| Type: | Universal Expansion Joint |
| Size: | 116″ in diameter/60″ long |
| Material: | AL6XN Stainless Steel/Carbon Steel |
| Design: | 100°F at 220 PSIG, 9″ axial compression |
| Testing: | Dye penetrant, radiographic, and hydro tested |
U.S. Bellows custom-engineered and manufactured this impressive 116″ reinforced universal expansion joint for a water supply system in California. Measuring 116″ in diameter and 60″ in overall length, the unit demonstrates U.S. Bellows’ ability to design and fabricate large-diameter expansion joints for demanding infrastructure applications.
The bellows and pipe spool were fabricated from corrosion-resistant AL-6XN stainless steel, while the flanges were manufactured from carbon steel. The bellows were reinforced with AL-6XN round bar in the convolutions to contain the pressure at that volume, as the expansion joint was designed for an operating temperature of 100°F at 220 PSIG and engineered to accommodate 9″ of axial compression.
Before shipment, the completed assembly underwent extensive nondestructive examination and performance testing, including dye penetrant testing, radiographic testing, and hydrostatic testing. These quality-control measures verified the integrity of the welds and confirmed that the expansion joint met the project’s performance requirements.
U.S. Bellows has designed and manufactured engineered expansion joints since the 1960s. The company provides custom metallic, fabric, and rubber expansion joints, along with clamshell bellows, pressure-balanced assemblies, and fabricated ductwork for complex piping and ducting systems. Its engineering capabilities include design in accordance with EJMA equations and applicable ASME standards, as well as in-house finite element analysis for specialized applications.
As a longtime member of the Expansion Joint Manufacturers Association, U.S. Bellows combines specialized engineering, extensive fabrication capabilities, comprehensive testing, and field support to deliver reliable solutions for water infrastructure, refining, chemical processing, power generation, marine, offshore, and pipeline applications. The company also offers emergency engineering, manufacturing, inspection, installation support, and repair services to help customers minimize downtime during critical plant outages and system failures.
