Abstract:
Systems and methods for supporting a pipe are provided. An insulated pipe system can include a pipe, a first isolator disposed about at least a portion of the pipe, wherein the first isolator comprises aerogel, and a second isolator disposed about at least a portion of the first isolator; at least one clamp adapted to support the pipe and the isolators; at least one support base; and at least one support member, wherein the support member connects the clamp to the support base.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of co-pending U.S. patent application having Ser. No. 12/175,880, filed on Jul. 18, 2008, and a continuation-in-part (CIP) of co-pending U.S. patent application having Ser. No. 11/506,327, filed on Aug. 18, 2006, which are both incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    Embodiments described generally relate to systems and methods for supporting pipes. More particularly, embodiments described relate to systems and methods for supporting pipes for both low and high temperature applications. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Pipe shoes are utilized in various industries to support piping. Vibrations, for example, from the processing or flow of fluids, can propagate through pipe, pipe shoes, and supporting structure and lead to significant noise emissions therefrom. Occupational noise exposure is frequently regulated, for example by United States&#39; Occupational Safety &amp; Health Administration (OSHA) standards. Noise abatement in cold insulated, ambient temperature and/or small diameter piping is frequently effected simply by insulating the pipe itself. Hot piping, on the other hand, especially in the 50 mm and greater diameters, presents unique problems for noise control because methods and/or materials suitable for isolating cold piping can be inadequate if exposed to the high temperatures and/or compressive forces in a hot pipe where it is supported on a pipe shoe or other support device. 
         [0006]    Pipe shoes commonly include a base and a pair of axially spaced clamps for interconnecting a generally lower semi-circular clamp fixed to the base to a generally upper semi-circular clamp, so that the connected clamps support the piping. The base may slide along the planar upper surface of the pipe rack as the process pipe expands or contracts in length. The generally lower clamp half is welded to the base, so that the weight of the pipe is supported on the generally lower clamp half. Ears project radially outward from both the lower and upper clamp halves, and a pair of conventional bolts interconnects the mating radially-opposing ears to secure the piping to the pipe shoe. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    So that the recited features provided herein can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the features may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  depicts an overhead orthogonal illustration of an illustrative pipe support system for dampening acoustic propagation from a pipe, according to one or more embodiments described. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  depicts a vertical cross-sectional illustration of the pipe support system depicted in  FIG. 1 , according to one or more embodiments described. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  depicts a horizontal cross-sectional illustration of the support base, flexible peripheral seal, and acoustic isolator of the pipe support system depicted in  FIG. 2 , along the line  3 - 3 , according to one or more embodiments described. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  depicts a side-perspective schematic illustration of a pipe support system for dampening acoustic propagation from an insulated pipe, according to one or more embodiments described. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  depicts a cross-sectional illustration of a pipe support system depicted in  FIG. 4 , according to one or more embodiments described. 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  depicts a cross-sectional illustration of another pipe support system, according to one or more embodiments described. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  depicts a side elevation of a pipe support system for dampening acoustic propagation from an insulated pipe, according to one or more embodiments described 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  depicts a cross-sectional illustration of the pipe support system depicted in  FIG. 7 , according to one or more embodiments described. 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  depicts another horizontal cross-sectional illustration of a pipe support system according to one or more embodiments described. 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  depicts a vertical cross-sectional illustration of the pipe support system depicted in  FIG. 9  along line  10 - 10 , according to one or more embodiments described. 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  depicts another horizontal cross-sectional illustration of a pipe support system according to one or more embodiments described. 
           [0019]      FIG. 12  depicts a vertical cross-sectional illustration of the pipe support system depicted in  FIG. 11  along line  12 - 12 , according to one or more embodiments described. 
           [0020]      FIG. 13  depicts another horizontal cross-sectional illustration of a pipe support system according to one or more embodiments described. 
           [0021]      FIG. 14  depicts a vertical cross-sectional illustration of the pipe support system depicted in  FIG. 13  along line  14 - 14 , according to one or more embodiments described. 
           [0022]      FIG. 15  depicts an end view of an illustrative pipe support system according to one or more embodiments described. 
           [0023]      FIG. 16  depicts another end view of an illustrative pipe support system according to one or more embodiments described. 
           [0024]      FIG. 17  depicts yet another end view of an illustrative pipe support system according to one or more embodiments described. 
           [0025]      FIG. 18  depicts another end view of an illustrative pipe support system according to one or more embodiments described. 
           [0026]      FIG. 19  depicts yet another end view of an illustrative pipe support system according to one or more embodiments described. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    A detailed description will now be provided. Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the “invention” may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the “invention” will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims. Each of the inventions will now be described in greater detail below, including specific embodiments, versions and examples, but the inventions are not limited to these embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the inventions, when the information in this patent is combined with available information and technology. 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  depicts an overhead orthogonal illustration of an illustrative pipe support system  100  for dampening acoustic propagation from a pipe  110 , according to one or more embodiments. One or more acoustic isolators  150  can be disposed between a movable base  140  and a support base  160 . The one or more acoustic isolators  150  can minimize the propagation of pipe vibration to the underlying support structure. Such vibration can be caused by fluid flow, thermal effects, and/or auxiliary equipment to which the pipeline is attached. The one or more acoustic isolators  150  can be fabricated using one or more heat resistant materials, such as fiber reinforced calcium silicate. 
