How we solved an unusual issue for one of our customers!
Our customer needed a solution where normal tube clamps did not last.
The application was for a high pressure, high temperature instrumentation tube requirement in a power generation plant.
Tube clamps are often treated as insignificant consumables. In practice, they perform several functions providing secure tube support, enabling neat and controlled routing, reducing vibration, and allowing for longer tubing runs, these benefits help protect tubing from damage.
A simple oversight resulted in the customer installation to come to a halt.
This was the last thing our client needed in an extremely time sensitive project
We were able to highlight the problem quickly – the simple oversight was the external temperature of the tubing on the installation. These were high temperature lines and needed internal supports / inners made of metal as the polyamide inserts were not lasting due to the higher temperature.
Standard tube clamps are typically supplied with galvanised steel or stainless steel (304 / 316) top and bottom plates, with a support insert manufactured from polyamide or polypropylene. However, the temperature capability of polyamide inserts can be limiting for certain applications, with typical maximum ratings of approximately 120°C, making them unsuitable for higher-temperature service conditions.
Resolving the problem
Aluminium alloy support inserts are rated for significantly higher temperatures up to 300 Degrees C, making them suitable for elevated-temperature service conditions. This resolved the problem with the limitation in temperature being overcome quickly and simply. This solution has since been adopted as a standard on the power plant, with several other Power plants adopting the same approach.
FSZ can assist with metric and imperial tube clamps, single and double supports, and suitable insert and plate materials. Confirm sizes, material, temperature rating and Zambian availability with the quotation.
Tube clamps are available in both single tube supports and double tube supports.
Click to find out more about our Tube Clamps
Discuss Your Zambia Requirement with FSZ
Contact Fluidline Solutions Zambia Limited at Plot 1886B, Fourth Street, Ibex Hill, Lusaka. Email Marisa@fluidline.co.zm or call Boniface on +260 977 457 198. The FSZ team coordinates product selection, current availability, documentation and delivery for your Zambian project.