Natural Gas Pipeline Support Fabrication

Natural gas pipeline supports are crucial steel structures for supporting and securing natural gas pipelines, requiring strength, stability, corrosion resistance, and seismic resistance. The following are common steel structure types used for natural gas pipeline supports and related key points:

Common Steel Structure Types

1. H-Beam Supports
   • Uses: Suitable for supporting long-distance or high-pressure natural gas pipelines, such as main lines or urban pipe networks.
   • Features:
     • H-beams (such as Q235B, Q355B) have high load-bearing capacity, suitable for large spans or heavy pipelines.
     • Often use welded or bolted connections for easy installation and adjustment.
   • Advantages: Simple structure, moderate cost, suitable for standardized production.
   • Applications: Ground or elevated natural gas pipelines.
2. Steel Frame Pipe Racks
   • Uses: Used for integrated pipe racks or support systems with multiple parallel pipelines.
   • Features:
     • The frame is composed of H-beams or square steel tubes, and the pipelines are fixed to crossbeams or brackets.
     • Multiple layers of supports can be set up to accommodate the parallel layout of multiple pipelines.
   • Advantages: High space utilization, suitable for complex urban pipe networks.
   • Applications: Urban gas pipelines or industrial park pipe networks.
3. Triangular Truss Supports
   • Uses: Suitable for pipeline support with large spans or complex geological conditions.
   • Features:
     • The triangular frame is composed of steel members, providing high stability.
     • The truss height can be adjusted according to the pipeline weight and span.
   • Advantages: Excellent wind and seismic resistance, with less material consumption.
   • Applications: Mountainous or river-crossing pipelines.
4. C-Channel/Z-Channel Brackets
   • Uses: Used for supporting small or low-pressure natural gas pipelines.
   • Features:
     • Cold-formed thin-walled steel, lightweight and easy to process.
     • Often used as a secondary support structure in conjunction with the main support.
   • Advantages: Good economy, suitable for short-distance or lightweight pipelines.
   • Applications: Small gas stations or branch pipelines.
5. Steel Pipe Anchor Blocks
   • Uses: Used to fix the end or turning point of the pipeline to prevent displacement caused by thermal expansion and contraction.
   • Features:
     • The fixed pier is welded from steel plates or shaped steel, combined with a concrete foundation.
     • The pipeline thrust and environmental loads need to be considered.
   • Advantages: Strong stability, suitable for high-temperature and high-pressure pipelines.
   • Applications: Natural gas pipeline corners or terminals.

Material Selection

• Common Steel: Q235B, Q355B, and low-temperature resistant steel (such as 16Mn) are used when necessary to cope with cold regions.
• Corrosion Protection: Hot-dip galvanizing, epoxy coating, or anti-corrosion paint to prevent corrosion caused by natural gas leakage.
• Fire Protection Measures: Fire-retardant coatings are applied as needed to meet fire resistance requirements.