Blog Archives

Fabric Expansion Joint Designed for a High-Temperature Duct Application

March 30, 2026

Type:	Fabric Expansion Joints
Size:	67″ Long x 67″ Wide x 14″ Tall
Material:	3-Layer Fabric Belt with Kaowool Insulation 304 Stainless Steel Angle Flanges
Design	Operating Temp: 2012°F at +/- 100″ Water Column 1″ of Lateral Deflection
Testing:	100% Dye Penetrant Testing & Q.C. Inspection

Fabric Expansion Joints in High Temperatures

Fabric expansion joints are often used in ducts that carry hot gasses at low pressures. The major design parameters include the temperature and flow rate of the gases, as well as the quantity and abrasiveness of any solids entrained within the gas stream.

This fabric expansion joint utilizes a ceramic fiber insulating material, also called an insulation pillow, to shield against high temperatures protecting the belting material. Refractory is also used in the construction of this joint but is designed so that it does not interfere with movement.

Our experienced engineers understand that every component of an expansion joint contributes to its performance rating, including its ability to withstand specific temperatures and meet required service life in operating hours.

View Fabric Expansion Joints Product Section.

Fabric Expansion Joints in Green Tech

Fabric expansion joints play a critical role in systems supporting power and refining plants focused on renewable and carbon-neutral applications. We have partnered with both new market entrants and our long-term clients transitioning legacy fossil fuel assets to greener technologies. These applications include biomass processing for biochar, carbon black production, clean hydrogen, styrene, and cement facilities, where reliable expansion joint performance is essential to system integrity and efficiency.

Looking for a fabric expansion joint, but not sure what size or material you need? Schedule time with an engineer to get your questions answered.

Did you know that US Bellows is a Piping Technology Company?
We are proud to be a one-stop solution from expansion joints to pipe supports and engineering services. We work hard to simplify your supply chain, and ensure system reliability with quality assurance.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 03182020

Single Expansion Joints for a Pipeline in Louisiana

March 2, 2026

Single Expansion Joints for a Pipeline in Louisiana

Type:	Single Expansion Joint
Size:	13.5″ Diameter & 6″ OAL
Material:	304 Stainless Steel \| CS
Design	300°F at 85 psig 1″ Axial & 0.10″ Lateral
Testing:	100% Hydro-tested

U.S. Bellows, Inc. designed these single expansion joints

for a pipeline application in Louisiana. Each expansion joint measures 13.5″ in diameter with a 6″ overall length (OAL). The bellows and internal liner were fabricated from 304L stainless steel to provide enhanced corrosion resistance and durability, while the flanges were constructed from carbon steel for structural strength and cost efficiency.

These expansion joints were engineered to operate at a design temperature of 300°F and a pressure rating of 85 psig. The units were designed to accommodate 1″ of axial compression and 0.10″ of lateral deflection, ensuring the system can safely absorb thermal growth and minor misalignment within the pipeline.

Manufactured to meet design standards such as EJMA, ASME Section VIII, or B31.3 to reinforce engineering credibility, these expansion joints help absorb thermal expansion, reduce stress on piping systems, and extend overall system service life.

To ensure quality and reliability, all expansion joints were hydrostatically tested prior to shipment in accordance with applicable industry standards. This testing verified pressure integrity and overall performance before installation in the field. U.S. Bellows, Inc. specializes in the custom design and manufacture of expansion joints for demanding industrial applications worldwide.

Rubber Expansion Joints Designed for Water Cooling Loops at a Chemical Plant

October 20, 2025

Type:	Neoprene Expansion Joint
Size:	3×10, 6×10, 8×12, 10×14
Material:	Neoprene Twin Sphere Rubber Tubing with 304 SS Flanges & Covers
Design	Operating Temp: 225°F at 225 PSIG \| 1-3/8″ – 1-3/4″ of Lateral Offset
Testing:	Hydro-Tested \| PMI on all Rubber Joint Root-Rings

Rubber pipe expansion joints are often used to compensate for minor misalignment and offset. The design is chemical and abrasion resistant, accommodates for higher pressures than the standard metal expansion joints, and eliminates sediment buildup. They feature an integrally flanged design that eliminates the need for gaskets and are engineered to absorb noise, vibration, and shock, enhancing system reliability and performance.. This single, wide arch, spool-type rubber expansion joint is provided with either Stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized retaining rings. View Rubber / Fabric Expansion Joints Product Section.

