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Stainless Steel Expansion Joint
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Design of Expansion Joints
Bellow is the flexible element of the S.S. Expansion Joint. It is a thin-walled, single-ply or multi-ply, corrugated membrane allowing flexiblity in a piping system while containing the pressure & media. Each bellow has a unique working pressure, spring rate & cycle life based on its geometry & material. Over the year's experience, we have been able to design a comprehensive range of S.S. Expansion Joint for a wide variety of applications.
 
Movements of Expansion Joints
Axial Movement :
change in dimensional length of the bellow from its free length in a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis.
Angular Movement :
rotational displacement of the longitudinal axis of the bellow towards a point of ratation.
Lateral Movement :
relative displacement of one end of the bellow to the other end in a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal axis.
Types of Expansion Joints
Single :
consists of a single bellow element welded to an end fitting, primarily to accommodate axial movement. They can also absorb small lateral deflections or angular rotations, depending on the length & diameter of the bellow.
Universal :
consists of two bellows element connected by a center pipe or spool piece with end fittings. They allow greater axial, lateral & angular movement than a Single Expansion Joint.
Restrained :
restraints such as tie rods, hinges or gimbals are designed to absorb the pressure thrust and other external loads like pipe dead weight. Tied & Gimbals allow the expansion joint to move in all planes. Hinges allow the movement in a single plane only.
Protection to the bellow can be given in the form of :
Limit Rods : to protect the bellow from movements in excess of design which could occur due to plant malfunction.
Liner(Internal Sleeve) : to protect the bellow internally.
Covers(Shrouds) : to protect the bellow externally.
Material of Construction & End Fittings
Bellow material is mainly Stainless Steel Grade 304, 316 or 321.
End Fittings can be flanges or butt weld ends to weld directly with the pipe.
Applications
Power Generation, Engine Exhaust, Shipbuilding & Repair, Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, Cement, Instrumentation, Valve Sealing.
S.S. & Rubber Expansion Joint is a very important component in Pipelines & Equipment / Vessels experiencing dimensinal changes. These changes occur due to thermal expansion or contraction, equipment movement, vibration or pressure pulsation.
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