All you need to Know about Specialized Metallic Expansion Joints

by Kristen White Blogger

Metal expansion joints are primarily used in piping systems to keep in check the relative movements and absorb thermal expansions. Depending on the kind of connection required customized expansion joints can now be ordered from leading manufacturers.

The duty of a metallic expansion joint in any system is to function as a flexible component that is able to control the thermal expansion and displacements in a process line. Despite the many options which can be used for the control of the different dispersions in a piping system, metal bellows are preferred for their high flexibilities and unique designs. The wide range of options that are available for selection is another vital strength of settling for metallic compensators in an industrial setting.

The decision to buy metallic expansion joints must be based on the capabilities of the expected solution to support the thermal growth in a system without resulting in more stresses on the pipe. Factors that can lead to these stresses include the weight of the pipe, internal & external pressures at working temperature, and movements imposed on some pipe sections after installations. The selection process as such has to be in line with the specifications that are recommended for the industrial process taking to account the size of the entire piping system.

Ideally, the traditional way of reducing stress in a piping system is through the use of expansions loops which provide perpendicular space for absorption of thermal expansion. Symmetric and non-symmetric loops, however, come short of practicality in many settings calling for the need of using expansion joints which are more efficient. The immediate applicability of the joints in straight pipe runs gives them an upper hand for simple constructions that will take minimum time. This is further complemented by their abilities absorb higher vibrations and movements in high-pressure environments. Expansion joints are also easily connected to elastic and fragile frames besides the ability to be used for vacuum installations where other options would lack operational practicality.

Metallic compensators can be used to control angular movement, lateral movement, and axial movement in any system. The angular movement involves the rotational displacement of the bellows along the longitudinal axis to the point of rotation. Lateral movement is also a relative displacement on the longitudinal axis but from one end of the bellow to the other. The axial movement is the complete change of the dimensional length of bellows from its flow in the parallel direction to the longitudinal axis. All the thermal displacements can adequately be controlled by choosing the right metallic pipe expansion joint that is designed to provide the best results for a particular movement.

The gains that come when you buy metallic expansion joints are not only limited to the minimum installation space required in comparison to expansion loops but extends to the low operational and installation costs. No maintenance is required once the joints have been installed making them long-term solutions which can easily be used for decades without any complications. Combined with the abilities to absorb movements in multiple directions, nothing is left to chance for the protection of a system that has expansion joints incorporated into their duct or piping systems.