SPED Pipe Support Design 3

Question 1

What is a 'pipe shoe' support and why is it used on insulated piping?

Accepted Answer

A support element welded or clamped to the pipe to elevate it from structural steel, preventing insulation crushing

Answer

A pipe shoe raises the insulated pipe off the support steel so the insulation is not crushed and the vapor barrier is maintained, while transferring load to the structure.

Question 2

Per ASME B31.3, which characteristic distinguishes a non-integral pipe support attachment from an integral one?

Accepted Answer

Non-integral attachments grip or clamp externally without altering the pipe wall; integral ones are welded to or through the pipe

Answer

Integral attachments (lugs, trunnions, welded pads) become part of the pressure-boundary analysis, while non-integral clamps and straps engage the pipe externally without affecting its structural integrity calculation.

Question 3

MSS SP-69 serves what purpose in the context of pipe support engineering?

Accepted Answer

It provides selection and application guidance for choosing the correct hanger or support type for given conditions

Answer

MSS SP-69 (Pipe Hangers and Supports — Selection and Application) guides engineers in matching the appropriate support type (hanger, rest, guide, anchor, etc.) to specific piping conditions and service requirements.

Question 4

For high-temperature piping services above 750°F (399°C), which material consideration is most critical when selecting pipe support components?

Accepted Answer

Selecting Cr-Mo alloy steel with adequate creep resistance and retained high-temperature strength

Answer

Carbon steel suffers significant strength loss and creep deformation at elevated temperatures; chromium-molybdenum alloy steels (e.g., P11, P22) are specified for their superior high-temperature mechanical properties.

Question 5

What is a 'trunnion support' and for what type of piping is it commonly used?

Accepted Answer

A short cylindrical pipe stub welded perpendicular to the main pipe to transfer loads to structural support, used on large or heavy piping

Answer

A trunnion is a stub cylinder welded to the pipe (often at an elbow) that acts as a pivot point resting on a structural cradle, efficiently transferring large loads from heavy or large-diameter piping to the supporting structure.

(SPED) Society of Piping Engineers and Designers Certification Practice Test

(SPED) Society of Piping Engineers and Designers Certification Practice Test

SPED Pipe Support Design 3