Our experience, your benefit

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

FOR EXPANSION JOINTS
2 3

Get inspiration
from our catalogue
The Belman Expansion Joint CONTENT
Catalogue contains 500 pages of
technical information, descriptions,
ideas and Expansion Joint data.
www.belman.com/catalogue1
1. WHY USE EXPANSION JOINTS?
1.1 What is an expansion joint? 5

1.2 The difference between Expansion Joints and alternatives 6

1.3 The advantages of Expansion Joints 7

2. EXPANSION JOINT TYPES

2.1 Types of Expansion Joints 8

2.2 Nomenclature & definitions 11

2.3 Expansion joint type differences 12

2.4 Tied/Restrained Expansion Joints 15

3. HOW TO SELECT THE CORRECT

EXPANSION JOINT?
3.1 Expansion Joint placement options 16

3.2 The movements in your pipe system 18

HOW TO SELECT THE 3.3

3.4
Tips for success? 
How to place fix points, guides etc.?
19
21

CORRECT EXPANSION JOINT 3.5

3.6
Important parameters & Check list

How to protect the Expansion Joint?

23

25

FOR YOUR SPECIFIC

3.7 How to verify your chosen type? 27

3.8 Critical issues to be aware of 28

REQUIREMENT
3.9 How to select Expansion Joints in pipe design software 30

4. TOOLS & FAQ

4.1 FAQ33

4.2 Tools & assistance 35

 W H Y U S E E X PA N S I O N J O I N T S
5

WHAT IS AN EXPANSION JOINT? 1.1

There are a number of terms in use properties and are resistant to

for Expansion Joints such as corrosion.
expansion bellows, flexible joints,
bellows, flexible bellows, piping Metallic Expansion Joints are
bellows, piping expansion joints and designed to safely absorb the
compensators. dimensional changes of steel pipe
systems and ducts. The changes
could be heat-induced expansion and
Expansion Joints are available as:
contraction, vibrations caused by
l Metallic/Steel Expansion Joints
rotating machinery, pressure
l Fabric Expansion Joints
deformations, misalignment during
l Rubber Expansion Joints
installation or building settlements.
l PTFE Expansion Joints

The main element of the Expansion

The type is determined by the bellow Joints is the bellow. The bellows are
material, and this also serves to made up of a series of convolutions,
differentiate them – however, the with the shape of the convolution
function of each is basically the same. designed to withstand the internal
Each type has different advantages pressure of the system, but flexible
and disadvantages. This guide enough to accept axial, lateral and
focuses on Metallic/Steel Expansion angular movements.
Joints only and for this reason will not
describe further the other types. Expansion Joints are recognised as
A typical Metallic Expansion Joint is highly important components of a
comprised of one or more metal complete pipe system and are widely
bellows (most commonly stainless used, particularly in industries where
steel). While rubber, plastic and fabric thermal expansion in pipe systems
materials have their limitations, metal takes place.
is the most versatile of all materials.
Metals are suitable for use at elevated Metallic Expansion Joint types can be
temperatures, have high strength seen on page 8.

EXPANSION JOINT APPLICATIONS

Metallic Expansion Joints are l Petrochemical industry l Process industry (sugar
important components in many (oil refineries, pumping stations, factories etc.)
industries and are used oil rigs, oil terminals, tank farms) l LNG/LPG carriers
extensively in the following: l Chemical industries (asphalt
TIED EXPANSION JOINT
manufacturers, fertilizer Expansion Joints are often installed
l Energy sector (power plants, manufaturers etc.) near boilers, heat exchangers,
TIE RODS ENSURE CONTROLLED
nuclear power plants, district l Pulp and paper industries pumps, turbines, condensers,
ABSORPTION OF MOVEMENTS heating pipe systems, gensets l Exhaust systems, exhaust gas engines and in long pipe systems or
etc.) cleaning systems (scrubber) pipe ducts.
l Steel plants and engines
 W H Y U S E E X PA N S I O N J O I N T S W H Y U S E E X PA N S I O N J O I N T S
6 7