These neoprene expansion joints were custom-designed for water cooling loops at a chemical plant in Louisiana. They have a neoprene twin sphere rubber tubing with 304 stainless steel flanges and covers. US Bellows fabricated five of each of the following dimensions: 3×10, 6×10, 8×12, and 10×14. They were designed for an operating temperature of 225°F at 225 PSIG and 1-3/8″ – 1-3/4″ of lateral offset. The units were hydro-tested and PMI on all rubber joint root-rings prior to shipment.

Besides chemical plants, other plants that utilize rubber expansion joints are air scrubber systems, sewage treatment, wastewater treatment, and water treatment plants. Combined cycle power plants also often utilize rubber spool-type expansion joints.

No matter the application, our team of experienced engineers and designers can help to resolve your expansion joint needs. Please contact us via our 24×7 emergency service or send an email to info@pipingtech.com.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 06242020

11′ Fabric Expansion Joints Designed for a Gas Turbine Exhaust

April 4, 2025

133321a1

US Bellows fabricated rectangular fabric expansion joints for a gas turbine. They are 136″ L x 54″ W 12″ face-to-face. The frame and liner are fabricated from stainless steel, and the fabric belt is 1-ply PTFE. The expansion joints are designed for 600°F at +/- 100″ water column. Dye penetrant examination was performed on the welds prior to shipment.

In gas turbine installations, fabric expansion joints are essential for managing the high-temperature exhaust gases that flow from the turbine into downstream components such as heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs), bypass stacks, and emissions control systems. These joints are typically installed in the rectangular ductwork that channels exhaust flow, and they provide the flexibility needed to absorb thermal expansion, vibration, and slight misalignments between components. Because gas turbines operate at extreme temperatures and may cycle frequently, fabric expansion joints are engineered with high-performance materials, such as PTFE, silicone, or high-temp insulation layers, to withstand intense heat, pressure fluctuations, and corrosive gases. Their ability to handle large movements and simplify maintenance access makes them a preferred solution over rigid metal joints in many turbine exhaust applications.

Rectangular fabric expansion joints are a critical component in industrial ducting systems where flexibility, thermal movement, and vibration isolation are essential. These joints are widely used in power plants, refineries, steel mills, cement plants, and other heavy industrial environments—particularly in systems that carry hot gases, air, or exhaust rather than liquids. Their lightweight and flexible design allows them to absorb multi-directional movements and misalignments that occur in large duct systems, especially around boilers, precipitators, scrubbers, and stacks. Fabric joints can be customized with layers of insulation, reinforcement, and protective coatings to handle high temperatures, chemical exposure, and particulate-laden flows, making them a smart, cost-effective solution in challenging service conditions.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 02162014

Custom-Designed Single Flanged Expansion Joints

December 10, 2024

Us bellows single expansion joint 157943

Type:	Single Flanged Expansion Joint
Size:	6″ to 18″ Dia. Range
Material:	321 Stainless Steel \| 304 SS \| 316 SS
Design	1055°F \| 2 psig \| 5/8 ” Axial Travel \| 5/8″ Lateral Offse
Testing:	100% Dye-Penetrant \| Air, Soap, & Bubble

U.S. Bellows provided single expansion joints custom-designed for an oil refinery. The 12″ diameter bellows are fabricated from 321 stainless steel, the liner is 304 stainless and the flanges are fabricated from carbon steel.

