Alternating Pipe Support Contact Points for Corrosion Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe support systems are prone to corrosion and difficult to inspect and maintain, as the contact areas between pipes and supports are hard to access, leading to potential structural stress and costly repairs when not properly supported during maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A pipe support apparatus featuring parallel elongated bodies that can be alternately positioned to change contact points, using channel beams with non-corrosive interface materials to reduce corrosion and allow continuous support during inspection and maintenance, enabling easy access and reduction of corrosion risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pipe supports are used, then the pipe is supported, but the contact areas become prone to corrosion and difficult to inspect and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe support system is divided into multiple support structures distributed along the pipe length. Each support structure can be independently inspected and maintained, allowing access to contact areas without requiring complete system shutdown or complex disassembly. The segmentation enables localized maintenance while maintaining overall pipe support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary interface between the pipe and support structure that facilitates easy removal and installation of support components. This intermediary mechanism allows inspection and maintenance personnel to access contact areas without requiring temporary support structures or crane operations, directly addressing the accessibility problem while maintaining corrosion resistance through protected contact surfaces.
2Ease of operation
If pipe supports are removed for inspection and maintenance, then the pipe can be inspected, but the pipe becomes unsupported and may suffer structural stress or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The support structures are designed with preliminary positioning features and quick-connect mechanisms that allow them to be rapidly reinstalled after inspection and maintenance activities. This preliminary design ensures that support capability is restored immediately, preventing periods of unsupported pipe that could lead to structural stress or damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the support system to maintain continuous support capability throughout inspection and maintenance operations. The support structures remain in place during inspection, with access provided through removable or openable components rather than complete removal, ensuring uninterrupted structural support while enabling necessary maintenance activities.
3Strength
If temporary support structures are constructed for pipe maintenance, then the pipe can be supported during repair, but substantial time and effort are required for fabrication and installation
Solution Approach 1:
The support structures incorporate easily replaceable components that can be quickly installed and removed without requiring extensive fabrication. These components are designed for rapid deployment and removal, eliminating the need for time-consuming temporary structure fabrication and dismantling while maintaining adequate support capability throughout maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system incorporates dynamic, adjustable components that can be quickly configured and reconfigured during maintenance operations. The support structures can be adjusted to different positions and configurations without requiring complete reconstruction, significantly reducing the time and effort required for maintenance while maintaining adequate pipe support.
Data Source
AI summary
Pipe supports are described herein. A pipe support can include a first elongated body having a first top surface for supporting a pipe having a pipe surface, a second elongated body having a second top surface for supporting the pipe and a support structure slidably coupled to the first elongated body and to the second elongated body such that the first top surface or the second top surface is in contact with the pipe surface when the other of the first top surface and the second top surface is not in contact with the pipe surface.