Pipe Support & Clips
Reliable Pipe Support for Industrial Pipework
Pipe support clips and clamps secure, stabilise and organise pipework while helping manage vibration, movement and mechanical stress.
Europress supplies a range of pipe support clips, pipe clamps, Kova clamps, strut systems, fasteners and mounting components for industrial pipework, stainless steel press-fit systems, compressed air, hydraulic, process and other piping applications.
The right pipe support system helps keep pipework correctly positioned while reducing unnecessary load on fittings, connections and connected equipment.
Why Is Proper Pipe Support Important?
Pipework isn't designed to simply hang between connection points.
A piping system can be exposed to:
- Vibration from pumps, compressors and machinery
- Pressure fluctuations
- Thermal expansion and contraction
- Mechanical movement
- Shock and vibration
- The weight of the pipe and its contents
- External loads
- Movement at connected equipment
Without appropriate support, these forces can place additional stress on pipe, fittings and connections.
Pipe support clips and clamps provide a controlled way to secure the pipe and maintain the intended position of the piping system.
For industrial pipework, the support system is part of the overall piping design, not simply an accessory added after the pipe has been installed.
Pipe Support Clips and Clamps
Europress supplies several types of pipe support products to suit different pipe sizes, materials and installation requirements.
Kova Pipe Clamps
Kova clamps are modular industrial pipe support clamps designed to secure pipe, tube and hose installations.
The Kova design complies with the internationally recognised DIN 3015 standard and is available in a range of configurations, sizes and materials.
Kova clamps are commonly used where pipe stability, vibration control and organised pipe layouts are important.
Clips & Components
Pipe clips provide a straightforward way to secure smaller pipe and tube installations.
Europress supplies a range of clips and components for different pipe sizes and mounting arrangements.
These can be used for applications including:
- Stainless steel pipe
- Compressed air pipe
- Tubing
- Service pipework
- Small-bore industrial pipe
- General mechanical services
Struts & Strut Fittings
Strut systems provide a flexible framework for mounting pipe supports and other services.
Europress supplies universal strut, strut fittings, nuts, brackets and related components for creating organised pipe support structures.
Strut systems can be particularly useful where multiple pipe runs need to be supported together or where the support arrangement needs to be adjusted during installation.
Fasteners and Mounting Components
A pipe clamp is only as effective as the support structure it is attached to.
Europress supplies fasteners and mounting components that can be used with pipe clips, clamps and strut systems.
The appropriate fastener and mounting method depends on the pipe size, load, substrate, environment and installation requirements.
Kova Pipe Clamps
Kova clamps are one of the key pipe support products available from Europress.
They use a modular design that allows pipework to be supported in different configurations, including:
- Single clamps
- Double clamps
- Rail-mounted systems
- Stack-mounted systems
- Welded mounting
- Bolted mounting
- Strut-mounted systems
This makes Kova clamps suitable for both individual pipe runs and installations where multiple lines need to be supported together.
How Do Kova Clamps Reduce Vibration and Noise?
Pipework connected to compressors, pumps, hydraulic equipment and other machinery can transmit vibration through the piping system.
Kova clamps have vibration-dampening characteristics designed to help absorb shock and reduce transmitted vibration and noise.
This can help reduce:
- Vibration through pipework
- Mechanical stress on connections
- Movement of supported pipe
- Transmitted system noise
- Wear on connected components
For systems exposed to significant vibration, the clamp type, spacing, mounting arrangement and pipe configuration should be selected for the specific application.
Read: How Do Pipe Clamps Reduce Vibration and Noise?
Kova Clamps for Industrial Pipework
Kova clamps are suitable for a broad range of industrial pipe and tube applications.
Typical applications include:
Compressed Air
Support compressed air pipework while helping manage vibration generated by compressors and pneumatic equipment.
Hydraulic Systems
Secure hydraulic pipe and tube while helping control movement and vibration.
Process Pipework
Provide structured support for industrial process lines where pipe stability is important.
Mining and Resources
Suitable clamp configurations are available for demanding industrial environments.
Marine and Offshore
Stainless steel clamp and hardware options can be selected for environments where corrosion resistance is important.
Instrumentation
Kova clamps can be used to organise and support smaller pipe and tube runs used in instrumentation and control systems.
Oil and Fuel Lines
Appropriate Kova configurations can be used for selected oil and fuel piping applications.
