What is a flexible joint used for?

Pipe Expansion Joint

Click here to get more.

This article provides information about expansion joints, which are commonly used on a piping system to absorb vibrations and shock, relieve anchor stress, reduce noise, and compensate for misalignment. There are three main types of expansion joints used in industrial applications: metal expansion joints, rubber expansion joints, and fabric expansion joints.

What is an Expansion Joint?

An expansion joint typically consists of one or more metal bellows made of stainless steel or other materials like metal, rubber, fabric, or plastic, such as PTFE. While rubber, plastic, and fabric have limitations, metal is the most versatile of all materials. Metals are suitable for use at high temperatures, as well as, have high strength properties, and are resistant to corrosion.

The most important part of the flexible joint is the bellow, which has a series of convolutions. The shape of the convolution helps withstand the system&#;s internal pressure but is elastic enough to accept axial, lateral, and angular deflections.

Uses for Pipe Expansion Joints

You can use flexible joints in almost any industry that requires vibration absorption and expansion compensation. You can use these components  for:

• Energy production
• Oil refineries and rigs
• Automotive and engine mechanics
• Steel and metal processing plants
• Chemical processors
• Heating and gas
• Plumbing

Pipe Expansion Joint Accessories: Components and Benefits

Pipe expansion joints are critical components in industrial piping systems as they allow for movement, absorb vibration, and reduce stress on pipes and equipment. However, damage can occur due to abrasive media or vibration from turbulent flow or velocities that exceed the system&#;s capabilities. That&#;s where pipe expansion joint accessories come in.

Industrial expansion joints consist of various components, including bellows, liners, covers, end fittings, limit rods, and tie-down rods. It&#;s important to note that an expansion joint is not the same as a bellow; a bellow is just one of the components of the joint.

Bellows are the body of the pipe expansion joint and can have convolutions made from different materials. Liners protect the inside of the joint from erosion due to high airflow, fluids, or steam. Covers protect from damage and insulate the pipeline expansion joint. End fittings, such as flanges or butt-welds, should match the size and materials of the connecting equipment.

Limit rods allow the piping joints to move over a range and have nut stops to prevent over-extension while restraining the full pressure thrust of the system. Tie-down rods, also known as anchor rods, are a simple and relatively low-cost component that can limit axial compression or expansion and allow lateral deflection during regular operation.

By selecting appropriate expansion joint accessories and properly installing and maintaining them, industries can reduce damage to their piping systems and improve overall system efficiency and longevity. Protect your industrial joint from erosion damage and reduce turbulence by fitting flow liners inside the joint. Choose the right end fittings and consider using tie-down rods to limit axial movement and force at the end of the expansion joint.

Why Should You Use Pipeline Joints?

If you work in an industry where thermal expansion in pipe systems is common, you should consider using pipeline joints. These joints are critical components that offer many advantages, including:

1. Reducing Stresses: Pipeline joints reduce stresses in pipe systems generated by thermal expansion. This reduces the risk of damage and prolongs the lifespan of your pipeline system.
2. Reducing Pipe Loads: They reduce pipe loads at connections to equipment such as pumps, making the system more efficient and safer.
3. Adding Flexibility: Pipeline joints add flexibility to the design, reducing costs by eliminating fixed points and guides. This can also simplify the installation process.
4. Space Requirements: Pipeline joints can reduce the overall space requirements for the pipe system, making it more compact and efficient.
5. Cost-Effective: Pipeline joints are more economical and effective alternatives for pipe bends and pipe loops because of their size.
6. Absorbing Movement: Pipeline joints are great at absorbing significant movements, making them ideal for industries that experience high levels of vibration, shock, or seismic activity.

Overall, using pipeline joints can help you create a more reliable, efficient, and cost-effective pipeline system. Whether you&#;re designing a new system or upgrading an existing one, it&#;s worth considering the benefits that pipeline joints can provide.

When to Use an Expansion Joint

Some designs recommend using a metal hose or a pipe expansion joint, but occasionally, the wrong option is chosen. Several criteria can help you determine whether to use an expansion joint or a hose:

1. Axial Movement
2. Vibration Damping
3. Exotic Material Requirements
4. Space Limitations
5. Size Requirements

Sometimes, the ideal solution might be a combination of a metal hose with an expansion joint instead of choosing between the two.

Steam Expansion Joints

Steam can cause a temperature increase in a pipe system, resulting in significant movement within the pipe. In such cases, an expansion joint is necessary. Ensure that you select the appropriate joint for the application.

