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Hinged Pipe Expansion Joint

Hinged Pipe Expansion Joints contain hinges or pivots which allow the unit to bend in a single plane. These units are designed to restrict axial deflection, either in extension or compression. The hinge mechanism is typically designed to accept full pressure thrust. Also, because of the hinge mechanism’s design, shear loads, such as from the weight of adjacent piping, can be accepted by this pipe expansion joint, relieving the piping designer of having to provide additional supports and anchors required by the Single type.

Hinged Expansion Joints Designed for a Pipeline in Mexico
Universal Hinged Expansion Joint
66" Diameter Hinged Expansion Joints Designed for a Chemical Plant
U.S. Bellows, Inc. Designed and Fabricated 44" Hinged Expansion Joints with Refractory Lining
42" Dia. Hinged Universal Expansion Joint Designed with Pantographic Linkage
U.S. Bellows, Inc. Designed and Fabricated Hinged Expansion Joint with Refractory Lining

Features

  • Angular motion in all planes
  • Positive control over movement
  • Eliminates pressure thrust forces
  • Transmits external loads
  • Bolsters dead weight
  • Prevents torsion on bellows
  • No main anchors required
  • Minimum guiding required
  • Low forces on piping system
  • Most efficient in absorbing thermal deflections

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

Do Hinged Expansion Joints have to be designed for pressure thrust?

View More FAQS

Case Studies

8/10/22: Hinged Expansion Joints Custom-Designed for a Process that Produces High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

8/19/19: 66″ Diameter Hinged Expansion Joints Designed for a Chemical Plant

7/30/18: 11 Foot Diameter Hinged Expansion Joints Designed for Vacuum Service in an Air-Cooled Condenser Unit in New York

2/16/16: 30″ Dia. Hinged Expansion Joints Designed for a Pipeline in Mexico

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Hinged Expansion Joint Extended Information

Hinged Pipe Expansion Joints contain hinges or pivots which allow the unit to bend in a single plane. These units are designed to restrict axial deflection, either in extension or compression. The hinge mechanism is typically designed to accept full pressure thrust. Also, because of the hinge mechanism's design, shear loads, such as from the weight of adjacent piping, can be accepted by this pipe expansion joint, relieving the piping designer of having to provide additional supports and anchors required by the Single type. Some hinge types can be provided with hinge pin holes which are slotted to permit limited axial travel. These "slotted hinge" types will not resist pressure thrust forces, and anchoring must be provided. This catalog only depicts the fully restrained hinged type. If axial travel is desired, the piping designer should clearly state that the slotted hinge type is wanted in the design requirements, and he should provide for pressure thrust anchoring. On the other hand, if the full axial restraint of the hinged type is desired, the piping designer should understand that there is no allowance in the expansion joint for any axial travel, including none for any installation misalignment.