slayman,
Pipe support spacing can be divided into two main categories. The following is the maximum deflection of these two main categories in inches (Ref, “Piping Handbook”, by Crocker & King):
y1. Single span, free ends. Note: Spans adjacent to changes in direction (lateral or vertical) or more than 30 deg should be considered as single spans with free ends.
y2. Continuous straight line.
y1 = 22.5*W*L^4/(E*I)
y2 = 4.5*W*L^4/(E*I)
E = modulus of elasticity at service temperature, psi
I = moment of inertia of pipe, in^4 (based on the nominal pipe wall thickness less the corrosion allowance and the mill tolerance)
L = length of pipe span in, ft
W = Wp + Ww + Wc, lbf/ft
Wp = weight of pipe, lbf/ft
Ww = weight of fluid in pipe, lbf/ft
Wc = weight of covering, lbf/ft
Note: codeng’s equation is the same as y1 when the above referenced equations are made dimensionally homogeneous. Also, the equation codeeng posted is for a single span with free ends. It is my understanding most pipe support spacing tables are based on continuous straight runs and not the single span, free ends.
Help clarify this if the “Piping Handbook” referenced above gives the incorrect formulas. I have used the referenced equations to validate the commercial pipe stress program that I use and it matches the output of the program.
Also note that if the pipe is connected with flexible couplings (such as Victaulic, push joints, etc.) that the above referenced formulas are not valid.