         [0029]    The pipe support system  100  can include one or more pipes  110 , pipe clamps  120 , support bars  130 , insulation  190  and protective covering  195  can be supported by the movable base  140 . The support base  160  can be permanently attached to or integral with an underlying support structure. One or more flexible peripheral seals  170  can be disposed about the outer perimeter of the one or more acoustic isolators  150 , between the movable base  140  and the support base  160 . 
         [0030]    The pipe support system  100  can include one or more clamps  120 , for example a single split-clamp as depicted in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3 . The one or more pipe clamps  120  can be a double bolt clamp as shown, and further can be any type of clamp known in the art, such as, for example, a single bolt clamp, a clamp with sections joined by weldment, a band type clamp, etc. The pipe support system  100  in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3  is depicted using a split-clamp  120 ; however any type of pipe clamping or supporting member known to one of ordinary skill in the art can be included. For example, the one or more support bars  130  can be welded directly to the pipe  110  to form an integral pipe support member if desired. In one or more specific embodiments, the one or more pipe clamps  120  can be secured directly to the pipe  110  to improve structural reliability of the pipe support system  100 . 
         [0031]    Optionally, one or more isolation materials or barriers  12  can be disposed between the pipe  110  and the clamp  120  to thermally and/or acoustically isolate the pipe  110  from the clamp  120 . The barrier  112  can be continuously disposed about an outer diameter of the pipe  110 . The barrier  112  can also be disposed about the pipe as one or more axially and/or radially disposed bands or strips. 
         [0032]    The barrier  112  can be made of any material suitable for thermal and/or acoustic isolation. For example, the barrier  112  can be made of silica aerogels, woven fibers, non-woven fibers, or combinations thereof. In at least one specific embodiment, the barrier  112  can be made of a silica aerogel that is reinforced with a non-woven, glass-fiber matting, such as Pyrogel XT™ that is available from Aspen Aerogel. 
         [0033]    The one or more pipe clamps  120  can be attached to the movable base  140  using one or more support bars  130 . In one or more embodiments, the support bar  130  can be a continuous length as shown. A first end of the one or more support bars  130  can be connected via welding, or bolting at a first end to movable base  140 . A second end of the one or more support bars can be attached to the pipe clamp by any means known in the art, including, but not limited to, a welding, bolting, or any other equivalent fastening system. In operation, any vibration of pipe  110  can be transmitted via the one or more pipe clamps  120  and support bars  130  to the movable base  140 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 2  depicts a vertical cross-sectional illustration of the pipe support system  100  depicted in  FIG. 1 , according to one or more embodiments.  FIG. 3  depicts a cross-sectional illustration of the support base  160 , flexible peripheral seal  170 , and acoustic isolator  150  of the pipe support system  100  depicted in  FIG. 2 , along the line  3 - 3  according to one or more embodiments. 
         [0035]    With reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3 , the one or more acoustic isolators  150  can be subjected to a high compressive load imposed by the combined weight of the pipe  110 , pipe support  130 , pipe clamp  120 , insulation  190 , protective covering  195 , and the weight of the fluid within the pipe  110 . The use of a rigid material having a high compressive strength for the one or more acoustic isolators  150  can thus be particularly advantageous. In one or more embodiments, the acoustic isolator  150  can be suitable for use in ambient and/or elevated temperatures. In one or more embodiments, the one or more acoustic isolators  150  can be flame resistant and/or incombustible. The one or more acoustic isolators  150  can include one or more independent first acoustic isolators  150  disposed in one or more locations between the support base  160  and the sub-support base  140 . In one or more embodiments, the acoustic isolator  150  can include one or more layers or plies of similar or dissimilar materials. One example of an acoustic isolator  150  suitable for exposure to high compressive loads can be a fiber-reinforced calcium silicate, such as that commercially available under the trade designations MARTINTE, MARINITE P, MARINITE L, etc. 
         [0036]    One or more fasteners  180  can be used to connect the movable base  140  to the support base  160 . The one or more fasteners  180  can include, but are not limited to, any combination of nut, bolt, stud, weldment, washer, rivet, screw, wire, or the like. In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3 , a weldment can be formed between the one or more fasteners  180  and support base  160 . The one or more fasteners  180  can extend through a complimentary bore in the one or more acoustic isolators  150 , as seen best in  FIG. 2 , and extends through an aperture in the movable base  140 . One or more nuts  185  can be threadedly attached to proximal end of one or more fasteners  180  to detachably attach or connect the movable base  140 , first flexible member  150 , and support base  160 . Any number of fasteners  180  can be used, and the quantity can be more or less than the six included in the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3 . 
         [0037]    One or more flexible peripheral seals  170  can be disposed around the one or more acoustic isolators  150 . The peripheral seal  170  can cooperate with the one or more acoustic isolators  150  to aid the reduction of acoustic propagation, and can also beneficially minimize or eliminate the ingress and/or egress of fluid or contaminants to the one or more acoustic isolators  150 . The peripheral seal  170  thus allows for the use of materials for the one or more acoustic isolators  150  having superior acoustic dampening characteristics, but might otherwise experience deterioration of acoustic and/or structural properties if exposed to the ambient environment, weather, and/or process fluids. 
