Related Resources: fluid flow

Pipe Support Hanger Spacing and Pipe Wall Thickness

Fluids Engineering and Design
Engineering Handware Design and Guidance

Pipe Support Hanger Spacing and Pipe Wall Thickness

Table 1.0 suggests minimum pipe hanger spacing for use unless exceeded by the local authority having jurisdiction or engineering calculations. The primary factors determining pipe wall thickness are hoop stress caused by internal pressure, and longitudinal stresses caused by pressure, weight, and other sustained loads. Detailed stress calculations are seldom required for most pipe hanging applications because standard pipe has ample thickness to sustain the pressure and longitudinal stress caused by weight (assuming hangers are spaced in accordance with Table 1.0).

See Unit Converter on webpage side to convert length units

Table 1.0 Suggested Hanger Spacing and Rod Size for Straight Horizontal Runs

NPS,
in.
Hanger Spacing, ft
Support
Rod Dia.
Standard
Steel Pipe*
Copper Tube
Water
Steam
Water
1/2
7
8
5
1/4
3/4
7
9
5
1/4
1
7
9
6
1/4
1-1/2
9
12
8
3/8
2
10
13
8
3/8
2-1/2
11
14
9
3/8
3
12
15
10
3/8
4
14
17
12
1/2
6
17
21
14
1/2
8
19
24
16
5/8
10
20
26
18
3/4
12
23
30
19
7/8
14
25
32
-
1
16
27
35
-
1
18
28
37
-
1-1/4
20
30
39
-
1-1/4

Source: Adapted from MSS Standard SP-69
*Spacing does not apply where span calculations are made or where concentrated loads are placed between supports such as flanges, valves, specialties, etc.

Related:

References

  • ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals, 2021 Inch-Pound Edition