In industrial sectors such as (petro)chemical plants, power generation, and water treatment, maintaining piping systems is of critical importance. A common cause of damage is corrosion under pipe supports. This type of wear occurs where pipes come into direct contact with steel support structures. Although this damage is often invisible, it can lead to leaks, downtime, or costly replacements.
Clambrace developed the C-Bar™ as a solution to this issue. This innovative support system tackles corrosion at its source and contributes to the reliability and longevity of piping systems.
What causes corrosion under pipe supports?
Corrosion under pipes arises from the combination of moisture, dirt, and metal-to-metal contact. Where pipes rest on steel structures, friction and wear occur on the protective coating of the pipe. When moisture is introduced — through condensation or leaks — the corrosion process accelerates. In installations where different metals are in contact, galvanic corrosion can also occur, causing further damage.
This issue is difficult to detect because it usually develops on the underside of pipes. As a result, it often goes unnoticed until real damage has occurred.
The solution: C-Bar™ pipe support
Clambrace’s C-Bar™ is engineered to structurally prevent corrosion. Thanks to its smart design, contact between the pipe and the support is minimized. This prevents moisture from being trapped between the pipe and support, while allowing sufficient airflow. The result: a significantly reduced risk of corrosion.
Additionally, the C-Bar™ electrically isolates the pipe from the steel support structure. This eliminates the possibility of galvanic corrosion, a well-known problem in installations where stainless steel piping rests on galvanized or carbon steel supports.
Industrial applications
The C-Bar™ is especially suited for applications in the (petro)chemical industry, where piping systems operate under extreme conditions such as high temperatures, chemical exposure, and constant humidity. Due to its robust and low-maintenance design, the C-Bar™ is also ideal for offshore installations, power plants, and water treatment facilities.
Since the system can be installed without welding or dismantling pipes, it’s easily integrated into existing infrastructure. This not only saves time but also avoids production downtime.