1.2 THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE ADVANTAGES OF 1.3

EXPANSION JOINTS AND ALTERNATIVES EXPANSION JOINTS

For the absorption of movements in reduced number and complexity of l For a DN 100 pipe: The pipe loop is As demonstrated from the comparison systems generated by thermal Advantages
pipe systems, the pipe designer can fix points and guides. price index 100 and the Expansion of Expansion Joints versus alternative expansion, and reduce pipe loads at l Simple in design and function
choose between the installation of l Less labour inputs required such as Joint is price index 63 flexible solutions, an Expansion Joint connections to sensitive equipment l Space reduction
Expansion Joints, or other flexible those for welding and NDT. l For a DN 400 pipe: The pipe loop is brings both benefits and costs such as pumps and steam turbines. l Weight reduction
solutions such as a pipe loop. Pipe l Eliminates the bending stresses, price index 100 and the Expansion savings. Taken together this acts to prolong l Cost reduction
loops also allow movements of the which could cause a fatigue crack Joint is price index 18. the service life of pipe systems, and l Reduces engineering and design
Engineers and pipe designers routinely
pipe system, but only in the axial of the pipe system. reduces the risk of their downtime for complexity to piping systems
incorporate Expansion Joints into their
direction. Pipe loops require more l The appropriate Expansion Joint type This means that a DN 100 Expansion additional maintenance and repair. l Better flexibility for piping layout
pipe systems, due to the improved
material such as pipe bends, pipe can absorb movement in several Joint in general is approximately 37% l Reliable and proven in the field
flexibility in design and cost reduction
support, insulation and NDT. planes and is maintenance free. cheaper than a pipe loop of the same In addition, Expansion Joints are
due to the removal of the complexity
Furthermore, pipe loops require much l The replacement of a worn-out unit size. If the pipe size is DN 400, an more effective than alternatives such
of fix points and guides. Further, the
more space and can result in an is easier and more efficient in terms Expansion Joint solution is as pipe bends and pipe loops due to
overall space requirements for the pipe
increased loss of pressure. For this of downtime and costs, than approximately 82% cheaper than a their greater ability to conserve space,
system are reduced.
reason, the installation of Expansion replacing a complete pipe loop. pipe loop. The index figures are their economic efficiency and better
Joints is considered as a reliable and l Inverse pipe loops require strong fix calculated on the basis of these Expansion Joints also offer the performance in absorbing larger
cost effective alternative to the use of points in order to contain the full conditions prevailing: PN 10, EN advantage of reducing stresses in pipe movements.
pipe loops. pressure thrust force. 1.0038/St. 37-2 welding ends,
thermal expansion -0/+50 mm.
Benefits of using Price difference
Expansion Joints The advantage of Expansion Joints
The use of Expansion Joints ensures: versus pipe loops, increases with
l Less material consumption larger pipe sizes (DN) and increased
l Greater space savings with the pipe thicknesses.

Lower pressure loss

The pressure loss is
significantly lower when
installing Expansion Joints in-line
rather than a pipe loop.
Benefits with added
accessories
Accessories mounted on the Expansion
Pipeline with Pipe loops Pipeline with Expansion Joints Joints add further benefits; gimbals and hinges
add stability to the Expansion Joint and the
piping system. Selecting a tied or
hinged Expansion Joint can be a better and
cheaper solution as the number and
complexity of fix points and
guides are reduced.
 E X PA N S I O N J O I N T T Y P E S E X PA N S I O N J O I N T T Y P E S
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Watch movements being

absorbed on YouTube
2.1 TYPES OF EXPANSION JOINTS On the "Belman Group" channel
on YouTube you can see how
Expansion Joints absorb
movements

Expansion Joints come in a wide customised as per client requirements. Explanation of the types can be
variety of designs. Some of them are This overview shows some of the seen on page 12.
standard, but most of them are most common types.

AXIAL EXHAUST LATERAL - SINGLE UNIVERSAL UNIVERSAL VIBRATION ABSORBERS

with welding ends with loose flanges with loose flanges with welding ends with welded flanges with welded flanges
Also available with loose flanges Also available with other bellow types, Also available with welded flanges Also available with loose flanges Also available with loose flanges
and welded flanges welded flanges and welding ends and welding ends and welded flanges and welding ends

LATERAL - SINGLE LATERAL - DOUBLE LATERAL - DOUBLE INLINE PRESSURE ELBOW PRESSURE EXTERNALLY
with welded flanges with welding ends with hinges BALANCED BALANCED PRESSURISED
Also available with loose flanges Also available with loose flanges Also available with flanges
and welding ends and welded flanges

LATERAL - DOUBLE ANGULAR ANGULAR RING REINFORCED CLAMSHELL BELLOWS FCCU

with gimbals with hinges with gimbal
Also available with flanges Also available with welding ends Also available with flanges
 E X PA N S I O N J O I N T T Y P E S
10 11

Info on basic
design features
The type number, the ID number NOMENCLATURE & DEFINITIONS 2.2
and the drawing number
provide information on
the basic design features
of the Expansion Joint.
The type number of the Belman
Expansion Joints are defined in the
following way: Hinges

11233
Example: AX1SU
Where:
11: Defines the type
2: Defines the bellow type Middle pipe
33: Connection ends + accessories Welding end
Bellow
Therefore, AX1SU is an Axial
Expansion Joint with single bellow
and welding ends.

