When to use clamp type pipe shoe?

[vesselguy]

I would love to hear from piping guys on this subject. This is just for my curiosity.

A few weeks back someone asked me if it is ok to use a clamp type shoe instead of the welded on pipe shoe. Based on my limited exposure to piping stuff in the past, I know that clamped on type shoe is used on application when you're retrofitting a shoe and you don't want to weld, or install a shoe over an already insulated pipe (common on low temperature piping application). Basically it is OK to use a clamp on shoe in lieu of a welded on one if you want it done to piping between shut-down and you want it done fast. Since a shoe is just to support a pipe and allow longitudinal sliding movement along the guide, I don't see clamping to be a problem if there is no rotation involved. Am I correct?

 

[pennpiper]

Okay, Vesselguy
You are both correct and incorrect. Except for a few of the items all that you have stated could be judged correct.

The other side of the coin includes the following:
- The Client does not want "Clamp-On" shoes
- A "Clamp-On" shoe will slip if an Anchor is required
- The exception to what you stated is that no one should put a clamp-on shoe on over the top of insulation.

For more information on this subject you should talk to the folks in the Piping Engineering and Design Department of your company.

 

[vesselguy]

Pennpiper,

Thanks for your input. Naturally if the client does not want clamp on shoe then you don't use it. I think I clarified that clamp on shoe is just for longitudinal sliding action and not suitable if there is some form of lateral load. Anyway, a pipe shoe is not a pipe anchor.

I have seen clamp on shoe guides used on cold temp piping before on a project long ago. an example is shown at this link..

http://www.pipingtech.com/products/ptpcat/pipeshoes/insulated/fig4600.htm

 

[IFRs]

I think clamp-on pipe shoes would provide locations for corrosion

 

[C2it]

Clamp shoes most definitely have their place in pipe supporting. Agreed, don't use one for a stop, guide or anchor. That said, welded shoes can be a real pain to install. Either fit them before erection and risk a location error, or uphand weld them in situ. Welded attachments are not allowed on some high performance piping systems.