Hangers
Hangers
(OP)
Is there any way to keep hangers from allowing pipes to move as far axially and laterally? As far as I can tell the hangers only prevent vertical movement, which isn't vey realistic and is causing me to get some ridiculous numbers.





RE: Hangers
It is a little hard to understand your question, but here goes anyway.......I assume that you are talking about an AUTOPIPE stress analysis of a piping system with spring hangers.
Spring hangers don't "let" the piping move horizontally.... the system moves as thermal expansion requires, unless you restrain it in some way. Spring hangers only apply a measured force in the system (in the upward direction) and are placed and used to limit the calculated "deadload" stress level.
If the horizontal movement of a hot piping system is causing trouble and missalignment of hanger components consider 1) longer hanger rods - relocate the hanger on the system, if necessary or 2) install rigid guides in the system to control and direct growth.....
Watch out !! Adding rigid guides to a hot system will increase the calculated "thermal" stress levels. Perform an analysis both ways when in doubt.....
Good luck
MJC