         [0038]    The flexible peripheral seal  170  can be provided using one or more flexible sealants having adhesive properties to form a seal against the opposing movable base  140  and support base  160 . A non-limiting example of a flexible sealant for use with hot pipe  110  is an epoxy polysulfide caulk such as that commercially available under the trade designation UNICOAT 5800 (rated for temperature exposure up to 190° C. (375° F.)). Additionally, a flexible sealant can be disposed between a fastener (e.g., nut  185  and stud  180 ) and movable base  140  to further prevent exposure of the first flexible member  150 . The periphery of the first flexible member  150  can be recessed with respect to the movable base  140  and support base  160  by the thickness of the seal  170  so that an outer surface of the seal  170  is coterminous with the edges of the top and support bases. Alternatively, the periphery of movable base  140  and the first flexible member  150  can be coterminous, or offset inwardly or outwardly. As used herein, the term “hot” refers to a surface temperature of at least 90° C., such as at least 92° C., 95° C., 97° C., 100° C., 110° C., 125° C., 150° C., 200° C., 250° C., or at least 300° C. 
         [0039]    In one or more embodiments, thermal insulation  190  can be disposed about and proximate to the one or more pipes  110 . Thermal insulation  190  can include, but is not limited to, sprayed or preformed urethane foam insulation or mineral wool. As shown in the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3 , the thermal insulation  190  can extend to the upper surface of the support base  160 . Optionally, the thermal insulation  190  can substantially cover any portion of any otherwise thermally exposed surfaces of the pipe  110 , clamp  120 , support bar  130 , movable base  140 , first flexible member  150 , flexible peripheral seal  170 , support base  160 , or any combination thereof. A protective covering  195  can be included over the thermal insulation  190 . Protective covering  195  can be a thin metal sheet, for example, stainless steel or aluminum, fabric, or a coating of mastic. The thermal insulation  190  and/or protective covering  195  can be bolted, glued, and/or band strapped to the pipe  110  and/or pipe support system  100  if desired. 
         [0040]    In one or more embodiments, the protective covering  195  can extend to the support base  160  and include an optional weather seal  175  to seal the protective covering  195  to the upper surface of the support base  160 . The weather seal  175  can be an epoxy polysulfide caulk, if desired. Thermal insulation  190  and/or protective covering  195  can extend axially along the pipe  110 , for example, to a second shoe of a pipe support system. 
         [0041]      FIG. 4  depicts a side-perspective schematic illustration of a pipe support system  200  for dampening acoustic propagation from a pipe, according to one embodiments.  FIG. 5  depicts a cross-sectional schematic illustration of the pipe support system  200  as depicted in  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 6  depicts a cross-sectional schematic illustration of a pipe support system  300 , according to one or more embodiments.  FIG. 7  depicts a side-perspective schematic illustration of a pipe support system  400  for dampening acoustic propagation from an ambient or elevated temperature, insulated, pipe, according to one or more embodiments.  FIG. 8  depicts a cross-sectional schematic illustration of the pipe support system  400  depicted in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0042]    The embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7 , and  8  include one or more acoustic isolators ( 250 ,  350 ,  450 ) disposed between a movable base ( 240 ,  340 ,  440 ) and a support base ( 260 ,  360 ,  460 ). The movable base ( 240 ,  340 ,  440 ) can be attached to support base ( 260 ,  360 ,  460 ) using a plurality of fasteners ( 280 ,  380 ,  480 ) and nuts ( 285 ,  385 ,  485 ). A flexible peripheral seal ( 270 ,  370 ,  470 ) can be disposed between the movable ( 240 ,  340 ,  440 ) and support bases ( 260 ,  360 ,  460 ) about the perimeter of the one or more acoustic isolators ( 250 ,  350 ,  450 ). 
         [0043]    In one or more embodiments, the pipe support system ( 200 ,  300 ,  400 ) can include thermal insulation ( 290 ,  390 ,  490 ) and/or protective covering ( 295 ,  395 ,  495 ) over all or a portion of the pipe support system ( 200 ,  300 ,  400 ) and/or pipe ( 210 ,  310 ,  410 ). In one or more embodiments, the thermal insulation ( 290 ,  390 ,  490 ) and/or protective covering ( 295 ,  395 ,  495 ) can include a weather seal ( 275 ,  375 ,  475 ) disposed along the joints formed where the protective covering ( 295 ,  395 ,  495 ) abuts the weather seal ( 275 ,  375 ,  475 ). 
         [0044]    As mentioned above, one or more isolation materials or barriers  212 ,  312 ,  412  can be optionally disposed between the pipe  210 ,  310 ,  410  and the clamps  220 ,  320 ,  420  to thermally and/or acoustically isolate the pipe. The barrier  212 ,  312 ,  412  can be continuously disposed about an outer diameter of the pipe  110 ,  210 ,  310 ,  410  or disposed as one or more axially and/or radially disposed bands or strips. 
         [0045]    The barrier  212 ,  312 ,  412  can be made of any material suitable for thermal and/or acoustic isolation. For example, the barrier can be made of silica aerogels, woven fibers, non-woven fibers, or combinations thereof. In at least one specific embodiment, the barrier can be made of a silica aerogel that is reinforced with a non-woven, glass-fiber matting, such as Pyrogel XT™ that is available from Aspen Aerogel. 
         [0046]    In the exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , a pipe support system  200  can include one or more pipe clamps  220  connected to movable base  240  using a support bar  230 . The clamp  220  can be further supported by a gusset  233  disposed transverse to the support bar  230 . The term “gusset” as used herein, should not be limited to a triangular shape, and instead can include any shape useful for improving the rigidity between two or more perpendicularly connected members, such shapes can, in various examples, be polygonal, circular or ellipsoidal. 
