Sliding Plates and Thermal Supports

Hydraulic snubbers are special elements designed to absorb large impacts in the piping due to seismic phenomena or other circumstances like water hammers. During the normal operation and movement of piping, they do not restrict movements, offering minimal resistance. However, when a sudden impact occurs, they lock themselves becoming highly rigid supports, protecting the system against that event. They can be installed in any position with relation to the pipe by the use of special beam attachments (“rear brackets”), highly rigid clamps and special enlargement pipes.

Function & Purpose:
Slide plates are low-friction interfaces placed between a moving component (e.g., a pipe) and a stationary support. They facilitate smooth axial, lateral, or rotational movement without causing wear or friction damage.

  • Construction: Typically a “sandwich” of two plates—one attached to the pipe or shoe, the other to the supporting structure—with a low-friction material like PTFE, graphite, or bronze between them.

  • Materials & Performance:

    • PTFE (Teflon) with or without glass fill: excellent for -320 °F to 500 °F; low coefficient of friction (~0.01–0.2).

    • Graphite plates: handle high temperatures up to 1,000 °F or more and loads up to 2,000 psi.

    • Bronze with graphite plugs: suitable for high temperatures (up to ~1,100 °F) and loads (up to 5,000 psi).

Benefits:

  • Reduces friction and wear on pipes and supports, protecting surfaces and preventing corrosion or joint damage.

  • Accommodates thermal expansion, vibration, and dynamic movement, thus preserving system integrity and prolonging service life.

Thermal Supports (Insulated Pipe Supports)

Purpose & Functionality:
Thermal supports—often in the form of insulated shoes or inserts—prevent heat transfer and condensation while structurally supporting pipes. They maintain thermal integrity and protect against energy loss and moisture intrusion.

Types & Materials:

  • Insulation inserts/blocks (e.g., Thermobreak® Thermaloc™): Made of closed-cell cross-linked polyolefin foam. Resistant to moisture, duct-resistant, and prevents air movement when clamped.

  • Pre-insulated supports (hot or cryogenic): Often use materials like calcium silicate for high-temperature scenarios and include integrated slide plates (PTFE/stainless steel) to accommodate movement.

Advantages:

  • Maintain energy efficiency by preventing thermal bridging and heat loss.

  • Protect against condensation, moisture damage, and corrosion.

  • Enable smooth pipe movement despite temperature-induced expansion or contraction.

  • Example: LISEGA’s insulated “hot shoe” supports have stainless sliding plates with PTFE to reduce friction and preserve insulation integrity during frequent thermal cycles.


Summary Table (English)

Component Type Description & Use Key Benefits
Slide Plates Low-friction interface between pipe and support (PTFE, graphite, bronze) Reduces wear, allows smooth movement, resists high loads/temps
Thermal Supports Insulated blocks or shoes under the pipe with vapor barrier and slide capability Prevents heat loss/condensation, protects insulation, enables movement under thermal stress

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