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Pipe Work Guidelines Expansion Bellows
Pipe Work Guidelines Expansion Bellows
Pipe Work Guidelines Expansion Bellows
57
EXPANSION JOINT
SELECTION
The successful installation of usually divided by a fix point (between
expansion joints in a pipe system each section).
requires the careful consideration of
many variables. Drawings
The most important issue is to In the following pages examples of
establish the direction in which the good practice in the use of expansion
movements are acting and in which joints in different pipe systems are
way the movements should be illustrated. The drawings are freely
absorbed. Once this information is adapted from the applicable
known, the solution incorporating the standards and are in accordance with
most suitable expansion joint type(s) the drawings available in the latest
can be determined. version of the standard prevailing at the
time of this catalogues publication.
The following pages give some ideas
and suggestions for pipe system See animations
design, and how to implement By using the WebLink located near
expansion joints in the system in the each examples, you can see the online
best way. animations.
DEFINITIONS
FP LFP
G1
IA
LFP = Light fix point G1
G1 = Guide 1
FP
FP = Fix point - on the
straight pipe
G2
FP
G2
G2 = Guide 2
FP LFP
59
Fix points and guides for points. The distance between the For other expansion joint types, the
axial expansion joints expansion joint and the first guide position of fix points and guides are
It is important that the fix point is should be a maximum of dependent on the pipe system and
placed as close to the axial expansion 4 x diameter. The distance between the position of the expansion joint in
joint as possible. It is important to the following guides should be the pipe system.
note that only one axial expansion 14-20 x diameter.
joint can be installed between two fix This is illustrated in the drawings below.
FP G2 G1 FP G1 G2 FP
14-20xD _ 4xD
< _ 4xD
< 14-20xD
FP G1 G2 Gn FP
_ 4xD
< 14-20xD 14-20xD
MORE INFORMATION
60 61
AXIAL AXIAL
Source: Freely adapted from EN 14917 Source: Freely adapted from EN 14917
Straight piping section with axial expansion joints Single axial expansion joint located on the large diameter side of a reducer
This illustrates the importance in the The amount of movements imposed friction of the pipe supports and the When on the same straight pipe on the small fix point should take into possible offset of the pressure thrust if
use of the three fix points, as the use on each expansion joint is not differences in stiffness between the section, an axial expansion joint is account the full pressure thrust of the the reducer is eccentric.
of two or more axial expansion joints controlled, as the pipe between the bellows. It is always important to have located beside a reducer, the loads expansion joint and, additionally, the
in a piping section will create an two bellows can move sideward freely one axial expansion joint between two
undetermined arrangement. in both directions depending on the fix points.
LFP
Source: Freely adapted from EN 14917 Source: Freely adapted from EN 14917
Axial expansion joints not restraining the pressure thrust Straight piping with offset with axial expansion joint
The piping system should be per section of straight pipe system. effective area plus the bellows Shows the application of a single an offset, this load must first be distance between the first guide (G1).
divided into sections by means of fix The fix points and other restraining displacement force. Additionally, the expansion joint in a pipe system transmitted through the offset leg, Further, the spacing between the first
points, guides or restraining tie rods in devices should be designed for the forces generated by the friction within containing an offset. It should be resulting in a movement on the pipe guide and the second guide (G2) and
order to have only one expansion joint full pressure thrust from the bellows the guides should also be considered. noted that applications of this type system. Where the pipe system size is the spacing of guides (Gn) along the
are not usually recommended and will small, the offset appreciable, or where rest of the pipe system. Guides
only perform satisfactorily under the pressure and movement forces should be installed near both ends of
certain conditions. are relatively high, this configuration the offset leg to minimise the effects
As shown the pipe system is provided may result in over-stressing, or of the bending movement on the
with fix points at each end to absorb distortion of the pipe system and system.
