March 19, 2008
U.S. Bellows Inc. designed and fabricated a 36″ tied universal expansion joint for a petrochemical plant in Kuwait. The expansion joint measures 36″ in diameter x 318″ from center of elbow to face of flange. It is fabricated from 316H stainless steel with Iconel® 800 bellows. The design pressure of the expansion joint is 65 PSIG, and the design temperature is 1076°F. It is designed for axial compression within the tie rods and lateral movement of 3.02″. Hydro-testing was performed at 98 PSIG to assure the integrity of the tie rods and also to assure quality. The pictures show the expansion joint leaving the shop on its way to the customer. The stainless steel flange faces are protected with 3/4″ plywood during delivery.
