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Hydraulic Snubbers

The two pictures above show hydraulic snubbers which are used to limit the velocity of movement of piping systems when sudden accelerations caused by earthquakes, extreme wind loads or water hammer occur. These devices are designed so slow movement, such as would be expected during thermal expansion, has practically no resistance, but sudden rapid movement is resisted with a force proportional to the velocity raised to a power where the power is determined by the orifice valve and flow pattern in the design. Selection of materials and liquids used will depend on the environment where the snubber is installed. The snubber at the bottom has a ball joint attached for linkage with the system it will protect.