{"id":1135,"date":"2026-02-14T17:30:43","date_gmt":"2026-02-14T17:30:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hydrocarbon.sbs\/?p=1135"},"modified":"2026-03-24T22:53:22","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T22:53:22","slug":"dont-forget-about-your-spring-supports","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/petrostreet.com\/main\/dont-forget-about-your-spring-supports\/","title":{"rendered":"Don\u2019t Forget About Your Spring Supports"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Introduction<\/strong><a id=\"_msocom_1\"><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A spring support is a critical and functional component of piping systems in a processing facility. Spring supports are specially designed and installed to not only bear the load, but also may account for any piping movement. The presence of a spring support in a piping system indicates that the piping is expected to move and that movement must be controlled within a certain limit. Although the health of piping and piping supports is critical to processing facilities, there are very few facilities where a documented inspection program exists for spring supports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"256\" height=\"256\" src=\"https:\/\/petrostreet.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/p6.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1953\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fig. 1<\/strong>: Typical spring support<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sites lacking an inspection plan for spring supports should first identify and document all spring supports at the facility. This list should contain basic information about each spring support, including but not limited to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Movement (a dimension) specifications<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hot load specifications<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cold load specifications<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Material information<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Marking data<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All of these design parameters should be incorporated into a master list for spring supports. Each spring support has to meet the first three parameters: the movement, and the position within hot or cold load, depending on whether it is in operation or not. This is primarily what one needs to inspect, in addition to examining for corrosion or other damage mechanisms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common Spring Support Issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whomever is responsible for spring support inspection should be looking for the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Correct installation as per drawing<\/strong> &#8211; this should be the first check made when an inspector is examining a spring support. He should review drawings of the spring support and compare the site installation to the drawing. There could be problems if the installation of spring supports is incorrect and doesn\u2019t match the given mechanical drawing.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Out of Limits<\/strong> &#8211; one of the most significant findings would be if the spring support is working outside its limits. Hot and cold loads are provided on spec sheets, and the position of the spring support should adhere to those specifications. A spring support working outside its load limits is at higher risk for failure, placing the piping at risk.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Unequal loading of spring support members<\/strong> &#8211; some spring supports have two springs on either side of the piping. If an inspection reveals unequal loading, the spring support itself could be unreliable and place the piping at risk.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Verticality issue<\/strong> &#8211; spring supports installed on the top of the piping with a supporting steel structural frame should be in a vertical position. Verticality should be verified for these kinds of supports.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"5\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Oblique loading<\/strong> &#8211; there are some cases where the spring support has not been set properly, which results in oblique loading.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"6\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Offset support<\/strong> \u2013 while being installed, spring supports can be in an offset position. This is a similar situation to oblique loading; however, in this case the support itself is not in the center of the piping where it should be.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"7\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Coating failures<\/strong> &#8211; a lot of cases are reported where the coating \/painting system is damaged over the period of operation. Damaged coating\/paint can increase the risk of certain external damage to decrease the reliability of the spring support or even lead to failure.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"8\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Coil out of plane<\/strong> &#8211; the coil or the spring itself inside the support can be found out of plane. One side of the spring can be found tilted and not in a balanced position. During inspection, it should be checked to ensure the coil inside the support is not tilted to any side.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During a recent inspection of spring supports at a single facility, all of these issues were discovered at one point or another. A breakdown of each finding is illustrated in <strong>Figure 2<\/strong>. In the author\u2019s experience, this is a relatively accurate reflection of spring support issues at a typical facility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"611\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\/\/petrostreet.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/p7.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1952\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fig. 2:<\/strong> Spring Support Inspection Findings<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Listed below are some probable causes for these inspection findings:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Improper load adjustment of hanger<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improper load adjustment of adjacent hangers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>System not at full operating temperature<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pipe fabrication error<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improper cold springing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Frictional effects of guides or sliding supports<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Discrepancies between design and &#8220;as built&#8221; conditions affecting hanger loads or movement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improper hanger installation or failure to remove temporary supports, restraints, or hanger travel stops<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Remediating Spring Support Issues<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prior to initial operation, all spring hanger units should be set to the cold position. This position of the load\/travel indicator should be the initial entry in a formal log. When the system reaches operating temperature, a second set of load\/travel position readings should be recorded. If at operating temperature, the load\/travel indicator does not line up with the hot position marking, it is recommended that a minor travel adjustment be made (e.g., either lengthen or shorten the hanger rod) to have the indicator line up with the hot marking. If the installation does not respond to this minor level adjustment, then consult with an experienced hanger designer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition, here are some recommendations for addressing each of the spring support issues discussed previously:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Incorrect installation as per drawing:&nbsp; One should verify whether the spring is installed in the right position and is suitable for the calculated load. Load limits have to be checked in a cold condition.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Out of Limits:&nbsp; This occurs due to a bad cold setting. If discovered, the cold load should be adjusted properly.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Unequal loading of spring support members:&nbsp; Ensure that the load is exactly in the middle; otherwise, make the necessary adjustments. It is helpful to install spring hangers that cater to different loadings.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Verticality issue:&nbsp; If horizontal movement was not considered while installing, give about 80% offset in the cold condition so that they may become vertical during operation.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"5\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Oblique loading:&nbsp; This is caused either by horizontal movement or a threaded device unscrewed beyond its limit to support the pipe. Install a sliding plate between the hanger and pipe or check the threaded device.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"6\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Support offset:&nbsp; Install the support in the right position and provide a sliding plate.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"7\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Coating failures:&nbsp; Identify and replace all rusted coils. For all coating failures, in addition to galvanizing, apply additional paint protection as needed.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"8\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Coil out of plane:&nbsp; These cases can be fixed similar to the verticality issue. Cold spring pipe to 80% in order to arrest this issue.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A spring support inspection program should be considered by inspection engineers at every processing facility containing the type and quantity of all supports. That inspection program should remain active in order to identify and, if possible, remedy any abnormalities in spring supports before they become a problem and affect the reliability of associated piping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction A spring support is a critical and functional component of piping systems in a processing facility. 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A spring support is a critical and functional component of piping systems in a processing facility. Spring supports are [&hellip;]","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/petrostreet.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1135","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/petrostreet.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/petrostreet.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petrostreet.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petrostreet.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1135"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/petrostreet.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1135\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2006,"href":"https:\/\/petrostreet.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1135\/revisions\/2006"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petrostreet.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2190"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/petrostreet.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1135"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petrostreet.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1135"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petrostreet.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1135"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}