         [0047]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 6 , a pipe support system  300  can include one or more pipe clamps  320  connected to the movable base  340  using one or more support bars (two are shown,  330 ,  335 ). Optionally, the one or more pipe clamps  320  can be supported using a gusset  333  disposed transverse to the one or more support bars ( 330 ,  335 ). 
         [0048]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , a pipe support system  400  can include one or more pipe clamps  420  connected to the movable base  440  by dual support bars ( 430 ,  435 ). Optionally, clamp  420  can be further supported by a gusset  433  disposed transverse to the support bars ( 430 ,  435 ). In this embodiment, the studs  480  and nuts  485  are disposed between support bars ( 430 ,  435 ); however a fastener retaining the movable base  440  to a support base  460  can be disposed at any location thereof. The number of clamps and/or support bars per pipe shoe is not limited to the embodiments shown. 
         [0049]    In yet another embodiment, an apparatus for dampening acoustic propagation from a pipeline is provided. A pipe support can include a support base and a movable base spatially arranged from the support base. One or more fasteners can be disposed through the movable base to the support base, thereby connecting the movable base to the support base. One or more acoustic isolators can be disposed between an upper surface of the support base and a lower surface of the movable base. 
         [0050]    In one or more embodiments, the one or more acoustic isolators can include, but is not limited to a monolithic member fabricated from fiber reinforced calcium silicate. In one or more embodiments, the one or more acoustic isolators can include two or more members fabricated using one or more heat resistant materials and one or more vibration dampening materials. In one or more embodiments, the one or more heat resistant materials can be disposed about the one or more fasteners. 
         [0051]      FIG. 9  depicts another horizontal cross-sectional illustration of a pipe support system  900  according to one or more embodiments.  FIG. 10  depicts a vertical cross-sectional illustration of the pipe support system  900  along line  10 - 10 , according to one or more embodiments. A composite of at least two different materials can be used to form the acoustic isolator  910  disposed between the movable base  140  and the support base  160 . The composite construction of the acoustic isolator advantageously combines one or more heat resistant isolators  915  with one or more vibration absorbing materials  920  to provide a single pipe support system  900  capable of both thermally and mechanically isolating one or more pipes from an underlying support structure. 
         [0052]    In one or more embodiments, the heat resistant isolator  915  can be formed in a hollow shape, having one or more openings disposed therethrough. In one or more embodiments, at least one of the one or more fasteners  180  connecting the movable base  140  to the support base  160  can penetrate through one or more bores through the heat resistant isolator  915 . The one or more heat resistant isolators  915  can be fabricated using one or more materials suitable for high compressive loads, for example fiber-reinforced calcium silicate. Fiber-reinforced calcium silicate is commercially available under the trade designations MAPINITE, MARINITE P, MARINITIE L, etc. In one or more embodiments, one or more flexible peripheral seals  170  can be disposed around the one or more acoustic isolators  910 . 
         [0053]    The acoustic isolator  910 , as depicted in  FIGS. 9 and 10  can include a heat resistant isolator  915  in the shape of a rectangle, having a smaller rectangular opening formed therethrough. One or more independent bores can be formed in the heat resistant isolator  915  to accommodate each of the fasteners  180 . In the pipe support system  900  depicted in  FIG. 9 , six bores through the heat resistant isolator  915  are depicted, each bore accommodating one fastener  18   a . One or more vibration absorbing materials  920  can be disposed within the smaller rectangular opening, partially or completely filling the opening. The one or more vibration absorbing materials  920  can include, but are not limited to, one or more elastomers, plastics, shredded plastics, fibrous plastics, mixtures thereof, or any combination thereof. 
         [0054]      FIG. 11  depicts another horizontal cross-sectional illustration of a pipe support system  1100  according to one or more embodiments.  FIG. 12  depicts a vertical cross-sectional illustration of the pipe support system  1100  along line  12 - 12 , according to one or more embodiments. The pipe support system  1100  can include at least two different materials disposed between the movable base  140  and the support base  160 . In one or more embodiments, one or more vibration absorbent materials  1120  and one or more individual, independent, heat resistant isolators  1115  can be disposed between the movable base  140  and the support base  160 . 
         [0055]    The one or more heat resistant isolators  1115  can be made in any solid or hollow geometric shape or configuration, for example rectangular, square, circular, polygonal, or any combination thereof. As depicted in  FIG. 11 , the one or more individual heat resistant isolators  1115  can be in the shape of a cubic or rectangular solid. In one or more embodiments, each of the one or more individual heat resistant isolators  1115  can a bore formed therethrough for disposal about each of the fasteners  1890  connecting the movable base  140  to the support base  160 . The one or more heat resistant isolators  1115  can be fabricated using a material suitable for high compressive loads, for example fiber-reinforced calcium silicate. Fiber-reinforced calcium silicate is commercially available under the trade designations MARINITE, MARINITE P, MARINITE L, etc. 
