Gimbal Pipe Expansion Joint

The gimbal pipe expansion joint is basically the same as the hinge type, except that instead of being limited to deflection in only one plane, it can accept bending or angulation in any plane. It contains two sets of hinge pins or pivots, the axis of each set perpendicular to the other. Each set of pins is connected to each other with a central gimbal ring, in much the same way that a universal joint on an automobile works. This unit provides the same type of restraint and resistance to axial forces, such as the pressure thrust, and to shear forces as the hinge type.

Gimbal Expansion Joints Designed for a Pipeline in Texas

20" Dia. Double Gimbal Expansion Joint Refurbished for an Oil Refinery

Double gimbal expansion joint for a chemical plant

Gimbal Expansion Joints Designed for a Flare Gas and Steam Application in a Methanol Plant

72" Double Gimbal and Single Hinged Flanged and Flued Head Expansion Joints

44" Double Gimbal Universal Expansion Joint for an Oil Refinery in Wyoming

Overview

Effective management of multi-planar angular rotation is essential for piping systems with complex movements that could lead to severe structural stress.

The gimbal expansion joint is specifically engineered to absorb angular deflection in two-planes. By using dual hinge pairs coupled with a central gimbal box, this assembly effectively restrains internal pressure thrust and eliminates the need for heavy main anchors.

By implementing a custom-engineered gimbal expansion joint, facilities can safely accommodate thermal expansion and mechanical movement and prevent destructive loads from being transferred to surrounding structural steel or equipment.

Featured

Absorbs angular rotation
Eliminates pressure thrust forces
Transmits shear and wind loads
Supports dead weight
Prevents torsion on bellows
No main anchors required
Minimum guiding required
Low forces on piping system

Technical Information

Installation & Maintenance (Metallic Expansion Joints)
Hinged/Gimbal Expansion Joint Examples
Types of Metallic Bellows Deflections
Bellows Expansion Joint Loads
How to Look for Signs of Expansion Joint Failure
View more Technical Information

FAQs

Q: How does a gimbal expansion joint differ from a standard hinged expansion joint?

A: While a standard hinged joint is restricted to angular movement in a single plane, a gimbal expansion joint features two pairs of hinges attached to a common central ring or box, allowing it to smoothly absorb angular rotation in two planes simultaneously.

Q: Does a piping system using a gimbal expansion joint require heavy main anchors?

A: No. The integrated hinge and ring hardware of a gimbal expansion joint is engineered to fully restrain the internal pressure thrust forces. This self-restraining feature eliminates the need for heavily reinforced main anchors, greatly simplifying the overall structural support requirements.

Q: Can a single gimbal expansion joint absorb axial (straight-line) movement?

A: No. By design, a single gimbal expansion joint restrains axial movement and only absorbs angular rotation. However, when engineers use two or more gimbal joints together in a piping system, they can effectively manage complex lateral and axial displacements.

Q: What types of industrial applications benefit most from a gimbal expansion joint?

A: Systems operating under extreme pressure or temperature with complex, multi-directional routing, such as aerospace testing facilities, chemical processing plants, and power generation stations, greatly benefit from the structural stability and multi-planar flexibility of a gimbal expansion joint.

Other FAQs:

What are gimbal expansion joints?

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