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The increase in the breach opening along the axis of the duct. In certain configurations, the duct thermal expansion may result in extension at the expansion joint location.

Fabric Expansion Joint Axial Extension
Fabric Expansion Joint Axial Extension

It is the opening in the duct where the expansion joint is installed.

Fabric Expansion Joint Axial Extension
Fabric Expansion Joint Axial Extension

The reduction in the breach opening along the axis of the duct. This is usually a result of thermal expansion of the ducting.

Fabric Expansion Joint Axial Compression
Fabric Expansion Joint Axial Compression

It is a structural angle or channel that is welded to the end of the ducting facilitate bolting or welding the expansion joint into the system.

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Fabric Expansion Joint With Mating Flange

We do not air test fabric expansion joints; all welds are liquid penetrant tested.

Dye pen test
Dye Penetrant Test

The rubber molded expansion joint would be used for water services or applications with low temperature.

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59″ Neoprene Expansion Joint

The installed length is the overall face-to-face length of the expansion joint to be installed.

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High Temperature Fabric Expansion Joint Designed for an Exhaust Duct

We can also do fabric expansion joints but that would be for a very low-pressure application.

Rectangular fabric expansion joint
Rectangular Fabric Expansion Joint

The fabric is comprised of various layers:

  1. Inner layer: Comprised of highly thermal and abrasive resistant fabric material. It is usually used for 1000 degrees F plus working conditions.
  2.  PTFE/Fiberglass Composite LFP Corrosion Lined: The LFP Corrosion liner is 100 percent PTFE material that is capable of resisting the stress cracking caused by flexing and severe temperature fluctuation.
  3. Thermal Ceramics Fiber Blanket: This layer provides excellent resistance. It can withstand temperatures up to 2300 degrees F and chemical attack.
Number10
3-Layer Fabric Expansion Joint

What fabric is used in manufacturing expansion joints?

The fabric is comprised of various layers:

  1. Inner layer: Comprised of highly thermal and abrasive resistant fabric material. It is usually used for 1000 degrees F plus working conditions.
  2.  PTFE/Fiberglass Composite LFP Corrosion Lined: The LFP Corrosion liner is 100 percent PTFE material that is capable of resisting the stress cracking caused by flexing and severe temperature fluctuation.
  3. Thermal Ceramics Fiber Blanket: This layer provides excellent resistance. It can withstand temperatures up to 2300 degrees F and chemical attack.
Number10
3-Layer Fabric Expansion Joint

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The fabric joints do not have stiffness values as the metallic bellows do.

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Rectangular Fabric Expansion Joint For High Air Circulation Flow

Fabric Expansion JointThe maximum pressure for fabric expansion joints is 100 inches of water or 3 PSIG. (pounds per square inch)

Reducing fabric expansion joints
Fabric Expansion Joint

These expansion joints are not a good solution for high-temperature applications. The neoprene tends to burn at approximately 250 deg. F.

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Neoprene Fabric Expansion Joint

The number of layers or plies is dependent upon the design conditions and we usually limit non-metallic expansion joints to two or three layers.

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Multi-layer Fabric Expansion Joint Belt

We do manufacture fabric expansion joints with other types of materials if the customer specifies it. Please see some of the materials here:

Yes, the rubber expansion joints do have spring rates and that are required to be input into the stress model.

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Rubber Expansion Joints