         [0056]    One or more vibration absorbent materials  1120  can be disposed about the individual heat resistant isolators  1115 , in the void space formed between the movable base  140 , the support base  160  and the individual heat resistant isolators  1115 . In one or more embodiments one or more flexible peripheral seals  170  can be disposed about the periphery of the composite isolator formed by the one or more individual heat resistant isolators  1115  and the one or more vibration absorbent materials  1120 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 13  depicts another horizontal cross-sectional illustration of a pipe support system  1300  according to one or more embodiments.  FIG. 14  depicts a vertical cross-sectional illustration of the pipe support system  1300  depicted in  FIG. 13  along line  14 - 14 , according to one or more embodiments. Similar to the pipe support system  1100  depicted in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the pipe support system  1300  can include two or more heat resistant isolators  1315  and/or vibration absorbent materials  1320  disposed between the movable base  140  and the support base  160 . In one or more embodiments, one or more vibration absorbent materials  1320  and one or more individual, independent, heat resistant isolators  1315  can be disposed between the movable base  140  and the support base  160 . 
         [0058]    The one or more heat resistant isolators  1315  can be in any solid or hollow geometric shape or configuration, for example rectangular, square, circular, polygonal, or any combination thereof. As depicted in  FIG. 13 , the one or more individual heat resistant isolators  1315  can be formed in the shape of a cubic or rectangular solid having a notch or slot  1310  disposed thereupon. The notch or slot  1310  in each individual heat resistant isolator  1315  can enable the insertion and removal of the heat resistant isolators  1315  without requiring the complete removal of the movable base  140 . The ability to remove and replace individual isolators  1135  without removing the movable base  140  can advantageously enable the repair and/or replacement of one or more heat resistant isolators  1315  without disrupting the pipe supported by the pipe support system  1300 . The one or more heat resistant isolators  1315  can be fabricated using a material suitable for high compressive loads, for example Fiber-reinforced calcium silicate. Fiber-reinforced calcium silicate is commercially available under the trade designations MARINITE, MARINITE P, MARINITE L, etc. 
         [0059]    One or more vibration absorbent materials  1320  can be disposed about the individual heat resistant isolators  1315 , between the movable base  140  and the support base  160 . In one or more embodiments one or more flexible peripheral seals  170  can be disposed about the periphery of the composite isolator formed by the one or more individual heat resistant isolators  1315  and the one or more vibration absorbent materials  1320 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 15  depicts an end view of an illustrative pipe support system  1500  according to one or more embodiments. In one or more embodiments, the pipe support system  1500  can include one or more isolation materials or barriers (“first isolators”) (one is shown  112 ) and one or more isolation materials or barriers (“second isolators”) (one is shown  1505 ). In one or more embodiments, the first isolator  112 , the second isolator  1505 , or both can include one or more discrete isolators. For example, the first isolator  112  can include one discrete layer of isolation material and the second isolator can include two discrete layers of isolation material. In one or more embodiments, the first isolator  112  can be at least partially disposed about a pipe  110  to be insulated. In one or more embodiments, the second isolator  1505  can be at least partially disposed about the first isolator  112 . In one or more embodiments, the first isolator  112  can be disposed about at least a portion of a length of the outer diameter or outer surface of the pipe  110 . In one or more embodiments, the second isolator  1505  can be disposed about at least a portion of a length of the outer diameter or outer surface of the first isolator  112 . In one or more embodiments, the pipe support system  1500  can further include one or more clamps (one is shown  120 ), one or more support members or support bars (two are shown  130 ), and a support base  160 . In one or more embodiments, the pipe  110 , the first isolator  112  and the second isolator  1505  can be disposed within the clamp  120 . The clamp  120  can be attached to the support base  160  via the one or more support members  130 . 
         [0061]    In one or more embodiments, the first isolator  112  can be made of any material suitable for thermal and/or acoustic isolation. In one or more embodiments, the first isolator  112  can reduce the transfer of heat and/or acoustic energy from the pipe  110  to the second isolator  1505 . In one or more embodiments, the first isolator  112  can reduce the transfer of heat and/or acoustic energy from the second isolator  1505  to the pipe  110 . In one or more embodiments, the first isolator  112  can reduce the transfer of heat and/or acoustic energy from the pipe  110  to the second isolator  1505 , from the second isolator  1505  to the pipe  110 , or both. 
         [0062]    In one or more embodiments, the first isolator  112  can insulate the second isolator from a pipe  140  carrying or otherwise transporting a heated fluid, such that the temperature of the second isolator  1505  remains below about 200° C., below about 150° C., below about 125° C., below about 110° C., below about 105° C., below about 100° C., below about 95° C., below about 90° C., below about 85° C., below about 80° C., below about 7503, below about 70° C., or less. For example, a fluid flowing through the pipe  110  at a temperature of about 200° C. can transfer heat to the wall of the pipe  110 , which can radiate outwardly toward the first isolator  112 . The first isolator  112  can have a heat conductivity low enough, such that sufficient heat flow from the pipe  110  to the second isolator  1505  can be prevented to maintain the second isolator at a temperature of less than about 10° C. In one or more embodiments, the first isolator  112  can have a thermal conductivity less than about 50 mV/m*K, about 40 mW/m*K, about 30 mW/m*K, about 25 mW/m*K, about 20 m mW/*K, about 15 mW/m*K, about 10 mW/m*K, or less. 
