piping system
for the presence of any field modifications or
temporary repairs not previously recorded on the
piping drawings and/or records.
• Look for evidence of pipe wear if no shoe used.
• Additional notes:
– No “Number 9” wire pipe hangers!
– Take care while lashing down scaffolds and other such
temporary structures, as this could also impede
designed pipe movement.

API 570 (continued)
• API 570 5.5.7 Vibrating Piping and Line
Movement Surveillance
• Operating personnel should report vibrating
or swaying piping to engineering or inspection
personnel for assessment.
• Evidence of significant line movements that
could have resulted from liquid hammer,
liquid slugging in vapor lines, or abnormal
thermal expansion should be reported.

API 570 (continued)
• At locations where vibrating piping systems
are restrained to resist dynamic pipe stresses
(such as at shoes, anchors, guides, struts,
dampeners, hangers), periodic MT or PT
should be considered to check for the onset of
fatigue cracking.
• Branch connections should receive special
attention particularly unbraced small bore
piping connected to vibrating pipe.

API 570 (continued)
• API 570 7.5 Piping Stress Analysis
• Piping shall be supported and guided so that:
– Its weight is carried safely,
– It has sufficient flexibility for thermal expansion or
contraction,
– It does not vibrate excessively.

API 570 (continued)
• Piping flexibility is of increasing concern:
– The larger the diameter of the piping and
– The greater the difference between ambient and
operating temperature conditions.

API 570 (continued)
• Piping stress analysis to assess system flexibility and support
adequacy is not normally performed as part of a piping
inspection.
• However, many existing piping systems were analyzed as part
of their original design or as part of a rerating or modification,
and the results of these analyses can be useful in developing
inspection plans.
• When unexpected movement of a piping system is observed,
such as during an external visual inspection (see 5.4.3), the
inspector should discuss these observations with the piping
engineer and evaluate the need for conducting a piping stress
analysis

API 574
• API 574, 6.3.3.1 Insulated Piping Systems
Susceptible to CUI (excerpt)
• Certain areas of piping systems are potentially
more susceptible to CUI, including:
– Dead‐legs and attachments that protrude from
insulated piping and operate at a different
temperature than the operating temperature of
the active line.
– Vibrating piping systems that have a tendency to
inflict damage to insulation jacketing, providing a
path for water ingress.

API 574 (cont’d)
– Poorly designed piping support systems, or failed
support systems can cause insulation damage to the
piping it is supporting, or adjacent piping.
– Excessive pipe movement ( usually unplanned, such as
hammering ) can also cause sliding of the insulation
jacket, or complete jacket failure. Such areas when
reported are useful clues to determining the health of
the pipe support system.
– Due to the dynamic nature of pipe supports, any
jacket penetrations should be checked closely for
tearing, or hardened, cracked, and missing caulking.

API 574 (cont’d)
• API 574, 7.2 Inspection while equipment is
operating (excerpt)
• Pipe supports may be inspected for:
– Distortion and damage,
– Settlement or movement of the foundation
– Condition of foundation bolts
– Pipe anchors may be inspected to determine their
condition and adequacy
– Piping should be inspected for swaying or vibration

API 574 (cont’d)
• Pipe supports may be inspected for

(continued):
– Pipe rollers and slide plates should be inspected to
ensure that they operate freely
– Piping, supports, and spring hangers should be
inspected for external corrosion
– Condition of protective coatings and insulation,
and
– Correct location or position

API 574 (cont’d)
– When accessible, check the internal condition of
springs for debris, and excessively corroded, or
rusted springs.
– Check that all pins, bolts, washers, cotter keys,
and other attachment hardware are in place.
Loose hardware can not only cause loading issues
with piping, but can be a serious safety concern
for those walking below.

API 574 (cont’d)
• API 574, 10.1.1.2 Misalignment
• Piping should be inspected for misalignment,
which may be indicated by the following
conditions:
– Piping dislodged from one or more supports so
that its weight is not being properly distributed on
the remaining hangers or saddles.
– The deformation of a vessel or tank wall in the
vicinity of a piping attachment.
– Piping supports forced out of plumb by expansion
or contraction of the piping.

API 574 (cont’d)

API 574 (cont’d)

API 574 (cont’d)

API 574 (cont’d)

API 574 (cont’d)

conditions (continued):
– Excessive replacement or repair of bearings, impellers,
and turbine wheels of centrifugal pumps,
compressors, and turbine seals to which piping is
connected.
– The shifting of a base plate, breaking of a foundation,
or shearing of foundation bolts of mechanical
equipment to which piping is attached.

API 574 (cont’d)

conditions (continued):
– Cracks in connecting flanges or pump or turbine
casings to which piping is attached.
– Expansion joints that are excessively deformed or
not performing properly

API 574 (cont’d)
• Supports should be visually inspected for the

following problems (continued):
– Other factors, such as differential settlement and
creep, can make alternate settings necessary.
– Broken or defective pipe anchors.
– Restricted operation of pulleys or pivot points in
counter‐ balanced piping systems.

API 574 (cont’d)
• API 574 10.1.1.4 Vibration
• If vibration or swaying is observed, welds
should be:
– inspected for cracks, particularly at points of
restraint, such as:
• Areas where piping is attached to equipment and near
anchors.
• Problems frequently occur at small welded and
screwed connections
• which have a heavy valve that accentuates vibration
• and at small lines that are tied down to a larger line and
forced to move with it.

