Pipework vibration
Universal solution patented, and supported by AVT Reliability®
Easy-Brace® – Small bore connection bracing
A universal, retrofittable bracing system for Small Bore Connections, designed for rapid installation, high stiffness and long-term reliability.
Easy-Brace® helps reduce the risk of vibration-related fatigue on Small Bore Connections by providing a practical, clamp-on bracing solution that can be configured on site. Explore the key features and design benefits below.
Full Angular and Linear AdjustmentFits a wide range of Small Bore Connection geometries due to infinite rotational adjustment of Easy-Brace® clamps. Struts can be cut to size on site.
Clamp-On Retrofit DesignNo welding is required. Split clamps are bolted onto the pipe and Small Bore Connection geometry, supporting faster and less intrusive installation.
High Stiffness DesignEasily configured to offer restraint in all planes, helping reduce movement and improve support where vibration risk is present.
Easy to InstallCan be installed by non-specialist fitters and is supplied in kit form, supporting practical deployment across site applications.
Use of Nord-Lock WashersNord-Lock wedge lock washers help prevent the assembly from vibrating loose in service, supporting long-term mechanical integrity.
Isolated from Pipework Using Non-Metallic LinerHelps prevent galvanic corrosion from possible dissimilar metal-to-metal contact under pipe clamps.
Manufactured from Stainless 316Suitable for a wide range of environments, including harsh offshore conditions where corrosion resistance is important.
Maintenance Free*Designed as a cost-effective, long-term permanent solution. *Periodic inspection is recommended.
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One of the main causes of pipework failure is fatigue induced by vibrations. The welded joints between Small Bore Connections (SBCs) and ‘main lines’ are particularly vulnerable, accounting for around 80% of all piping failures.
Often the solution is a small-bore connection brace, traditionally fabricated for a specific application. Fabricated braces however require accurate dimensional information to be designed and require welding during installation and often have limited adjustment to accommodate fabrication tolerance and subsequently require protective treatment.
This Easy-Brace® is different, it is a universal anti-vibration pipework product used to brace small bore geometric arrangements using mechanical tools, requiring no further protective treatment and provides a long terms effective solution against vibration induced fatigue.
Designed by AVT Engineers – Built in Britain – Trusted Worldwide. |
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 Universal Fit Fits all existing SBC geometry |
 Retro Fittable Bolt-on solution, no welding, easy removal |
 Cost Effective Reduced design, labour, lead time |
 Enhanced Reliability SS 316 grade, vibration resistant design |
 Improved Safety Minimum 2-plane bracing |
 Maintenance Free Annual inspection checks |
Designed by AVT Engineers – Built in Britain – Trusted Worldwide.
Fits all existing SBC geometry
Bolt-on solution, no welding, easy removal
Reduced design, labour, lead time
SS 316 grade, vibration resistant design
Minimum 2-plane bracing
Annual inspection checks
What is Easy-Brace®?
The Easy-Brace® system is an extremely effective and economical solution to reduce vibrations of Small-Bore Connections otherwise known as SBC’s reducing the risk of pipework fatigue failures. It offers an easy retro-fittable solution where other methods of mitigation are not viable, such as changing the pipework geometry, reducing the weight of the valve, and modifying process conditions and where the only other option is to install traditional fabricated bracing.
The all 316 stainless steel design incorporates angular and linear adjustability, meaning that the system will fit all known small bore connection geometric configurations. The standard 2-arm configuration meets the requirements of the Energy Institute Guidelines for 2-plane bracing to tie the SBC back to the parent line, reducing relative movement and therefore damaging stress cycles which could lead to fatigue. Its modular design means it can be easily configured into more robust bracing to provide increased levels of protection against pipework fatigue and failure caused by vibration. Assembled using Nord-Lock anti-vibration washes ensure robust mechanical joints for long term reliability.
How Easy-Brace® WorksWatch our short animation to see Easy-Brace® in action and how it protects your assets from vibration-induced fatigue.
Easy-Brace® – Universal Small Bore Connection Bracing
A universal, retro-fittable bracing system for Small Bore Connections, designed for rapid installation, high stiffness and long-term reliability.
Full Angular and Linear adjustment
Fits any SBC geometric configuration due to infinite rotational adjustment of Easy-Brace® clamps. Struts easily cut to size on site. No need for site visit to design bespoke brace.
Clamp-on Retro-fit design
No welding is required. Split clamps bolted onto pipe and SBC geometry.
High Stiffness design
Easily configured to offer restraint in all planes.
Use of Nord-Lock washers
Nord-Lock wedge lock washers will prevent the assembly from vibrating loose in service.
Isolated from pipework using non-metallic liner
Prevents galvanic corrosion from possible dissimilar metal to metal contact under pipe clamps.
Easy to Install
Can be installed by non-specialist fitters. Supplied in kit form.
Manufactured from Stainless 316
Suitable for all environments including harsh offshore conditions.
