In the second of our insulated pipe support inserts blogs, we look at load bearing performance.
When services are in operation, pipe supports can be expected to handle considerable loads, particularly for large diameter steel pipework sections. When specifying pipe supports it is therefore important to understand not only what the load bearing capacity of the clamp, support or bracket is, but also to consider what impact these loads will have on the insulation insert – particularly for horizontal pipework runs. Without proper protection, these loads can cause the insert to deteriorate overtime, potentially allow increased heat loss and creating a break in the vapour barrier.
How insulation density impacts loadbearing
The first thing to consider when assessing the load bearing performance of an insulated pipe insert is its compressive strength. Increased density within a product type will typically provide a greater compressive strength, allowing them to handle higher loads. It’s important to understand that the density of a material is not standard but rather determined by how it is manufactured, and compressive strength should be used to compare product type ‘A’ and product type ‘B’, rather than density.
Take phenolic insulation, for example. As we discussed in the previous blog on the thermal performance of pipe support inserts[DH1] , phenolic insulation offers leading thermal performance making it a popular choice for pipe support applications. However, whilst the density may be lower than other insulation types, the compressive strength can be higher due to the rigid structure of the product.
Our Kooltherm Insulated Pipe Support Inserts have a minimum density of 60 kg/m3. This is much higher than the standard density of Kooltherm Pipe Insulation (38 kg/m3) and, where required, we are able to manufacture both products in densities up to 120 kg/m3 to meet demanding applications. The compressive strength of Kooltherm 120 kg/m3 is significantly greater than other (none loadbearing) insulation materials of the same density. It is important, therefore, to always check the density and load bearing capacity of the pipe support insert you intend to use.
The benefits of pipe support spreader plates
Whilst denser insulation materials can provide enhanced resistance to compression, for larger pipes it is necessary to improve this further through the use of a spreader plate.
As their name suggests, spreader plates help to distribute the loads across a wider surface area at each support. This reduces the compressive forces and provides long-term protection for the insert and overall system.
The integral metal spreader plate used in our Kooltherm Insulated Pipe Support Inserts varies in thickness from 1 - 2 mm to suit a variety of pipe diameters. Calculations show that a configuration combining 120 kg/m3 density Kooltherm Insulated Pipe Support Inserts with a 2 mm spreader plate can support steel pipework with a nominal diameter of 450 mm and a maximum load of 1500 kg. Specifiers can therefore have confidence that these products will meet loadbearing requirements, helping to maintain service performance over the long-term.
Want to find out more?
In the next blog in this series, we’ll be discussing what to look for when it comes to the fire performance of pipe support inserts. Alternatively, you can find out more by reading our guide.
Other related blogs:
Specifying Pipe Supports - Thermal Performance
If you require any technical information relating to the issues covered in our blog, send us an email at hvactechnical@kingspaninsulation.co.uk or contact our technical advisory service: 0808 168 7363