         [0063]    In one or more embodiments, the first isolator  112  can be stable over a wide range of temperatures. For example, the first isolator  112  can be stable at temperatures ranging from a low of about 250° C., about −200° C., about −175° C., or about −150° C. to a high of about 500° C., about 650° C., about 700° C., about 750° C., or more. In one or more embodiments, the second isolator  1505  can be stable over a wide range of temperatures, however the upper temperature limit of the second isolator  1505  can be exposed to without damage or deterioration can be substantially less than the temperature the first isolator  112  can be exposed. For example, the second isolator  1505  can be stable at a temperature of about 125° C. or less, about 110° C. or less, about 100° C. or less, about 90° C. or less, or about 80° C. or less. In one or more embodiments, the first isolator  112  disposed between the pipe  110  and the second isolator  1505  can provide a pipe support system  1500  suitable for supporting a pipe  110  at a temperature ranging from low (−170° C., for example) to high (400° C., for example), where the second isolator can have an upper operational temperature limit of about 100° C. 
         [0064]    In at least one specific embodiment, the pipe  110  can be primarily designed for carrying or transporting fluids at cryogenic temperatures, for example about −165° C. However, due to operational interruptions high temperatures of a fluid within the pipe  110  can be reached. These operational interruptions can cause the fluid within the pipe  110  to increase a temperature of about 100° C. or more, about 125° C. or more, about 150° C. or more, about 175° C. or more, about 200° C. or more, or about 215° C. or more, During these high temperature cycles the first isolator  112  can prevent or otherwise reduce the high temperature radiating from the pipe  110  from damaging or otherwise affecting the material properties of the second isolator  1505 . Therefore, the second isolator  1505  can be made from materials suitable for primarily insulating heat transfer from the environment to the normally cryogenic fluid transported within the pipe  110 , but during operational interruptions that generate heat within the pipe  110 , the second isolator can be protected by the first isolator  112  from damage due to the heat radiating from the pipe  110 . This arrangement can provide a second isolator  1505  that can be easier to install, lower cost, more durable to outside environmental parameters, such as water, wind, and/or process fluids than the material of the first isolator  110 , provide necessary rigidity, compression strength, and/or provide increased insulation to the pipe  110  that can primarily carry or otherwise transport cryogenic fluids. 
         [0065]    In one or more embodiments, the first isolator  110  and/or the second isolator  1505  can insulate the clamp  120 , the support members  130 , and the support plate  160  from a pipe  110  carrying or otherwise transporting a cryogenic fluid, Conventional steels, for example carbon steel, become brittle at cryogenic temperatures, which can result in fractures and ultimately failure in a pipe support. However, the thermal insulation provided by the first isolator  110  and/or the second isolator  1505  can prevent the clamp  120 , support members  130 , and the support plate  160  from cooling to temperatures at which conventional steels become brittle. 
         [0066]    In one or more embodiments, the first isolator  112  can include, but is not limited to, silica aerogels, woven fibers, non-woven fibers, or any combination thereof. In at least one specific embodiment, the first isolator  112  can be made of a silica aerogel that is reinforced with a non-woven, glass-fiber matting, such as Pyrogel® XT that is available from Aspen Aerogels™. In at least one specific embodiment the first isolator  112  can be made of a silica aerogel that is reinforced with fibers, such as Cryogel Z™ and Spaceloft® that are also available from Aspen Aerogels™. In at least one specific embodiment the first isolator  112  can be a silica aerogel available from Cabot™ and referred to under the trade name Nanogel™. In one or more embodiments, other suitable aerogels can include carbon and/or alumina based aerogels. 
         [0067]    In one or more embodiments, the second isolator  1505  can insulate the pipe support system  1500  from thermal energy and/or acoustic energy and/or mechanical energy. The second isolator  1505  can be made of any suitable material for insulating the pipe support system  1500 . Illustrative materials suitable for the second isolator  1505  can include, but are not limited to polyurethane and/or high density polyurethane. At temperatures greater than about 100° C., high density polyurethane will begin to be adversely affected. However, the first isolator  1505  can sufficiently insulate the second isolator  1505  from a high temperature (i.e. greater than 100° C.) emitted from the pipe  110 . In one or more embodiments, other materials that may be suitable for the second isolator  1505  can include, but are not limited to filled epoxy, laminated wood, glass-fibers, and formed glass, for example. 
         [0068]    In one or more embodiments, the first isolator  112 , the second isolator  1505 , or both can be pre-formed into semi-circular or half-circle forms having a suitable inner diameter. For example, the second isolator  1505  can include two separate half-circle pre-formed sections that, when placed together, provide an inner bore therethrough configured to conform to the outer surface area of the first isolator  112  disposed about the pipe  110 . 
         [0069]    In one or more embodiments, the first isolator  112  and the second isolator  1505  can be glued together using one or more adhesives. In one or more embodiments, preformed half-circle sections of isolator  1505  can be glued or otherwise secured to the first isolator  112  to provide an integrated first isolator  112  and second isolator  1505 . Pre-forming and adhering the first isolator  112  and the second isolator  1505  can reduce installation time and cost. Any suitable adhesive can be used to glue the first isolator  112  to the second isolator  1505 . Illustrative adhesives can include, Duro-Tak 80-1068, available from National Starch and Chemical Company or Dap Weldwood 0306, available from DAP International. 
