10 Feb Answers to Your Questions About Cantilever Pipe Storage Racks
Capacity
One of the first questions you should ask is about capacity. You need to ask what capacity you need your racks to be able to handle. Cantilever racks come in many different capacities. The racks accommodate almost any load you want. Obviously, that is true within some reasonable limits. Keep in mind that, as with anything, anything custom is probably going to increase your budget. However, you can and should prepare for that reality. You should be able to get the cantilever rack that you need. Many of the cantilever pipe storage racks in the marketplace right now can handle 2500 pounds per level. Keep in mind that these numbers are based on a uniformly distributed weight. Based on this fact, you will likely need more arms to make sure that the weight has even distribution. Especially if you go over the 2500 pounds per level of a standardized rack.
“You also need to think about the fact that the seismic activity beneath every location is different. Moreover, you may have to have different seismic calculations and testing done for your rack. As a result, you need this to get a permit in your location.”
New Versus Used
The next question you have to ask is if you want new or used. If you have a standard load then you might be able to find a cantilever rack that will fit what you want as a used model. However, the more custom you need the cantilever rack the less likely you are going to find a used version. You also need to think about the fact that the seismic activity beneath every location is different. You may have to have different seismic calculations and testing done for your rack to get a permit in your location. It is also true that not all racks have ever had any seismic testing or calculations done on them. If you get the wrong rack and inspection comes to your business then you could possibly be told to remove your rack and store it until it is capable of getting the proper seismic calculations and testing. If it needs a modification then you will have to spend time and money to get it modified so you can use it. There are cases where buying new could be cheaper than getting it modified and seismically tested. If you do choose to buy a used model make sure that you are working with a reputable company. Working with a good company means that you will know exactly what you are getting into before you have the rack in your physical possession.
Arm Type
One of the questions you will have to ask yourself when you are looking for a cantilever pipe storage rack is what kind of arm you want for your cantilever rack. If you choose to get a used version of these then you might not have a chance to choose whether or not you want straight arms or inclined arms. The more obvious choice for the storage of pipe is to have inclined arms because the incline will help you keep the pipes on the cantilever. If you have straight arms then you have the possibility of the product rolling off of the cantilever pipe storage racks. You could buy stop pins for your straight arm cantilever rack however it would be smarter to get inclined arms if they are available.
“A cantilever rack with inclined arms may be able to hold pipes in place without the use of stop pins. But, it would be safer to have stop pins just in case of an emergency.”
Stop Pins
If you are going to use cantilever to store your pipes then you are going to want stop pins. The only exception to this may be the situation where you have inclined arms. A cantilever rack with inclined arms may be able to hold pipes in place without the use of stop pins. But, itt would be safer to have stop pins just in case of an emergency. Remember there is always the chance of seismic activity moving the ground around beneath your rack in your business. Why not have the security of both inclined arms and cantilever stop pins in order to protect you, your family, your clients, and/or your employees from falling pipes. Of course, it does not guarantee total protection but it is better than nothing.
The other advantage of getting stop pins is that they are very easy to install. The ones we have in our store are a drop-in model. You only have to drop the pin into its holder to install the cantilever stop pin. The only thing that is going to stop you from putting these in quickly is how high the rack arms are from the ground. You may have to use some kind of work platform to put these on the proper levels. However, as mentioned before, it is a very good idea just for safety reasons.
If you are looking for cantilever pipe storage racks that are ready for the rack permit process then click over to that link and have a look at our products. If you need custom cantilever racks or used cantilever racks then call us. You will find the phone number in the footer.
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