B A wi % TA A % = GM Wy TL ° LKintroduction ‘Temperature variations in pipelines ang relevant apparatus, cause expansions. ‘They generate forces in the piping system, which might cause failures. ‘There are various methods to absorb thermal expansions. ‘The most up dated designers prefer to adopt metallic expansion joints, as they require less space than pipe loops and, above all, because their flexibility allows to absorb movements in several directions. Expansion joints permit more freedom in designing. Furthermore, in the case of large diameter pipes, they are cheaper than other systems (e. pipe loops). Adopting expansion joints is almost always the simplest and cheapest way to absorb ‘thermal variations.S> construction INOFLEX expansion joints are designed. following the criteria generally accepted and described in the “ASA B 31 Code for Pressure piping” and in the “ASME BOILER & UNFIRED PRESSURE VESSEL CODE’ The bellows are obtained from a stainless steel pipe (or other materials) which has one longitudinal welding orly. ‘Through a particular patented hydraulic process, aswell as eventual special and accurate treatments, the bellows are formed ‘They have therefore no circumferential weldings;this isa very important characteristic that, together with a fabrication procedure accurately controlled and severe final tests, gives a high quality product Compatative fatigue tests have proven that, at same conditions, an INOFLEX joint lasts 10/12 times more than a joint with circumferential welds. The expansion joints are supplied with flanges or with ends to be welded ‘They can also be supplied with an internal sleeve in order to insure the fluid flow with the slightest losses of pressure due to friction (also to decrease the thermal influence on the bellows) ‘According to their uso, the bellows may be either mono-ply or multi-ply type. at