Slide Plate Applications

Slide plates are designed to provide a low coefficient of friction between stationary structures and moving pipe supports. The plates provide a surface friction that has been carefully designed to provide for movements of the piping systems, due to factors such as thermal expansion. In this way, the slide plates allow the system to move easier, keeping it in proper working order.

Assembly Basics

Slide plates are usually arranged in what is known as a ‘sandwich’ formation, which consists of an upper slide plate component and a lower slide plate component.

The lower slide plate may also be welded to a stationary support (i.e. structural steel member), which grounds the plate, while the other plate is attached to the moving component directly. As the system moves, friction is transferred at the intersection of the two plates.

When ordering, always specify the dimensions of the upper and lower slide plate. As a rule, the upper slide plate should be large enough to completely cover the lower plate at all times.

Recommended Applications / Temperature Limits

-320F to +500F with low PSI

Different plates are suited for different temperature limits. While all plates have been rigorously tested for suitability within industrial settings, understanding the particular variables of that setting is vital to purchasing the appropriate plate for each application.

PTFE, 25% Glass Filled Slide PlatesThese slide plates will handle temperatures from negative 320 degrees Fahrenheit to positive 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

The PTFE plates are ideal for cross beam and girder slip joints, air preheaters, penstocks, vessels, and other industrial and architectural applications.

Installation of PTFE plates is available in two configurations, the standard and custom. The standard assembly features two sets of 3/32” thick PTFE pads bonded to 1/8” carbon steel backing plates with a 1/2” lip for field welding. The custom assembly features 2 sets of 3/32” thick PTFE pads bonded to the specified backing material, with a minimum 1/2” lip for full welding. If the desired thickness of the backing plate is not the standard 1/8,” those who are purchasing the plate should specify a different thickness when placing their order

Bronzphite® Slide Plates

-320F to +500F with 500 PSI

Bronze plates impregnated with graphite will also handle temperatures up to positive 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, bronze plates are suited for high pressure systems with a load of up to 2000 PSI.

The bronze plate is available in a standard configuration, which consists of the bronze plate bolted to a steel backing plate, allowing it to be welded in the field. The plate is self-lubricating and durable, and is recommended for a variety of industrial applications, including pipelines, storage tanks, and dust collectors.

Graphite Slide PlatesUp to 1,000˚ F with 2000 PSI

For those systems which produce exceptional pressure and heat, pure graphite slide plates are recommended. With a range of up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit for ambient conditions, and 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit for inert settings, graphite slide plates can also handle up to 2000 PSI. The graphite plates come in two different configurations, the ‘bonded’ and ‘bolted’ assembly. The bonded configuration consists of a ¼” thick graphite pad bonded to a metal backing plate. The bolted configuration consists of a ½” thick graphite pad bonded and bolted to a metallic backing pad. Both configurations can either be tack welded or fully welded to support components.

Graphite plates are best for heavy infrastructure such as bridges, highway overpasses, railroad bridges, and airport hangar doors. Domes, roof slabs and corbels, vibration pads and other architectural features are also suitable applications. In the industrial realm, offshore drilling rigs, wind tunnels, and other heavy machinery benefit from graphite plates.