Engineers should know pipe support options and their role in optimal piping system design and operation. Pipe supports are a critical component to safe and effective piping system engineering. The term pipe supports can often refer to two different types of components: supports and restraints.
Supports typically help to shoulder and distribute loads across the system in a manner that allows for safe operation and helps to tie the piping system into structural elements for increased safety and support for all parts of the piping process. In most cases, these objects help minimize and carry the impact of vertical loads.
Restraints work alongside supports, helping to limit movement and ensure that pipes remain positioned within a tolerance determined in the system engineering specifications. Typically, they help to minimize and carry the impact of horizontal loads.

Pipe supports can make safe operation and prevent failure.
A well-designed pipe support system will ensure everything remains within tolerance if pipe loads surge, structures shift, or temperatures change drastically. They can also help to support or trigger overflows and other fail-safes to mitigate the affecting condition and return the system to normal operation as quickly as possible and with minimal risk to both piping systems and operational staff.

WHAT ARE COMMON GOALS WHEN CHOOSING PIPE SUPPORT PRODUCTS?

As with most piping products, determining the best pipe support products, sizes, and implementations will require knowing your exact needs, operating and environmental loads, risks and myriad other factors.
However, in most cases, pipe supports are expected to perform one or more of the following tasks:

1. Prevent, reduce, or eliminate pipe stresses to maintain allowable thresholds

2. Prevent, reduce, or eliminate leakage at joints due to movement, shifting, or load stress

3. Absorb or minimize line vibrations during operation

4. Counter or minimize the impact of dynamic loadings, including but not limited to seismic shifts, wind stress, and water hammering

5. Minimize lift-off or disengagement between piping and additional support structures during operation

6. Avoid excessive pipe sag depending on the implementation and standards in question

7. Help manage the impact of exposure to temperature extremes (both environmental and within the process) to ensure safe, consistent operation of the piping system

8. Help protect integrated equipment, such as sensors, gauges, valves, gates, from failure due to excessive loading

9. To manage and direct thermal loads in desirable directions based upon the thresholds and processes in use

10. To help support and minimize the load stresses on other support components within the piping support system

Mastering "Types of Piping Supports and Design Engineering Rules" elevates career prospects for piping engineers, designers, and stress analysts in the oil and gas, chemical, and process industries. Professionals can transition into senior roles like Lead Piping Engineer, Support Systems Specialist, or Design Manager, or specialize in piping support design, engineering, and optimization. Expertise in types of piping supports and design engineering rules enhances job prospects, earning potential, and leadership opportunities, ensuring efficient and safe piping system operation, and compliance with industry codes, standards, and best practices.