Pipe Expansion Joints: Do’s and Don’ts From the “Standards of the Expansion Joint Manufacturers Association, Inc”
Do’s
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Dont’s
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Inspect for damage during shipment, i.e., dents, broken hardware, watermarks on the carton, etc.
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Store in a clean dry area where it will not be exposed to heavy traffic or damaging environment.
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Use only designated lifting lugs.
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Make the piping systems fit the expansion joint. By stretching, compressing, or offsetting the joint to fit the piping, the joint may be overstressed when the system is in service.
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It is good practice to leave one flange loose until the expansion joint has been fitted into position. Make necessary adjustments to the loose flange before welding.
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Install joint with the arrow pointing in the direction of flow.
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Install single Van stone liners, pointing in the direction of flow. Be sure to install a gasket between the mating flange and liner.
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With telescoping Van stone liners, install the smallest I.D. liner pointing in the direction of flow.
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Remove all shipping devices after the installation is complete and before any pressure test of the fully installed system.
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Remove any foreign material that may have become lodged between the convolutions.
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Refer to EJMA Standards for proper guide spacing and anchor recommendations.
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Do not drop or strike the carton.
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Do not remove shipping bars until installation is complete.
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Do not remove any moisture-absorbing desiccant bags or protective coatings until ready for installation.
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Do not use hanger lugs as lifting lugs without the approval of the manufacturer.
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Do not use chains or any lifting device directly on the bellows or bellows cover.
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Do not allow weld splatter to hit unprotected bellows. Protect with wet chloride-free insulation.
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Do not use cleaning agents that contain chlorides.
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Do not use steel wool or wire brushes on bellows.
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Do not force-rotate one end of an expansion joint for the alignment of bolt holes. Ordinary bellows are not capable of absorbing torque.
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Do not hydrostatic pressure test or evacuate the system before the installation of all guides and anchors. Pipe hangers are not adequate guides.
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Do not exceed a pressure test 1-½ times the rated working pressure of the expansion joint.
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Do not use shipping bars to retain thrust if tested prior to installation.
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Pipe hangers are not adequate guides.
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Refer to EJMA Standard for proper guide spacing and anchor recommendations.
NOTE: The manufacturer’s warranty may be void if improper installation procedures have been used.