Other single type expansion joints for this client’s order varied in diameter from 6″ to 18″, and were constructed using 316 stainless steel for the bellows, liners, and flanges. The design conditions were as follows: a design temperature of 1055°F, an operating pressure of 2 psig, an axial travel of 5/8″, and a lateral offset of 5/8″. Each unit underwent hydrostatic testing before shipment. U.S. Bellows offers expansion joint solutions for a wide range of industries, including biofuels and bioenergy, carbon black, paper mills, sugar mills, and wastewater management.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 10142020

Rectangular Fabric Expansion Joint for a Ventilation Air Filter System at a Gas Turbine Facility

November 12, 2024

Type:	Rectangular Fabric Expansion Joint
Size:	153″ long x 55″ wide x 21″ face-to-face
Material:	PTFE fiber glass reinforced / A572 Gr.50 high strength steel frame & liner
Design:	-20°F to +200°F at +/- 100″ water column
Testing:	100% Dye-Penetrant

U.S. Bellows designed this rectangular fabric expansion joint for a ventilation air filter system at a gas turbine facility. The dimensions for the expansion joint are 153" long x 55" wide x 21" face-to-face. The fabric belt is made from PTFE fiber glass reinforced, while the frame and liner are fabricated from A572 Gr.50 high strength steel. The expansion joint is designed for -20°F to +200°F at +/- 100" water column. A dye penetrant examination on the welds was performed prior to shipment.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 10182016

11 Foot Long Universal Gimbal Expansion Joints Designed for an Oil Refinery in Canada

September 10, 2024

Type:	Universal Gimbal Expansion Joint
Size:	102″ – 133″ L \| 41.5″ W \| 41.75″ H \| 32″ diameter
Material:	Carbon Steel \| 304 Stainless Steel
Design:	100°F @ 285 PSIG \| 102 lb/in/degree Rotational Spring Rate \| 15.4″ Lateral Deflection
Testing:	Hydrotested @ 428 PSIG

US Bellows custom-designed these universal gimbal expansion joints for an oil refinery in Canada. The bellows and liners are fabricated from 304 stainless steel, and the remainder of the components are fabricated from carbon steel. The units range from 102″ to 133″ long, respectively, and sizes supplied are 12″NPS with a gimbal box 27″ wide, 27.5″ tall, and 24″ NPS with a gimbal box 41.25″ wide, 41.75″ tall. They are designed for an operating temperature of 100°F at 285 PSIG, with a 102 lb/in/degree rotational spring rate and 15.4″ of lateral deflection. The expansion joints were 100% dye-penetrant tested and hydro-tested at 428 PSIG prior to shipment.

Gimbal expansion joints are used in a variety of industrial applications where piping systems experience multidirectional movements due to thermal expansion, vibrations, or other external forces. Here are some common areas where gimbal expansion joints are utilized:

Power plants: In both fossil fuel and nuclear power plants, gimbal expansion joints are used in the steam, water, and exhaust systems to accommodate thermal expansion and prevent stress on the piping.

Refineries and petrochemical plants: These joints are essential in refineries and petrochemical facilities to manage the thermal expansion in pipelines carrying various fluids, including high-temperature hydrocarbons, to ensure safe and efficient operations.

Oil and gas industry: Gimbal expansion joints are employed in pipelines that transport oil, gas, and other fluids, especially in offshore drilling platforms, to handle the dynamic movements caused by waves, currents, and thermal effects.

Shipbuilding: In marine applications, gimbal expansion joints are used in the exhaust systems of ships to absorb vibrations and accommodate thermal expansion caused by the operation of engines and other machinery.

Aerospace and defense: These joints are also found in aerospace applications, such as in rocket propulsion systems, to absorb the significant thermal expansion and mechanical stresses during launch and flight.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 10012018

Fabric Expansion Joints Designed for a Textile Sheets, Polymer and Fiber Plant

August 6, 2024

Type:	Fabric Expansion Joint
Size:	36″ L \| 24-1/2″ W \| 24-1/2″ L
Material:	1-Ply ReinForced Silicone Fabric \| Carbon Steel
Design:	300°F @ 3 PSIG \| 6″ Lateral Movement
Testing:	100% Dye-Penetrant

US Bellows designed fabric expansion joint for a textile sheets, polymer, and fiber plant in Virginia. The dimensions for the expansion joints are 36″ long, 24-1/2″ wide, and 24-1/2″ long. These fabric expansion joints are fabricated of carbon steel flanges with 1-ply reinforced silicone fabric. The expansion joints are designed for 300°F with an operating pressure of 3 PSIG, and movement of 6″ lateral. A dye penetrant examination on the welds was performed prior to shipment.

