01
Axial movement
A change in length along the longitudinal axis of the joint.
Expansion Joint Solutions for Movement, Vibration and System Stress
Metallic, fabric and rubber expansion joints for piping and duct systems where thermal movement, vibration or equipment movement must be accommodated.
Include with your requirement
Include the operating temperature, pressure, process medium, required movement, connection arrangement and project specifications where available.
- Operating temperature
- Pressure
- Process medium
- Movement requirements
- Connection arrangement
- Project specifications
Choose by operating requirements—not appearance alone.
Expansion joints maintain continuity while accommodating specified movement or vibration within piping and ducting systems. Metallic, fabric and rubber constructions are not interchangeable: each is intended for different operating conditions and system arrangements.
Start with the operating duty: conditions, required movement, geometry, connections and available system information.
01Metallic
Industrial piping and equipment connections
Engineered bellows arrangements for specified piping movement
Pressure, temperature, medium, movement and system arrangement
02FabricLow-pressure ducting, exhaust and hot-gas systems
Flexible circular or rectangular connections for duct movement
Duct geometry, temperature, pressure or vacuum, process conditions and movement
03RubberPiping, pumps and selected utility connections
Flexible connections for movement, vibration and noise reduction
Medium, temperature, pressure, movement and flange arrangement
Three ways connected ends can move
State the required direction and amount of movement where known. One application may involve more than one movement type, and the operating sequence can affect selection.
02
Lateral movement
A transverse offset between the two connected ends.
03
Angular movement
A rotational change in angle between the connected ends.
01
Metallic Expansion Joints
Metallic bellows assemblies designed to accommodate axial, lateral and angular movement in piping systems.
View Metallic Expansion Joints details
02
Fabric Expansion Joints
Flexible expansion joints for low-pressure ducting, exhaust systems and hot-gas applications. Circular and rectangular configurations can be selected according to operating temperature, movement requirements, process conditions and connection arrangement.
View Fabric Expansion Joints details
03
Rubber Expansion Joints
Flexible connectors used to reduce vibration and noise while accommodating movement within piping systems.
View Rubber Expansion Joints details
Information to include when available
A complete data set may not be available at the first review. Share what you have; the remaining points can then be identified for clarification.
Geometry
- Nominal size and shape
- Inside and outside dimensions
- Face-to-face and overall length
Service conditions
- Design and operating pressure or vacuum
- Design and operating temperature
- Process medium and concentration
Movement and duty
- Required axial, lateral and angular movement
- Movement sequence, where known
- Expected operating cycles, where known
Connections and system
- End connections and mating dimensions
- Available anchor, guide and support details
- Liner, insulation or external protection requirements
Reference information
- Drawings, data sheets and specifications
- Photographs and available nameplate data
- Inspection, testing and document requirements
Applications commonly reviewed for this category
These examples do not confirm suitability. Final selection depends on the complete operating conditions and project requirements.
- 01Thermal movement in industrial piping systems
- 02Movement accommodation in ducting and hot-gas systems
- 03Vibration and noise reduction at selected equipment connections
- 04Piping and duct connections requiring flexible movement control
Answers before you send a requirement
This is general guidance. The complete operating duty must be reviewed before a product is proposed.
01Which expansion-joint technology should be reviewed?
The technology to review depends on operating temperature, pressure, process medium, required movement, connection arrangement and the applicable project specifications.
02What movement can metallic expansion joints accommodate?
Metallic bellows assemblies can be configured for axial, lateral and angular movement, subject to the complete operating and system requirements.
03Are fabric expansion joints available in different shapes?
Fabric expansion joints can be considered in circular or rectangular configurations according to the duct arrangement and operating requirements.
04When are rubber expansion joints considered?
Rubber expansion joints are used where flexible piping connections are required to reduce vibration and noise while accommodating movement.
Not sure which product to request?
Send the available specifications, operating conditions and documentation needs. We will identify the missing details and the next product route to review.