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Yes, it can. The fabric belt must be able to withstand the thermal, pressure and chemical conditions. Modern fabrics accomplish this with a chemically inert barrier bonded to high strength substrate. For high-temperature applications, a layer of insulation is incorporated into the belt.

 

Splice peel back
Fabric Belt

In certain conditions, a particulate deflector can be specified to reduce air-born particulate from falling down into the expansion joint cavity. This is most common on vertical ducting with the flow directions up and an upstream liner overlapping the downstream duct. The deflector presents an angled surface to the flow and eliminates a ledge for build-up.

Component particulate deflector
Particulate Deflector

What is the function of the particulate deflector on a fabric expansion joint?

In certain conditions, a particulate deflector can be specified to reduce air-born particulate from falling down into the expansion joint cavity. This is most common on vertical ducting with the flow directions up and an upstream liner overlapping the downstream duct. The deflector presents an angled surface to the flow and eliminates a ledge for build-up.

Component particulate deflector
Particulate Deflector
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Tools needed include: Suitable/safe scaffolding, Lifting equipment (forklift, crane, hoist), Drill, Come along, Rope, Pry Bar

Reducing fabric expansion joints
Fabric Expansion Joint

The gasket is a non-porous deformable material that is installed between the belt attachment flange and the fabric belt. The gasket allows a gas-tight seal when the back-up bar clamping action is applied.

Rectangular fabric expansion joint
Fabric Expansion Joint

It includes integral telescoping liners to retain the accumulation barrier and protect the belt from abrasion.

Style 200w diagram
Style 200W

It is defined as an assembly that utilizes a fabric belt element to allow for the movement of ductwork, as opposed to a metal expansion joint which allows for the movement by means of convoluted metal bellows.

Small diameter fabric expansion joint
Fabric Expansion Joints

How is a fabric expansion joint defined?

It is defined as an assembly that utilizes a fabric belt element to allow for the movement of ductwork, as opposed to a metal expansion joint which allows for the movement by means of convoluted metal bellows.

Small diameter fabric expansion joint
Fabric Expansion Joints
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Typical operating conditions are 600 degrees F to 750 degrees F, 5” to 80” WG pressure, clean air media, boiler growth contributes to large axial or lateral expansion joint movements depending on the orientation of the joints.

227
Turbulent Flue Gas and Wet Gas Expansion Joint Applications

Bolt-in design for attachment to equipment or duct flanges. (If equipment or duct flanges are not present, weld in designs are recommended.)

227
Turbulent Flue Gas and Wet Gas Expansion Joint Applications

In addition to fabric expansion joints, U.S. Bellows is a major designer and fabricator of ducting. Design Integration is the design, manufacture, and shipping of expansion joints integrated into the ducting as a complete unit directly from U.S. Bellows. This enables U.S. Bellows to offer optimum system design and the lowest installed cost.

Flexxcel hd7
Liner Material

What is design integration for fabric expansion joints?

In addition to fabric expansion joints, U.S. Bellows is a major designer and fabricator of ducting. Design Integration is the design, manufacture, and shipping of expansion joints integrated into the ducting as a complete unit directly from U.S. Bellows. This enables U.S. Bellows to offer optimum system design and the lowest installed cost.

Flexxcel hd7
Liner Material
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The twisting of one side of the duct about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Fabric Expansion Joint Angular Rotation
Fabric Expansion Joint Angular Rotation

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.

204
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.

93348a1
59″ Neoprene Expansion Joint

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

113108v2a1
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.

114196a1
Rectangular Fabric Expansion Joint For High Air Circulation Flow