Fabric expansion joints are used in a wide array of applications playing a crucial role in preventing damage to equipment, ensuring system reliability, and maintaining overall safety in industrial processes. Some examples of where they are used are:

Cement plants for ducts and exhaust systems associated with high temperature operations.
Mining industry for mineral and material handling including smelting.
HVAC systems for duct work to address any thermal movements or vibrations.
Marine and shipbuilding applications where exhaust systems, engine piping and other critical areas movement and vibrations must be managed.
Renewable energy facilities such a waste to energy or bioenergy plants in which the incineration operations are critical.
Paper and pulp mills for ducting systems in drying and paper manufacturing processes.
Steel mills for blast furnace systems and exhausting ducts.
Chemical plants to handle dynamic forces associated with chemical reactions, temperature variations and corrosive environments.
Fossil fuel and nuclear power plants to manage vibrations and thermal axial expansion that could stress components and fixed equipment.

We have a 24/7 field service team that works on fabric expansion joints. One of our loyal customers, a North American-based energy company, reached out to us for warranty work on one of our fabric expansion joints and our fierce fabric expansion joint team lead, stepped in and stepped up! She flew up to West Virginia and completed the work. We are dedicated to the success of our products in the field even after they leave our plant.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 02052019

Universal Hinged Fabric Expansion Joints for a Chemical Plant in Delaware

May 7, 2024

US Bellows designed these hinged universal fabric expansion joints for a chemical plant in Delaware. The expansion joints are 84″ in diameter and 60″ OAL. The fabric belt is made with PTFE while the rest of the components are from carbon steel. The expansion joints are designed for an operating temperature of 650°F at 1 psig and 1/2″ of angular movement. The units were 100% dye-penetrate examined was performed prior to shipment.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 02292016

Custom Designed Externally Pressurized Expansion Joints for a Flare Header Application at a Mississippi Refinery

April 9, 2024

Type:	Externally Pressurized Expansion Joint
Size:	133 11/16″ and 120.5″ Long \| Both Have 42″ Pipe Dia.
Design:	Inconel 625 \| Carbon Steel
Material:	450°F at 108 PSIG & 31″ and 25″ Axial Compression
Testing:	Hydro-tested at 167, PMI, 100% X-Ray, and Dye-Penetrant

US Bellows custom-designed these externally pressurized expansion joints for a flare header application at a refinery in Mississippi. One unit measures 133-11/16″ long and the other measures 120-1/2″ long, and both are manufactured for a 42″ pipe diameter. The bellows were fabricated from Inconel 625 and used in conjunction with a carbon steel pipe per A671-CC-60 CL.22. The carbon steel pipe is finished with a 2-coat paint system for corrosion protection. They are manufactured for a design pressure of 108 psig at 450°F with 31″ and 25″ of axial compression. All alloy material was PMI inspected. The units were hydro tested at 167 PSIG, 100% dye-penetrant tested, and the bellows and pipe weld seams were 100% X-ray tested prior to shipment.

Expansion joint applications are varied depending on the type of plant. Some applications include:

Exhaust systems for aerospace, trucks, marine piping
Solid waste incineration for renewables and biofuel plants
Waste water treatment plants for municipal water districts, as well as manufacturing plants
Kilns in mining, food, and plastics plants
Geothermal plants
Gas turbines
FCC units
Heat exchangers
Steam distribution in geothermal plants
Water cooling systems for nuclear power plants, such as the inlet of condenser cooling water from lakes or large bodies of water
Thermal oxidizer systems in polymer processing
Boller duct expansions
Vacuum jacketed piping systems in LNG

We have built, supplied, installed, replaced, audited, repaired, and tested expansion joints for most piping system applications. Our in-house expertise in handling different types of materials needed for expansion joints made of carbon steel, stainless, alloy steel, high nickel alloys, and aluminum spans over our 48 years of work. Welding specialties include TIG, pulse-arc MIG, SMAW, SUB-ARC, and Aluminium. Our qualifications for expansion joints are ASME Section IX, AWS D1.1, NS, and MIL-STD-248. Testing can be specified to include any or all of the following, depending on project and application requirements:

