Pipes and pipe supports

Pipelines are used to transport fluids (gas, liquids, pumpable solids). The pipelines are composed of different components (pipes, pipe fittings, expansion joints, valves, seals, connecting elements such as flanges, bolted joints, sleeves and fastening elements for pipe support).

The dimensions of the pipelines can range from a few centimetres to several metres in diameter and, in the case of a pipeline, can extend over several thousand kilometres.

The material of the pipeline is selected according to the static and dynamic loads (traffic loads, earth pressures, pressures from inside or outside), mechanical loads (flow velocities, bedload materials), corrosion as well as temperature of the medium and outside temperature.

Especially in the industrial sector, many pipelines are laid between tanks and company buildings. At the same time, however, it must be ensured that traffic routes are not blocked. In these cases, pipe bridges are often used to divert the pipelines, which must be designed for the corresponding load.

Depending on the temperature of the material to be transported or the ambient temperature, the design must also take into account the expansion of the material, as well as slip in the brackets or other supporting arrangements.