AS Expansion Joint
Single Metal Expansion Joint
Single metal expansion joints are precision-engineered components designed to absorb axial, lateral, and angular movements within piping and ductwork systems. Constructed from high-grade metals such as stainless steel or nickel alloys, these expansion joints offer exceptional durability and resistance to high temperatures, pressure fluctuations, and corrosive environments. Their corrugated, bellows-type structure enables them to flex and expand as needed, accommodating thermal expansion and mechanical vibrations without imparting excessive stress on connected equipment.
Key engineering considerations include the selection of appropriate metal alloys to match the application’s temperature and chemical exposure, as well as the calculation of bellows geometry to ensure optimal flexibility and fatigue resistance. The joints are often equipped with end fittings such as weld ends, flanges, or threaded connectors to suit installation requirements. Advanced designs may incorporate internal liners or external covers to protect against particulate erosion and external damage, further enhancing service life.
Single Metal Expansion Joint Fit:
- Bellows may be attached or linked to piping flanges, pipe, or other typical
industrial connections. - End connections may conform to standards such as ASME B16.5, ASME B36.10, or customer designed
- Fittings may be the same at each end or different.
Single Metal Expansion Joint Form:
- Single circular metal bellows, or 1 or more convolutions.
- Typical dimensions of ½” ANSI NPS to 240” ID. Overall length may vary,
typically within the range of 6” to 30”. - Bellows may include reinforcement or controlling members
- Convolutions may be U shaped or toroidal
- Additional accessories may be incorporated such as load bearing
restraints, movement limiters, protection devices
Single Metal Expansion Joint Function:
- Absorbs piping (thermal) movement, primarily axial but could include lateral
and angular movements - Movement amplitude varies, typically within the range of 1/32” to 6”.
- Movement frequency may be extreme low cycle (1 per year), or high cyclic
(such as vibration at 60 Hz)
Industrial Applications
Single metal expansion joints are widely employed in power generation, petrochemical, and heavy industrial applications around the world, where their robust engineering ensures reliable system performance and minimizes downtime due to thermal or mechanical stresses. Their compact design and adaptability make them a preferred solution for managing movement and vibration in critical process infrastructure.
Features
- Simplest, most economical design
- Accepts axial, lateral, angular movements
- Versatile and common throughout all industries
- Use of tie rods contain pressure thrust. Can also include hinges or gimbals
Applications
- The unrestrained EJ is appropriate for any application where pressure thrust can be handled by external anchorage.
Operating Range
- Full vacuum to 2000 psig depending on size
- Cryogenic to 1650°F+
- Sizes from 1” NPS to > 240” NPS
Materials
Bellows:
- 3XX Series Stainless Steel
- Nickel Alloys
- Carbon Steel
- Titanium
- Zirconium