Plant engineering CONSULTANTS


WHY ARE INSPECTIONS NEEDED?



INSPECTIONS CAN BE A GREAT WAY TO PREVENT LEAKS, DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT, AND UNSCHEDULED SHUT DOWNS.



PIPE SUPPORT INSPECTION AND SPRING SUPPORT SURVEY


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EXPANSION JOINT INSPECTION


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FIELD ENGINEERING SERVICES

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pipe support inspection and spring support survey



We make site visits to verify pipe supports are in the correct location, the correct supports are installed, and supports are in good working condition.





Supports & Restraints



  • We field review the following support types: pipe shoes, pipe guides, axial stops (directional anchors), rod hangers, riser clamps, strut rods, hydraulic snubbers, U-bolts, dummy legs/trunnions, low friction sliders, variable springs, and constant springs


Inspection Purpose



  • Piping and equipment problems can stem from simple support issues
  • Inspections are great preventable maintenance to protect equipment
  • Common piping alterations (upgraded flanges, routing changes, etc.) can greatly affect spring loads


Level 1: Basic Inspection



  • Spreadsheet containing support data, location, condition, & recommendations
  • We review the pipe supports and restraints on each line and compare them to the design drawings


Level 2: Advanced Inspection



  • Detailed report with a survey data sheet for each pipe support and restraint
  • Level 2 contains all support information included in the basic inspection along with:
    • List of reference drawings
    • Written instructions for repair recommendations
    • Pictures of supports in the field


Expansion joint inspection



Expansion joints are used to add flexibility to a piping system. Expansion joints are predominately used to provide lateral flexibility. Unfortunately, they are often used in the wrong application and develop a bad reputation. A correctly designed expansion joint will typically outlast the piping system.





Expansion Joint Purpose



  • Expansion joints are used to add flexibility to a piping system
  • Expansion joints are a great way to protect equipment (pumps, compressors, turbines, etc.) from high piping loads
  • Expansion joints can be used in locations where piping loops cannot


Indication of Problems



  • Expansion joint bellow squirm
  • Overloaded equipment
  • Cracked expansion joints
  • Vibrating expansion joint bellows
  • Collapsed expansion joint bellows
  • Unloaded tie-rods


Common Misuse



  • Incorrectly used for axial flexibility
  • Tie-rod length altered from the factory setting
  • Shipping bars left in place during operation
  • Installed in the wrong flow direction
  • Insulating tie-rods and/or bellows


field engineering services



We will make site visits to review existing systems and installation of new systems and equipment.





Piping System Review



  • Verify routing matches design drawings
  • Supports and restraints match design details and are in good working condition
  • Lines are adequately supported and restrained
  • Support structures and foundations are adequately sized and in good working conditions
  • Review flange alignment


plant engineering consultants, llc



321 N Range Ave.
Denham Springs, LA 70726



Contact:

225-667-6060

info@plantengineering.net