the pressure, movement loading and guides. Note the proximity of the
guide friction. Where the line contains expansion joint to a fix point and the
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E X PA N S I O N J O I N T S E L E C T I O N
62 63
AXIAL AXIAL
Source: Freely adapted from EN 14917 Source: Freely adapted from EJMA
Straight piping with bend/offset with axial expansion joint Axial expansion joints in pipe system with reducer
Typifies good practice in the use of a between the two fix points, the the first guide and the second guide Typifies good practice in the use of the expansion joints thrusts on each between the first guide and the
single expansion joint to absorb axial distance between the expansion joint (G2), and the spacing of guides (Gn) expansion joints to absorb axial side of the reducer. second guide (G2) and the spacing of
pipeline expansion. and a fix point, the proximity of the along the remainder of the pipe expansion in a pipe system containing Note the proximity of each expansion guides (Gn) along the rest of each
Note the use of one expansion joint first guide (G1), the spacing between system. a reducer. The fix point at the reducer joint to a fix point, the closeness of pipe section.
is designed to absorb the difference in each first guide (G1), the spacing
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E X PA N S I O N J O I N T S E L E C T I O N
64 65
LATERAL LATERAL
Gn
LFP
FP
Gn
Sp
Gn LFP
Shows a tied universal expansion joint when practical. The thermal as that part of the elbows at either Gn
used to absorb lateral deflection in a movement of the horizontal lines is end, must be absorbed by bending of
Source: Freely adapted from EJMA
single plane “Z” bend. Where absorbed as lateral deflection by the the horizontal pipe legs. Provisions
dimensionally feasible, the expansion expansion joint. Only directional guiding should be made in the design of the
joint should be designed to fill the is required since the compressive guides to allow for both this deflection Universal expansion joint in “Z” bend
entire offset leg so that its expansion loading on the pipe consists only of the and the reduced length of the Shows a typical application of a tied Since the universal expansion joint legs may lie at any angle in the
is absorbed within the tie rods as axial force necessary to deflect the expan- expansion joint in its deflected universal expansion joint in a three can absorb lateral deflection in any horizontal plane.
movement. The tie rod should be sion joint. Any thermal expansion of the position. plane “Z” bend. direction, the two horizontal piping
extended to the elbow centre line offset leg external to the tie rods, such
Gn
Sp
LFP FP
Gn LFP
A piping configuration that permits the axial movement other than its own dimension of the shorter leg is
use of adapted tie rods to prevent thermal expansion. The thermal suitable, tie rods may be installed Lateral expansion joint with two tie rods
axial movement frequently simplifies expansion of the piping in the shorter spanning the entire short leg so that The drawing shows the possible The piping connected at the bottom that the expansion joint is not subject
and reduces the cost of the leg is, as a result, imposed as no deflection is imposed on the movements. should be guided in such a manner to torsion.
installation. deflection on the longer piping leg. longer run from its source.
Due to the tie rods, the expansion Where the longer piping leg is not
joint is incapable of absorbing any sufficiently flexible and where the
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E X PA N S I O N J O I N T S E L E C T I O N
66 67
LATERAL LATERAL
Gn
Sp
FP LFP
FP
Gn Sp
FP
Gn
LFP
FP
Gn
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E X PA N S I O N J O I N T S E L E C T I O N
68 69
HINGED HINGED
LFP Gn
C PG
Equipment
LFP LFP
Hinges in a system
Hinged expansion joints can, in sets In general, there should not be more which a maximum of two can be Source: Freely adapted from EJMA
of two or three, be used for absorbing than three angular expansion joints gimbal expansion joints.
large lateral and axial movements. installed between two fix points, of Three-hinged system
In this case, the entire deflection is the pipe section between expansion Support for the piping system may be
absorbed by the expansion joints and joint C and the left hand fix point accomplished in various ways,
negligible pipe bending loads will be which might otherwise result from the utilising available supporting
imposed upon the fix points. movement required to rotate the structures with greatest efficiency.
