Types of Aeration Pipe Support Stands and Anchors
By: Tom Frankel
Post Date: noviembre 23rd 2016
Aeration systems need to withstand intense stressors. Significant hydraulic loads, chemical exposure, and pipe movements all wear on systems. Water aeration clamps, anchors, and stands provide critical support for wastewater treatment setup. With the right components, it’s possible to protect submerged and yard piping for long-term performance.
Support Stands
Aeration piping requires stable, corrosion-resistant support systems to maintain proper alignment. Durable, lasting equipment prevents long-term damage, ensuring piping can withstand the wear and tear of regular use. Use water aeration support stands to anchor and protect pipes and tanks.
Stainless Steel
These supports are constructed from high-quality stainless steel, which delivers high corrosion resistance in wastewater environments. Stainless steel supports are designed for fixed or adjustable heights, accommodating different tank configurations. There are also special support stands made from 304 or 316 stainless steel.
Plastic Supports
Stainless steel is most often the best material for aeration support stands. However, plastic support stands can offer a lightweight and cost-effective alternative in some conditions. Plastic supports are not designed for heavy-duty structural loads, but they can work for limited wastewater treatment needs.
When cut short, plastic stands can support small systems. As long as there are no significant hydraulic loads, wastewater engineers can use them with a 9-inch disc diffuser installation. They can also be effective in lightweight, high-corrosion applications. Plastic is immune to rust and chemical corrosion, making it effective in wastewater conditions.
While plastic can work effectively, avoid choosing it for only budgetary reasons. In the long term, choosing a more expensive stainless steel support will save operations on maintenance and repair costs unless a professional recommends plastic.
Aeration Anchors
Wastewater piping experiences heavy wear in unique conditions, requiring secure water aeration clamps to keep systems aligned. Wastewater treatment conditions expose components to chemicals, moisture, and strong dynamic forces. Proper anchoring holds all systems in place, preventing movement and stress.
The right anchor depends on the tank material, load, and other critical factors. Here are some of the available anchor options:
Clamps
Pipe clamps wrap around the pipe, holding it in place securely. Some clamps feature a tightening buckle that allows installers to create a tightly fitted shape, securing pipes to structures or each other. Clamps are a highly flexible solution, especially for operations prioritizing convenience and easy maintenance.
Choose more heavy-duty clamps without tightening buckles for larger systems or higher-stress conditions. These clamps are made from steel and use bolted connections to resist movement.
Drop-in Anchors
Drop-in anchors are fixed mounting points for aeration pipes or concrete tanks. They’re made from carbon steel, which provides a durable connection and high load-bearing capacity. Use drop-in anchors for medium- to heavy-duty applications. Their internally threaded design allows easy insertion of bolts or threaded rods.
Epoxy Anchors
Unlike other anchors, epoxy models are a chemically bonded solution. They’re made from an industrial-grade adhesive, which securely bonds the anchor and substrate. The chemical adhesion creates an even load distribution, reducing stress for a long-lasting hold. Epoxy anchors are specially designed to resist water, chemicals, and temperature fluctuations. Choose them for concrete or conditions demanding maximum durability.
Why Invest in Support Stands and Anchors?
Wastewater treatment operations involve strong hydraulic forces and contaminants. With a well-designed support system, facilities can prevent issues that lead to wear while maintaining efficiency. The main benefits of support stands and anchors include:
- Preventing damage: Poor pipe support leads to sagging, excessive vibration, and misalignment. Over time, this wear will lead to lost efficiency and higher energy costs. Unsupported sections can even crack, leak, or fail. Proper support and anchoring protect systems from emergency repairs.
- Extending component life: Poor pipe support increases system wear and strain. Diffusers, membranes, and other systems need correct support and structure to reduce strain. More strain leads to increased replacement and repair costs.
- Reducing fouling: Misaligned pipes create uneven air distribution. Without proper aeration, facilities often see sludge deposits form in low-flow areas. Proper anchoring supports correct positioning, preventing buildup.
- Simplifying maintenance: Custom support and anchor solutions are designed to improve a wastewater treatment system. They make maintenance easier by improving access to components. A properly fitting, custom setup saves money on repairs and energy costs.
What to Consider When Looking for Aeration Pipe Supports and Anchors
The right support can make all the difference in long-term performance and stability. Work with a trusted expert to find the materials best suited for each application. They’ll keep these factors in mind when designing a support system:
- Material and structure: The existing tank materials will impact the anchors and supports used. Different materials require unique connections. Engineers might need drop-in anchors for concrete tanks or bolted connections for metal structures.
- Conditions: Wastewater aeration systems are constantly exposed to biofilm, air pressure, and flowing water. These conditions stress piping, causing early wear — especially when systems have the incorrect supports. Use heavy-duty stainless steel for most conditions, especially when under high hydraulic loads.
- Thermal changes: Temperature and air can cause pipes to expand and contract. Over time, this constant cycle will lead to negative aeration system effects, like stress on the pipe connections. Connections must absorb stress and allow some movement while preventing cracks.
- Durability: Constant moisture and chemical exposure damage materials, making durable pipe supports and anchors essential to prevent corrosion.
Get Expert Wastewater Treatment Solutions From SSI Aeration, Inc
Finding the right aeration anchors and clamps depends on the project — whether in need of high-efficiency aeration systems or durable support structures, the right partner can help.
For over two decades, SSI Aeration, Inc has provided clients with reliable, lasting wastewater treatment solutions, including clamps and fittings engineered to keep supports in place. With cutting-edge innovations like PTFE-coated membranes and advanced monitoring technology, these solutions can improve performance and reduce energy costs.
SSI Aeration, Inc can seamlessly integrate solutions with existing infrastructure. Choose from multiple configurations or select options designed for even more demanding applications, like uneven tank floors or concrete ballast floors.
Ensure any aeration system is operating at peak efficiency and durability. Contact SSI Aeration, Inc today for professional support and customized solutions.

Mr. Frankel co-founded SSI in 1995 with experience in design and distribution of engineered systems. He is in charge of sales, marketing and operations in the company. Mr. Frankel holds multiple US patents related to diffusers. He is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis.