As data centers turn to high-density computing and liquid cooling to manage increasing heat loads, reliable piping infrastructure is more important than ever. Hydraquip provides the hydraulic components required to fully support an array of highly demanding applications, including Behringer pipe clamps designed to securely support and organize piping.
While pipe clamps may be a physically small part of a larger cooling system, proper pipe support can help limit movement and vibration-related wear and keep critical piping properly positioned. For data centers relying on complex liquid cooling and coolant distribution systems, choosing the right pipe support is an important part of building a reliable system.
Why Pipe Support Matters in Data Centers
Modern data centers are becoming more and more dependent on advanced cooling infrastructure. As computing needs increase, liquid cooling is being used to move heat away from high-performance equipment more efficiently and reliably than traditional air-based cooling alone.
These systems rely on networks of piping and tubing to move coolant between equipment, pumps, heat exchangers, coolant distribution units (CDUs), and other components. Unsupported or improperly secured piping can move or vibrate during operation. Over time, excessive movement can contribute to wear, place additional stress on connections, and make maintenance more difficult.
Properly selected pipe clamps can help:
- Keep pipes and tubing securely positioned
- Limit unwanted movement and vibration-related wear
- Support piping near pumps, valves, and other equipment
- Maintain organized piping runs and accessibility for inspection and maintenance
What Are Pipe Clamps?
Pipe clamps are industrial pipe and tube supports designed to secure piping in hydraulic and fluid-system applications. The product line includes multiple clamp series, materials, sizes, and mounting configurations to accommodate different system requirements.
The correct pipe clamp depends on more than the diameter of the pipe. Operating pressure, weight, dynamic loads, temperature, environment, pipe material, and mounting configuration can all affect clamp selection.
Behringer Heavy Series Pipe Clamps for Demanding Applications
One example available at Hydraquip is the Behringer Heavy Series SH51315-PP, a carbon-steel pipe clamp with a polypropylene clamp pair designed for 1-inch nominal pipe with a 1.315-inch outside diameter. Pipe and tubing sizes are measured differently, so confirming the actual outside diameter is important when selecting a clamp.
Behringer’s published guidance associates the Standard Series with hydraulic systems operating up to 2,000 psi and the Heavy Series with systems operating up to 5,000 psi. Behringer also offers a double-heavy configuration for applications with operating pressures up to 10,000 psi. These figures describe suggested hydraulic-system pressure categories for clamp selection, not pressure ratings of the clamps themselves. Pipe clamps provide external support and do not contain system pressure.
While a specific clamp should always be selected based on the requirements of the application, the Heavy Series demonstrates the range of industrial pipe support options available when systems require more robust support.
Behringer Heavy Series clamps are available in multiple sizes and mounting configurations, including weld, rail, and stacking options. Stainless-steel hardware is also available for applications where the environment or material compatibility requires it.
Key Benefits of Pipe Clamps for Data Centers
Secure Pipe Support and Vibration Control
The primary purpose of a pipe clamp is to keep piping securely in place. Properly supported piping is less likely to shift or move during normal system operation, particularly around equipment connections where excessive movement could place additional stress on fittings, valves, hoses, or other components.
Pumps, motors, and other mechanical equipment can introduce vibration into a fluid system. Properly installed pipe clamps can help limit movement and reduce vibration-related wear, but they do not eliminate vibration. Support spacing, mounting, and overall system design also affect performance.
Organized Piping Layouts and Mounting Options
Data center cooling systems can contain extensive networks of piping and tubing. A well-organized installation makes it easier for technicians to inspect, service, and troubleshoot the system.
Depending on the system layout, clamps may need to be mounted to structural supports, rails, strut channels, or other mounting points.
Pipe Clamps in Data Center Liquid Cooling Systems
Liquid cooling systems require reliable infrastructure to circulate coolant throughout the facility. Depending on the application, that infrastructure may include CDUs, pumps, heat exchangers, manifolds, valves, supply and return lines, and other fluid-system components.
Supporting Coolant Distribution Units
Coolant distribution units can combine pumps, heat exchangers, valves, controls, and multiple fluid connections into a compact package. With multiple piping connections concentrated around the equipment, proper pipe support helps keep supply and return lines organized and securely positioned.
Supporting Pumps and Skid-Mounted Equipment
Pumps and other rotating equipment can introduce vibration into a cooling system. Piping connected to this equipment should be properly supported to help limit movement and minimize stress on connections.
Pipe clamps can be incorporated around equipment connections and along piping runs within skid-mounted systems. Larger or heavier piping may require additional engineered supports rather than clamps alone.