Where the distance between the fix expansion joint. One or more It is essential that spring supports be
point on the left and the first hinged additional guides (Gn) may be used to used to permit the free movement of
expansion joint C is large, a pipe maintain the plane of the piping the piping between the expansion
guide should be installed adjacent to system and relieve the hinges of joints.
the expansion joint, as shown. This bending forces which may be created
pipe guide will minimise bending of by external loads.
Two-hinged system
Illustrates the use of a two-hinge cannot extend or compress. the bending deflections of the long
system to absorb the major thermal The amount of bending deflection piping legs. When calculating guide
expansions in a single-plane “Z” imposed on each of the two long clearances, consideration shall be
bend. Since the pressure thrust is piping legs may be controlled by the given to the fact that the thermal
absorbed by the hinges on the effective design of guides and expansion of the offset piping leg
expansion joints, only fix points are supports. Where one long leg is containing the expansion joints will be
required at each end of the piping sufficiently flexible to absorb the full partially offset by the reduction in
LFP
system. The thermal expansion of the thermal growth of the offset leg, the length resulting from the displacement
offset section containing the expan- other long leg may be controlled to of the centre pipe system. The latter
sion joints must be absorbed by the permit longitudinal movement only. effect may be ignored only where the Source: Freely adapted from EJMA
bending of the piping legs perpendic- The guides shown at the ends of the distance between hinge pins is very
ular to that segment, since the long pipe system near the elbows are large and the lateral displacement is Hinge system in non 90° bend
expansion joints are restricted to pure intended to maintain the plane of the small. The figure illustrates the principle that there are no 90° bends. Only fix
angular rotation by their hinges and pipe system only and must allow for hinged expansion joint systems may points and guides are then required.
also be used in other cases where
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E X PA N S I O N J O I N T S E L E C T I O N
70 71
HINGED HINGED
PG
Gn
Equipment
DIA IA
LFP
Source: Freely adapted from EJMA Source: Freely adapted from EJMA
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E X PA N S I O N J O I N T S E L E C T I O N
73
GIMBAL
FP
Gn
Sp
FP
Gn
FP
Gn
Sp
FP
Gn
75
U-PIPE
In some pipe systems, the operating by the amount of movement to be l As shown in the on the left,
conditions can be quite challenging, absorbed and the rotational capability use of expansion joints in loops
resulting in special considerations for of the expansion joints; the higher the can reduce the number of loops
the design of both the pipe system movements the greater the distance required from 3 to 1
and for the expansion joints. Large required between the centre and end
movements can be absorbed in expansion joints. Tips!
numerous ways, and with different
l Venting or draining may be
expansion joint types. In many cases The advantages of this U-pipe required if the loop is fitted
installing two or more expansion joints system design vertically
together at natural or contrived offsets
in the pipe system can be a good l Large movements are absorbed l Expansion joints should be fitted
solution to absorb large movement. l The stress forces on the system as close to the elbows as
The same pipe system design can fix points are much reduced possible
also be used for the absorption of compared to those from l Guides should be close to the
angular movements, which would not equivalent unrestrained expansion outer expansion joints to direct the
be possible in a straight pipe system. joints pipe growth onto the bend. The
l Costs for fix points are reduced guides must allow free travel of the
Why U-bend/pipe loop? pipe system and expansion joints
The U-bend is a good solution for l Solutions using restrained under all movement conditions
absorbing larger movements. The expansion joints can prove to be
configuration of a pipe loop very cost effective, especially l The centre expansion joint in the
containing 3-angular (hinged) when the pipe system is installed U-bend should absorb the rotation
expansion joints can absorb, at a at heights. The need for the equally to the rotation of the outer
minimum, three times larger move- substantial fix points and guides expansion joints
ments compared to a traditional pipe in the pipe system that are l It is advisable to cold pull the
loop without angular expansion joints. routinely required with un- U-bend so that the expansion
The hinges on the expansion joints restrained expansion joints, joints work equally from their
