GB2315107A

GB2315107A - Insulating pipe support

Info

Publication number: GB2315107A
Application number: GB9714104A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John William Bowmer
Original assignee: ATLANTIC PLASTICS Ltd
Current assignee: ATLANTIC PLASTICS Ltd
Priority date: 1996-07-06
Filing date: 1997-07-04
Publication date: 1998-01-21
Anticipated expiration: 2017-07-04
Also published as: GB2315107B; GB9714104D0; GB9614254D0

Abstract

The support has a cradle 1 with spaced semi-cylindrical bearing surfaces 5 for the pipe and a cap (2) with matching surfaces 5 to provide pipe encirclement, with insulation 8 in the recesses 7 between the surfaces. The cradle 1 and cap 2 are fastened together by straps 13, one at each end, in recesses 6. The cradle 1 is integrally moulded with a hollow base 9 that does not interfere with the straps 13, the base being mounted on a support plate 10. The cradle 1 and cap 2 are of moulded fibre reinforced plastics.

Description

"Improvements relatinq to Pipe Supports" This invention relates to pipe supports. It is part-icularly concerned with the mounting of large bore pipes which require insulation from the structure or ground over which they run, and which will allow a degree of longitudinal movement as the temperature varies and the pipe expands or contracts.

According to the present invention there is provided a pipe support comprising a cradle and a cap, the cradle providing two axially spaced semi-cylindrical bearing surfaces to carry a pipe, and the cap having two matching surfaces which register with the bearing surfaces and complete encirclement of the pipe when the cap is fitted and fastened to the cradle, the cradle and the cap each having a recess between said surfaces filled with insulating material which forms a concealed annular collar around the pipe.

Preferably, the cradle and cap will both be of moulded, fibre reinforced plastics material. There are such plastics which are hard, dense and strong. The insulating material will generally be of much lighter plastics, such as expanded polystyrene.

The cradle may stand on a base projecting centrally of its convex side. This can be moulded integrally with the semi-cylindrical portion. Conveniently, the base is hollow and box-like and its lower end may be closed by and fixed to a steel plate on which the whole structure will rest.

Conveniently, the cradle extends beyond the base in the axial direction, and the fastening of the cap to the base may then be by straps encircling both members, one at each end. The exterior surfaces may be recessed or rebated to locate such straps.

For a better understanding of the invention, one embodiment will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which: Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a pipe support, and Figure 2 is a perspective view of the support in assembled condition.

A pipe support consists primarily of a cradle 1 and a cap 2. The cap is virtually a mirror image of the main element of the cradle 1, and similar references are used to identify corresponding parts.

The main part of the cradle 1 is a generally semicylindrical shell 3 with thickened inwardly projecting flanges 4 at each end providing semi-cylindrical bearing surfaces 5. On the outside, at each end, there are rebates 6 to receive straps as described below. Between the flanges 4 there is a semi-annular recess 7 which receives insulating material 8 such as expanded polystyrene. This may be assembled in "cheeses", as shown, completely to fill the recess 7 and to make a surface flush with the bearing surfaces 5.

At the centre of the outer surface of the shell 3 there is a hollow box-like base 9, preferably integrally moulded with the shell. It does not extend in the intended pipe (or axial) direction as far as the rebates 6, leaving them clear. At the bottom of this base 9 and attached to it there is a steel plate 10 on which the support actually sits, and this may be retained by clips 11 on a sub-structure (not shown). The clips will prevent twisting and transverse movement, but will allow the support to move in the longitudinal direction of the pipe as that expands and contracts.

The cap 2 is similar to the cradle 1 except that it does not have the base 9, and when the cradle is large and heavy, for large diameter pipes, it is conveniently provided with temporary lifting lugs 12, one at the crown of each end.

With the cradle 1 in place, and a pipe resting in it, the cap 2 is positioned over it so that the bearing surfaces 5 register. The lugs 12 (if provided) are then removed.

Straps 13 are placed around the continuous annular rebates 6 at each end and fastened to secure the whole assembly. In Figure 2 the far strap 13 is in place, substantially flush with the outer surfaces of the cradle 1 and cap 2, while the nearest strap 13 is still to be tightened.

Claims

1. A pipe support comprising a cradle and a cap, the cradle providing two axially spaced semi-cylindrical bearing surfaces to carry a pipe, and the cap having two matching surfaces which register with the bearing surface and complete encirclement of the pipe when the cap is fitted and fastened to the cradle, the cradle and the cap each having a recess between said surfaces filled with insulating material which forms a concealed annular collar around the pipe.

2. A pipe support as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the cradle and cap are both of moulded, fibre reinforced plastics material.

3. A pipe support as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the insulating material is expanded polystyrene.

4. A pipe support as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the cradle stands on a base projecting centrally of its convex side.

5. A pipe support as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the base is moulded integrally with the semi-cylindrical portion.

6. A pipe support as claimed in Claim 4 or 5, wherein the base is hollow and box-like.

7. A pipe support as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the lower end of the base is closed by and fixed to a steel plate on which the whole structure will rest.

8. A pipe support as claimed in any one of Claims 4 to 7, wherein the cradle extends beyond the base in the axial direction.

9. A pipe support as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the fastening of the cap is by straps encircling both members, one at each end.

10. A pipe support as claimed in Claim 8 or 9, wherein the exterior surfaces of said members are recessed or rebated to locate said straps.

11. A pipe support substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.