Chapter-6 VISUAL EXAMINATION OF COMPONENT SUPPORTSMirza Safeer AhmadNCNDT-SES Dte.

Component supports have different configurations. HangersSnubbersRestraintsOther component supports to support piping systems. Detailed knowledge of each component is required prior to performing a thorough examination. *SUPPORTS CATEGORIES

HangerHung above the component Bearing the weight of the componentUsually in the piping systemInstalled perpendicularlyMain force received tensile stress Normal (rigid) hangerSpring hanger*SUPPORTS CATEGORIES

*SUPPORTS CATEGORIESNormal Hanger

*SUPPORTS CATEGORIESSpring Hanger

*BracketUnder the component orOn the side wall of the componentBearing the weight of componentCan be seen for all kinds of componentsMain force received compressive stressSUPPORTS CATEGORIES

*Bracket

SUPPORTS CATEGORIES

*RestraintTo prevent, orRestrict, or ControlMovements of the componentSUPPORTS CATEGORIES

*RestraintDoes not bear any weight of componentAllow movement in a specific directionRestrict movement in other directionsAbsorbs stressTensile or compressiveSuch as forces generated by earthquakeConnects to the component with the building / structures in a rigid manner SUPPORTS CATEGORIES

*Restraint

SUPPORTS CATEGORIES

*Restraint

SUPPORTS CATEGORIES

*SnubberTo mitigate the impact of dynamic loadsIncluding (Abnormal load & Transient load)Rapid movement of the component preventedduring abnormal or dynamic loadingThermal movement (slow movement in small range) allowedduring normal operation

SUPPORTS CATEGORIES

*Snubber HydraulicVT FOR SUPPORTS

*Snubber MechanicalVT FOR SUPPORTS

Component support conditions which are unacceptable for continued service shall include the following:Deformations or structural degradations of fasteners, springs, clamps, or other support items;Missing, detached, or loosened support items; Arc strikes, weld spatter, paint, scoring, roughness, or general corrosion on close tolerance machined or sliding surfaces;Improper hot or cold settings of spring supports and constant load supports;Misalignment of supports;Improper clearances of guides and stops.*SUPPORTS CATEGORIES

The following are examples of nonrelevant conditions:Fabrication marks (e.g., from punching, layout, bending, rolling, and machining);Chipped or discoloured paint;Weld spatter on other than close tolerance machined or sliding surfaces;Scratches and surface abrasion marks;Roughness or general corrosion which does not reduce the load bearing capacity of the support;General conditions acceptable by the material, Design, and/or Construction Specifications.*SUPPORTS CATEGORIES

Snubbers On occasion, indirect or remote visual examination is required due to access limitations. In general, the inspector is looking for signs of mechanism failure or future failure. This could include inadequate construction practices, physical damage in service or since installation, signs of overload, signs of corrosion, or signs of fatigue.Generally, hangers, snubbers, restraints, and component supports are checked to determine their general mechanical and structural conditions. The inspector checks for loose parts, debris or abnormal corrosion products, wear, erosion, corrosion, and the loss of integrity at bolted or welded connections.

*TYPES OF SUPPORTS

SnubbersSpecific conditions that should be observed include:Inadequate construction practices that may be evidenced by discontinuities in the base material may be in the form of roughly cut or deformed threads in rods, bolts, or nuts; bolts, nuts, and rods not tightened or torqued properly; wrong-sized parts; missing washers, cotter pins, or locking nuts; and rough, excessive, or inadequate welds.Physical damage may be evidenced by bent, twisted, or deformed clamps, rods, or beams; warped, discolored, or burned parts (due to welding); missing nuts, pins, load scales, or identification numbers; cracked, sheared, or broken pins, rods, bolts, or welds; chipped concrete; and elongated bolt holes, eyes, swivels, or turnbuckles.*TYPES OF SUPPORTS

SnubbersOverload may be evidenced by cracked welds, broken pins, sheared rods, or stripped threads; deformed mounting or saddle plates; cracked concrete at embedded bolts and plates; twisted or bent parts; and elongated bolt or pin holes.Corrosion may be evidenced by light or heavy layers of rust on exposed surfaces; shallow or deep pits; build-up of corrosion products or loss of material at openings and crevices; loss of rivets on load scales; frozen rollers or bearings; loss of threads on bolts, rods, and nuts; and areas of eroded material.*TYPES OF SUPPORTS

SnubbersFatigue can be evidenced by cracked or broken parts. These could appear as thin lines or gaps running through or adjacent to welds, gaps or openings in threaded roots, and gaps or openings in bars, rods, or pipes adjacent to an encircling clamp.*TYPES OF SUPPORTS

The support examination boundaries for both integral and nonintegral supports are shown in the Figures. The following definitions apply:The boundary of an integral support (B) connected to a pressure retaining component (A) is the distance from the pressure retaining component (A).The boundary of an integral support (C) connected to a building structure (E) is the surface of the building structure.The boundary of a nonintegral support (D) connected to a pressure retaining component (A) is the contact surface between the component and the support.*EXAMINATION BOUNDARIES

The boundary of a nonintegral support (D) connected to a building structure (E) is the surface of the building structure.Where the mechanical connection of a nonintegral support is buried within the component insulation, the support boundary may extend from the surface of the component insulation, provided the support either carries the weight of the component or serves as a structural restraint in compression.*EXAMINATION BOUNDARIES

*EXAMINATION BOUNDARIES

*EXAMINATION BOUNDARIES

*EXAMINATION BOUNDARIES

*

*Visual Testing*Visual Testing*Visual Testing*Visual Testing*Visual Testing*Visual Testing*Visual Testing*Visual Testing*Visual Testing*