A common mechanical support tool in the piping and plumbing industries is the clevis hanger. This pipe attachment is intended to support and hang piping systems from beams or overhead structures, including pipes, tubes, and conduits. For supporting pipes, clevis hangers are highly flexible and offer vertical adjustments. They are typically preferred for piping systems without insulation. However, insulated piping systems can also use clevis hangers.
Components of a Clevis Hanger
Components of a Clevis Hanger typically include:
U-shaped clevis: The clevis functions as a metal yoke or bracket with two attachment holes. The hanger is attached to the threaded rod through one hole, and is fastened to the supporting structure through the other hole with bolts or other suitable fasteners.
A threaded rod: The threaded rod, also known as a hanger rod or hanger bolt, extends downward from the clevis and enables height adjustment of the suspended piping system by rotating it clockwise or counterclockwise.
Applications of Clevis Hangers
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): The ducting, air handling units, and ventilation pipes are all supported by clevis hangers in HVAC systems.
Plumbing Systems: Clevis hangers offer support for conduits and pipes in plumbing projects, such as water supply lines, sewage pipes, and drainage systems.
Fire Sprinkler Systems: Clevis hangers are used to suspend fire sprinkler pipes and guarantee appropriate alignment and support for the sprinkler system in fire sprinkler systems.Industrial Piping: To support different types of pipes, such as process piping, chemical lines, steam lines, and hydraulic systems, clevis hangers are used in industrial settings.
Commercial Buildings: Clevis hangers are used to support plumbing and HVAC systems in commercial buildings such as office buildings, hospitals, schools, and retail malls.
Power Plants: In order to support the pipe systems for fuel, water, steam, and other fluids, power generation facilities require clevis hangers.
Oil and gas industry: Clevis hangers are used to support pipes, including those that run through offshore platforms, refineries, and pipelines.
Petrochemical plants: To support the different piping systems used in the transportation and processing of chemicals, clevis hangers are utilised in petrochemical plants.
Water Treatment Plants: Clevis hangers support the pipes used in filtration systems, pump stations, and distribution networks in water treatment plants.
Industrial Process Systems: Clevis hangers are used in a variety of industrial operations, including as pulp and paper mills, pharmaceutical manufacturing, food processing, and chemical production.
These are just a few examples of the diverse applications where Clevis Hangers are employed to provide stability and support to pipes, ducts, conduits, and other systems in various industries.
Because of its simple installation process and modification capabilities, clevis hangers are adaptable and practical for a range of pipe support needs. They offer stability and aid in evenly dispersing the weight of the hanging pipes or conduits, which lessens stress on the piping system and the supporting structure and prevents any damage.
Materials for Clevis Hangers
To ensure its strength and lifespan, clevis hangers are often fashioned from a variety of hardy, corrosion-resistant materials. The particular use and environmental considerations influence the material choice. The following materials are frequently used to create clevis hangers:
- Carbon Steel: Known for high strength and durability but prone to corrosion. However, carbon steel is prone to corrosion hence suitable corrosion protection measures should be taken.
- Stainless Steel: Offers excellent corrosion resistance and required strength. However, it tends to be more expensive compared to carbon steel.
- Galvanized Carbon Steel: Provides corrosion protection through a zinc coating, combining the strength of carbon steel with enhanced corrosion resistance.
- Cast Iron: Offers exceptional strength and load-bearing capacity, commonly used in heavy-duty applications.
- Malleable Iron: Combines the strength of cast iron with improved malleability and ductility, making it easier to shape and manipulate.
- Aluminum: Lightweight material with good corrosion resistance, ideal for weight reduction requirements.
- Galvanized Steel: Coated with zinc for enhanced corrosion resistance, commonly used in outdoor or high-moisture environments.
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Lightweight, non-corrosive, and chemical-resistant material used for supporting plastic piping systems.
Each material has its advantages and considerations, and the selection depends on factors such as strength requirements, corrosion resistance, budget, and specific application needs.
Clevis Hanger Sizes
Typically, clevis hangers are made to accommodate pipes with a diameter of 1/2 inch to 24 inches. However, clevis hangers that are specifically tailored to a customer’s needs can be made. It’s vital to remember that different manufacturers may have varying specifications for each component’s measurements. As a result, there are differences in the load carrying capacity of clevis hangers. Reference materials like catalogues, like the one from Carpenter and Paterson, offer helpful information with precise specifications when determining the weight a clevis hanger can support.
Clevis Hanger Specifications: Size Range, Customization, and Load Capacity
It is crucial to include the following details when ordering a clevis hanger:
Material of Construction: Indicate the preferred clevis hanger construction material, such as aluminium, carbon steel, stainless steel, galvanised steel, cast iron, malleable iron, or PVC. This guarantees that the hanger is appropriate for the environment and application that are intended.
Figure Number: Give the figure number that corresponds to the particular manufacturer’s catalogue. Use the figure number corresponding with the chosen clevis hanger model, for instance, if using the Carpenter and Paterson catalogue (e.g., Fig. 100). This makes it easier to determine the hanger’s precise dimensions and design.
Nominal Pipe Size: Give details regarding the nominal pipe size or diameter that the clevis hanger is meant to support. This makes that the hanger is the right size to fit the particular pipe measurements.
Including these details when specifying a clevis hanger for ordering helps ensure accurate selection and compatibility with the pipe system, allowing for a successful installation and optimal support.
Clevis Hanger Manufacturers
Below are some well-established and popular manufacturers of clevis hanger supports:
- Anvil International
- Piping Technology and Products
- Carpenter & Paterson
- Taylor Pipe Supports
- Globe Pipe Hanger Products
- Oatey
- Hilti
- Buckaroos, Inc.
- ERICO (nVent)
- Empire Industries
- Fischer International
Distinguishing Clevis Hangers from Pipe Clamps: Features and Applications
While supporting and suspending piping systems is the common objective of both, clevis hangers and pipe clamps have quite different designs, functions, and uses. Let’s examine how they differ from one another:
| Clevis Hanger | Pipe Clamp |
| A U-shaped clevis and a threaded rod make up a clevis hanger. The clevis contains two holes: one to link the hanger to the supporting structure and the other to the threaded rod. | A pipe clamp typically comprises a metal band or strap that encircles the pipe and is fastened securely using bolts or other fasteners. It may also feature a cushioning material or lining to provide protection for the surface of the pipe. |
| Clevis hangers are typically attached to the supporting structure using bolts or other suitable means. They provide vertical support and allow for adjustment of the suspended pipe’s height | Pipe clamps directly wrap around the pipe and are fastened using bolts or other fasteners. They provide lateral support and are used to secure pipes to walls, beams, or other structural elements. |
| Clevis hangers primarily provide vertical support and suspension for pipes. They allow for some degree of movement and adjustment to accommodate thermal expansion, contraction, or system adjustments. | Pipe clamps are designed to secure pipes in place, preventing movement or vibration. They provide lateral support and help distribute the load along the pipe’s length. |