API 574 (cont’d)
• If vibration or swaying is observed additional

support should be considered for:
– Poorly braced small‐sized piping
– Valves
– For the main vibrating line to which they are
attached.

API 574 (cont’d)
• In cases of severe vibration, it may be

advisable to have a competent consultant
recommend a remedy, particularly if:
– specialized equipment, such as a pulsation bottle
or
– sway stabilizers, may be required.

API Inspector’s Closing Thoughts
• Pipe supports can be easily overlooked by novice, or

inexperienced inspectors.
– It’s easy to lose sight of the “Big Picture” when your
focus is strictly on the pipe in front of you.
• While inspecting the supports, be sure and take notice of
the structural attachments.
– Bent or twisted steel is a sure indicator of unwanted
pipe movement.
• Pipe supports are Important!
– Damaged supports are a safety and operational
hazard.

Piping Systems Covered?
• For Power Plants, the B31.1 Code, Chapter IV,

requires that new piping subject to creep be part
of the Covered Pipe System (CPS) program.
– Includes Main Steam and Hot Reheat (critical lines
supplying steam to turbine‐generator from the boiler).
– NPS 4 and larger.
• For Refineries, the CPS would depend on he
owner/operator, based on the system classes
defined by B31.3.

Piping Systems Covered (Cont’d)?
• For Power Plants, other non‐creep prone systems

usually included (due to high energy and
criticality) are Cold Reheat and Boiler Feed Water
Discharge.
• Some non‐critical systems can be also included
(i.e., Extraction Steam, Boiler Feed Water Suction,
etc.) at owner/operator’s discretion.
• NPS 4 and larger operating above 750F or 1025
psi.

Piping Systems Covered (Cont’d)?
• Other Documents to consider:

– API 579‐1/ASME FFS‐1
– MSS‐SP‐58
– MSS‐SP‐69

Setting Up The Program
• Collect “As Built” drawings:

– Isometric or arrangement drawings with hangers
located.
– Hanger Details
• Interview plant people (or constructor) for
areas of concern.

Setting Up The Program (cont’d)
Typical Documents
Piping System
Design Information Fabrication Information Installation Information Inspection Information
Piping Class Sheets Cut Sheets Piping Plans Inspection Reports
Piping Line List Welding and PWHT Piping Isometrics Gamma Plug locations
P&ID Field Fab Info Pipe Support Reports
Stress Analysis
Welding and PWHT Mods and Replacements
Pipe Support Drawings
Purchase order specs

What are we looking for?
• Condition of the pipe hangers especially

failures that can have a serious impact on the
piping.
• Monitor the loading of the pipe hangers,
which may involve spring supports (to allow
for thermal movement).
• Concentrate on problems that result in high
pipe stresses and equipment loading.

What are we looking for (Cont’d)?
• We also look for:

– Insulation damage.
– Interferences.
– Improper slope of steam lines.
– Improper installations.
– Unusual pipe vibration or movement.






How are the results reported?
• Pipe Isometric sketches.

• Tables of hanger design and field data.
• Punch Lists with recommendations.
• Photographs.

Pipe Hanger Isometric

Hanger data sheet

Hanger Punch List

Bottomed
out

Bottomed out

UNLOADED TRAPEZE HANGER

Air gap

Hanger Failure

What happens next?
• The recommendations given in the report can

include:
– Repair or replacement of damaged hangers.
– Non‐destructive testing and metallographic
evaluation of piping.
– Analysis of deadweight and thermal loads.
– Load testing / adjusting hangers in‐situ

What happens next (Cont’d)?
• The recommendations given in the report can

include:
– Higher order analysis (Creep Stress or FEA) to help
predict remaining life.
– Non‐destructive sampling (scoop sampling) or
destructive testing of pipe elements.
– Re‐design of pipe hangers or piping.

Conclusion
• Pipe hangers are crucial to the safe and
reliable operation of the piping systems.
• The Codes recognize the importance of this
effort and, in some instances, requires a
program that at least includes systems
exposed to creep.

Conclusion (Cont’d)
• The recommendations resulting from the walk
downs can lead to more advanced evaluations
of the piping including:
– Metallurgical evaluations
– Pipe stress analysis (Static and Dynamic)
– Creep Stress analysis
– FEA of components.

Contacts?
Lange Kimball
(713) 301-1842
lange.kimball@stress.com
Britt Bettell
(281) 620-5945
britt.bettell@stress.com
Stress Engineering Services, Inc.

13800 Westfair East Dr.
Houston, TX 77041
(218) 955-2900

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Reliability and Maintenance Conference

May 20-23, 2014

RMC-14-48 Inspection of Pipe Supports, Shoes, Stops,

American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers 1667 K Street, NW 202.457.0480 voice

RMC-14-48 Page 1 2014 Reliability and Maintenance Conference

RMC-14-48 Page 2 2014 Reliability and Maintenance Conference

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• The primary purpose of Pipe Hangers is to

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• The secondary purpose of Pipe Hangers is to

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From Anvil Catalog PH‐2006

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From Anvil Catalog PH‐2006

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From Anvil Catalog PH‐2006

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From Anvil Catalog PH‐2006

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From LISEGA 2010 Catalog and Anvil Catalog PH‐2006 Fr

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• API 570 5.5.4 External Visual Inspection

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24” Inlet pipe

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• Pipe supports may be inspected for

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• Piping should be inspected for misalignment,

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• Piping should be inspected for misalignment,

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• Supports should be visually inspected for the

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• If vibration or swaying is observed additional

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• In cases of severe vibration, it may be