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
