Axial Expansion Joints
Stainless steel expansion joints are essential flexible elements of modern pipe technology. They offer the perfect solution in absorbing expansion caused by temperature changes in pipe systems. Furthermore, they are able to compensate any vibrations which may occur in pumping systems, motors, compressors, or turbines under working conditions that are not suitable for rubber expansion joints. The basic advantages to be gained from using stainless steel expansion joints are:
- Relative small space required for installation;
- Absorption of movements in multiple directions due to their inherent flexibility;
- Stainless steel expansion joints require almost no maintenance;
- They reduce load and temperature loss to a minimum.
Main characteristic of a stainless steel expansion joint is the flexibility of its bellow. This flexibility results from the bellow’s geometrical shape and the number of convolutions. Also, the thickness of each ply and the materials used for construction play an important role in defining the characteristics of the expansion joint.
Applications
The most common and simple type of compensation is provided by an axial stainless steel expansion joints. These axial compensators counteract linear changes in the longitudinal direction of a pipeline due to thermal expansion, but with proper design can also compensate some lateral and angular movements and even vibration. Unrestrained axial stainless steel expansion joints do not restrain pressure thrust so adequate anchors and guides must be provided and they can be used only in piping systems that incorporate correctly designed anchors and pipe alignment guides.
In order to assure proper operation for any stainless steel axial expansion joint please take in consideration the following notes regarding basic installation:
- Only one axial stainless steel expansion joint between two fixed points;
- Locate fixed points and guides as close to the expansion joint as possible;
- The pipelines must be exactly aligned;
- The axial expansion joint must not be subjected to torsional stress;
- Only low-frequency vibration loads are permissible;
- Where welding is required in assembly, the bellows must be protected from sparks;
- Protect bellows, supports, and pipe guides against soiling and damage.
ROTH stainless steel axial expansion joints are designed, manufactured and approved in accordance to industy's most recognized standards: EJMA Standards and/or ASME Code for 'Pressure Vessel and Heat Exchanger Expansion Joints App. BB Sect. VIII' under the close suppervision of our engineers in order to meet each and every application specificity.
Contructive types
H-Line | Standard Program for Mainstream Stainless Steel Axial Expansion Joints
Type HWA
Stardard type single bellow stainless steel axial expansion joint, for mounting with welding ends in the pipeline.
Available with optional inner sleeve for protection and stability.
Type HFA
Stardard type single bellow stainless steel axial expansion joint, for mounting with fixed flanges (weld-on) in the pipeline.
Available with optional inner sleeve for protection and stability.
Type HFG
Stardard type single bellow stainless steel axial expansion joint, for mounting with swivel flanges (loose) in the pipeline.
Available with optional inner sleeve for protection and stability.
Type HTE
Stardard type single bellow stainless steel axial expansion joint, for mounting with external threads in the pipeline.
Available with optional inner sleeve (baffle plate).
Type HTI
Stardard type single bellow stainless steel axial expansion joint, for mounting with internal threads in the pipeline.
Available with optional inner sleeve (baffle plate).
M-Line | Custom Design Program for Stainless Steel Expansion Joints
Type MWA
Custom type single bellow stainless steel axial expansion joint, for mounting with welding ends in the pipeline.
Available with optional inner sleeve for protection and stability.
Type MFA
Custom type single bellow stainless steel axial expansion joint, for mounting with fixed flanges (weld-on) in the pipeline.
Available with optional inner sleeve and/or movement limitation tie-rods system (restrained).
Type MFG
Custom type single bellow stainless steel axial expansion joint, for mounting with swivel flanges (loose) in the pipeline.
Available with optional inner sleeve and/or movement limitation tie-rods system (restrained).
