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Universal Pipe Expansion Joint

The universal pipe expansion joint consists of two bellows separated by a pipe section or spool. The primary purpose of this arrangement is to have a unit which will accept large amounts of lateral deflection. The amount of lateral deflection they can accept is a function of the amount of angulation each bellows can absorb and the distance between the bellows. For a given bellows element, the amount of lateral deflection capability can be increased or decreased by simply changing the length of the center spool.

Universal Expansion Joints

The universal pipe expansion joint consists of two bellows separated by a pipe section or spool. The primary purpose of this arrangement is to have a unit which will accept large amounts of lateral deflection. The amount of lateral deflection they can accept is a function of the amount of angulation each bellows can absorb and the distance between the bellows. For a given bellows element, the amount of lateral deflection capability can be increased or decreased by simply changing the length of the center spool. There are three standard overall lengths shown with their lateral movement capability. If the piping problem requires greater capability, then the overall length can be increased to suit. Since deflections are usually the result of piping thermal expansion, and universal expansion joints are usually long, our units are designed so that the thermal expansion of the entire unit's length is accepted as compression by the two bellows elements. In this way, the overall length of the unit does not change when the piping is heated. The standard units in this catalog have all been designed to accept the thermal expansion of their length when the temperature is up to the design temperature shown.

3 inch, 3.5 inch, 4 inch Nominal Diameter

Flanged Universal Expansion Joint

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Notes:

  1. Rated life cycle at 650°F is 3000 cycles for any one tabulated movement.
  2. To combine axial, lateral and angular movements, please refer to the how to order section.
  3. To increase cycle life or movements, please refer to graph on cycle life.
  4. Rated bellows extension is equal to rated axial movement. Provided bellows is precompressed the amount of design extension. Installed overall length will decrease by the amount of precompression.
  5. Tabulated values are for tied joints, with butt weld ends. Performance of joints with flanged ends, and unrestrained joints, will exceed tabulated values.
  6. Maximum test pressure: 1.5 X rated working pressure.
  7. Bellows rated for 650°F: See catalog flange data for appropriate flange temperature/pressure ratings.
  8. Pressure thrust load applied to adjacent pipe anchors/equipment when unrestrained expansion joints are used.
SizePressureNon-concurrant Movements/Spring Rates
Lateral Movement/Spring RatesAxial
24in.
Overall Length
36in.
Overall Length
48in.
Overall Length
MovementSpring Rate
610mm
Overall Length
914mm
Overall Length
1219mm
Overall Length
MovementSpring
Rate
MovementSpring
Rate
MovementSpring
Rate
PSIGin.lb./in.in.lb./in.in.lb./in.in.lb./in.
kg/cm 2mmkg/mmmmkg/mmmmkg/mmmmkg/mm
3753.17168.93314.9312.05152
5.3810.32270.053790.02523
5001.33913.39185.4970.711010
35.1341.6860.321390.131818
3.5752.81237.82413.0322175
5.3710.41990.073310.04513
5001.11512.77304.48120.651355
35.1282.7700.541140.211724
4503.43199.41315.6112.71111
3.5870.32390.053960.02692
2751.441063.53225.6690.92775
19.3371.9900.391440.162314

Materials
Bellows: A240-T304. Alternate materials available upon request. Refer to the materials section.
Flanges: ASTM A105.
50-75 PSIG Series: 150 lb. ANSI B16.5 RPSO.
275-500 PSIG Series: 300 lb. ANSI B16.5 RPSO
Plate flanges and angle flanges available for low pressure systems.
Pipe: ASTM A-53/A-106.
50-75 PSIG Series: Std. Wt. Pipe.
275-500 PSIG Series: Std. Wt. Pipe
Liners: A240-T304.
Covers: Carbon steel.
Tie Rods, Hinges, Gimbals: Carbon steel

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