Abstract: A pipe restraint and methods for its use are disclosed. The pipe restraint includes a hollow cylindrical housing of varying diameter. A shaft having first and second wedges is received by the housing. The housing is attached to a fixed structural member, such as a wall and the shaft is attached to the pipe. Depending on the force being applied to the pipe, one of the wedges engages the housing at a point where the diameter changes. The housing's resistance to movement of the wedges varies between two points of differing diameter of the housing. In one embodiment a disc spring assembly is located at one end of the housing. In one method a gapped restraint is attached to a pipe and the size of the gap in the restraint is less than the anticipated movement of the pipe due to a static load.

Abstract: A system for limiting the movement of a pipe due to a seismic event is disclosed, including an energy absorbing device for restraining the pipe in the event of the seismic event, and a clamp adapted be attached about the pipe at a point where the anticipated unrestrained movement due to a seismic event is greater than the anticipated thermal movement of the pipe. The energy absorbing device is connected at one of its ends to the clamp, and the opposite end of the energy absorbing device is adapted to be connected to a substantially immovable support structure or wall. The device includes a first elongated member having a hollow portion therein and a second member mounted within the hollow portion of the first member. One of the first and second members has its front end fixedly connected to the clamp, and the other one of the members has its rear end adapted to be connected fixedly to the support structure.

Abstract: In a pipe whip restraint system for limiting movement of a high-pressure pipe, in the event of the breaking or rupturing of it, an energy absorbing device for restraining movement of the pipe, and a collar adapted to be attached to the pipe or other object to be restrained, the energy absorbing device being connected at one of its ends to the collar and at its opposite end being adapted to be anchored to a substantially immovable support structure or wall disposed adjacent the pipe. The device includes a first elongated member having a hollow portion therein and a second member mounted within the hollow portion of the first member. One of the first and second members has its front end fixedly connected to the collar, and the other one of the members has its rear end adapted to be fixedly connected to the support structure.