Supports and fixing an aluminium compressed-air pipework
EQOfluids aluminium pipework is fixed with rubber-lined brackets. The manufacturer’s rule is simple: at least 2 brackets per pipe length, each placed about 1 m from a fitting (minimum 1 m gap between bracket and fitting). Fix it to the ceiling, directly to the wall, or on steel shelves.
The basic rule
- Minimum 2 brackets per pipe — a pipe never rests on a single point.
- 1 m from fittings — do not clamp the fitting; let the pipe move.
- Additional brackets on long runs, according to the spacing by diameter.
Key point — The “2 per pipe, 1 m from fittings” rule is a minimum. On a long run you add brackets: the smaller the diameter, the closer the spacing.
These EQOfluids benchmarks match the general rule from CAGI (handbook, ch. 4): pipework must be adequately supported to eliminate sag and weak points, with an allowance for thermal expansion on long runs; it should also be kept away from traffic ways (fork-lift trucks) to avoid impacts.
Fitting a bracket
- Fix the bottom part firmly to the support (its strength depends on the surface: concrete, steel, etc.).
- Place the pipe and the top part of the bracket.
- Tighten the bracket bolts.
Three fixing methods
| Fixing | When |
|---|---|
| To the ceiling | Main line overhead, branches above the aisles |
| Directly to the wall | Along a wall, drops to the stations |
| On steel shelves | Offset from the wall, around obstacles, on framework |
How many supports? The calculation
The network estimator automatically computes the number of supports: it applies a spacing by diameter and guarantees the minimum of 2 brackets per length (main line and each drop). The result goes into the bill of materials, ready to add to the quote.
References
- CAGI — Compressed Air & Gas Handbook (7th ed., 2021), Chapter 4 — pipework supported to eliminate sag, allowance for thermal expansion on long runs, kept clear of traffic ways
- EQOfluids — technical manual (rubber-lined bracket assembly, fixing examples)
- Cutting and assembling the pipe
- Branching off the line — saddle branch and branch