RATEC pipe guide supports let pipelines slide along their axis while holding them exactly on track from the side. This allows the line to expand freely when temperatures change, without drifting off its axis or putting stress on flanges, bends and other adjacent components. The pipe runs through a pipe clamp with a sliding liner that sits firmly on a support or base plate. We build every guide support individually for your pipeline, in all common materials and in an ATEX-compliant version on request.
Table of Contents
How a pipe guide support works
The pipe clamp surrounds the pipe without clamping it tight. The sliding liner inside the clamp allows the line to move axially with low friction. Laterally, however, it is fixed because the clamp is firmly connected to the support.
The guide support shown in the picture is just one example from a customer project. Every RATEC pipe support is built to the requirements of the respective customer, so design, materials and dimensions vary from project to project.
- A fixed point holds the line firmly in position.
- A guide support allows axial movement and prevents lateral displacement.
- A sliding support allows movement both axially and laterally.
When guide supports make sense
A steel pipe expands by approximately 1.2 mm per meter with a 100 °C temperature difference, and a stainless steel pipe by about 1.6 mm. Over long straight sections, this quickly adds up. Without lateral guidance, the pipe can deviate, get out of alignment, and stress flanges, bends, or connections. Guide supports direct the expansion in the desired direction and keep the piping system precisely aligned.
Key technical data
| Feature | Pipe Clamp as Guide Support |
|---|---|
| Function | axially movable, laterally guided |
| Principle | Pipe clamp with sliding liner, firmly mounted on support or base plate |
| Materials | Stainless steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, coated upon request |
| Pipe types | metal, plastic and insulated pipes |
| Versions | ATEX, sound-insulating or vibration-damping on request |
We match the guide path, sliding liner, and pipe clamp to your system’s pipe diameter, movements, and environmental conditions. Custom designs are possible at any time.
Part of a complete pipe support system
We deliberately do not offer standard sizes. Guide travel, sliding liner and pipe clamp are designed for each project, to suit the pipe diameter, movements and ambient conditions of your plant.
- Stainless steel pipe clamps with fixed point: define where the line expands from.
- Sliding supports: also allow lateral movement.
- Damped pipe clamps: absorb forces from all directions and dampen vibrations.
- Pendulum supports: support riser lines and compensate for settlement.
What matters in the design
- Pipeline: pipe type, diameter, insulation.
- Movements: length of the line, temperature range, expected sliding travel.
- Environment: corrosion, temperature, hazardous area.
- Connection: support, base plate or existing steel structure.
Custom-built by RATEC
RATEC is at home in the bulk material sector and manufactures in its own plant in Carinthia, certified according to ISO 9001, EN 1090-1, and ISO 3834-2. We supply individual guide supports as well as complete pipe support systems. An overview of all designs can be found under Pipe Supports.
Want to guide your pipeline safely?
Tell us the pipe diameter, pipe length, and operating conditions. We will get back to you with a concrete proposal.