Expansion Joint types:

AX: Axial Expansion Joint Gimbal
LA: Lateral Expansion Joint
AN: Angular Expansion Joint Welded flange
UN: Universal Expansion Joint
US: Exhaust Expansion Joint
VI: Vibration Absorber

Bellows: Bellow
1: Single bellow
2: Double bellow with intermediate
pipe not from bellow material
3: Double bellow with intermediate
pipe from bellow material

End connections and accessories:

SU: Welding ends, no accessories Bellow
FU: Welded flanges, no accessories
BU: Loose flanges, no accessories
ST: Welding ends, tie rods
FT: Welded flanges, tie rods
SH: Welding ends, hinges
Tie rods Loose flange
FH: Welded flanges, hinges
SK: Welding ends, gimbal
FK: Welded flanges, gimbal

Advanced customised solutions

These solutions are described by a
longer number, eg.:

AX1SU-16-0200-032-1, where 16
refers to the pressure, 0200 refers to
GIMBAL EXPANSION JOINTS the diameter, 032 refers to the axial
movement and 1 refers to the
FOR ABSORPTION OF MOVEMENTS IN accesories (such as inner sleeve,
MULTI PLANE & ADDING STABILITY cover etc.)
 E X PA N S I O N J O I N T T Y P E S E X PA N S I O N J O I N T T Y P E S
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Advantages of
customised products
Aside from the types mentioned above,

EXPANSION JOINT TYPE

there is a broad list of customised types
Torsion - danger!
2.3 and variations such as Pipe Penetration
Seals, Chamber Expansion Joints,
No matter which Expansion
DIFFERENCES Joint type is selected and the
requirements, Expansion Joints
Pressure Balanced Expansion Joints.
Each customised type has its
advantages and requirements
cannot be exposed
- for the project.
The different Expansion Joint types have different advantages and requirements: to torsion.

Axial Expansion Joints Universal Expansion Joints

Advantages Requirements Advantages Requirements
l Simple solution for compensation l Strong fix points and good guides are l Absorb movements in all l Fixpoints and good guides are
of temperature fluctuations required directions required
l No change in the flow direction l Large movements require utilisation of l Absorption of large axial l Many fix points and guides are
l Compact and space saving solution several Axial Expansion Joints movements and lateral movements in needed for long pipe sections
l Relatively low cost l Many fix points and guides are one Expansion Joint
needed for long pipe sections l Can be modified to suit existing
l Higher costs for fix points installation gap
and guides

Lateral Expansion Joints Exhaust Expansion Joints

Advantages Requirements Advantages Requirements
l Absorb movements in all lateral l For absorption of large l Gas-tight and resistant to l Only for low pressure applications
directions expansions several Lateral Expansion corrosion and temperature l High flow velocity often requires an
l Absorption of large lateral Joints are needed l Absorb vibrations and oscillations inner sleeve
movements with only one Lateral l Many fix points and guides are l Light weight, reducing loads on l Exhaust bellows exposed to
Expansion Joint needed for long pipe sections hangers and pipe supports vibration should be designed to
l Reduced loads on all fix points l Very low spring rates, and high ensure that the natural frequency and
as the tie rods absorb the loads flexible performance reduces loads on any harmonics do not coincide with
without transferring pressure thrust hangers and pipe supports. the frequencies of the exhaust system
onto the fix points l Economical

Angular Expansion Joints Pressure Balanced Expansion Joints

Advantages Requirements Advantages Requirements
l Absorb angular movements l Changes in flow direction/pipe l Reduce size and complexity on l Balancing bellows are typically
in single or multi plane direction is required fix points and guides oversized in diameter
l Use of normal guides l More space consuming than Axial l Balance the system l Increased build-in lenght due to
l Reduced loads on all fix points Expansion Joints l Reduce piping costs combination of several bellows
l Two or three Expansion Joints are l Reduce external loads on connected l Combined movements may require
required for a system equipment additional engineering/space
 E X PA N S I O N J O I N T T Y P E S
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TIED/RESTRAINED 2.4
EXPANSION JOINTS

