Our inventory of sway braces provides a reliable solution for controlling vibration and shock in industrial piping systems. Unlike rigid struts that lock a pipe in place, effective sway bracing uses a spring-loaded mechanism to restrain the pipe while allowing necessary thermal expansion and contraction.
These devices function as dynamic pipe bracing, exerting a restoring force that opposes movement in both tension and compression. Whether used to dampen vibration near pump discharges or to stabilize long pipe runs against wind loads, a properly specified sway brace ensures the structural integrity of the system by keeping dynamic forces within safe limits.
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Vibration in a Piping System
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A: The primary function of a sway brace is to restrain the piping system against vibration and shock loading. It acts as an energy absorber, using an internal spring to resist oscillation and return the pipe to its neutral position.
A: Sway bracing allows for controlled movement. A rigid strut is a static restraint that does not move, whereas a sway brace permits thermal expansion or contraction while actively dampening vibration through its spring mechanism.
A: You should use sway braces when the goal is to control continuous vibration or sway. Snubbers are typically used in applications that require free thermal movement during normal operation but require instant locking during seismic events or fluid-hammer shocks.
A: Yes. Pipe bracing using sway brace assemblies is a common method for stabilizing piping systems against seismic forces, provided the spring rate and load capacity are calculated to handle the anticipated ground acceleration.
A: Yes. Our sway braces feature an adjustable design, typically using a turnbuckle or threaded rod assembly. This allows the installer to fine-tune the overall length in the field to ensure precise alignment with the structural attachment point.
Download Sway Braces General Information
SIZE RANGE: For pipe sizes 2 inches through 24 inches.
SERVICE: Recommended for controlling vibration, absorbing shock loadings; guiding or restraining the movement of pipe resulting from thermal expansion; bracing a pipe line against sway.
INSTALLATION: The vibration control and sway brace is shipped ready for installation. The rod coupling rotates with slight resistance and the tension test collar can be rotated by hand while holding the rod stationary.
ADJUSTMENT: The sway brace should be in the neutral position when the system is hot and operating, at which time the tension test collar should be hand tight. If it is not, the sway brace should be adjusted to the neutral position by use of the load coupling. The screws in the tension test collar need not be loosened, since they serve only to secure it to the load coupling.
FEATURE:
• Vibration is opposed with an instantaneous counter force bringing the pipe back to normal position.
• A single energy-absorbing pre-loaded spring provides two way action.
• One spring saves space and simplifies design.
• Spring has 3-inch travel in either direction.
• Accurate neutral adjustment assured.
• Enclosed spring excludes dirt and gives a clean, compact appearance.
SPECIFICATION: Fulfills the requirements of the ASA Code for Pressure Piping as to fabrication details and materials.
ORDERING: Specify figure number, size, description and overall dimension.
VIBRATION CONTROL AND SWAY BRACE
Size Selection:
The vibration control and sway brace gives full deflection forces from 200 lb. to 1,800 lb. and has initial pre-compressed spring forces from 50 lb. to 450 lb. to dampen vibrations, oppose pipe sway and absorb shock forces.
The exact amount of energy needed to control piping should be in proportion to the mass, amplitude of movement, and nature of disturbing forces acting on the pipe. When it is possible to calculate the exact restraining force required, the size of the vibration control and sway brace capable of providing this force should be selected.
To simplify the selection of size, engineers have designed the vibration control and sway brace in three sizes that are readily related to nominal pipe size. For pipe sizes 3-1/2 inch and smaller, the small size is recommended; for 4 to 8-inch, the medium size; and for 10-inch and larger, the large size.
Important:
Rod lengths should be cut and final tension of adjustments made for the hot or operating position of the pipe. If, with the pipe in its hot position, the tension test collar cannot be turned by hand, loosen the jam nut adjacent to the rod coupling and rotate the coupling until the collar can just be turned by hand. Re-tighten the jam nut.
When correct tension adjustments are completed, the brace exerts no force on the pipe in its operating position. Under shutdown conditions, the brace allows the pipe to assume its cold position. It exerts a nominal cold strain force equal to the pre-load force plus the amount of travel from the hot to cold position, times the spring scale of the particular size of the vibration control and sway brace.