Magnetic particle-dry method
Liquid penetrant-visible and fluorescent
Ultrasonic and radiography
Hydrostatic and pneumatic testing

US Bellows, a subsidiary of Piping Technology and Products, is a member of the EJMA association, which maintains a set of standards for quality expansion joint design and manufacturing. The standards are used as a worldwide reference for the proper selection and application of expansion joints.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 02202018

Fabric Expansion Joint for an Inlet Duct Application at a Gas Turbine Facility

February 6, 2024

Type:	Fabric Expansion Joint
Size:	143″ long x 61″ wide x 12″ face-to-face
Material:	PTFE Fiberglass Reinforced Fabric Belt & 304 Stainless Steel
Design:	-20°F to 600°F , +/- 100″ water column, 0.5″ Axial & 1″ Lateral
Testing:	Dye-Penetrant

US Bellows fabricated this rectangular fabric expansion joint for an inlet duct application at a gas turbine facility. The unit is 143″ long x 61″ wide x 12″ face-to-face. The fabric belt is made from reinforced PTFE fiberglass and the frame and liner from 304 stainless steel. It is designed for an operating temperature ranging from -20°F to 600°F with a pressure of +/- 100″ water column, with 0.5″ of axial compression and 1″ of lateral deflection. A dye-penetrant examination was performed on all the structural frame welds prior to shipment.

- Cement plants for ducts and exhaust systems associated with high temperature operations.

- Mining industry for mineral and material handling including smelting.

- HVAC systems for duct work to address any thermal movements or vibrations.

- Marine and shipbuilding applications where exhaust systems, engine piping and other critical areas movement and vibrations must be managed.

- Renewable energy facilities such a waste to energy or bioenergy plants in which the incineration operations are critical.

- Paper and pulp mills for ducting systems in drying and paper manufacturing processes.

- Steel mills for blast furnace systems and exhausting ducts

- Chemical plants to handle dynamic forces associated with chemical reactions, temperature variations and corrosive environments.

Power plants: Fossil fuel and nuclear plants to manage vibrations and thermal axial expansion that could stress components and fixed equipment.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 06252018

Fabric Expansion Joints for a Carbon Gas Application at an Oil and Gas Facility

November 7, 2023

Type:	Fabric Expansion Joint
Size:	20″ Diameter & 18″ Length
Material:	1-Ply PTFE Fabric Belt/Carbon Steel Framework
Design:	-20°F/+600°F with a +/- 20″ Water Column, and +/- 1″ of Axial Compression & Lateral Offset
Testing:	100% Dye-Penetrant

US Bellows fabricated these fabric expansion joints for a carbon gas application at an oil and gas facility in Louisiana. These units are 20″ in diameter and 18″ in length. The 1-ply fabric belt is made from PTFE, and the framework is carbon steel. They are designed for an operating temperature of -20°F/+600°F with a +/- 20″ water column and +/- 1″ of axial compression and lateral offset. The welds of the units were dye-penetrant tested prior to shipment.

US Bellows and its subsidiaries have served as leading global suppliers of carbon black worldwide. Material from these plants is made to exacting standards for tires, coatings, ink, batteries, plastics, and numerous other specialty high-performance applications. Carbon black is produced from the thermal decomposition of heavy petroleum raw materials, such as coal tar, ethylene cracking tar, or FCC tar. It is widely utilized due to its various beneficial characteristics, such as increasing tread wear and rolling resistance, absorbing ultraviolet (UV) light and converting it into heat, enhancing thermal conductivity, and strengthening UV protection. Several processes, such as oil furnaces and thermal, are mainly used to manufacture carbon black. In addition to providing expansion joints, we have provided the following products from our manufactured portfolio at our facility in Houston, Texas:

Constant Spring Hangers
Metallic Expansion Joints
Pipe Shoes, Guides, and Anchors
Insulated Supports
Paddle Blinds and Spacers
Pipe Hangers Hardware
Slide Bearing Plates
Instrument Supports
Variable Spring Hangers

