Yes, we make our own tools for forming pipe clamps so we can make a pipe clamp to suit any size of pipe up to approximately 1400mm diameter.

The weight of the pipework doesn’t change when it gets hot, but the pipes move up and down due to thermal expansion. When using simple variable effort supports, the supporting effort necessarily changes as the pipe moves up or down due to the spring rate of the supports.

Yes, PSG's data for spring hangers and spring supports has now been implemented in ROHR2, supplied by SIGMA Ingenieurgesellschaft mbH. ROHR2 users can update the program via the implemented update function.

CATIA is a 3D solid modeling tool and would be used for designing products e.g. gearboxes or turbines, rather than for modelling a whole plant. We do not have a library for CATIA and there are no plans to create one.

Direct 3D dxf export from our software is planned for the end of 2009, and we believe the 3D images created will be able to be read by any 3D program.

Yes, PSG's variable effort support data is included in Caesar II Version 5.00, and will also be in the new Version 5.20 when this is released (our data base is shown as 'Pipe Supports Ltd').

As our supports have no means of ‘self actuation’ they do not generally fall within the CE requirements. Exceptions are items that are welded to the pressure containment boundary – lugs on pipes or reinforcing pads for example. In such situations the material needs to be produced by a CE accredited mill and the certification needs to carry the CE mark.

AWS = American Welding Society standard, which covers welding/welder qualification requirements for use within structural steel fabrications.

It is a fact that hydraulic snubbers require maintenance over a period of time in order to replenish the natural leakage of hydraulic fluid. Pipe Supports Limited is working towards a snubber design that will help to minimize the need for such maintenance. However, it cannot be totally eliminated.

There are a wide range of views on what material should be used for springs in low ambient temperatures. Springs manufactured from the materials which are normally used to make coil sp