What purpose do tie rods and Angular Expansion joints

restraints serve? - with gimbal
Tied/restrained Expansion Joints are Gimbal Angular Expansion Joints are
designed with tie rods, hinges or designed to absorb angular
gimbals. By using tied/restrained movements in several planes without
Expansion Joints the reaction force transferring pressure thrust on to the
from pressure can be ignored as this fixed points. A gimbal Expansion Joint
will be absorbed in the tie rods/ is more flexible than a hinged
restraints. All accessories are Expansion Joint as the gimbal
mounted on the Expansion Joint to enables multiple angular rotations.
limit, control or restrict the way it See the photo on page 26.
absorbs movements/operates (only
limited external forces is acceptable). Condensed design of U-pipe to
These accessories can even make absorption large movements on
the Expansion Joint support part of pipelines
the pipeline (external forces), however The intelligent use of the angular
a special calculation and customised capability of the bellows can enable a
design would be required. large amount of movement to be
absorbed. In particular, pinned units
Lateral Expansion Joints used in 2-pin or 3-pin arrangements
- with tie rods can convert pipe growth into angular
Lateral Expansion Joints are mounted rotation and control the expansion from
with tie rods to restrain the axial 2 directions and in 2 planes. In doing so
movements while allowing only lateral the size of the U-pipe may be reduced,
movements. The number of tie rods while stresses in the pipeline are
are defined by pressure, temperature minimised. See the photo on page 14.
etc. All of which impact on the static
and dynamic calculations. Depending Important to note!
on the forces calculated, it will be Installation of expansion joints
designed with 2, 3 or more tie rods. If with tie rod restraints intended for
only two tie rods are needed the angular movements:
Expansion Joint may also absorb Angular movement is only possible
angular movements. with two tie rods. Placement of tie
rods must be perpendicular to the
Lateral Expansion Joints angular movement plane.
- with hinges/gimbals
As with tie rods, Lateral Expansion Specifying Expansion Joints for
Joints can be mounted with hinges or lateral movements in multiple
gimbal to control lateral movements planes:
with improved accuracy in Use either tie rod solution or double
respectively two planes at higher gimbal solution to enable lateral
pressures. Angular movements are movements in multiple planes. Hinges
also possible with these solutions. ONLY allow movement in one plane.

Angular Expansion Joints Special care regarding installation

- with hinges It is of critical importance that
Angular Expansion Joints with hinges connection ends are accurately
U-PIPE
are designed to absorb angular aligned prior to commencing
movement/rotation in one plane only. installation of all Expansion Joints.
ABSORPTION OF LARGE MOVEMENTS
Single hinged Expansion Joints are Any inaccuracy (lateral offset, angular
WITH 2-PIN OR 3-PIN ARRANGEMENT generally used in pairs or threes with displacement, torsional misalignment
a connecting pipe system between, etc.) will have severe impact on the
and widely used in irregular and operation and service life of the
complex pipe systems. Expansion Joint.
 H O W T O S E L E C T T H E C O R R E C T E X PA N S I O N J O I N T H O W T O S E L E C T T H E C O R R E C T E X PA N S I O N J O I N T
16 17

Get best practice

examples
Many more examples of best practice

3.1 EXPANSION JOINT of multiple Expansion Joints for

various functions in the pipe system can
be seen here:
PLACEMENT OPTIONS www.belman.com/bestpractice

The successful placement and Complex pipe systems must be different pipe systems. This is freely Two gimbals and one hinged expansion joint in a 3D system
installation of Expansion Joints in a subdivided into a number of less adapted from the applicable stan-
pipe system requires the careful complex sections, to ensure the dards and in accordance with the
consideration of many variables. The optimum movement absorption in drawings available in the latest version
most important issue is to establish several directions. Each section is of the standard prevailing at the time FP
Gn

the direction in which the movements usually divided by a fix point (between of the catalogue's publication. Sp

are acting and in which way the each section).

movements should be absorbed. Questions & assistance
Once this information is known, the Best practice examples If you have any questions or would
solution incorporating the most In the Belman Expansion Joint like any advice on the selection of
suitable Expansion Joint type(s) can Catalogue, we have gathered a great Expansion Joints and their location in
be determined. variety of examples of good practice the pipe system, please contact
in the use of Expansion Joints in Belman. FP

Gn

Source: Freely adapted from EN 14917

LFP

Two gimbals and one hinged Expansion Joint in a three-dimensional system

This often used system absorbs gimbals, while the hinged angular of the vertical distance between the
movements in any direction of the Expansion Joint takes the vertical gimbals.
Gn LFP
horizontal pipes through use of the movement resulting from the reduction

Source: Freely adapted from EJMA

Tie rods to prevent axial movement

A piping configuration that permits the absorbing any axial movement other sufficiently flexible and where the
use of adapted tie rods to prevent than its own thermal expansion. The dimension of the shorter leg is
axial movement frequently simplifies thermal expansion of the piping in the suitable, tie rods may be installed The placement and
and reduces the cost of the shorter leg is, as a result, imposed as spanning the entire short leg so that Expansion Joint type
installation. Due to the tie rods, the deflection on the longer piping leg. no deflection is imposed on the
Expansion Joint is incapable of Where the longer piping leg is not longer run from its source. is important
The placement and the type of Expansion
Joint can make a huge difference to the
operational efficiency of the pipeline and the
utilisation and the protection of the
connected equipment. E.g. instead
of two Lateral Expansion Joints and
hangers, a pressure balanced
Expansion Joint could bring
greater benefits.
 H O W T O S E L E C T T H E C O R R E C T E X PA N S I O N J O I N T H O W T O S E L E C T T H E C O R R E C T E X PA N S I O N J O I N T
18 19

3.2 THE MOVEMENTS TIPS FOR SUCCESS? 3.3

IN YOUR PIPE SYSTEM AVOIDING TORSION IS THE ANSWER!

