Variable Load Supports

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Variable Load Supports are usually used for piping or related equipment which is subject to vertical movement up to 75 mm

Our Variable Load Hanger and Supports are available in four travel ranges - 35, 70, 140 and 210 mm, with a load range of 200 N (20 kg) to 250,000 N (25,000 kg). The unique construction of the unit is particularly advantageous for use in severe corrosive conditions.

Special Variable Supports can be designed to suit customer's specific requirements.

The photograph shows a Variable Spring Unit Type ‘F’, within special sliding support

Unlike their more sophisticated relatives the constant effort support, variable effort supports are devices that allow a degree of flexibility in the supported equipment. They are in fact a spring balance that, for an increase in load yield a corresponding change in compressed length in direct relation to the spring stiffness.

The criteria for selecting variable effort supports falls in to three general categories; firstly the load and displacement for which the support has to cater, secondly the physical arrangement of the support, be it top hung or base mounted, and finally the allowable deviation in load that the pipe can sustain.

Guide lines on the limit of hot to cold load deviation is determined by the pipework stress engineer and can vary for individual support position. As a general rule it should not normally exceed 25%.

Our Variable Effort Support catalogue provides full instructions on how to select the correct size of spring and all units are designed to be maintenance free.