Types of pipe clamps for piping and plumbing industry

Pipe clamps play a crucial role in supporting suspended pipes and can also function as clamped pipe shoes. These clamps are essentially bolted circular or semi-circular attachments that encircle a pipe and connect it to other components for stable support. By transferring the loads from the piping system to the structure, pipe clamps ensure proper alignment and security. There is a wide variety of pipe clamps available, each designed to meet specific needs.

Types of Pipe Clamps

Depending on their purpose, material, function, and usage, pipe clamps come in various types, each suited to different industrial applications. Below are some common types of pipe clamps:

- Adjustable Pipe Clamps:
Typically made from steel, plastic, or aluminum, these clamps can be adjusted to fit various pipe diameters. Their versatility in accommodating different sizes makes them cost-effective.

- Cushioned Pipe Clamps:
These clamps feature a cushioning material that prevents metal-to-metal contact, thereby reducing the risk of galvanic corrosion. They are commonly used with bare pipes, and the cushioning material must withstand the pipe's operating temperature.

- Rigid Clamps:
Simple in design, rigid clamps are usually made from steel or iron. They are available as single-body or two-piece clamps and can be easily fastened with screws.

- U-Bolts:
U-bolts are among the most widely used pipe clamps, particularly for small-bore piping. They serve multiple functions, including acting as rest, guide, hold-down, or line stop for small bore systems. However, their use decreases significantly for pipes larger than 8 inches due to the increased load.

- Two-Bolt Pipe Clamp:
Designed for hanging bare pipes without insulation, these clamps have a relatively low load-carrying capacity.

- Three-Bolt Pipe Clamp:
These clamps are ideal for suspending insulated lines carrying high-temperature fluids. They feature an extended top portion to accommodate a third bolt, allowing attachment outside the insulation. Their load-carrying capacity is higher than that of two-bolt clamps.

- Yoke-Type Pipe Clamp:
Yoke-type clamps are used for hanging high-temperature, insulated horizontal pipes. They can support pipes with insulation thicknesses between 4 to 6 inches.

- Riser Pipe Clamps:
Used for supporting lines without hanger rods, riser pipe clamps transfer the pipe load by resting the clamp’s ears on the floor or a structural member. However, they are not recommended for high-temperature applications.

- Pipe Clips:
Also known as pipe straps, these are used to support horizontal or vertical lines by bolting them directly to a structure.

- Heavy-Duty Pipe Clamps:
Specially designed for higher load-bearing requirements, heavy-duty pipe clamps are available in both standard and reinforced variants.

- Extended Pipe Clamps:
In some cases, the lower portion of the clamp can be extended to serve as a pipe support, a configuration known as an extended pipe clamp.

- Multiple Pipe Clamps:
In specialized applications, multiple pipe clamps may be joined or custom-fabricated to support more than one pipe simultaneously. These are tailored to specific site requirements.