Axial movement Lateral movement Angular movement Torsion acting in or around the undesirable shear forces within the
Axial movement is movement of the Lateral movement is movement Angular movement is the rotation of longitudinal axis of the bellow should bellows and its influence on the
bellows in the direction of the perpendicular to the bellow's the bellow's longitudinal axis at one be avoided. In general, this is due to bellows should always be avoided.
longitudinal axis. This movement can longitudinal axis; it is a shearing end relative to the other, the axis of the extremely high shear stresses
be compressive, where the bellows movement of the bellows with one rotation is taken at exactly the produced. When such forces exist in What can be done if torsion force
shorten in length, or extensive, where end offset from the other, usually with midpoint of the bellow and the system, it is advisable to deploy cannot be avoided?
the bellows extend in length. In the the ends of the bellows remaining perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. special hardware to limit its influence. Hinged and gimbal expansion
majority of applications, the parallel to each other. A single bellow joints are the solution. With these
Expansion Joint is deemed necessary Expansion Joint, working with a Universal movement It is important not to confuse angular constructions torsional forces may
because of the increasing shearing action, can accept a Universal expansion joints can be rotation with torsion. Torsion is a be transferred to the adjacent pipe
temperature of the pipe system. The relatively limited amount of lateral designed and built to absorb applied twisting rotational movement around connections, however, this will require
Expansion Joint is fitted in pipe movement, especially when the flow axial, lateral and angular movements the longitudinal axis; it generates detailed engineering.
systems and installed between two fix characteristics of the system demand simultaneously. Such units usually
points (anchors). The extension of the that an inner sleeve is necessary. require a lot of flexibility to absorb Z
pipe is compensated by the Lateral movement can be applied in significant amounts of movements in
compression of the bellows. In some more than one plane; in such cases it combination. However, this often
cases, typically cryogenic and chilled is important that the expansion joint leads to a limited pressure containing
Ʈ(y,z)
water services, the pipe system designer is made aware of the total capacity due to considerations
contracts in service causing the lateral movement to be applied. towards the bellows’ stability.
Expansion Joint to extend in length.
Thermal expansion of the pipe system
results in an axial compression of the Y
installed Expansion Joints.

Mt

Illustration of torsion

Axial movement Lateral movement Angular movement

Absorbing
larger movements
By selecting an Expansion Joint
with two bellows you can
absorb larger movements
and/or even movements
in two planes.
 H O W T O S E L E C T T H E C O R R E C T E X PA N S I O N J O I N T
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HOW TO PLACE 3.4

Reducing fix points FIX POINTS, GUIDES ETC.
By selecting a Pressure
Balanced Expansion Joint for
the pipe system, you can
reduce the complexity
Fix points and guides for between two fix points. The distance For other Expansion Joint types, the
and the number of
fix points. Axial Expansion Joints between the Expansion Joint and the position of fix points and guides are
It is important that the fix point is first guide should be a maximum of dependent on the pipe system and
placed as close to the Axial 4 x diameter. The distance between the position of the Expansion Joint in
Expansion Joint as possible. It is the following guides should be the pipe system.
important to note that only one Axial 14-20 x diameter.
Expansion Joint can be installed This is illustrated in the drawings below.

FP G2 G1 FP G1 G2 FP
FP G2 G1 LFP
FP G1 G2 FP

14-20xD _ 4xD
< _ 4xD
< 14-20xD

14-20xD _ 4xD
< _ 4xD
< 14-20xD
LFP

PG

IA
PG PG LFP DIA
IA
LFP
LFP FP G1 G2
IA
Gn FP
PG
PG
FP G1 G2 Gn FP
IA
LFP
PG PG IA
LFP DIA
LFP IA
PG PG LFP DIA
IA FP
PG LFP IA
IA
PG LFP IA _ 4xD
< 14-20xD 14-20xD
PG PG PG LFP DIA IA
IA FP
PG
PG PG _ 4xD
< IA14-20xD
LFP DIA 14-20xD
IA IA
PG PG LFP DIA
IAIA IA FP G1 G2 Gn
FP
PG PG LFP DIA
IA FP IA

IA FP G2

FP
FP FP
FP Gn
FP FP G1 G2 Gn
G1 G2 G2Gn Gn G1
FP FP FP = Fix point - on the G1
G1 = Guide 1
FP FP
DFP FP
FP FP
straight pipe G2
FP LFP FP G2
G1 G2 G2 Gn G2
FP FP
FP FP G1 G2
Gn Gn
PG FP
FP FP G1 Gn G2 Gn G1 G2 G1 Gn
FP
IA
FP
G1 G2 Gn
G2
G1
G1
Gn G2
G2Gn= Guide 2 Gn
FP FP G2
PG PG FP LFP DIA
DFP IA FP FP
DFP FP G2
DFP FP
FP
FP FP
IA LFP = Light fix point G2 Gn G2
G2
G1 G2 Gn G2 G2
G1
FP Gn
DFP FP G1 G2 Gn Gn G1
DFP FP FP FP G1 G2 Gn Gn Gn = Following
G1 guides
FP Gn
DFP
FP
FP FP FP
G2
G1
Gn G2 Gn G2
G1
Gn (Guide 3 etc.) Gn
FP DFP DFP FP G2 G2
FP
DFP
DFP FP
FP
page
G2 85 G2
FP
FP G2 G2
Gn Gn
PRESSURE BALANCED EXPANSION JOINTS DFP
FP
DFP