Kova's manufacturer literature identifies applications including industrial hydraulics, mobile hydraulics, marine hydraulics, rail transport, offshore, mining, pneumatics, oil and fuel lines, process lines and instrumentation.
Choosing the Right Pipe Support Clip or Clamp
The correct pipe support depends on more than the outside diameter of the pipe.
Before selecting a pipe support, consider:
1. Pipe Outside Diameter
The clamp or clip needs to suit the actual outside diameter of the pipe or tube.
2. Pipe Material
Consider whether you're supporting stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminium, PE, hose or another material.
3. Pipe Weight
The weight of the pipe, fittings and contents contributes to the load placed on the support system.
4. Operating Conditions
Temperature, pressure, vibration and environmental conditions can all affect support requirements.
5. Vibration
Pipe connected to compressors, pumps and other machinery may require vibration-dampening supports.
6. Support Spacing
Pipe supports need to be positioned at appropriate intervals for the pipe material, size and application.
7. Mounting Method
Consider whether the clamp will be mounted to:
- Strut
- Rail
- A welded plate
- A bolted plate
- Threaded rod
- Another structural support
8. Environment
For corrosive, marine, chemical or outdoor environments, the clamp body and hardware material should be selected accordingly.
Kova Clamp Materials
Kova clamps are available in a range of body and hardware materials for different operating environments.
Clamp Body Materials
Options include:
- Polypropylene
- Polyamide
- POM
- Aluminium
- Steel
- Stainless steel
Hardware Materials
Options include:
- Galvanised steel
- 316 stainless steel
The available material combinations depend on the specific Kova clamp configuration.
For corrosive or demanding environments, stainless steel body and hardware options may be appropriate depending on the application.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pipe Support Clips and Clamps
What are pipe support clips?
Pipe support clips are components used to secure pipe, tube or small-bore services to a supporting structure. They help keep pipework in position and can reduce unwanted movement.
What is the difference between a pipe clip and a pipe clamp?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but generally a pipe clip is a simpler fastening component, while an industrial pipe clamp can provide a more engineered support arrangement with options for vibration damping, mounting and adjustment.
What are Kova clamps used for?
Kova clamps are modular pipe support clamps used to secure pipe, tube and hose installations. They are available in different sizes, materials and mounting configurations.
Do Kova clamps reduce vibration?
Yes. Kova clamps are designed with vibration-dampening characteristics that can help reduce transmitted vibration, movement and noise in supported pipework.
What standard do Kova clamps comply with?
Kova clamps are designed to comply with the internationally recognised DIN 3015 standard.
What materials are Kova clamps available in?
Kova clamp bodies are available in materials including polypropylene, polyamide, POM, aluminium, steel and stainless steel. Hardware options include galvanised steel and 316 stainless steel.
Can Kova clamps be used with stainless steel pipe?
Yes. Kova clamps can be used to support stainless steel pipe, including pipe used with Europress stainless steel press-fit systems.
How far apart should pipe supports be?
Pipe support spacing depends on the pipe material, diameter, weight, operating conditions and support system. Kova manufacturer's guidance provides recommended spacing according to pipe outside diameter. These figures should be checked against the current technical documentation and specific application.
Can pipe clamps reduce pipe noise?
Pipe clamps with vibration-dampening characteristics can help reduce vibration and transmitted noise through supported pipework. The overall result depends on the pipe system, equipment generating the vibration, clamp selection and support arrangement.
What is a grooved pipe clamp?
A grooved clamp has an internal profile designed to grip pipe or tube. Kova's manufacturer recommends grooved clamp bodies for pipe and tube applications.
What is a smooth-bore pipe clamp?
A smooth-bore clamp has a smooth internal surface and is recommended for hose applications where protecting the hose surface from abrasion is important.
How do I choose the right pipe clamp?
Start with the pipe outside diameter and material. Then consider the pipe weight, operating temperature, vibration, environment, support spacing and mounting method. For demanding applications, the complete support arrangement should be considered rather than selecting a clamp based on diameter alone.
Need Help Choosing Pipe Supports?
Choosing the correct pipe support depends on the pipe diameter, material, weight, environment and operating conditions.
If you're not sure which pipe clip, clamp or Kova configuration you need, contact Europress with your pipe size and application.
Call 1300 387 677