Pipeline racks

Pipeline racks are above ground horizontal or inclined structures used for laying various communications, including pipelines used to supply gas, oil, hot water, chemical compounds, etc.

Overpasses of technological pipelines consist of supports and spans. In some cases, there is no need to arrange spans. If pipe racks are used to fix structures with a large diameter, which have a good bearing capacity, then the spans may not be used. Standard span lengths are 12, 24 and 18 meters. Moreover, this structural element of systems is quite often made of trusses with parallel belts, load-bearing structures that have optimal properties with minimal weight and metal consumption. Their use allows you to reduce the weight of the finished system and at the same time ensure that all installed equipment will be fixed as securely as possible and remain in a predetermined position even if there are serious temporary and short-term loads associated with strong gusts of wind, ice formation or large amounts of snow.

For the subsequent installation of the pipeline, the overpasses are equipped with special traverses. The upper strut of racks for technological pipelines is installed below the traverses so that the pipeline can be passed under them.

Pipeline racks can have several tiers, up to three. Supports, which are the main structural element of racks for technological pipelines, can be single-column or double-column. Single-column supports are usually used for the construction of single-tier flyovers. If the overpass for technical pipelines will have 2 or 3 tiers, it is necessary to use two-column lattice supports. The supports are installed using a reinforced concrete foundation, which ensures their reliable fixation in the ground, including in the presence of large wind and snow loads.

Overpasses for technological pipelines involve the use of traverses in the form of two-cantilever beams. If the main beams of superstructures are made of reinforced concrete, reinforced concrete traverses are also used in the structure. At the same time, it should be taken into account that the use of such materials significantly burdens the entire system, as well as its own cost and the cost of logistics. However, in some cases, for example, when systems are operated in harsh climatic conditions, this solution is optimal.

Since pipeline racks are used in an open environment, all elements of their structures must be well protected from corrosion. Most often, rolled metal, which will later be used to manufacture individual elements of the system, is processed, as a result of which a zinc layer is formed on its surface, which prevents the metal from entering into oxidative processes that trigger the development of rust. If the processing is carried out using hot galvanizing, that is, a technology in which all manipulations are performed at the melting temperature of zinc, then the resulting coating has maximum durability and, provided the protective layer is of the proper thickness, is able to perform its functions throughout the entire service life of the metal structure.

To facilitate the maintenance of laid communications, overpasses are equipped with special platforms with stairs. Such sites have additional fences to ensure the safety of the staff and eliminate the likelihood of accidents.