DFP FP FP Gn Gn
FP
DFP FP Gn Gn
FP
REDUCE THE NUMBER AND FP G1 G2 Gn
DFP FP
DFP FP Gn
page 85 Gn

COMPLEXITY OF FIX POINTS DFP

DFP
page 85
FP G2
DFP

DFP
FP
page 85 Gn
page 85 G1 G2 Gn G1
page 85
DFP FP FP page 85
G2 G2
 H O W T O S E L E C T T H E C O R R E C T E X PA N S I O N J O I N T
23

IMPORTANT PARAMETERS 3.5

FOR EXPANSION JOINT SELECTION

Materials for the Expansion Joints efficiency) the layer facing the external
In order to specify the material of the environment can be produced from
Expansion Joint; its bellow, one type of material and the layer
CHECKLIST
connection ends and hardware the facing the medium (the inside) can be To specify and design the
following questions must be made from another. Furthermore, this optimum solution it is important
addressed: construction can be chosen to ensure to determine the following
l What material is used in the existing all properties of the materials. E.g. information:
Expansion Joint? Incoloy inner layer and pressure
Need to know:
l What material is used in the bearing external layers in AISI 316.
l Size
connected piping?
l Diameter - (indicated as DN)
l What material is required by the Important issues to consider
l Operating & design pressure
specifications? l What mating connections exist on
(barg)
l What is the media and the the pipe system; welding ends,
l Operating & design temperature
surrounding areas? How much flanges etc?
(degC)
corrosion resistance is needed? l Does the pipe system have any
l Type of movement & amount of
surface protection (if yes, the
movement (+/-mm) and/or
Typical materials used for materials for connection ends,
(+/-deg)
Expansion Joints middle pipes, hinges etc. can be
l Customer-, Industry-, National
Typical materials which are made from material other than
and international regulatory
recommended for Expansion Joints stainless steel - as it can then be
requirements
are:  delivered primed.
l Types of connection ends;
l AISI 321 (most standard) l Any special requirements for
wall thickness, diameter, flange
l AISI 304 strength of the steel - evt. need for
norm, etc.
l AISI 316L ring reinforcement due to high
l AISI 309 pressure?
Nice to know:
l 253 MA
l Installation length (or size of the
l 254 SMO Requirements for the bellow
gap in the pipeline)
l Hastelloy C276 construction
l Fluid (presence of any erosive
l Incoloy 800H l Multilayer vs. single layer - a
solids?)
l Incoloy 825 multilayer bellow is much more
l Number of cycles
l Inconel 625 flexible than a single layer and at
Find check lists and l Titanium the same time it has a good
l Erosion & corrosion

inquiry sheets l Duplex combination of flexibility and

considerations
l Material requirements
l Super Duplex pressure integrity.
On the Belman website you can find l Application
In addition, various coatings such as l Need for pressure gauge monitor
further check lists and inquiry sheets. l Expansion Joint hardware like;
PTFE, tantalum and others can be and 2 ply testable bellows
You will find them here: tie rods, hinges, gimbals, inner
specified. (redundant ply). This construction
www.belman.com/lists sleeve, cover etc.
will inform if one layer of the bellow
l Medium density
is leaking. In that case the other
l Velocity of medium
TIP! layer is designed to operate under
l Presence of turbulence in the
Did you know that if a multilayer the prevailing conditions until the
pipe system
bellow is selected (to improve cost next scheduled shutdown.

UNIVERSAL EXPANSION JOINT

ABSORBING LATERAL AND

AXIAL MOVEMENTS
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More info on HOW TO PROTECT 3.6

