Selecting the right material for industrial pipe hanger hardware is critical for ensuring system integrity, safety, and longevity. The choice depends on environmental conditions, load requirements, temperature extremes, and the specific application. This article explores the most common materials used in industrial pipe supports and hangers, highlighting their properties and best-use scenarios.
Steel and Iron
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel is the backbone of industrial pipe support, offering a balance of strength and affordability. It forms the core material for most standard hanger components, including clevis hangers, beam clamps, pipe rings, structural attachments, and pipe saddles . For applications requiring structural rigidity, carbon steel is frequently used for rigid hangers and load-bearing components such as ceiling plates, concrete inserts, and rod attachments .
Manufacturers enhance the corrosion resistance of carbon steel by applying protective coatings. They commonly use zinc-plated (galvanized) steel in areas exposed to occasional moisture. However, they do not use it in harsh chemical environments because it performs poorly under such conditions. For shipboard and exterior applications exposed to corrosive conditions such as bilges or weather, engineers often specify zinc plating or inorganic zinc coatings.
Malleable and Ductile Iron
Manufacturers employ malleable and ductile iron for components that require a combination of strength and a degree of ductility, such as beam clamps, pipe rings, and ceiling flanges. These materials absorb vibration and shock loads effectively, making them well-suited for such applications.
Stainless Steel
When corrosion resistance is paramount, stainless steel is the material of choice. It is used for hardware that must withstand mild chemicals, solvents, and wet environments without rusting .
Within the stainless steel family, grades offer varying levels of protection:
-
304 Stainless Steel: Withstands mild chemicals and solvents and won’t rust in wet environments .
-
316 Stainless Steel: Offers the highest corrosion resistance among common metal pipe hangers, performing well against harsh weather, salt water, and most chemicals .
Stainless steel is available in a wide range of hanger types, including band hangers, clevis hangers, and clamp hangers . For instance, loop hangers and clevis hangers are available in 304 stainless steel for routing mechanical pipelines in corrosive environments .
Engineered Plastics and Polymers
Advanced polymers and composite materials provide solutions where metals fall short, particularly in terms of thermal insulation, corrosion resistance, and vibration damping.
G-10 Fiberglass (Glass-Epoxy Laminate)
G-10 is a high-performance composite of woven E-glass cloth impregnated with epoxy resin. It is prized for its exceptional strength and insulation properties, making it ideal for demanding applications such as cryogenic LNG plants, offshore platforms, and high-voltage areas . Key attributes include high compressive strength (75,000-85,000 PSI), excellent resistance to chemicals and moisture (absorption <0.1%), and a wide temperature range from -195°C to 130°C . Its non-conductive and non-sparking nature enhances safety in electrical environments .
Laminated Wood
Densified hardwood impregnated with resin offers a cost-effective solution for moderate load and temperature conditions. While it provides moderate thermal insulation (0.15-0.25 W/m·K), it is susceptible to moisture degradation unless properly sealed . Applications include power plants and HVAC systems in dry conditions where cost is a primary driver .
Molded Glass Polyester
This material comprises chopped glass fibers in a polyester resin matrix. It offers a middle ground between G-10 and laminated wood, balancing performance and affordability. It exhibits good resistance to acids and salts, making it suitable for chemical processing and water treatment facilities for medium-duty supports .
Other Polymers and Elastomers
Neoprene (CR – Chloroprene Rubber), EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Rubber), and polyurethane (PU) are widely used as cushioning materials or liners in hangers to reduce noise, dampen vibrations, and prevent galvanic corrosion from metal-to-metal contact . Research shows that PVC and neoprene are particularly effective at dampening vibrations in the lower frequency range (up to 700 Hz) and higher frequencies (1000-2000 Hz) .
Other polymers such as UHMW (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene), PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), and polypropylene (PP) are also used in pipe support applications due to their specific properties like low friction (PTFE) or chemical resistance (PP) .
Material Selection Considerations
Choosing the appropriate material involves evaluating several factors:
-
Environmental Exposure: Corrosive environments necessitate stainless steel, G-10, or coated carbon steel. For humid or wet conditions, materials with low moisture absorption, like G-10 or 316 stainless steel, are preferred .
