Pipe whip restraint system and energy absorbing device therefor

In a system for limiting movement of a pipe in the event of rupturing or breaking same, the combination comprising:

• pipe engageable means disposed at the pipe to be restrained;
• an energy absorbing device connected at one of its ends to said pipe engageable means and at the opposite end adapted to be anchored to a substantially immovable support structure, a second energy absorbing device connected at one of its ends to said pipe engageable means and at its opposite end being adapted to be anchored to the substantially immovable support structure, said second energy absorbing device being generally similar to the first-mentioned energy absorbing device and extending at an angle thereto radially from said pipe engageable means, one of said pipe engageable means and said devices being arranged for mounting said system relative to the pipe for accommodating free movement of the pipe over a certain distance during normal operating conditions, said devices including a first elongated member having a hollow portion therein, a second member mounted within the hollow portion of said first member, one of said first and second members having its front end fixedly connected to said pipe engageable means and the other one of said members having its rear end adapted to be fixedly connected to the support structure, said first member having a first interference means and said second member having second interference means for engaging forcibly said first interference means and for thereafter continuing relative movement between said first and said second interference means for energy absorbing purposes when the pipe moves forcibly further than the certain distance.