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 08122017

81″ Diameter Pressure Balanced Tee Expansion Joints Custom Designed for a Chemical Plant

February 7, 2023

Type:	Pressure Balanced Tee Expansion Joints
Size:	352″ OAL \| 81″ Dia. \| 90″ Centerline to Bevel End
Material:	304 Stainless Steel \| CS
Design	392°F at 15 PSIG \| 6″ Axial Compression
Testing:	100% Dye Penetrant \| Air Soap and Bubble test

US Bellows custom-designed pressure-balanced tee expansion joints for a chemical plant in Texas. The units were 352″ overall length, 81″ diameter, and 90″ center line to the bevel-end of the tee. All assemblies were fabricated from 304 stainless steel.

They were designed for an operating temperature of 392°F at 15 PSIG, with 6″ of axial compression and 1.25″ of lateral deflection. The expansion joints were 100% dye-penetrate tested, as well as air soap and bubble tested prior to shipment.

We can also design and manufacture refractory lined expansion joints for these types that are able to expand and contract as conditions move from hot to cold. These units can be installed in refineries, power plants, and various green energy facilities where no other option is practical.

Our team of engineers and manufacturing staff are ready and willing to assist in helping solve any design and/or manufacturing challenges. We can also refurbish existing units to help decrease the time operations are shut down. We assure you that our 24×7 web-based emergency and quick-turn-around service can help when you need it most.

View Expansion Joint Product Section

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 04192019

Hinged Expansion Joints Designed for a Steam Exhaust Application

January 10, 2023

Type:	Hinged Expansion Joints
Size:	42″ Long \| 16″ Nominal Pipe Size
Material:	316L Stainless Steel \| Carbon Steel
Design	400°F at 150 psig \| 4.25″ Lateral \| 1° Angular
Testing:	100% Dye Pen. \| Bellows Longitudinal Seams 100% X-rayed \| Hydro-Tested at 250 psig

US Bellows custom-designed hinged universal expansion joint for a steam exhaust application at a chemical plant in Texas for one of the largest cracker installations in the USA to support the manufacture of mainly olefins and polypropylene. The units are 42″ long and have a nominal pipe size of 16″. The bellows are fabricated from 316L stainless steel. The flanges, pipe spool, and hardware are carbon steel. They are designed for an operating temperature of 400°F at 150 psig. They are capable of 4.25″ lateral deflection and 1° of angular movement. The expansion joints were 100% dye penetrant tested, the bellows longitudinal seams were 100% X-rayed, and a hydro-test at 250 psig was performed prior to shipment.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 02112020

Single Flanged Expansion Joints for a Leading Manufacturer & Designer of Transformers & Power Supplies for an Industrial Applications Company

November 8, 2022

U.s. bellows custom designed single fanged expansion joints for a leading manufacturer & designer of transformers & power supplies for an industrial applications company

Type:	Single Flanged Expansion Joint
Size:	5″ Length \| 6″ ID \| 11″ O.D.
Material:	ASTM A240-316 Stainless Steel
Design	200°F \| 150 psig \| 7,942 lb/in. Lateral Spring Rate 0.625 ” Axial Travel \| 803 lb/in. Axial Spring Rate 0.125″ Lateral Offset \| 225 psig Test Pressure
Testing:	100% Dye-Penetrant \| Air, Soap, & Bubble

These units were sold to a company that manufactures customized power conversion solutions used in power supplies, transformers, inductors and capacitors for industrial and military applications. Expansion joints are used in a wide range of industries from automotive, food processing, biofuels, and wastewater treatment plants. This expansion joint is simply a bellows element with flanged end connections. Regardless of accessories, such as liners and covers, it will deflect in any direction or plane. It is the least expensive type of metal expansion joint but requires that the piping be controlled or guided as to the specified direction of the movements required. This type of expansion joint should not be expected to control the movement of the pipe. If the piping analysis shows that the expansion joint must accept axial compression, then the piping must be guided and constrained so that only that movement will occur. This expansion joint will not resist any deflection other than the resistance of the bellows, which is a function of the spring rate times the deflection amount. It is incapable of resisting the pressure thrust along its axis, which is the product of the pressure times the effective, or cross-sectional, area of the bellows. Large diameter units, even with low pressures, can generate very large axial pressure thrust forces, which must be contained by main and directional anchors. Otherwise, the expansion joint will exceed its designed function.