Maintenance Free*1
Cost effective long-term permanent solution.
*1 Periodic inspection recommended
| Full Angular and Linear adjustment | Fits any SBC geometric configuration due to infinite rotational adjustment of Easy-Brace® clamps. Struts easily cut to size on site. No need for site visit to design bespoke brace. |
| Clamp-on Retro-fit design | No welding is required. Split clamps bolted onto pipe and SBC geometry. |
| High Stiffness design | Easily configured to offer restraint in all planes. |
| Use of Nord-Lock washers | Nord-Lock wedge lock washers will prevent the assembly from vibrating loose in service. |
| Isolated from pipework using non-metallic liner | Prevents galvanic corrosion from possible dissimilar metal to metal contact under pipe clamps. |
| Easy to Install | Can be installed by non-specialist fitters. Supplied in kit form. |
| Manufactured from Stainless 316 | Suitable for all environments including harsh offshore conditions. |
| Maintenance Free*1 | Cost effective long-term permanent solution. |
*1 Periodic inspection recommended
Why Choose Easy-Brace®
✅ Universal Fit – adapts to any SBC arrangement
✅ Retro-Fittable – no system redesign required
✅ Cost-Effective – no hot work, fast install
✅ Low Maintenance – simple annual checkover
✅ Weld-Free – bolted clamp system
✅ Marine Grade – 316 stainless steel
✅ Removable – simple to uninstall for valve access
✅ Safety First – reduces vibration fatigue risk
Easy-Brace® vs. Traditional Bracing
| Feature | Easy-Brace® | Welded Bracing |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Fit | ✔️ | ✖️ |
| No Hot Work | ✔️ | ✖️ |
| Stiffness Optimisable | ✔️ | ✖️ |
| Short Lead Time | ✔️ | ✖️ |
| Fine Adjustment | ✔️ | ✖️ |
| Compliance (EI Guidelines) | ✔️ | Partial |
Related Case Studies
Easy-Brace® EnquiriesPlease fill in this form detailing your enquiry, with your question and your full contact details. window.addEventListener(‘DOMContentLoaded’, function () { |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to install Easy-Brace®?
On average it takes about 2 hours to install a 4-arm Easy-Brace®, including time for before and after vibration validation.
2. Do I need any special tools to install Easy-Brace®?
Basic hand tools such as 24mm spanners, 8mm and 16mm socket wrenches, torque wrenches, and a tube cutter are recommended. Use anti-seize compound like Molykote 1000 on bolt threads.
3. What frequencies is Easy-Brace® most suitable for?
Easy-Brace® is most effective up to 50Hz. Additional stiffness can be configured using modular components like cross-bracing.
4. How do you prevent galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals?
Easy-Brace® uses a non-metallic liner to isolate the pipework from the stainless steel clamps.
5. What is the operating temperature of Easy-Brace®?
Standard kits operate between -40°C and 100°C. With alternative liners, Easy-Brace® can withstand -150°C to 300°C.
6. Is Easy-Brace® only a temporary solution?
No. It is a long-term solution made from corrosion-resistant 316 stainless steel and Nord-Lock® washers for reliable bolting.
7. Is any maintenance required?
Minimal maintenance is required. Periodic visual inspections and mechanical checks are advised to confirm continued performance under changing conditions.
8. Is a site visit required to specify Easy-Brace®?
Not always. Only a few key measurements (SBC and pipe diameters) are needed. Kits include 1m arms that are cut onsite to suit geometry.
9. Does Easy-Brace® meet the requirements of the Energy Institute (EI) guidelines?
Yes. The 2-arm brace meets EI guidelines by bracing in at least two primary planes and stiffness can be improved with additional arms.
10. How do I know if a 2-arm, 3-arm, or 4-arm brace is required?
This depends on vibration severity and risk. A 2-arm is common for precautionary installs, while 3 or 4 arms are used for known vibration problems or failures.
11. Does the plant need to be offline to install Easy-Brace®?
No. Installation can occur under a Cold Work permit while operational. Live plant allows for performance testing during install.
12. Can installing Easy-Brace® make SBC vibration worse?
Rarely. Most cases show improvement. However, testing is important to ensure system stiffness doesn’t shift resonance into problem frequencies.
13. Who can install Easy-Brace®?
Company mechanical fitters can install it. AVT Reliability® also offers installation services, complete with validation reports and layout drawings for MOC processes.
14. Is Easy-Brace® available in duplex steel for high-chlorine environments?
Core parts are 316 stainless. For harsher conditions, epoxy coatings and duplex fasteners are available. Nord-Lock® washers are SMO-254 equivalent.
15. Can Easy-Brace® be used for other bracing applications?
Yes. Easy-Brace® has been used to support pipework, valves, and structural components in machinery installations.
Don’t let pipework failures disrupt your operations!
Contact AVT Reliability today to learn more about Easy-Brace® and how it can benefit your facility.
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