Universal expansion joints such as these are used in chemical plants that manufacture petrochemicals (such as ethylene and styrene monomer), polymers, and building products (PVC profiles for windows, doors, and decking). The units range from 26” to 48” in length and 8” to 20” in diameter. The bellows were fabricated from 321 stainless steel, the weld ends, pipe spools, and flanges from 304 stainless steel, and the tie rods and hex nuts from carbon steel. They are designed for temperatures ranging from -150°F to 800°F, operating pressures ranging from 50 to 240 psig, and 0.25” to 2.25” of lateral deflection. The expansion joints were air, soap, and bubble tested, 100% dye-penetrant tested and hydro-tested before shipment. The universal pipe expansion joint consists of two bellows separated by a pipe section or spool. The primary purpose of this arrangement is to have a unit that will accept large amounts of lateral deflection. The amount of lateral deflection they can accept is a function of the amount of angulation each bellows can absorb and the distance between the bellows. For a given bellows element, the amount of lateral deflection capability can be increased or decreased by simply changing the length of the center spool.

Upcoming Live Webinar
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Variable Spring Support Design, Size Selection, Installation & Maintenance Webinar
Date: Thursday, June 1, 2023 - Register for 10:00 am OR 2:00 pm
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Live Webinars are 1 PE/PDH Credit for TX Professional Engineers
This Webinar will focus on the different types of variable spring supports and big ton variable spring supports. Learn about the special features available, in addition to the design of a variable support. View how the different coil configurations produce a unique response to an applied load and see how a spring assembly is loaded. Discover the basic steps in selecting a hanger design and the step-by-step process used to size a spring for your application. Learn about the different attachments, testing, and installation and maintenance procedures. View examples of failed supports provided by our Field Service Division and learn why they failed and how to prevent it. Gain knowledge of the valuable tips used when deciding to replace or re-calibrate a variable spring support, as well as adjustments, shutdown, and isolation procedures.
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Online Course
Expansion Joint Application and Design
Our Expansion Joint course was developed for the following disciplines…
- Piping system designers that may decide to use expansion joints
- Expansion joint designers use the information provided by piping system designers to determine the best design to meet the requirements.
- Designers that use modern software systems to evaluate different options
- Engineers / Managers: field, maintenance, process, operations, construction, surveyors
*This online course is approved for 8 hrs. P.E. Credits
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