Description
A u-bolt is a u-shaped curved bolt having threads on each end used as supports in the piping and pipeline industry. U-Bolts are one of the simplest and widely used types of piping support. They work mainly as Rest+Guide+Hold down support; though with a little installation change can be made to work as line stops as well. U-bolts with their curved shape fit nicely around the pipes which are then secured with a secondary member using nuts. They are easily available in various sizes and thicknesses. The important dimensions of a u-bolt are shown in Fig. 1 below:
Fig. 1: Major dimensions of a u-bolt
Applications of U-bolts
U-bolts have an extended range of applications. They are widely used as piping support solutions.
Use of u-bolt as pipe supports:
They are used to provide lateral restraints to pipes. For small bote piping systems, u-bolts are the mostsimplestand widely used type of piping supports. In any plant, for supporting bare pipes lesser than 8-inch size, u-bolts are extensively used. As already stated they function as rest+guide+hold down. U-bolts are capable to suppress line vibrations by providing rigidity to the system. For supporting vertical elevated runs of pipe, U-bolts are a good choice.
Materials of U-bolts
Even though u-bolts can be manufactured from any type of strong and durable materials; in the piping industry, the following materials are widely used.
Plain Carbon Steel, and
Stainless steel.
Sometimes, protective coatings are added to prevent corrosion. Some of the usual u-bolt coatings are:
· Zinc Plating
· Hot-Dip Galvanization
· Thermoplastic coating
· Fluoropolymer coating
