Industrial pipework does more than carry compressed air, water, gas or hydraulic fluids. It can also transmit vibration from pumps, compressors, valves and other equipment into the surrounding structure.
That’s where the right pipe clamps and pipe support systems make a difference.
A properly selected pipe clamp secures the pipe while helping control movement, absorb shock and reduce the transmission of vibration and noise.
What Causes Pipe Vibration?
Pipe vibration can come from several sources.
Compressors and pumps create mechanical vibration. Pressure fluctuations and pulsation can cause pipe movement, while valves can introduce changes in flow and pressure.
Long unsupported sections of pipework can make the problem worse, allowing the pipe to flex or move as operating conditions change.
If that movement isn't properly controlled, vibration can travel through the pipework and into walls, structural steel, mounting points and other equipment.
How Do Pipe Clamps Reduce Vibration?
A pipe clamp creates a controlled connection between the pipe and its supporting structure.
But it isn't simply about holding the pipe tightly.
The clamp material and design also matter.
DIN 3015-style pipe clamps use clamp halves around the pipe, providing a degree of mechanical separation between the pipe and its mounting structure. This can help damp vibration and absorb some shock before it is transferred into the surrounding structure.
The result is a more stable pipe installation with better control of movement.
Pipe Clamps Can Also Reduce Noise
Vibration and noise are closely connected.
When a vibrating pipe makes contact with a rigid structure, mechanical energy can be transferred into that structure. That vibration can then become audible noise.
Pipe clamps with appropriate damping characteristics can reduce this transfer.
Specialised clamp systems with elastomeric components can provide additional vibration damping and help reduce noise transmission.
This can be particularly useful around:
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Compressors
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Pumps
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Hydraulic machinery
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Pneumatic systems
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Process equipment
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Industrial machinery
Clamp Spacing Matters
Even the right pipe clamp won't perform properly if the pipework is poorly supported.
Long sections of pipe with insufficient support can move, flex and vibrate between mounting points.
Correctly positioned supports create a more stable installation.
Support requirements depend on factors including pipe diameter, pipe material, operating pressure, temperature, pipe weight and vibration.
Additional support may also be required around bends, valves and equipment connections, where mechanical forces can be concentrated.
Choosing the Right Pipe Clamp
Pipe diameter is only one part of the selection process.
Before choosing a clamp, consider:
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Pipe or tube outside diameter
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Pipe material
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Operating pressure
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Pressure surges and pulsation
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Temperature
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Pipe and fluid weight
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Vibration levels
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Installation environment
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Mounting structure
For demanding industrial applications, heavy-duty clamp configurations may be required.
Kova Clamps for Industrial Pipe Support
Air Energy supplies Kova Clamps, a modular pipe, tube and hose support system based on the DIN 3015 clamp concept.
Kova Clamps are available in different sizes, materials and configurations for applications including:
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Industrial hydraulics
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Mining
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Pneumatics
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Process piping
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Marine applications
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Construction equipment
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Oil and fuel lines
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Instrumentation
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General industrial pipework
They can also be used to support stainless steel industrial pipe systems, including press-fit installations.
Better Pipe Support Starts with the Right Design
Pipe clamps aren't designed to eliminate every source of vibration.
If excessive vibration is present, the wider system may also need to be assessed, including equipment mounting, flexible connections, pipe routing, pressure pulsation and support spacing.
But the right pipe clamp and support system can play an important role in controlling pipe movement and reducing vibration and noise transmission.
For industrial pipework, good support isn't an afterthought.
It's part of the system design.
Air Energy supplies Kova Clamps and industrial pipe support systems throughout Australia. Our team can help you select the appropriate clamp, mounting configuration and support solution for your application.