         [0070]      FIG. 16  depicts an end view of an illustrative pipe support system  1600 , according to one or more embodiments. In one or more embodiments, the pipe support system  1600  can include a pipe  110 , one or more isolation materials or barriers (“first isolators”) (one is shown  112 ), one or more isolation materials or barriers (“second isolators”) (one is shown  1505 ), and one or more isolation materials or barriers (“third isolators”) (one is shown  1605 ). In one or more embodiments, the first isolator  112  can be disposed about at least a portion of the outer diameter or outer surface of the pipe  110 . In one or more embodiments, the second isolator  1505  can be disposed about at least a portion of the outer diameter or outer surface of the first isolator  112 . In one or more embodiments, the third isolator  1605  can be disposed about at least a portion of the outer diameter or surface of the second isolator  1505 . In one or more embodiments, the pipe support system  1600  can further include one or more vapor barriers (“fourth isolators”) (one is shown  1610 ), one or more cladding layers (one is shown  1615 ), one or more clamps (one is shown  120 ), support members (two are shown  130 ), and a support base  160 . 
         [0071]    In one or more embodiments, the first isolator  112 , the second isolator  1505 , the clamp  120 , support members  130 , and support base  160  can be as discussed and described above with reference to  FIG. 15 . The third isolator  1605  can be made of any suitable material for insulating the pipe support system  1500 . In one or more embodiments, the third isolator  1605  can be the same material as the second isolator  1505 . In one or more embodiments, the third isolator  1605  can be a different material than the second isolator  1505 , Illustrative materials suitable for the third isolator  1605  can include, but are not limited to polyurethane and/or high density polyurethane, filled epoxy, laminated wood, glass-fibers, and formed glass. 
         [0072]    In one or more embodiments, the fourth isolator  1610  can be at least partially disposed about the outer diameter or outer surface area of the third isolator  1605 . In one or more embodiments, the fourth isolator  1610  can be disposed about the entire outer diameter or surface area of the third isolator  1605 . The fourth isolator  1610  can prevent or reduce the transfer of water and/or other fluids from the environment to the second isolator, from the second isolator to the environment, or both. The fourth isolator  1610  can be made from any material suitable for reducing and/or preventing the transfer of one or more fluids, Illustrative materials can include, but are not limited to, polymer films, multilayer films, and the like. In at least one specific embodiment, the fourth isolator  1610  can be Saran 560 Industrial Film available from the Dow Chemical Company. In at least one specific embodiment the fourth isolator  1610  can be an aluminum/polyester/aluminum film, such as Alpha Alaflex Style 13 MAM that is available from Alpha Associates, Inc. 
         [0073]    In one or more embodiments, the second isolator  1505 , the third isolator  1605 , or both can be coated with one or more protective coatings (not shown). The one or more protective coatings can improve various properties of the second isolator  1505  and/or the third isolator  1605 , such as mechanical strength. An illustrative material suitable for the one or more protective coatings can include, but are not limited to one or more elastomeric or mastic coatings, such as Monolar Mastic 60-59, which is available from Foster Products. 
         [0074]    In one or more embodiments, the first isolator  112  and the second isolator  1505 , can be pre-formed as discussed and described above with reference to  FIG. 15 . In one or more embodiments, the third isolator  1605  and/or the fourth isolator  1610  can also be pre-formed. In one or more embodiments, the first isolator  112 , the second isolator  1505 , the third isolator  1605 , and/or the fourth isolator  1610  can be glued or otherwise secured together. 
         [0075]    In one or more embodiments, the cladding layer  1615  can be at least partially disposed about the outer diameter or outer surface area of the fourth isolator  1610 . In one or more embodiments, the cladding layer  1615  can be disposed about the entire outer diameter or surface area of the fourth isolator  1610 . The cladding layer  1615  can prevent or reduce damage to the pipe  110 , the first isolator  112 , the second isolator  1505 , the third isolator  1605 , and/or the fourth isolator  1610  disposed therein. In one or more embodiments, the cladding layer  1615  can prevent and/or reduce damage that can be caused by wind, radiation from the sun, external forces such as a falling tree limb or a dropped tool, and the like. 
         [0076]    In one or more embodiments, the cladding layer  1615  can be made from any material suitable for protecting the components (i.e. the pipe  110  and isolators  112 ,  1506 ,  1605 , and/or  1610 ) disposed therein. Illustrative materials can include, but are not limited to one or more layers of metal (e.g. stainless steel or aluminum), polymers, fabrics, rubbers, fiber glass, resins, and the like. 
         [0077]      FIG. 17  depicts an end view of an illustrative pipe support system  1700  according to one or more embodiments. In one or more embodiments, at least two isolators (two are shown  1705 ,  1710 ) can be disposed between a movable base  140  and a support base  160 . In one or more embodiments, the isolators  1705 ,  1710  can reduce or otherwise minimize the transfer of thermal energy (high temperature and/or low temperature) between the underlying support structure and a pipe  110 . Such high temperatures, low temperatures, or both can be caused by fluid flow and/or auxiliary equipment to which the pipe  110  is attached. The isolator or “first isolator”  1705  can be fabricated using a material, such as aerogel, that can be subjected to both cryogenic temperatures (e.g. 170° C.) and high temperatures (e.g. 500° C.). The first isolator  1705  can be made from materials similar to the first isolator  112  discussed and described above with reference to  FIGS. 15 and 16 . 
         [0078]    In one or more embodiments, the isolator or “second isolator”  1710  can be fabricated using a material, such as high density polyurethane, that can be subjected to cryogenic temperatures, but not high temperatures (i.e. less than 100° C.). The second isolator  1710  can be made from materials similar to the second isolator  1505  discussed and described above with reference to  FIGS. 15 and 16 . The first isolator  1705  can minimize heat transfer from the pipe  110  to the second isolator  1710 , which can primarily transport cryogenic fluids, but due to operational disruptions can from time to time exceed temperatures greater than 100° C. at which point the second isolator  1710  can be damaged. 
