Non-Welded Pipe Supports: Preventing Corrosion, Stress & Thermal Damage

Corroded welded pipe support showing rust and moisture damage under U-bolts

In high-risk industries such as petrochemical processing, oil and gas, and chemical manufacturing, piping systems are subject to high thermal loads, corrosive exposure, and severe dynamic operating conditions. Traditional welded pipe supports rigidly fix the pipe to structural members, often preventing natural axial movement caused by thermal expansion or contraction. When expansion is restrained in this way, internal stresses can accumulate, leading to coating damage, deformation, fatigue, or joint failure.

By contrast, non-welded pipe supports—such as clamped pipe shoes, slide plates, and saddle supports, for example,—are designed to allow axial movement while maintaining vertical and lateral stability. These supports accommodate thermal cycling, reduce stress at restraint points, help maintain pipe alignment and coating integrity, and significantly improve safety in hazardous environments.

This article outlines the technical principles, material options, and field applications of non-welded supports, using solutions from RedLineIPS as a reference for modern engineered design in hazardous environments.

Introduction

In many industrial settings, such as petrochemical plants and offshore platforms, the installation and maintenance of piping systems pose unique challenges, particularly in hazardous environments. Welding, while a common method for securing pipe supports, can be risky or impractical in these conditions due to the presence of flammable gases, liquids, and the need for hot work permits. Non-welded pipe supports offer a safer, more flexible alternative that eliminates the need for on-site welding, reducing safety risks and installation time. We will explore the benefits and applications of non-welded pipe supports, highlighting their role in maintaining safety and efficiency in hazardous environments.

The Risks of Welding in Hazardous Environments

Welding is a common method for securing pipe supports in many industrial applications. However, in hazardous environments, it presents several significant risks:

Non-welded adjustable clamp-on pipe supports with red structural shoes in industrial plant
Modern non-welded pipe supports in an industrial setting using adjustable clamp-on shoes with isolators. These systems eliminate welds and offer superior corrosion resistance, thermal protection, and structural flexibility.

Advantages of Non-Welded Pipe Supports

Non-welded pipe supports eliminate the need for on-site welding, providing a range of benefits that make them ideal for hazardous environments:

Types of Non-Welded Pipe Supports

Several types of non-welded pipe supports are available, each designed to meet specific requirements and applications, among them are:

Clamp-on pipe shoes with slide plates for non-welded support in hazardous environments
RedLineIPS non-welded clamp-on pipe shoes shown with slide plates beneath. This sequence illustrates how the system allows axial pipe movement while eliminating the need for hot work in hazardous environments.

Applications of Non-Welded Pipe Supports

Non-welded pipe supports are particularly beneficial in the following hazardous industrial environments:

RedLineIPS Non-Welded Pipe Support Solutions

RedLineIPS, under the Cogbill Construction brand, offers a range of non-welded pipe support solutions designed to meet the needs of hazardous environments:

Adjustable non-welded pipe supports with clamps, saddles and U-bolts for safe pipe restraint
RedLineIPS adjustable non-welded pipe supports with clamps, saddles and U-bolts. These designs allow for height adjustment and secure pipe restraint without welding—ideal for hazardous or hot work-restricted environments.
Non-welded hold-down pipe clamp with shim block for adjustable support
RedLineIPS hold-down clamp with shim block assembly provides a non-welded pipe restraint solution with adjustable elevation. Ideal for environments where welding is restricted or hazardous.
Clambrace non-welded pipe support system with insulated and bare pipe shoes
Clambrace system supports a full range of non-welded pipe shoes and cradles for insulated or bare piping, eliminating welding or drilling on both pipe and structural beams.

Design Considerations for Non-Welded Pipe Supports

When designing a piping system using non-welded supports, several factors must be considered to ensure optimal performance:

Installation and Maintenance Best Practices

Proper installation and maintenance are essential for the effective performance of non-welded pipe supports, as follows:

Non-welded pipe supports offer a safer, more flexible, and efficient solution for securing piping systems in hazardous environments. By eliminating the need for on-site welding, these supports reduce safety risks, installation time, and maintenance costs, making them an ideal choice for industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. RedLineIPS, a brand of Cogbill Construction, provides a range of non-welded support solutions designed to meet the unique challenges of these environments, ensuring the safety, reliability, and longevity of your piping systems.

For more information on the non-welded support solutions, visit our website at RedLineIPS.com to explore the full range of metallic and non-metallic pipe support solutions. Or, contact us at Info@RedLineIPS.com.