Piping Technology and its subsidiaries, in this case, US Bellows, prides itself on its long-standing relationships with ALL its customers. We have worked with this client for over 10 years with our first project in the early 2000s. We have been their vendor of choice for almost every expansion joint since then. We believe we must be strategic partners with our clients to understand their technical, delivery, and commercial needs to best move forward. This is where we are different than other key players as we have “in-house” technical and manufacturing expertise in our plant located in Houston, Texas to address customer queries or updates in real-time. An example of what our customers say:

“Thank you very much for the excellent work you and your associates at USB provided on my expansion joint order. Although we agreed to 10-day rush delivery, your shop responded to my project schedule and delivered 14 bellows assemblies in only 7 days from my order. This quick delivery helped us avert a scheduling conflict on a very critical project. I would be glad to recommend U.S. Bellows to anyone in need of a quality product with on-time or better delivery. 2022”

*Designed in accordance with the Standards of the Expansion Joint Manufacturers Association, 10th E, and welding per ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section IX.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 08252020

66″ Diameter Hinged Expansion Joints Designed for a Chemical Plant

October 11, 2022

Type:	Hinged Expansion Joint
Size:	66″ in diameter and 39-3/8″ OAL
Material:	Incoloy 825 / 321 stainless steel
Design	73 PSIG at 986°F with 4.25 degrees of angular rotation
Testing:	Dye Penetrant, X-Ray, PMI, Hydrotest

These single hinged expansion joints were custom designed by US Bellows for a chemical plant in Saudi Arabia. The units are 66″ in diameter and 39-3/8″ OAL. The bellows were fabricated from Incoloy 825 with the weld ends, hinges, liner, and cover from 321 stainless steel. The expansion joints were designed for an operating pressure of 73 PSIG at 986°F with 4.25 degrees of angular rotation. All units were dye-penetrant tested and x-ray tested on each bellows and pipe longitudinal weld seams, PMI tested on each alloy component, and ultrasonic tested on each alloy steel plate prior to shipment. Hinged pipe expansion joints also contain hinges or pivots which allow the unit to bend in a single plane.

We’ve supplied this type of expansion joint for both methanol and ammonia plants. They are also used in piping systems for air, steam, gas turbines, reformer ducts, and burners. These units are designed to restrict axial deflection 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.

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 06182019

Tied Universal Elbow Expansion Joint Custom-Designed for Ammonia and Waste Processing for a Liquid Nitrogen Fertilizer Plant

July 5, 2022

Type:	Tied Universal Elbow Expansion Joint
Size:	20″ Dia. \| 112″ Face-of-Flange to Center Line of Elbow OAL
Material:	Inconel® 625 Bellows \| 304 H Stainless Steel
Design	Operating Temp: 1,150°F at 140 PSIG \| 4″ Lateral Deflection
Testing:	Dye Penetrant Examined \| 100% X-Rayed Bellows \| Hydro-tested

US Bellows custom-designed a tied universal elbow expansion joint for ammonia and waste processing for a nitrogen fertilizer plant. The bellows and liner are fabricated from Inconel® 625. The pipe, tie rods, and flanges are fabricated from 304 H stainless steel. It is designed for an operating temperature of 1,150°F at 140 PSIG and 4″ of lateral deflection. The assembly is 20″ in diameter and 112″ face-of-flange to the centerline of elbow OAL. The unit was 100% x-rayed, dye-penetrate examined, and hydro-tested before shipment.

27″ Dia. Universal Expansion Joints Designed for a Wastewater Treatment Plant

June 6, 2022

US Bellows designed universal expansion joints for a wastewater treatment plant in Florida. This was done for a longtime client and market leader in wastewater management, energy services, water, and wastewater treatment. The units are 60″ tall and have a 26.75″ inside diameter. The bellows, cover, liner, and weld-ends are fabricated from 304 stainless steel. They are designed for an operating temperature of 1000°F at 11 psig, with 2″ axial compression and lateral deflection. The units were pneumatically tested at 12 psig prior to shipment. The on-site inspection was done by the client and the EPC firm at our manufacturing facility with our Engineers present to provide any additional clarity that was needed.