Understanding Piping Expansion Joints

Piping expansion joints support piping systems and are available in metal, rubber, and fabric. The STAMP criteria (size, temperature, application, media, and pressure) can help you determine the suitable expansion joint for your needs.

Functioning of Industrial Expansion Joints

Industrial expansion joints, also known as pipeline expansion joints, connect components and safely absorb high-temperature expansion. They can be used to offset pipes or assist with movement, preventing pipeline damage during seismic activity or ground movement.

Applications of Stainless Steel Expansion Joints

Stainless steel expansion joints are vital components in various industries, including:

1. Energy sector (power plants, nuclear power plants, district heating pipe systems)
2. Steel plants
3. Petrochemical industry (oil refineries, pumping stations, oil rigs)
4. Chemical industries (asphalt manufacturers, etc.)
5. Process industry (sugar factories, etc.)
6. Exhaust systems and engines
7. Pulp and paper industries
8. LNG/LPG tankers and carriers

Flexible joints can be installed near boilers, heat exchangers, pumps, turbines, condensers, engines, and lengthy pipe systems or pipe ducts.

Reasons for Needing a Flexible Joint

1. Thermal expansion of piping
2. Addressing initial piping misalignment and lateral settlement offsets
3. Pump and equipment vibration
4. Shock and bending loads

About Pipeline Expansion Joints

Expansion joints serve as connection points between pipe sections that move, expand, and contract to compensate for pressure from heat-related variations, vibrations from machinery, and misalignment. They are often referred to as compensators, round and rectangular expansion joints, or industrial joints.

These joints can be used in various applications, including transfer sections near boilers, engines, turbines, condensers, pumps, or heat exchangers. Flexible expansion joints can be constructed from different materials based on the application to ensure the correct pipeline expansion joint is used.

Using Industrial Expansion Joints for Pipes

Pipelines use industrial expansion joints to address misalignment and thermal expansion in pipe systems, allowing for expansion and contraction as the pipeline heats and cools. Pipe bellow joints, also known as compensators for thermal movement, come in various forms, including pipe bellows, pipeline joints, and bellow pump connectors.

How Expansion Joints Work

Pipe expansion joints and compensators hold parts together and safely absorb high temperature-induced expansion and contraction of building materials. They can also be used to ensure structural safety during pipeline movement caused by seismic activity and ground movement.

Composition of Industrial Expansion Joints

Pipe expansion joints consist of various components, such as bellows, covers, liners, end fittings, and limit rods, all of which contribute to a high-quality industrial expansion joint. These components serve specific purposes and work together to ensure proper functioning.

Fuxin Intelligent Product Page

The joint itself may also include a tube, carcass, retaining ring, mating flange, and control rod. The application determines whether a fabric expansion joint, metal bellows, or rubber piping expansion joint is needed and suitable for the project.

Pipe Expansion Joint Design Basics

Expansion joints consist of flexible bellows, appropriate end fittings such as flanges or butt-weld end to allow connection to the adjacent piping or equipment and other required accessory items that may apply for a particular service application.

When to Use an Expansion Joint

Selecting the right option between a metal hose or a pipe expansion joint can be challenging. Here are a few criteria to consider when deciding whether to use an expansion joint or a hose:

• Axial Movement
• Vibration Damping
• Material Requirements
• Space Limitations
• Size Requirements

In some cases, the optimal solution might be a combination of a metal hose and an expansion joint.

Steam Expansion Joints

Steam causes a temperature rise in pipe systems, resulting in significant movement within the pipes. In these cases, an expansion joint is necessary. Be sure to select the appropriate joint for your application.

Piping Expansion Joints

Piping expansion joints support piping systems and can be made of metal, rubber, or fabric. The STAMP criteria (size, temperature, application, media, pressure) will help determine the type of expansion joint to use.

Industrial Expansion Joints

Also known as pipeline expansion joints, industrial expansion joints connect components and safely absorb high-temperature expansion. They can be used to offset a pipe, facilitate movement, and prevent pipeline damage during seismic activity or ground movement.

Stainless Steel Expansion Joints in Use

Stainless steel expansion joints are crucial in various industries, including:

• Energy sector (power plants, nuclear power plants, district heating pipe systems, etc.)
• Steel plants
• Petrochemical industry (oil refineries, pumping stations, oil rigs, etc.)
• Chemical industries (asphalt manufacturers, etc.)
• Process industry (sugar factories, etc.)
• Exhaust systems and engines
• Pulp and paper industries
• LNG/LPG tankers and carriers

Flexible joints can be installed near boilers, heat exchangers, pumps, turbines, condensers, engines, and long pipe systems or pipe ducts.

