What is a Constant Load Spring Support?

A constant load spring support is a pipe support designed to maintain a near-uniform supporting force throughout the full range of vertical pipe movement. It is typically specified in LNG, refinery, and high-temperature oil & gas systems where load stability is critical to prevent overstressing connected equipment.

Constant load spring supports are used where vertical pipe displacement occurs due to thermal expansion or contraction, and where variations in supporting force could introduce excessive stress into nozzles, weld joints, or connected equipment.

They are particularly suited for applications where pipe movement is too large for variable spring supports to operate within acceptable load variation limits.

Unlike variable spring supports, which allow load variation as the spring compresses, constant load spring supports are engineered so that load variation does not exceed ±6% across the full travel range, in accordance with MSS SP-58 guidelines. Some manufacturers, such as Binder Group, design to tighter tolerances of approximately ±5%.

These supports are commonly installed in LNG facilities, refineries, petrochemical plants, and high-temperature steam systems where temperature differentials can be extreme. In such environments, uncontrolled vertical restraint may result in pipe distortion, equipment misalignment, or premature fatigue failure.

Constant load supports are typically pre-calibrated and locked for installation at cold load conditions, then released once the system is operational.

Technical Highlights

Load range: Typically 15 kg – 31,420 kg (larger loads available on request)

Travel range: 25 mm to 410 mm (larger travel ranges available on request)

Load variation: ±6% (typical design tolerance)

Temperature range: Typically –20 °C to +350 °C depending on surface finish; up to 200 °C for HDG. Cryogenic and extended ranges require specialised materials and design.

Materials: Carbon steel (HDG or painted); 316 stainless steel optional

Compliance: MSS SP-58, ISO 9001

Optional features: Locking mechanisms (multi-locks) for installation and maintenance

Industry Application – Oil & Gas / LNG

In LNG facilities operating at cryogenic temperatures, pipe contraction during cooldown can impose significant loads on equipment nozzles and structural connections. Constant load spring supports ensure that the vertical support force remains stable throughout this movement cycle.

In high-temperature refinery systems, these supports protect steam lines and process piping from excessive stress during startup and shutdown cycles, reducing the risk of cracking or equipment misalignment.

Constant load spring supports maintain a near-uniform supporting force throughout vertical pipe movement, while variable spring supports allow controlled load variation as the spring deflects. Constant supports are typically used in LNG, refinery, and high-temperature systems where load stability is critical, whereas variable supports are suitable for moderate movement applications.

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Categories

HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE SUPPORT - CRADLE MOUNT

HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE SUPPORT - CLAMP MOUNT

HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE FLANGE MOUNT

INSULATED HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE SUPPORT - CRADLE MOUNT

INSULATED HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE SUPPORT - CLAMP MOUNT

LIGHT DUTY 2-BOLT CLAMP

MEDIUM DUTY 2-BOLT PIPE CLAMP

HEAVY DUTY 2-BOLT PIPE CLAMP

LIGHT DUTY 3-BOLT PIPE CLAMP

MEDIUM DUTY 3-BOLT PIPE CLAMP FOR STEEL PIPE

HEAVY DUTY 3-BOLT PIPE CLAMP

HIGH TEMPERATURE 3-BOLT PIPE CLAMP

ALLOY PIPE CLAMP - VERY HIGH TEMPERATURE

INSULATED 2-BOLT PIPE CLAMP

INSULATED 2-BOLT PIPE CLAMP FOR CU/NI

INSULATED 3-BOLT PIPE CLAMP

INSULATED 3-BOLT PIPE CLAMP FOR CU/NI

CLEVIS CLAMP

BEAM CLAMP

RISER SUPPORT – STD TEMPERATURE

RISER SUPPORT – HIGH TEMPERATURE

ALLOY RISER SUPPORT - VERY HIGH TEMPERATURE

ALLTHREAD ROD

FORGED CLEVIS AND PIN

FORGED TURNBUCKLE

FORGED WELDLESS EYE NUT

HEMISPHERICAL CUP

HEMISPHERICAL WASHER

HEXAGONAL CONNECTOR

PIPE WELDING LUG

PLATE WASHER

SPADE NUT

STANDARD TRAPEZE

THREADED DROP ROD – RH/LH

WELDED BEAM ATTACHMENT

WELDED BEAM ATTACHMENT (WITH LOAD PIN)

WELDING LUG

U-BOLT GUIDE

U-BOLT CLAMP

INSULATED U-BOLT CLAMP

INSULATED U-BOLT GUIDE

INSULATED U-BOLT GUIDE (WITH TEFLON)

INSULATED U-BOLT CLAMP

INSULATED U-BOLT GUIDE

INSULATED U-BOLT CLAMP FOR CU/NI

INSULATED U-BOLT GUIDE FOR CU/NI

INSULATED U-BOLT GUIDE (WITH TEFLON)

SADDLE GUIDE

SADDLE CLAMP

INSULATED PIPE SADDLE

INSULATED PIPE SADDLE

INSULATED PIPE SADDLE

STANDARD CLAMPED PIPE SHOE

SLIDE PLATES

COMPACT PIPE SHOE

CLAMPED HOT PIPE SHOE

INSULATED PIPE SHOE

INSULATED PIPE SHOE

STANDARD WELDED PIPE SHOE

COMPACT WELDED PIPE SHOE

STANDARD LINE STOPS

STANDARD PIPE GUIDES

STANDARD SHOE GUIDES

STANDARD SHOE GUIDES

Variable Load Spring Supports

Multilock™ Variable Spring Supports

Constant Load Spring Supports

END ATTACHMENT FOR HYDRAULIC SNUBBERS

END ATTACHMENT FOR RIGID STRUT & SWAY BRACE

HYDRAULIC SNUBBERS (SHOCK ARRESTORS)

PIPE CLAMP FOR HYDRAULIC SNUBBER – HIGH TEMPERATURE

PIPE CLAMP FOR HYDRAULIC SNUBBER – HIGH TEMPERATURE

PIPE CLAMP FOR HYDRAULIC SNUBBER – LOW TEMPERATURE

RIGID STRUTS

SWAY BRACE

AEROX™ Cryogenic Pipe Support System

HD PUF CRYOGENIC PIPE SHOE

STANDARD COLD SHOE

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