US Bellows, EJMA member, is a leader in bellows design and manufacturing. With our manufacturing and engineering both in Houston, we have over 45 years of experience and have deployed over 250k expansion joints which does not include maintenance and repairs services conducted by our highly qualified field service team.

Custom expansion joint design and manufacturing is a complex process and we execute it effectively by focusing on the approval drawings from the customer side, training on customer support with all functional teams (production, engineering, shipping, and sales), and inter-team communication. We developed and deployed digital work instructions for all key production steps and added detailing and reviewing checklists of all of the expansion joint drawings before releasing them to fabrication. These improvements have reduced considerably the number of revisions and reworks. Some insight into jobs we have conducted successfully include:

Refurbished 6 48″-64″ Refractory-lined Expansion Joints for a Large Houston Refinery during a 45-day turnaround
Completed a large ducting project for a Major Chemical facility in Texas with on-time delivery
In the last 6 months, 40% of our expansion joint jobs have shipped in 2 weeks

Usbellows universal expansion joint drawing 159489

PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 11122018

Rubber Expansion Joints for an 8” Dia. Pipeline at a Saudi Arabian Oil Company

May 11, 2022

Ptp rubber expansion joint 171379

U.S. Bellows, Inc. provided rubber expansion joints for an 8″ pipeline. This single open arch rubber expansion joint is fabricated from EPDM rubber and the retaining rings are galvanized A36 carbon steel and powder coated orange. The expansion joints were designed for an operating pressure of 250 psig with a 30″ vacuum, 1.75″ compression, 0.88″ extension, and 1″ lateral offset. Rubber pipe expansion joints are often used to compensate for minor misalignment and offset. Each unit was hydro-tested at 250°F at 75 psig. An advantage of a rubber expansion joint (also called an elastomer joint) over the metallic is the ability to prevent the transmission of vibration and to do this without significant harm to the joint. They can be utilized for pump inlets and discharges solely to stop vibration and noise from the pump. They have an integrally flanged design where no gaskets are required. Metal reinforcing rings can also be added to help resist pressure and flexing during operation. Fabric reinforcement within the rubber can also be added for applications to take the load of fluid pressure. At U.S. Bellows, our engineers are professionally trained and qualified to both design and manufacture units specifically for your application per expansion joint manufacturing association (EJMA).

96″ Dia. Thick Wall Expansion Joint Designed for a Sulfuric Acid Plant

April 12, 2022

Us bellows thick wall expansion joint 169673

US Bellows designed this thick-wall flanged and flued head expansion joint at a sulfuric acid plant in Louisiana. Sulfuric acid plants are located throughout the industrialized world, and we have worked with most of them, including market leaders. Most are located near their product acid’s point of use, i.e., near fertilizer plants, copper ore leach plants, and petroleum refineries. This is because elemental sulfur is cheaper to transport than sulfuric acid.

By far the largest amount of sulfuric acid is used to make phosphoric acid, which is, in turn, used to make the phosphate fertilizers, calcium dihydrogenphosphate, and ammonium phosphates. It is also used to make ammonium sulfate, which is a particularly important fertilizer in sulfur-deficient soils. In various concentrations, the acid is used in the manufacture of fertilizers, pigments, dyes, drugs, explosives, detergents, and inorganic salts and acids, as well as in petroleum refining and metallurgical processes.

The expansion joint was fabricated from A516-70 carbon steel and painted with a special epoxy coat for protection from corrosion. The unit is 96″ x 124-1/4″ O.D. All of the butt welds for this expansion joint were 100% liquid-penetrant, 100% radiographic, and soap and air bubble tested prior to shipment. This type of joint can be used as a “clamshell” joint in conjunction with shell and tube heat exchangers, steam exhaust, hot water return lines, or chilled water lines.

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