inner sleeves
THE EXPANSION JOINT
In the Belman Expansion Joint
Catalogue you can learn much more
about inner sleeves, materials used and
even find resistance tables.
www.belman.com/catalogue1 Surface protection of the well as the flow velocity and its contamination as this could lead to
Expansion Joint direction. The need for an inner corrosion on the outside.
The pipeline is often coated for sleeve is determined by:
protection of the steel parts. Coating l Media type (gas, liquid) Suitable Insulation materials include:
or painting can also be done on the l Diameter Kaowool, refractory lining, brick
Expansion Joints. The stainless steel l Number of layers/plies in the bellow lining etc.
parts are as standard not coated or
primed, but can be upon request. In Did you know that the flow over an
most situations the carbon steel parts unprotected bellow (without inner
of the Expansion Joint are coated sleeve) always creates some pressure Internal insulation
with a coating system similar to the loss; this is because the "roughness"
adjacent piping. of the convolutions generates
turbulence. This pressure loss can be
Painting of bellows is not recom- reduced by installing an inner sleeve.
mended because the normal
oxid layer (protection layer) that Insulation
regenerates in stainless steel after Just like pipelines, Expansion Joints
24 hours is not granted. can also be insulated. If the pipeline is
insulated the Expansion Joint can be
Passivation & pickling is not recom- supplied with covers. These covers
mended due to the acids used and protect the bellows from contact with An example of insulation
the shape/grooves in Expansion the insulation material, as this can with Kaowool
Joints. pack up between the convolutions
and prevent the bellows from
The coating for the Expansion Joint is working. The insulation must be
often specified in the RFQ, to ensure designed with adequate clearances to
it suits the application. Another option accommodate the total movement
is to specify that the Expansion Joint deflection of the Expansion Joint.
should be coated after installation in The amount of clearance required is
the pipe system. There are many directly proportional to the movement
coating systems, each suitable for displacement. Correct insulation is
various surroundings. crucial. It’s a mandatory that the
insulation fibre is free of Chlorine (Cl)
Inner sleeve
Inner sleeves are used for the internal
protection of the bellow and are used An example of insulation
in the following cases: with brick lining
l Protecting the bellow from an
abrasive media
l Protecting the bellow from high
flow velocity
l Preventing particles and solid
objects from settling between the
convolutions.

For that reason it is important to know Fixed inner sleeve

HOW TO PROTECT THE EXPANSION JOINTS the media type and its composition as

CARBON STEEL PARTS PRIMED

WITH BLUE
 H O W T O S E L E C T T H E C O R R E C T E X PA N S I O N J O I N T
27

HOW TO VERIFY 3.7

YOUR CHOSEN T YPE?
Belman provides
Piping Engineering
How to ensure the correct Validation of the Expansion Joint
Belman also provides solution is chosen from the selected and its design
Piping Engineering services ensuring available Expansion Joint types? By analysis, calculation and simulation
the best absorption of movement To determine and verify which the Expansion Joint can be verified.
in your plant and the optimal Expansion Joint is the best choice These engineering services are
pipe section design. for your pipe system/ project the provided by Belman. For complex
www.belman.com/piping following steps should be taken: plants and applications, it may be
l  Analyse the movements in the pipe necessary to perform further analysis
system and simulations (via such as Finite
l  Determine where there is space Element Analysis etc.) For example,
for Expansion Joints in the pipe calculations can be validated if
system movements from an earthquake
l  Calculate how much space is would result in collisions. Furthermore,
available for the Expansion Joint calculations can verify the Expansion
(if replacing an existing Expansion Joint in the operating environment
Joint: analyse the gap in the pipe into which they would be deployed.
system). Additionally, pipe design software can
l  Evaluate options such as "Is there help specify the Expansion Joint
room for two Lateral Expansion needed for the application.
Joints or a Pressure Balanced?"
or "Is there room for two Lateral Trouble shooting
Expansion Joints instead of one Do you need a second opinion on
Universal Expansion Joint" your pipe design and current
l  Understand the level of loads that Expansion Joint solution! Do you
can be transferred on the plant and need an improved pipe design. Or do
what the lowest permissible loads you face problems/issues with the
are (eg. at pumps the permissible current design and daily operation?
loads are very limited) Belman cooperates with partners in
l  How many and how strong are the multiple countries, in this way Belman
fix points, guides in the pipe system can provide direct or indirect
l  Is there room for fix points, guides, guidance. This guidance is based on
hangers etc. and are there options the given operation data or/and an
for their fixation. on-site inspection.

USE OF TWO ANGULAR EXPANSION JOINTS

ABSORB MULTIPLANE ANGULAR

MOVEMENT
 H O W T O S E L E C T T H E C O R R E C T E X PA N S I O N J O I N T H O W T O S E L E C T T H E C O R R E C T E X PA N S I O N J O I N T
28 29

