Pipe Support Audit Program

Services - Pipe Support

Pipe Support Audit Program

Pipe Supports

When aging plants and facilities have degradation of pipe supports, the consequences can be catastrophic.  As springs or rigid supports corrode, coils become fatigued or collapse. The loss of support integrity no longer carries the weight of piping for which it was designed.  Lines sag, lose proper slopes and transfer the weight into surrounding equipment and nozzles. The strain of such weight transfers can induce forces and moments, overstress piping and equipment. Stress corrosion and creep can cause failure of components, induce flow problems and severely impair the working conditions of the systems.  Periodic audits in accordance with code B31.1 Power Piping, of associated supports, are now part of the code's requirements to maintain and effect proper conditions or environs in Power and Process Plants.

Due to access issues and costs associated with scaffolding, pipe support inspection & maintenance is often overlooked, and the supports can go unattended for years. Often pipe support issues are not addressed until there is a critical failure. With MHT’s 4-phase “hands-on” auditing program facilities receive expert inspection, maintenance and analysis of all piping supports without the added costs of scaffolding. With this turnkey program all piping supports receive a thorough inspection, adjustments and replacements as needed.

Phase 1:

  • Initial hot or cold inspection
  • 10-point functionality check of pipe support (borescope as needed)
  • Collect all original design data, inspection data and photograph supports
  • No missing data compared to walk-down audits
  • Make repair/replace recommendations

Phase 2:

  • Formal report developmentProvides all design data, inspection data, photographs, and recommendations
  • Collect all original design data, inspection data and photograph supports
  • Is updated after each follow up hot/cold inspection
  • Click Link to see: Sample Pipe Support Inspection Report

Phase 3:

  • Perform critical and non-critical adjustments
  • Can be completed in hot and cold operations
  • Can be combined with Phase 1 to speed up the auditing cycle

Phase 4:

  • Complete all repair and replacement items
  • Normally performed during scheduled outages