Metal Expansion Joint

Engineered Flexibility for Demanding Industrial Systems

A Metal Expansion Joint is a precision-engineered flexible connector,constructed primarily from metallic bellows,designed to absorb critical movement,vibration,and thermal growth in piping and duct systems.It serves as a vital component for maintaining structural integrity,relieving stress,and ensuring operational reliability in high-performance environments.

Core Functions&Purpose

Movement Accommodation:Safely absorbs axial compression/extension,lateral offset,and angular rotation in piping systems caused by thermal expansion,pressure-induced thrust,or equipment displacement.

Stress Mitigation:Prevents damaging forces from being transferred to sensitive equipment(pumps,turbines,vessels)or rigid pipe anchors,thereby eliminating fatigue failure.

Vibration&Noise Isolation:Dampens vibrations from rotating machinery and reduces noise transmission through the system.

Misalignment Compensation:Accommodates initial installation offsets and settling of supports.

Primary Types&Configurations

Axial Expansion Joints:Designed primarily to absorb movement along the pipe axis(compression and extension).Often require main anchors.

Universal Expansion Joints:Incorporate two bellows with a central pipe spool to absorb large lateral movement and multi-plane angular rotation.

Hinged Expansion Joints:Use a hinge mechanism to confine movement to a single plane of angular rotation,ideal for applications like turbine exhaust where lateral movement must be controlled.

Gimbal Expansion Joints:Employ two pairs of hinges to absorb angular rotation in any plane,commonly used in complex multi-directional systems.

Pressure Balanced Expansion Joints:Incorporate an internal flow sleeve and balancing bellows to absorb movement without generating pressure thrust forces on anchors or equipment—critical for large-diameter,high-pressure lines.