Pipe to sleeper corrosion
Pipe to sleeper corrosion
(OP)
I am currently in a refinery, that when built, no wear pads or any type of isolation was used between the rack and pipe. Now we are seeing a lot of corrosion at these points. The plant right now is putting cold roll (C/S round bar) on top of the I-Beams. My problem with this, is that there is still a metal to metal contact and will rub thin on this location.
I have worked other refineries and used the fiberglass wear pads, which glues to the pipe, I do not see any issues with this method, but, I am looking for other alternatives that might exist for hot lines (500F) and cooler lines (propane). All lines being Carbon Steel. Has anyone used a Kevlar pad under these lines? I would need something that would not compress much. Use would be mostly on 16" and down.
I am trying to get out of having to build a scaffold, firebox, use of a firewatch and welder. This is also a safety issue, with all the hotwork that has to be done at each beam, and with the possibility of arc strikes on the pipe. There is also too many manhours being spent. Does anyone have fresh ideas or know of some websites that might be able to supply some information? I have to get the pipe off the steel, and would prefer some other method, other than the round bar. Thanks for any help
I have worked other refineries and used the fiberglass wear pads, which glues to the pipe, I do not see any issues with this method, but, I am looking for other alternatives that might exist for hot lines (500F) and cooler lines (propane). All lines being Carbon Steel. Has anyone used a Kevlar pad under these lines? I would need something that would not compress much. Use would be mostly on 16" and down.
I am trying to get out of having to build a scaffold, firebox, use of a firewatch and welder. This is also a safety issue, with all the hotwork that has to be done at each beam, and with the possibility of arc strikes on the pipe. There is also too many manhours being spent. Does anyone have fresh ideas or know of some websites that might be able to supply some information? I have to get the pipe off the steel, and would prefer some other method, other than the round bar. Thanks for any help





RE: Pipe to sleeper corrosion
RE: Pipe to sleeper corrosion
Interesting... We are dealing with similar issues at the refinery at which I work. Our plant was built with ΒΌ" diameter round bars on top of the pipe rack beams. The piping at these supports is often wearing thin due to contact with the bar. Typically no repads. So we cut off the stinkin' bars when we can and install new piping with welded on repads.
Retrofitting fiberglass repads might work for you. We tried it, gluing them on with a Belzona compound. I replaced several of these with welded on CS pads after they fell off.
jt
RE: Pipe to sleeper corrosion
RE: Pipe to sleeper corrosion
RE: Pipe to sleeper corrosion
jte, I am not sold on the c/s round bar, I am exploring other options. We don't have the luxury of replacing the pipe yet. Looking at putting a Kevlar type strip onto the top of the I-Beam or the fiberglass wear pad. I know Kevlar is good for high temps, don't know how it rates on the compression end. Thanks for your input.
RE: Pipe to sleeper corrosion
RE: Pipe to sleeper corrosion
RE: Pipe to sleeper corrosion
We've used 1/4" "acetyl black" pads that were attached to the steel pipe supports with a Hilti gun. Worked pretty well. The acetyl black pads were the only ones that didn't shatter when using the gun. Sorry, but I don't any company data or contact info - too many projects ago and I've moved offices several times.