-
Temperature Range: Cryogenic or high-temperature applications require materials like G-10 (for extreme cold) or specific alloys. The ASTM F708 standard for rigid pipe hangers covers applications up to 650°F (343°C) .
-
Load Requirements: Heavy loads demand high-strength materials like carbon steel, stainless steel, or G-10 .
-
Vibration and Noise: Systems subject to vibration benefit from hangers with elastomeric cushions (EPDM, Neoprene) or polymer supports that dampen mechanical vibrations .
-
Thermal Expansion: Materials like roller hangers (often made of cast iron or carbon steel) permit pipe movement due to thermal expansion, while rigid hangers may not .
Conclusion
The material selection for industrial pipe hanger hardware is a critical engineering decision that directly impacts the safety, reliability, and lifecycle cost of a piping system. Understanding the distinct properties of metals like carbon and stainless steel, alongside modern engineered materials such as G-10 fiberglass and various polymers, allows engineers to tailor solutions to the specific demands of their application.
Frequently Asked Questions About Industrial Pipe Hanger Materials
Q1: What is the most common material used for industrial pipe hangers?
A: Carbon steel serves as the most widely used material for industrial pipe hanger hardware because it offers an excellent strength-to-cost ratio. Manufacturers commonly use it in clevis hangers, beam clamps, pipe rings, and structural attachments. To improve corrosion resistance, they often zinc-plate (galvanize) carbon steel for applications exposed to occasional moisture.
Q2: When should I choose stainless steel over carbon steel for pipe hangers?
A:Manufacturers choose stainless steel when piping systems operate in corrosive environments, such as areas exposed to chemicals, salt water, or high humidity. Grade 304 stainless steel resists mild chemicals and wet conditions, while Grade 316 provides superior protection against harsh weather, seawater, and most industrial chemicals. Stainless steel also serves widely in food processing, pharmaceutical, and marine applications where users cannot tolerate contamination or rust.
Q3: What are G-10 fiberglass pipe hangers, and when are they used?
A: G-10 is a high-performance glass-epoxy laminate composite that exhibits exceptional compressive strength (75,000–85,000 PSI), absorbs less than 0.1% moisture, and provides excellent thermal insulation. It serves demanding environments such as cryogenic LNG plants, offshore platforms, and high-voltage electrical systems, where its non-conductive and non-sparking properties are critical. It maintains reliable performance across a wide temperature range from -195°C to 130°C.
Q4: Why do some pipe hangers include rubber or polymer liners?
A: Rubber and polymer liners—such as neoprene, EPDM, and polyurethane—are used to provide cushioning between the pipe and the hanger. These materials serve three key purposes: reducing noise transmission, dampening mechanical vibrations, and preventing galvanic corrosion caused by metal-to-metal contact. They are especially important in HVAC systems, pump stations, and any application where vibration control is a priority.
Q5: How do I choose the right material for my pipe hanger application?
A: Material selection should be based on a thorough evaluation of four key factors:
-
Environmental exposure: Corrosive or wet conditions require stainless steel, G-10, or properly coated carbon steel.
-
Temperature range: Cryogenic applications need materials like G-10, while high-temperature systems may require alloys rated per ASTM F708 (up to 650°F / 343°C).
-
Load requirements: Heavy loads demand high-strength materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, or G-10.
-
Vibration and noise: Systems with significant mechanical vibration benefit from hangers with elastomeric cushions or polymer supports.
Q6: Can plastic or polymer materials replace metal pipe hangers entirely?
A: Not entirely. While engineered polymers like G-10, molded glass polyester, and UHMW offer excellent corrosion resistance, thermal insulation, and vibration damping, they generally cannot match the load-bearing capacity of steel or iron in heavy-duty applications. However, for medium-duty applications in chemical processing, water treatment, and HVAC systems, polymer-based supports are increasingly popular. In many cases, the optimal solution combines metal hanger bodies with polymer inserts or liners to leverage the strengths of both material types.
