Variable Spring Support

Variable spring supports, also known as spring sleeves or variable supports, facilitate vertical displacement within piping systems. Pipes and vessels subject to vertical movement due to factors such as temperature fluctuations or settlement should be supported by elastic devices to absorb/accommodate such displacement. Variable spring supports are suitable for relatively minor displacements. Typically, both fixed supports and spring sleeves are employed concurrently within the same piping system. Standard variable spring supports offer the following primary travel ranges: 30mm, 60mm, 90mm, 120mm, 180mm, and 210mm.

 

Variable Spring Hanger Spec Table	Example
Hanger Type / Configuration	Type A, B, C, D, E, F, G
Spring Size / No.	No. 0 - No. 22
Travel Range	30mm, 60mm, 90mm, 120mm 180 mm
Operating Load	0.2 kN - 400 kN
Installed Load (Cold Load)	kN / kgf
Operating Load (Hot Load)	kN / kgf
Movement Direction	Upward  / Downward
Variability (%)	≤ 25% (Standard)
Surface Treatment	Hot Dip Galv/ Painted
Housing Material	Carbon Steel (Q235/Q355)

 

The aforementioned travel represents the maximum working range of the spring. The full travel may be utilised for necessary calculations to ensure connected equipment and pipework can withstand load variations during pipeline movement. However, most international standards restrict load variations to a maximum of 25%. Consequently, variable spring hangers are typically selected on this basis.

 

Hanger Types

 

 

In accordance with generally accepted practice, we recommend that the actual load of the pipework should be correctly supported when the pipework is in its normal working position. Correctly supported pipework loads ensure that no abnormal or excessive forces arise from unbalanced support forces when the pipework is under load during operation.

 

Variable springs should feature galvanised surfaces and plastic-coated spring coils. However, our unique design permits both internal and external surface coatings to meet specific customer requirements.

 

The support principle of spring tanks is based on Hooke's Law, which states that the force required to compress a spring is proportional to the amount of compression. Consequently, the spring's force reduction (i.e., the support force) within variable force supports varies proportionally with the forces exerted as the pipe rises/falls due to thermal expansion and contraction. This enables the spring support to safely accommodate and counterbalance vertical displacement, thereby preventing excessive stress on the pipework.

 

Our standard offerings include:

  GB/T 17116.1/2

  NB/T 47038

  HG/T 20644

Additionally, upon provision of parameters and drawings, we can manufacture to other relevant international standards such as MSS SP-58, ASME B31.1 / B31.3, EN 13480-3, BS 3974.

 

Standard and optional design features for variable supports are as follows:

 

Standard Design Features

 

1. Spring coils are pre-compressed within the casing, saving headroom and installation time.

 

2. Each series incorporates travel allowance at both upper and lower limit positions.

 

3. Fully steel construction for robust, compact design.

 

4. Dial and nameplate in aluminium or 316 stainless steel.

 

5. Clearly visible load indicator.

 

6. Spring pressure plate functions as centring device.

 

7. Surface finish: Hot-dip galvanised; special coatings available.

 

8. All 'F' type floor-mounted/base-mounted devices include load flanges and internal load column guides.

 

9. Travel limiters – withstand preset loads and hydrostatic test loads.

 

10. Maintenance-free.

 

Optional Design Features

 

1. Permanently installed limiters prevent pipeline movement beyond preset distances or loads within spring travel range.

 

2. Large lifting lugs provided for ease of installation and hoisting.

 

3. For extreme environmental conditions, units can be manufactured from various austenitic stainless steels.

 

Please contact Yangzhou Tianshun for further information or quotations.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

1. May I request a sample?

 

Answer: Samples are not provided free of charge.

 

2. Can I request changes to packaging and shipping methods?

 

Answer: Yes, we can adjust packaging and shipping methods per your requirements, but you will bear any associated costs and price differences.

 

3. Can I request early shipment?

 

Answer: This must be agreed upon before contract signing or requested 20 days prior to shipment.

 

4. Can I have my logo printed on the product?

 

Answer: Yes, you may provide design drawings and we can produce your logo, but you will bear the associated costs.

 

5. Can you manufacture products based on my design drawings?

 

Answer: Yes, we can produce goods according to your design drawings and guarantee your satisfaction.

 

6. What payment methods do you accept?

 

Answer: We accept wire transfers (T/T) to ensure the security of your order.

 

7. Do you accept custom dimensions?

 

Answer: Yes.