Reasons to Use a Flexible Joint

• Thermal expansion of piping
• Addressing initial piping misalignment and lateral settlement offsets
• Mitigating pump and equipment vibration
• Reducing shock and bending loads

Pipeline Expansion Joints

Expansion joints, also known as compensators, round and rectangular expansion joints, or industrial joints, are connection points between sections of pipe that move, expand, and contract. They compensate for pressure from heat-related variation, vibrations from machinery, and misalignment. Flexible joints are used in various applications, including transfer sections near boilers, engines, turbines, condensers, pumps, or heat exchangers.

Industrial Expansion Joints for Pipes

Pipelines use industrial expansion joints to address misalignment and thermal expansion in pipe systems. Pipe bellow joints, also known as compensators for thermal movement, come in different types, such as pipe bellows, pipeline joints, and bellow pump connectors.

Expansion Joint Function

Pipe expansion joints and compensators hold parts together and safely absorb high temperature-induced expansion and contraction of building materials. They may also be used to ensure safe movement of structures during seismic activity and ground movement.

Materials Used in Industrial Expansion Joints

Pipe expansion joints consist of various components, such as bellows, covers, liners, end fittings, and limit rods. The joint itself may also include a tube, carcass, retaining ring, mating flange, and control rod. The specific application determines whether a fabric expansion joint, metal bellows, or rubber piping expansion joint is needed.

The Expansion Joint Manufacturers Association, Inc. (EJMA)

Founded in , EJMA is an organization of established manufacturers of metal expansion joints. EJMA sets and maintains quality design and manufacturing standards, conducts technical research, and tests many aspects of expansion joint design and manufacturing.

Piping Flexibility and Pipe Loops

Piping systems must be flexible enough to accommodate thermal expansion, vibrations, and other stresses. Expansion joints provide an excellent solution for this flexibility. Pipe loops are another method to accommodate thermal expansion in piping systems. They are U-shaped sections of pipe that absorb expansion and contraction due to temperature changes. Pipe loops can be used in combination with expansion joints to provide maximum flexibility in a piping system.

Elastomeric Expansion Joints

Elastomeric expansion joints, also known as rubber expansion joints, are flexible connectors made of rubber or elastomeric materials. They can absorb movement, reduce noise, and dampen vibrations in piping systems. Rubber expansion joints are often used in water and wastewater treatment plants, HVAC systems, and industrial process piping.

Fabric Expansion Joints

Fabric expansion joints are made of flexible materials like fiberglass, PTFE, or silicone. They are used in high-temperature applications, such as exhaust systems, ductwork, and industrial processing equipment. Fabric expansion joints can accommodate a wide range of movements, including axial, lateral, and angular movements, while providing noise and vibration damping.

Expansion Joint Installation and Maintenance

Proper installation and maintenance of expansion joints are crucial for their optimal performance and longevity. Ensure that expansion joints are installed according to the manufacturer&#;s recommendations, considering factors such as movement capabilities, temperature, pressure, and pipe alignment. Regular inspection and maintenance of expansion joints are also essential to ensure their reliability and prevent premature failure.

Conclusion

Industrial expansion joints are essential components in various industries and applications, providing flexibility, noise reduction, and vibration damping in piping systems. By considering factors such as size, temperature, application, movement, and pressure, you can select the appropriate expansion joint for your specific needs. Always follow the manufacturer&#;s recommendations for installation and maintenance to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your expansion joints.

Pipeline Protection from Seismic and or Gradual Soil Subsidence

FLEX-TEND® Flexible Expansion Joints

FLEX-TENDS are designed to protect structures and pipelines from differential movement whether this movement is earthquake induced (seismic) or the gradual motion of soil subsidence (settlement).

The double ball FLEX-TEND joint provides shear relief for connections to structures with its ability to offset in any plane. This is accomplished by the use of two ball and socket pairs separated by an expansion joint. As the offset motion occurs, the expansion joint provides the required increase or decrease in length, thus relieving axial strain on the line and structure. This configuration has been used successfully on connections to tanks, buildings, bridges, and other structures.

Pipeline Protection from Expansion Contraction

EX-TEND® Expansion Joints

EX-TENDS are linear or axial expansion joints for water or wastewater pipelines. They protect pipelines from the stresses of thermal expansion/contraction. There are many applications but the most widley used to protect pipelines on bridge crossings where the pipeline is exposed to year long seasonal changes.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of flexible joint robot. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.