Spring hanger

Spring Hangers: Keeping Pipes Flexible in the Oil & Gas Industry

In the demanding environment of oil and gas operations, pipelines are constantly subjected to various stresses. These stresses arise from temperature fluctuations, pressure changes, and even seismic activity. To ensure the integrity and longevity of these pipelines, specialized components are employed, and among them, spring hangers play a crucial role.

Understanding Spring Hangers

Spring hangers are a type of pipe hanger that utilizes a coil spring to absorb movement within a pipe. This movement, known as thermal expansion and contraction, occurs due to temperature changes. As the temperature rises, the pipe expands, and as it cools down, it contracts.

How Spring Hangers Work

The spring within the hanger provides a controlled and adjustable resistance to this movement. When the pipe expands, the spring stretches, absorbing the extra length. Conversely, when the pipe contracts, the spring compresses, accommodating the reduction in length. This dynamic interplay allows the pipe to move freely while maintaining a secure connection to the support structure.

Benefits of Using Spring Hangers

Reduced Stress on Pipelines: By accommodating thermal expansion and contraction, spring hangers significantly reduce the stress on the pipeline itself. This minimizes the risk of fatigue and potential failure.
Increased Pipeline Life: The ability to absorb movement prevents strain on welds and other critical components, contributing to a longer service life for the pipeline.
Reduced Noise and Vibration: Spring hangers dampen vibrations caused by fluctuating pressure and temperature, resulting in a quieter and smoother operation.
Easy Adjustment: The spring tension can be easily adjusted to match the specific load and movement requirements of the pipeline.

Applications in Oil & Gas

Spring hangers find widespread use in oil and gas operations, including:

Pipelines transporting crude oil, natural gas, and refined products
Process piping in refineries and processing plants
Gas and oil gathering systems
Offshore platforms and subsea pipelines

Considerations for Spring Hanger Selection

When selecting spring hangers for a specific application, several factors need to be considered:

Pipe size and weight
Operating temperature range
Expected movement and load
Environmental conditions
Material compatibility

By carefully considering these factors, engineers can select the most appropriate spring hangers for optimal performance and safety in oil and gas operations.

Conclusion

Spring hangers are an essential component in ensuring the safe and reliable operation of pipelines in the oil and gas industry. By absorbing movement and reducing stress, these innovative hangers contribute to increased pipeline longevity, reduced downtime, and improved safety. Their versatility and ease of adjustment make them a valuable asset in various applications, contributing to the smooth functioning of these vital infrastructure networks.

Test Your Knowledge

Spring Hangers Quiz:

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What is the primary function of a spring hanger in oil and gas pipelines?

a) To prevent leaks in the pipeline. b) To support the weight of the pipeline. c) To absorb movement caused by temperature changes. d) To increase the flow rate of oil and gas.

Answer

c) To absorb movement caused by temperature changes.

2. Which of these is NOT a benefit of using spring hangers in pipelines?

a) Reduced stress on the pipeline. b) Increased pipeline life. c) Reduced noise and vibration. d) Increased pressure within the pipeline.

Answer

d) Increased pressure within the pipeline.

3. What is the main component that allows spring hangers to absorb movement?

a) A hydraulic piston. b) A metal rod. c) A coil spring. d) A rubber seal.

Answer

c) A coil spring.

4. Spring hangers are commonly used in which of these oil and gas applications?

a) Only in onshore pipelines. b) Only in offshore platforms. c) In both onshore and offshore pipelines. d) Only in processing plants.

Answer

c) In both onshore and offshore pipelines.

5. When selecting a spring hanger, what factor is LEAST important?

a) Pipe size and weight. b) Operating temperature range. c) Color of the hanger. d) Material compatibility.

Answer

c) Color of the hanger.

Spring Hangers Exercise:

Scenario:

You are designing a pipeline to transport crude oil across a desert region with extreme temperature fluctuations. The pipeline will be 10 km long and made of steel. You need to choose appropriate spring hangers to accommodate the thermal expansion and contraction of the pipeline.

Task:

Identify at least 3 factors you need to consider when selecting spring hangers for this pipeline.
Briefly explain how each factor would impact your decision.
Explain why using spring hangers in this scenario would be a better choice compared to rigid pipe supports.

Exercice Correction

**Factors to consider:**

**Operating temperature range:** The extreme temperature fluctuations in the desert will cause significant expansion and contraction of the steel pipeline. You need to choose spring hangers with a wide enough operating temperature range to accommodate these changes.
**Expected movement and load:** The length of the pipeline and the material used will influence the amount of movement it will undergo due to temperature changes. You need to calculate this movement and choose hangers with a capacity to absorb it while carrying the weight of the pipeline.
**Environmental conditions:** The desert environment exposes the pipeline to harsh conditions, including sand and dust. You need to select spring hangers made of materials that can withstand these conditions and prevent corrosion.

**Impact of each factor:**

Choosing hangers with a narrow temperature range might lead to failure if the temperature exceeds their capacity, causing excessive stress on the pipeline.
Hangers with insufficient capacity to absorb the movement could cause damage to the pipeline or its support structure, leading to leaks or failures.
Using materials that are not resistant to harsh environments could lead to corrosion and premature failure of the hangers.

**Advantages of spring hangers over rigid supports:**

Rigid supports do not accommodate movement, creating stress on the pipeline and increasing the risk of fatigue and failure. Spring hangers absorb the movement, reducing stress and extending the lifespan of the pipeline. In a desert environment with significant temperature swings, this advantage is crucial for ensuring pipeline integrity and safety.

Books

Piping Handbook: This comprehensive resource covers a wide range of piping topics, including pipe supports and hangers. It provides detailed information on spring hangers and their selection criteria.
Piping Design and Engineering: This book offers a thorough explanation of piping design principles and includes a dedicated section on pipe supports and hangers, including spring hangers.
ASME B31.3 Process Piping Code: This code provides standards and guidelines for the design and construction of process piping systems. It includes specific requirements for pipe supports and hangers, including spring hangers.

Articles

Spring Hangers: A Key Component for Pipeline Integrity: This article discusses the importance of spring hangers in mitigating thermal expansion and contraction in pipelines, emphasizing their role in ensuring pipeline safety.
Selecting the Right Pipe Hanger for Your Application: This article provides a guide to selecting appropriate pipe hangers for various applications, highlighting the advantages of spring hangers for specific needs.
Pipe Support Design for Thermal Expansion: This technical paper delves into the principles of pipe support design for accommodating thermal expansion and discusses the role of spring hangers in this process.

Online Resources

Pipe Support and Hanger Manufacturers: Websites of leading pipe support manufacturers, such as Armstrong, Graco, and B&W, offer valuable resources, including technical data sheets, installation guides, and product catalogs.
Engineering Societies and Associations: Websites of organizations such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and the American Petroleum Institute (API) provide access to technical standards and publications related to pipe supports and hangers.
Online Databases and Articles: Search engines like Google Scholar and research databases like ASME Digital Collection can provide access to numerous technical papers and research articles related to spring hangers.

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