Supporting Supply and Return Lines
Liquid cooling systems depend on consistent coolant circulation. Supply and return piping must be properly routed between equipment and distribution points. Proper pipe support helps maintain these piping runs while keeping the installation organized and accessible for future inspection or maintenance.
Cooling pipes can also expand and contract as temperatures change. Clamp placement and the overall support arrangement should account for expected thermal movement to avoid creating excessive stress on piping and connections. Depending on the installation, additional engineered supports, guides, or anchors may be required.
How to Choose the Right Pipe Clamp for a Data Center Application
Selecting the right pipe clamp starts with understanding the requirements of the application.
1. Pipe Size
The clamp must be appropriately sized for the outside diameter of the pipe or tube. It is important to distinguish between pipe and tubing measurements because pipe is commonly identified by nominal size while tubing is typically identified by outside diameter.
2. Clamp Strength and Hydraulic-System Pressure Category
Different clamp series are designed for different application requirements. Behringer’s published guidance associates the Standard Series with hydraulic systems operating up to 2,000 psi and the Heavy Series with higher-pressure applications and greater shock and vibration. These figures are hydraulic-system pressure categories, not pressure ratings of the clamps themselves.
3. Clamp Material
Clamps are available in several materials, including polypropylene, Santoprene, aluminum, HDPE, and high-temperature cast nylon. Operating temperature and environmental conditions are important considerations when selecting the appropriate material.
4. Hardware Material
Hardware selection can also depend on the environment and application. Behringer offers standard hardware options as well as 304 and 316 stainless-steel hardware for applications requiring additional material compatibility or corrosion resistance.
5. Mounting Configuration
Consider how and where the clamp will be installed. Configurations are commonly designed for weld, bolt, rail, strut, stacking, and group mounting.
6. Operating Conditions and Thermal Movement
Pressure, temperature, vibration, environmental conditions, pipe weight, and dynamic loads should all be considered when selecting a pipe clamp. Expected thermal expansion and contraction must also be accommodated in the piping support design.
The goal is not simply to find a clamp that fits the pipe. It is to select a support solution that fits the entire application.
Common Applications for Pipe Clamps
Pipe clamps can support a variety of piping and fluid-system applications, including:
- Data center liquid cooling systems
- Coolant distribution units
- Hydraulic power units
- Chilled-water systems
- Heat exchanger piping
- Pump connections
- Industrial process piping
- Skid-mounted systems
- Manifolds and distribution systems
The specific clamp series, material, size, and mounting configuration should be selected based on the requirements of the individual application.
Why Choose Hydraquip for Pipe Clamps?
Selecting a pipe clamp is only one part of designing a reliable fluid system. Understanding how that component fits into the larger application is just as important.
Hydraquip provides Behringer pipe clamps along with the hydraulic and fluid-system expertise to help customers select components based on their application requirements. From individual pipe supports to larger hydraulic and cooling systems, our team can help identify the right components for the job.
Whether you’re building a new liquid cooling system, upgrading existing infrastructure, or sourcing components for an engineered skid, Hydraquip can help you find the right solution for your application.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pipe Clamps
What do the 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 psi figures mean?
These figures describe suggested hydraulic-system pressure categories associated with selecting different Behringer clamp series and configurations. They are not pressure ratings of the clamps themselves.
How do I select the right pipe clamp size?
Start by determining the pipe or tube’s outside diameter, required clamp series, clamp-pair material, hardware material, and mounting configuration. For example, 1-inch nominal pipe has a 1.315-inch outside diameter. Operating conditions and mounting requirements should also be considered.
How do pipe clamps help control vibration?
Pipe clamps provide support that can help limit unwanted movement and reduce vibration-related wear. They do not eliminate vibration, and performance depends on proper selection, installation, and overall system design.
Where are pipe clamps used in data center liquid cooling systems?
Pipe clamps can support supply and return piping, CDU connections, pump connections, heat exchanger piping, manifolds, and skid-mounted equipment. Larger facility piping may require additional engineered supports and provisions for thermal expansion.
Which Behringer pipe clamp series should I use?
The appropriate Behringer series depends on the application, including pipe dimensions, weight, dynamic loads, vibration, temperature, material, and mounting configuration. Contact Hydraquip for assistance evaluating your requirements.
Supporting More Reliable Data Center Cooling Systems
As data centers continue to adopt high-density computing and liquid cooling, every component of the fluid system plays a role in maintaining reliable operation.
From pipe clamps and hydraulic components to cooling and fluid-power solutions, Hydraquip helps customers build, maintain, and improve the systems that keep critical operations moving.
Need help selecting pipe clamps for your data center application? Contact Hydraquip to discuss your piping and fluid-system requirements.