         [0079]    In one or more embodiments, the movable base  140  can be attached via one or more support members (two are shown  130 ) to the pipe  110 . In one or more embodiments, the pipe  110  can be attached to the support members  130  by welding, adhesives, clamps, bolts and nuts, or any other equivalent fastening system. In one or more embodiments, the movable base  140  can be attached to the support members  130  by welding, adhesives, clamps, bolts and nuts, or any other equivalent fastening system. In one or more embodiments, the movable base  140  can be attached to the support base  160  via one or more bolts  180  and nuts  185 . 
         [0080]    In one or more embodiments, insulation  190  and/or a protective layer or covering (one is shown  195 ) can be disposed about the pipe  110 , the support members  130 , the movable base  140 , the first isolator  1705 , and/or the second isolator  1710 . In one or more embodiments, the support base  160  can be permanently attached, integral with, or detachably attached to an underlying support structure (not shown). 
         [0081]    In one or more embodiments, the insulation  190  can include, but is not limited to, mineral wool, formed glass, glass fibers, and/or filled epoxy. In one or more embodiments, the insulation  190  can substantially cover any portion of any exposed surface of the pipe  110 , support members  130 , movable base  140 , support base  160 , or any combination thereof. A protective covering  195  can be included over the thermal insulation  190 . The protective covering  195  can be a thin metal sheet, for example, stainless steel or aluminum, fabric, or a coating of mastic. The insulation  190  and/or protective covering  195  can be bolted, glued, and/or band strapped to the pipe  110  and/or pipe support system  1700 , if desired. 
         [0082]    In one or more embodiments, the protective covering  195  can extend to the support base  160  and include an optional weather seal  175  to seal the protective covering  195  to the upper surface of the support base  160 . The weather seal can be as discussed and described above with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 . Thermal insulation  190  and/or protective covering  195  can extend axially along the pipe  110 , for example, to a second pipe support system (not shown). 
         [0083]      FIG. 18  depicts an end view of an illustrative pipe support system  1800  according to one or more embodiments. In one or more embodiments, at least two isolators (two are shown  1705 ,  1710 ) can be disposed between a movable base  140  and a support base  160 , which can be as discussed and described above with reference to  FIG. 17 . In one or more embodiments, the pipe support system  1800  can further include one or more isolation materials or barriers (“first isolators”) (one is shown  112 ), one or more clamps (one is shown  120 ), and support members (one is shown  130 ). In one or more embodiments, the first isolator  112  can be at least partially disposed about a pipe  110 . The first isolator  112  and the pipe  110  can be supported by the clamp  120 , which can be connected to the moveable base  140  via the support members  130  as discussed and described above with reference to  FIG. 17 . In one or more embodiments, insulation  190  and/or a protective coveting (one is shown  195 ) can be disposed about the first isolator  112 , the clamp  120 , the support member  130 , the movable base  140 , the first isolator  1705 , and/or the second isolator  1710 . In one or more embodiments, the support base  160  can be permanently attached, integral with, or detachably attached to an underlying support structure (not shown). 
         [0084]      FIG. 19  depicts another end view of an illustrative pipe support system  1900  according to one or more embodiments. In one or more embodiments, the pipe support system  1900  can include one or more isolation materials or barriers (“first isolators”) (one is shown  112 ) and one or more isolation materials or barriers (“second isolators”) (one is shown  1505 ). The first isolator  112  and the second isolator  1505  can be as discussed and described above with reference to  FIG. 15 . In one or more embodiments, the pipe support system  1900  can further include one or mole clamps (one is shown  120 ), support members (one is shown  130 ), a movable base  140 , at least two isolators  1705 ,  1710 , and a support base  160 , which can be as discussed and described above with reference to  FIGS. 15-18 . 
         [0085]    In one or more embodiments, the pipe support system  1900  can thermally and/or acoustically insulate energy from a pipe  110  supported by the pipe support system  1900 . The pipe  110  can be at a cryogenic temperature (e.g. 200° C.) or high temperature (e.g. 300° C.). When the pipe  110  radiates heat outwardly at temperatures exceeding 100° C. the second isolators  1505 , and  1710  can begin to degrade. However, the thermal insulation provided by the first isolator  112  and the first isolator  1705 , as discussed above, can have a heat conductivity low enough, such that sufficient heat flow from the pipe  110  to the second isolator  1505  and the second isolator  1705  can be prevented to maintain the second isolators  1505 ,  1705  at a temperature of less than about 100° C. 
         [0086]    Certain embodiments and features have been described using a set of numerical upper limits and a set of numerical lower limits. It should be appreciated that ranges from any lower limit to any upper limit are contemplated unless otherwise indicated. Certain lower limits, upper limits and ranges appear in one or more claims below. All numerical values are “about” or “approximately” the indicated value, and take into account experimental error and variations that would be expected by a person having ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0087]    Various terms have been defined above. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined above, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in at least one printed publication or issued patent. Furthermore, all patents, test procedures, and other documents cited in this application are fully incorporated by reference to the extent such disclosure is not inconsistent with this application and for all jurisdictions in which such incorporation is permitted. 
         [0088]    While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.