The Piping Profile in general can be considered as a complex and rigid piping network consisting of various piping components, which have different diameters and weights. At the same time the above network is also subjected to temperature change while switching from installed to operating condition (and visa versa) resulting into its thermal growth in various directions in proportion to the length of pipes. The structural integrity of the above network must therefore take into account the overall weight effect of the profile besides its thermal growth.
A satisfactory design of the Piping System should therefore give a careful consideration to achieve the above requirement. This is generally accomplished by providing external attachments (known as pipe supports) at various locations of the piping profile.