Source: D. Mathien, (2024) Behringer Corporation, Biopharm Sales Manager.
From the Behringer brand, we present supports and guides for tubing installations, made in the United States and manufactured in compliance with the ASME BPE standard, for critical systems, such as those found in pharmaceutical companies.
As required by the standard, Behringer supports meet the following characteristics: optimized geometry for easy cleaning and drainage, made of corrosion-resistant materials, designed without exposed threads, have adequate durability and strength, and are compatible with chemical, thermal, and physical operational requirements.
Supports or "anchors," hold the tubing in place and restrict all movement. "Guides" offer support, but allow axial movement for expansion and contraction. An anchor positioned at the point of origin with guides along each continuous horizontal, run helps to balance the run.
Good results from the use of supports and guides largely depends on the design of the support system. Supports must provide a continuous slope in the system, provide for and control movement of the tubing system, create an even load distribution, and isolate stress between the tubing and structural attachments.
Properly installed, tubing supports reduce existing vibration in the line, which extends the life of components that are part of the process and that may be susceptible to damage or degradation.
Following the guidelines established by the standard, there are several considerations to take into account for the design of the tubing system:
For starters, the minimum requirements for proper tubing fastening are: drainable (maintaining an adequate slope), continuous pitch above minimum slope, no line sag/deflection of more than 3 mm, ease of cleaning and compatibility with cleaning solutions, and no flat surfaces that can accumulate dust or pool liquids.
Taking that into account, the distance between each support should not exceed the limit that prevents the tubing from deflecting during operation. For example, for changes in direction in tubing or areas of concentrated loads (where there is a diaphragm valve), the proximity of the support to each horizontal elbow should be no more than 12 inches and the proximity to a valve or instrument, no more than 5 feet.
Photos from Behringer Hygienic Hangers and Supports Catalog 2024
It is important that the process tubing and the mechanical joints bear no additional weight other than the tubing itself and that excess stress points are avoided. An even weight distribution should be created. All support rods must be in a vertical position and should be installed on both sides of concentrated loads. Clamping force must exceed shear force in vertical lines, for example.
In the case of sterilization in place (SIP), the tubing system must allow free axial movement where thermal expansion is present. Movement must be controlled and alignment must be maintained. The expansion will dictate the location of the brackets and hangers relative to the elbows.
Success depends not only on the quality of the materials, but also on proper design and installation. Any of the following errors can result in high repair costs or delays in starting operations:
Common design errors
Not fully accounting for thermal expansion, excessive torsion, excessive vibration/dynamic forces.
An unbalanced load.
Over spacing between hangers (sagging is present).
Improper location of anchors and guides.
Improper material selection.
Common installation errors
Failure to achieve a proper slope.
Not fully drainable.
Pitch is not continuous.
Creating slope via “torque and tack” method.
Proximity to concentrated loads, such as valves, flanges, or instrumentation.
Presence of bending stress.
Insufficient support around or in proximity to bends in both a vertical and horizontal position.
Insufficient assembly of hardware (below manufacturer recommended torque values).
At OGMAN Tuberías Inoxidables, we have a wide variety of products that can add value to your process, such as Behringer supports. In addition to the quality of our products, we offer personalized attention, hand in hand with experts from all the brands we represent.
Learn more about Behringer products on our website: https://www.ogmantuberias.com/behringer
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OGMAN Tuberías Inoxidables
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