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How do you attach a high pressure joint in a piping system?

In an axial piping system, the expansion joint should be located as close as possible to a main anchor. The first pipe guide should be located at a distance of 4 pipe diameters away from the expansion joint. The second guide should be located a distance of 14 pipe diameters away from the first guide. During installation, the expansion joint should be either welded or flanged into the piping system.

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High Pressure Universal Tied Expansion Joint
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What is end thrust?

It is the force generated due to the pressure inside the expansion joint. Pressure thrust is calculated by multiplying the area of the mean bellows diameter by the pressure.

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Bellows “PA” (pressure x area) load
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Why do expansion joints fail?

Failures can occur for many reasons, but experience has shown that certain causes of failure fall into fairly distinct categories.

  • Shipping and handling damage. Examples: Denting or gouging of bellows from being struck by hard objects (tools, chain falls, forklifts, adjacent structures, etc.); improper stacking for shipping or storage; insufficient protection from weather or other adverse environmental conditions.

  • Improper installation and insufficient protection.

  • During and after installation.

  • Examples: Joints with internal liners installed in the reverse direction with respect to flow; installing an expansion joint in a location other than as prescribed by the installation drawings; premature removal of shipping devices; springing of bellows to make up for piping misalignment; insufficient protection from mechanical damage due to work in the surrounding area; insufficient protection of bellows during nearby welding operations and failure to remove shipping devices before placing system in operation.

  • Improper anchoring, guiding and supporting of the system.

  • Anchor failure in service.

  • Bellows corrosion, both internal and external.

  • System over-pressure (in-service or hydrotest). Bellows vibration (mechanical or flow-induced resulting in high cycle fatigue).

  • Excessive bellows deflection (axial, lateral, angular deflections greater than design values).

  • Torsion.

  • Bellows erosion.

  • Packing of particulate matter in the bellows convolutions which inhibits proper movement of the bellows.
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Failed Competitor Expansion Joint

 

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