Variable Spring Support – A Flexible and Efficient Pipe Support Solution
Variable Spring Support is one of the highest-quality spring support products in the pipe support equipment portfolio of Carpenter & Paterson (CPA) – a globally recognized and trusted brand in Pipe Support Systems serving the oil & gas, power, LNG, chemical and heavy industrial sectors.
What is Variable Spring Support used for?
Variable Spring Support (also known as Variable Effort Spring Support) is a device that utilizes a pre-compressed spring to absorb and accommodate vertical displacement in piping systems caused by thermal expansion, contraction, or minor operational movements.
This type of support is particularly suitable for piping systems with relatively small vertical movement, typically up to 75 mm, and provides a variable supporting load proportional to the pipe movement, in accordance with the spring principle (Hooke’s Law).
Advantages of Carpenter & Paterson Variable Spring Support
- Automatic adaptation to thermal movement
When the piping system expands due to temperature changes, the supporting force of the spring within the Variable Spring Support adjusts accordingly, helping to:
- Prevent excessive residual stresses in the piping
- Reduce the risk of cracking, failure, or joint damage
- Maintain stable and reliable system performance
This operating principle allows the Variable Spring Support to balance loads at different operating positions of the pipe.
- Robust and corrosion-resistant design
Carpenter & Paterson designs its Variable Spring Support products with the following features:
✅ All-steel construction – strong and capable of carrying high loads
✅ Fully enclosed spring housing – protects against impact and corrosion
✅ Easy-to-read load indicator – enables quick inspection on site
✅ Hot-dip galvanizing / multi-layer protective coatings for enhanced durability
In addition, austenitic stainless steel Variable Spring Supports can be manufactured for harsh or corrosive environments, subject to project requirements.
- Easy installation & maintenance-free operation
CPA Variable Spring Supports are:
✔ Pre-compressed at the factory, reducing installation height and shortening site installation time
✔ Maintenance-free, with no routine servicing required for the spring
✔ Optional with limit stops and lifting lugs to assist installation and restrict excessive movement when required
- Flexible operating range
CPA offers Variable Spring Supports with a wide range of travel options:
🔸 AV35 / LV35 – 35 mm travel
🔸 AV70 / LV70 – 70 mm travel
🔸 AV140 / LV140 – 140 mm travel
🔸 AV210 / LV210 – 210 mm travel
These options allow engineers and contractors to select the most suitable model based on actual thermal displacement and operating load conditions of the piping system.
- Applications of Variable Spring Support
Carpenter & Paterson Variable Spring Supports are ideal for piping systems in:
✔ Steam and power plants – accommodating movement due to high temperatures
✔ Hot water and steam systems in industrial facilities
✔ Fluid pipelines with limited temperature fluctuation
✔ Piping lines requiring stress reduction within small to medium displacement ranges
- CPA variable spring supports meet the requirements of the following:
- European Union Pressure Equipment Directive 97/23/EC
- EN 13480 Part 3 Metallic Industrial Piping
- BS1726-1 Cylindrical Helical Springs made from Round Wire and Bar – Part 1: Compression Springs
- EN 13906 Cylindrical Helical Springs made from round wire and bar – Calculation and Design – Part 1: Compression Springs
- U.S. Manufacturers Standardization Society MSS SP-58
- U.S. Manufacturers Standardization Society MSS SP-69
- The ASME Code for Power Piping ASME B31.1
- The ASME Code for Process Piping ASME B31.3
Contact SV Solution today to obtain the product brochure and receive comprehensive consultation on the full range of Carpenter & Paterson (CPA) Variable Spring Supports
LV Spring Support
AV Spring Support
