Im performing stress analysis for a piping system as per ASME B31.3..
Line Size : 48" NPS
Service : Process Gas
Design Temp : 93°C
Design Pressure : 4700 Kpa
My question is, what is the maximum gap i can provide for the Pipe Guides?
Do you intend this "pipe guide" to PREVENT motion of the pipe side-to-side or vertical, or do you intend the pipe guide to permit only axial movement, and not to restrict perpendicular right-left or vertical movement?
You should be using Caesar II or a similar software to perform your stress analysis. The software will dictate what gap size will be required. Mainly it depends on geometry, design temperature and, if applicable, wind loading.
So far, I have interpreted gap as the distance between a support and it's supporting structure (e.g. the situation you get with support lift-off). I havent considered gap as the distance between 2 supports.
If the OP doesnt return, not sure if well find out what he's looking for.
At least in Caesar II, the pipe support spacing (and support gap) is user defined. For guided shoes with a gap, it depends on the application but could be 1/16" or 1/8". If you mean pipe support spacing, that's a different matter.