Rubber expansion joints have been specified and successfully used for many years to accommodate pressure loads, relieve movement stresses, reduce noise, isolate vibration, compensate for misalignment after plants go on stream and prolong the life of pumps and other motive equipment. Once in service, the flexible rubber expansion joint should be protected from any ozone generating processes such as nearby welding. Proper storage in a cool dry location prior to installation will help lengthen service life.

Lateral expansion joint with tension rod and ball joints for the absorption of lateral movement on all sides

Typ RM 300/10/l180/ F/ F - 1380
DP 6 bar
DT 280° C
lat. mov. +/- 80 mm

Note:
In a properly designed pipeline, only one axial expansion joint between 2 fixed points must be provided. The spring rate of the metal bellows cannot withstand the pressure reaction force, caused by the internal pressure. If the fixed point is not dimensioned correctly, then the piping system is pushed apart.

Lateral expansion joints in a pipe system

Universal expansion joints in a pipe system

Universal expansion joint in a exhaust pipe

Axial expansion joint for an easy mounting and demounting of valves or similar devices

pressure balanced expansion joint DN800 on a gas turbine

pressure balanced expansion joint DN800 on a gas turbine

The four tie bars all were broken during piping running.

Exhaust system with bellows expansion joint and exhaust cooling system for a luxury yacht. Particular customer specification: very high acoustic and vibration insulation.

Exhaust system with bellows expansion joint and exhaust cooling system inc. complete insulation.

Pipe is anchored to support it and to stabilize the expansion joint. Pipe leg anchor should be used for horizontal suction piping, while an “H-Frame” should be used to anchor vertical discharge where

Anchors should be bolted to floor and welded to pipe before installation of expansion joint.
All anchors and guides should be installed according to EJMA standards.

Lateral expansion joint type U111M
in a GRP sea water line
NB 3000, 6 bar, 60°C

Universal expansion joint type U110A installed in a cooling tower of a coal fired power plant
NB 3100, 4 bar, movements in all directions +/- 40 mm

Type U111M Lateral expansion joints
in the form of “dismantling joints”
in the cooling water system of a coal-fired power plant
NB 2000, +4/–0.9 bar

Expansion joint presetting ⏬
In order to increase axial movement, the expansion joint can be presetted to its maximum extension during installation. For expansion joints with swivel flange there is a risk during the extension that the sealing bulge will spring from the groove of the backing flange. If presettings of more than 10 mm are needed, a flange connection will need to be disconnected at another location. Now the expansion joint can be installed relaxed and the flange disconnection sites that were opened before can be closed again.

n order to increase lateral movement, the expansion joint can be presetted to its maximum lateral displace- ment against the direction of movement during installation. During operation, it will move back to the opposite side through the zero point. In this way, the lateral movement can be increased by up to 100%. For expansion joints with swivel flange there is a risk during displacement that the sealing bulge will spring from the groove of the backing flange. If presettings of more than 5 mm are needed, a flange connection will need to be disconnected at another location. Now the expansion joint can be installed relaxed and the flange disconnection sites that were opened before can be closed again.