U.S. Bellows, Inc. specially designed and manufactured two 55″ O.D. refractory lined universal gimbal expansion joints for a refinery in Joliet. These expansion joints are equipped with slotted hinges with an overall length of 163″ and 286″ respectively. The 163″ O.A.L. expansion joint, designed for 60 PSIG and 1020°F, will be used at the reactor standpipe of the refinery. The 286″ O.A.L. expansion joint will be used for the regenerator standpipe of the refinery and it is designed for 57 PSIG and 1300°F. Both expansion joints consist of an A516 Gr70 pipe, two SB-443 two-ply bellows, and a slotted hinge.
To ensure quality, 100% dye-penetration, 100% x-ray and pressure tests were performed on the bellows. Pneumatic and vacuum tests were also conducted on the expansion joints and between bellows dry plies prior to shipping.
