Support System for Process Piping and Method of Installation

Abstract

A support system for process piping and method of installation are presented. An adjustable hanger rod assembly includes a rod with oppositely oriented external threads at opposite ends thereof. These threads are adapted to mate with internal threads in respectively associated sleeves. One of the sleeves is fixed to a support system, while the other sleeve is fixedly secured to a pipe clamp. The oppositely oriented threading of the rod allows the rod to operate as a turnbuckle, such that rotation of the rod adjusts the elevation of the pipe clamp and an associated pipe retained thereby. Once a desired adjustment has been achieved, the rod and associated pipe clamp may be locked into position by tack or spot welding of the rod to the associated sleeves.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for installing a suspended piping system, comprising:
 securely attaching a plurality of pipe hangers to a support surface, each said hanger having a length;   engaging clamps of each of said hangers with a pipe;   adjusting an effective length of each of said plurality of hangers to set a desired elevation of said pipe at each said hanger;   wherein said step of adjusting said effective length comprises rotating a central member of said hanger about a longitudinal axis of said central member, said central member being in telescoping engagement with an associated one of said clamps at a first end thereof and in rotational engagement with a receiving member at a second end thereof; and   wherein said step of rotating said central member causes said effective length of said hanger to shorten or lengthen as a function of a direction of said rotation; and   wherein said step of securely attaching comprises fixing said receiving members to said support surface.   
     
     
         2 . The method of installing a suspended piping system according to  claim 1 , wherein said clamps are connected to an elongated member threadedly received by said central member. 
     
     
         3 . The method of installing a suspended piping system according to  claim 2 , wherein said step of fixing said receiving members to said support surface comprises welding the two together. 
     
     
         4 . The method of installing a suspended piping system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a step of fixing said length of said plurality of hangers. 
     
     
         5 . The method of installing a suspended piping system according to  claim 4 , wherein said step of fixing said length of said plurality of hangers comprises precluding further relative rotation between said central members and said associated receiving members. 
     
     
         6 . The method of installing a suspended piping system according to  claim 5 , wherein said step of fixing said length of said plurality of hangers occurs after said elevations are set. 
     
     
         7 . The method of installing a suspended piping system according to  claim 6 , wherein said step of fixing said length of said plurality of hangers comprises placing a weldment between said central members and associated receiving members.