When installing a 100-foot steam line, where should the anchoring be placed?

Placing the anchoring at each end of the pipe is essential for maintaining the stability and structural integrity of a steam line. Anchors serve to secure the pipe in place, preventing movement caused by thermal expansion and contraction of the material when the steam heats the pipe. If the anchors were only placed in the middle, the sections of the line could move and lead to misalignment, increased stress on fittings, or even potential breakage or leaks.

Anchoring at both ends allows the pipe to expand and contract freely in the middle, minimizing stress points. This practice is aligned with standard engineering guidelines that dictate proper installation methods for steam lines, ensuring safety and efficiency throughout the system. The other options do not provide a practical or effective approach to anchoring; for example, random placement or spacing every third foot would not afford adequate support or would not align with structural engineering principles.