In Russia, a Full Range of Pipe Support and Hanger Systems for Nuclear Power Plants Is Now in Production
United Metallurgical Company (OMK) has completed development and launched serial production of a full range of pipe support and hanger systems for nuclear power plant piping.
The product line includes rigid and spring supports, as well as viscoelastic dampers designed to protect against dynamic and seismic loads.
Standardization and a 60-Year Service Life
OMK has established production of all types of pipe support and hanger systems required for installing piping at nuclear power plants. Rigid supports hold piping in a specified position and are subjected to continuous loads, while spring supports compensate for thermal expansion and allow pipes to move freely as they heat up and cool down.
All products are standardized by load ratings and overall dimensions, simplifying the design of piping systems and reducing the number of product variants. Engineers can use standard designs for typical assemblies when preparing project documentation.
The pipe support and hanger systems are designed for a 60-year service life. That service life matches the operating period of Generation III+ reactor units. Materials and protective coatings have been selected to withstand high humidity, temperatures and vibration loads. The products undergo multistage quality control throughout the manufacturing process.
Standardization also simplifies maintenance and repairs of piping systems. When individual components need to be replaced, plant operators can use standard components rather than placing custom orders. This reduces the cost of maintaining nuclear plants and shortens repair times.
Viscoelastic Dampers for Seismic Protection
Another important product for nuclear power plant safety is the viscoelastic damper. These devices protect piping from loads caused by earthquakes, water hammer and other abnormal conditions. The dampers absorb vibration energy and reduce the amplitude of pipe movement.
The dampers work by dissipating energy through a viscoelastic material. When a dynamic load occurs, the material deforms and converts mechanical energy into heat. This damps vibrations and helps prevent damage to piping and its support structures.
The dampers are intended to operate across a wide temperature range and retain their performance throughout their service life. Their design does not require continuous maintenance or adjustment. The dampers are installed at the most highly loaded points of piping systems, where resonance is most likely to occur.
Using viscoelastic dampers improves the seismic resistance of nuclear power plants, helping piping systems maintain their integrity and functionality even under significant seismic loads. This meets the stringent safety requirements applied to nuclear facilities.
Digital Catalog and Software
OMK has introduced a catalog of pipe support and hanger systems adapted to the parameters of the latest reactor designs. The document contains technical specifications for all products in the range, dimensional drawings and application recommendations. The catalog takes into account the specific requirements of piping systems in power units equipped with VVER-1200 reactors.
The company plans to launch its own software for automated calculation and selection of system components. It will allow engineers to quickly determine the required types of supports and dampers based on piping parameters, process media and loads. The algorithms account for thermal expansion, pressure, vibration and seismic effects.
The software will be integrated with computer-aided design systems. Engineers will be able to import three-dimensional piping models and automatically position pipe support and hanger components at optimal locations.
Applications in Russian and International Projects
OMK's pipe support and hanger systems are intended for nuclear power plants under construction and in the design stage. The products comply with Russian and international nuclear safety standards. They can be used at domestic sites as well as in international Rosatom projects.
Previously, some pipe support and hanger components were purchased from foreign suppliers. The company can now meet the nuclear industry's demand for piping-system components. Local production strengthens technological independence and reduces reliance on external supplies.
OMK has the capacity to produce the volumes required for several nuclear power plants to be built simultaneously, while serial production ensures consistent quality and adherence to delivery schedules.
