Hilti – a global leader in tools and fastening systems – has introduced the first industrial pipe support system based on four modular component types, designed to accommodate pipes with diameters up to 600 mm.

“Unlike conventional steel structures, Hilti's new addition to its modular, girder installation systems – called the System MI – is a light and fast-to-install solution that requires no welding, making it suitable for use in plant danger zones,” says a spokesman. “It is also entirely reconfigurable, catering for changes in the manufacturing process and can be adapted to match all construction tolerances. In addition, planning time and cost are greatly reduced using Hilti 2D and 3D design software developed according to international standards.”
“The new-generation System MI signals the entry of the Hilti Group into the medium to heavy-duty pipe support market for large industrial manufacturing plants,” says Mike Flook, strategic business manager for the Hilti Regional Office, Middle East and South Asia (MESA) regions.
“System MI is the big brother of Hilti's established, easy-to-use and light-duty MQ channel installation system. It retains full compatibility with System MQ, to the advantage of installers wishing to complement their medium to heavy-duty layouts with smaller pipes and elements.”
“The system also offers TUV-approved safety and simplicity of installation, for pipes up to 600 mm in diameter, making it a first of its kind. Using Hilti industry-standard 2D and 3D design software, the entire process of planning can take place onscreen, well in advance of actual work onsite. In addition, all necessary components can be ordered from an automatically generated part list for added convenience of the clients,” he says.

Simplicity
Four System MI component types cover almost 100 per cent of applications. They are bolted together using components provided by Hilti, and form high-load-bearing supports for use at most plant types. The four components are:
Girders: Available in IS-90 and IS-120 sizes, these cater for medium and heavy-duty applications respectively, and have high resistance to horizontal and vertical bending stresses as well as the effects of torsion.
IS connectors: These are bolted to girders using cast-in slots. Adjustment in steps of 50 mm is possible on the first installation, followed by fine-adjustment of 5 mm.
Steel connectors: The base-plate for connections to steel is secured using beam clamps. These are designed to cover a range of standard steel profiles and take up loads in all directions.
Concrete connectors: The base-plate for connection to concrete can be fastened using a variety of Hilti anchors for a safe hold. These can be either chemical or mechanical anchors according to base material and loading.

Flexibility
“The four-component System MI offers trouble-free installation of pipe supports as well as high reconfiguration and extension freedom. This flexibility is particularly important where changes in pipe layouts are required in order to accommodate manufacturing process adaptations,” he explains.
“The system has also been designed with industrial plants in mind where welded pipe supports are already in position, allowing adaptability to all construction tolerances. This prevents scrapping of existing structures, in turn offering substantial savings to the owner. Compatibility with Hilti's light-duty System MQ permits coverage of all load classes, meaning that installers are able to place smaller pipes and elements in layouts as desired.

Productivity
“Since the components are up to 50 per cent lighter than conventional welded steel structures, additional heavy lifting equipment is not required onsite, which means the systems can be installed by one person with commonly available lifting equipment.
“The fact that the system requires no welding means that it can be assembled, taken apart and reconfigured without any component waste even in plant danger zones (excluding protected areas),” he adds.
“Once installed there is also no need for painting work, since all components are hot-dip galvanised for corrosion resistance. These components are ordered from Hilti and can be delivered at short notice, reducing waiting times significantly in comparison with welded structures that need to be manufactured in advance – a process that often takes several weeks.
“Hilti offers its comprehensive Profis Installation and PDS 3D design software as standard to System MI customers. The software has been designed to make the process of planning significantly faster and easier,” he concludes.