METAL
EXPANSION JOINTS
Flexible
Systems can produce both circular and rectangular metal expansion
joints in accordance with ASME and EJMA requirements and other
recognized national and international standards.
Even
in relatively short lengths of pipe the stresses induced by
temperature change can cause flange connections to leak and
pipes to fracture. The thin-walled, bellows type of
expansion joint is universally recognized as the simplest
and most economical solution - correctly designed and installed
the bellows type of expansion joint will last as long as the
pipework.
Expansion
joints are accepted and specified by industries ranging from
power generation to pulp and paper, ship-building to breweries,
cement production to cryogenics. They are used in refineries
and chemical plants, iron and steel making plants, in the
distribution piping for district heating systems and in power
plant flue gas and desulphurization (SOX/NOX)
The
simplest type of expansion joint is an unrestrained axial
joint - movement must be controlled so that is only occurs
along the axis of the joint. More complex, restrained joints
are designed for use in systems in which there is excessive
expansion or where high loads due to internal pressure cannot
be held by the anchors. These types are constructed so that
the system anchors need be designed only to withstand the
force required to deflect the bellows.
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Axial
Joint |
Hinged
Joint |
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Gimbal
Joint |
Tied
Joint |
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Double-Hinged
Joint
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