Functions and Applications of Spring Hanger

In order to satisfy the design criteria of power and process piping in industrial plants, spring hangers and supports are used. They are actually simple assemblies but engineers still have to understand why they are required in piping. Hence, we are going to discuss the functions and applications of a spring hanger to help you better understand its purpose.

Functions of a spring hanger

Spring hangers are most often considered as a special type of pipe support with spring in its assembly. What makes it different from other types of support is its spring rate or its lower stiffness. With this property, the spring hanger is capable of accommodating the displacement of the pipes while still providing the needed reaction force to support the piping. To achieve the right design of a spring hanger, especially its load and travel capacity, computational piping stress analysis is necessary. According to the pipe displacement principle, a spring hanger is capable of providing more stable and flexible support forces to piping when the springs are extended or compressed.

In terms of types, spring hangers are categorized based on load types - constant and variable. Constant spring hangers are designed with lever assembly which reduces the load variation of up to 6% maximum. Conversely, variable hangers are smaller and are more economical than constant spring hangers with the same capacity. With their flexibility, a spring hanger is used in many applications. These include the following:

• In-line shell and tube heat exchangers or re-boilers

• Lines that are connected to fired heaters and other high temperature air-cooled heat exchangers

• Lines that are connected to storage tanks often under high differential settlement

• Lines in power expanders and gas compressors

• Lines in coke drums, reactors, and LNG separators

Ultimately, whenever the design that requires high support from spring hangers is ignored, it can lead to serious problems such as piping failure because of inappropriate load distribution. Other issues like leakage, pipe stress, and excessive vibration are also evident. This is why spring hangers play a vital role as piping support.