Spring Supports Overview
Variable Spring Supports
Hot or cold liquids or gases that are transported through pipeline can have different operating temperatures and ambient temperatures. The difference in temperatures can cause the pipeline to expand or contract. This is why Variable Spring supports were invented, and they work to:
- Support the weight of piping or equipment while allowing a degree of movement relative to the supporting structure
- Support the pipe in operating and ambient conditions, while permitting movement between the two Rilco Variable Spring Supports
- Used for ambient temperature variation, for long vertical pipe runs or where pipes run between buildings that may be subject to relative movement due to subsidence or earthquake.
- As the pipe moves upwards, the force exerted by the spring decreases
- Conversely, during downward travel, the force of spring increases
Constant Spring Supports
The engineering concept of Constant Spring supports are identical to that of Variable Spring supports. One major difference is when the movement in the pipeline causes too great variability for Variable Spring, or the load condition is too high for Variable Spring, a Constant Spring is used instead.
Rilco Cam Roller (RCR)
In early 2000’s, Rilco realized that a full spectrum of pipe supports and related components was needed to be able to offer “one-stop shopping” for engineering and design firms, contractors, and end users. Hanger hardware, variable springs and standard constant support assemblies (see the Rilco Hardware, Variable Spring, and Constant Supports Catalog) were initially offered. Now, through years of research and development, we are able to offer to our customers our latest product, the Rilco Cam Roller™ constant. The design of the Rilco Cam Roller™ constant or “RCR” compensates for the vertical movement of a piping system at a performance level previously unattainable using a standard horizontal or vertical type constant
