Steel pipe supports are typically spaced how many feet apart for horizontal and vertical sections respectively?

The correct answer identifies the standard spacing intervals for steel pipe supports in both horizontal and vertical orientations. For horizontal sections, a spacing of 12 feet is commonly used. This distance allows for adequate support to prevent sagging and ensure structural integrity under various operational conditions, including weight distribution and thermal expansion.

In vertical sections, the spacing is set at 15 feet. This allows for the necessary support to accommodate the potential stresses and strains that vertical pipes can experience, particularly from gravity and the weight of the fluids they transport. Properly spaced supports are critical for maintaining alignment and minimizing the risk of damage to the piping system.

Standards in the industry may vary based on specific applications, materials, and regulations, but the 12-foot horizontal and 15-foot vertical spacing is a widely accepted guideline to maintain safety and reliability in boiler operations.