contain the pressure forces from the becomes unnecessary neutral condition. This maximises
bellows and simultaneously ensure due to the pressure thrust force the available travel from the bend,
that movements are controlled, which from the bellows being contained minimises the height of the bend
helps to support the pipe system. The by the hinge structure on the and halves the total deflection
pipe system geometry is determined expansion joints force applied to the fix points
76 77
U-PIPE U-PIPE
GA
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E X PA N S I O N J O I N T S E L E C T I O N
79
PRESSURE BALANCED
LFP LFP
LFP
LFP
80 81
LFP
LFP
Source: Freely adapted from EJMA
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E X PA N S I O N J O I N T S E L E C T I O N
82 83
G1
LFP G1
Source: Freely adapted from EJMA Source: Freely adapted from EJMA
Pressure balanced expansion joint on a turbine Pressure balanced universal expansion joint
The above shows a typical application and that on the turbine ensures that the expansion joint without imposing Where large amounts of lateral movement forces of the expansion Where flow considerations permit, this
of a pressure balanced expansion only guides are required. With an these on the turbine. The only force deflection are involved, a pressure joint. In a large diameter and low problem may be overcome by the use
joint for combined axial movement effective design, the guide can be imposed on the turbine is that is balanced universal expansion joint pressure application, it may be of a tee as a center fitting of the
and lateral deflection. Both the fix made directly above the turbine to required to deflect the must be used. In this design, two impossible to utilise the pressure expansion joint, rather than an elbow.
point at the end of the pipe system absorb the axial movement forces of expansion joint laterally. bellows are used in the flow end of balanced expansion joint to eliminate In some cases, the pressure for the
the expansion joint and a single the pressure loading or at best, the balancing end of the expansion joint
bellows in the balancing end. effect may be uncertain. In such has been introduced from a seperate
Normally as shown, the balancing cases, another expansion joint design pressure source, but this is
bellows will be subjected only to axial must be considered. Pressure considered somewhat hazardous. A
movement if the tie rods are properly balanced expansion joints are not control failure or even a slow control
designed to rotate or pivot at their recommended for use in services response might result in partial or full
attachment points. where the pressure equalising pressure loading being imposed upon
In order for pressure balanced connection between the flow bellow the piping or equipment, thus
expansion joint to function properly, and the balancing bellows may eliminating the initial reason for using
the pressure thrust, restrained by the become plugged or blocked by the the pressure balanced expansion
tie rods, must exceed the axial flow medium or by contaminants. joint.
LFP
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E X PA N S I O N J O I N T S E L E C T I O N
84 85
LFP
LFP
Source: Freely adapted from EJMA Source: Freely adapted from EJMA
Pressure balanced expansion joint located at a change of direction Pressure balanced expansion joint at equipment such as turbines etc.
The above shows that a pressure joint, while the thermal expansion of guiding is used. The guide on the The above typifies good practice in equipment casing. Note that only a fix flow bellows and the balancing
balanced expansion joint can be used the offset pipe system introduces offset run may be used to absorb the the use of a pressure balanced point is required at the change of bellows, so that the forces required to
at the change in direction other than both axial and lateral components or axial movement forces of the expansion joint to absorb the thermal piping direction and, if the expansion compress the expansion joint do not
90 degrees. In this case, the growth deflection on the expansion joint. expansion joint, if the piping is not expansion of equipment such as joint is located immediately adjacent exceed loading limits for the
of the longer pipe system is absorbed Only fix points are required at the sufficiently stiff to transmit this directly turbines, pumps and compressors. to the machine, no guiding is equipment as established by the
as axial movement on the expansion ends of the lines and directional to the fix point. The primary function of the expansion required. Care should be taken to equipment manufacturer.
joint is to minimise loading upon the provide sufficient flexibility in both the
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