3.8 CRITICAL ISSUES CRITICAL ISSUES 3.8

TO BE AWARE OF TO BE AWARE OF

CYCLES // SERVICE increased by reducing the actual pressure shall be specified realistically REACTIVE FORCES ADJUSTING FORCES Regulating powers
movements, or movements may be without arbitrary safety factors. Very Are identified as:
LIFETIME increased by reducing the expected overstated pressures may require an Pressure thrust force is the most Spring rates
cyclic lifetime; it simply depends on excessive thickness of the bellows influential force encountered in The rate is related to the convoluted Cr =
Definition
the actual situation. material to withstand the pressure, pressurised pipe systems and if part of the Expansion Joints (the Pressure-related friction coefficient of
A full cycle is defined as one complete
resulting in an adverse effect on the ignored or incorrectly calculated, it bellow) that can be compared to a tie rods/hinges (Nm/bar) - valid for
movement from the initial/neutral
Be aware of bellows fatigue life and pipe anchors/ can have major impact on the pipe steel spring. The spring rate is an Lateral and Angular Expansion Joints.
position in the pipeline to the
The design cyclic life should fix points. system or the surrounding hardware. expression of the force required to
operating position and back to the
realistically represent the estimated Expansion Joints are designed to compress or extend the expansion Cp =
initial position, during operation.
number of operating cycles! Test pressure absorb pipe expansions and to joint bellows, or alternatively its ability Pressure-related moment rate of the
Bellow deflections are continuously
A design with an overly conservative It is important that the test pressure withstand pressure forces and to deflect, which is another factor to bellow (Nm/bar deg.), that can be
repeated a number of times.
number of design cycles can result in is specified at the design stage. movements. However, unrestrained take into account when calculating compared to the effect of a
an increased number of convolutions Pressure testing with a higher Expansion Joints also transfer forces, loads on fix points. pressurised water hose - valid for
Knowing the exact cycles
and an Expansion Joint more prone pressure than the Expansion Joint is important factors of which are the The spring rate of the bellow depends Angular Expansion Joints.
When predicting the service lifetime of
to instability. designed for may result in damaged bellows spring rates and pressure on:
an Expansion Joint, it is very
pipelines and Expansion Joints. It is thrust. l Bellow geometry CT =
important to ensure that the
Important important not to pressure test with l Bellows ply thickness Torsional stiffness (Nm/deg.) - valid for
Expansion Joint manufacturer has the
It is important that the designer of the more than 1½ times the design Pressure thrust force acts differently l The number of plies all types of Expansion Joints
correct lifetime cycles and movement
Expansion Joint is fully informed of all pressure, unless specified at the depending on whether the pipe l Convolution geometry
characteristics. The cyclic life is
the movements that the Expansion design stage. The test pressure system is anchored and guided or l Materials Max. allowable torsion (kNm) - valid
calculated by different equations that
Joint will encounter. Knowledge of the should always conform to the floating. If unrestrained Axial l Working temperature for all types of Expansion Joints
refer to the specified codes and
amount of movement, its direction requirements of the applicable design Expansion Joints are used. Pressure
standards. Design fatigue curves are
and any combination of axial, lateral codes. thrust force must be obtained at both The higher the material thickness, the
incorporated, which are affected by
and angular movements occurring ends of the pipe system by fix points. greater the spring rate.
various factors such as, pressure,
temperature, materials, movement per together is essential for the correct The system designer/pipe designer
design of the Expansion Joints. can specify a higher test pressure, Spring rate is defined as:
convolution. etc.
than the applicable code prescribes. l Cδ = Axial spring rate (N/mm)
In the absence of prior agreement,
l Cλ = Lateral spring rate (N/mm)
a minimum of 1000 life cycles will be
used as standard.
PRESSURE TIP! l Cα = Angular spring rate (Nm/deg.)

Design pressure vs. Have you considered the pressure

Options for a longer service life Operation pressure thrust loads/reaction forces on your
and/or larger movements The design pressure shall be equal pipe supports?
Within the movement range of an to the pressure rating of the piping
Expansion Joint, cyclic life can be system. Both design and test

Important to know about

Test pressure
If test pressure is not specified at the
design stage, never test with more than
1½ times the design pressure. If tested
at a higher pressure than that
designed for, the Expansion
Joints can be damaged.
 H O W T O S E L E C T T H E C O R R E C T E X PA N S I O N J O I N T H O W T O S E L E C T T H E C O R R E C T E X PA N S I O N J O I N T
30 31

Find Belman in
Rohr2 and Caepipe
You will find Belman Expansion Joints in the
manufacturers list under Expansion Joints.
In this way it is easy to implement
Belman Expansion Joints into

3.9 HOW TO SELECT EXPANSION JOINTS your design. The Belman Expansion
Joint Catalogue is also uploaded to
the Caepipe library.
IN PIPE DESIGN SOFTWARE 4.
Pick up the manufacturer
e.g. Belman from the scroll
down menu bar

5.
No matter if you work in ROHR2, implement Expansion Joints into your At the same time the software also
Select proper range
CAEPIPE, CAESAR II, PASS/ pipe design. In some of the softwares, provides the option of customising
of Expansion Joint
START-PROF, AutoPIPE or similar e.g. Rohr2, Expansion Joints can be the Expansion Joint.
movement
pipe design software, you can selected from a manufacturers lists.

6.
Confirm ok
How to select an Expansion Joint from a list in pipe design software (in Rohr2):
7.
Confirm ok

1.
Select
type of
Expansion Joint

8.
2. The selected Expansion
Pick the Joint will be placed at the
segment for chosen segment
placement

3.
Click the standard
Expansion Joint How to configure the Expansion Joint in pipe design software (Rohr2):
selection
Pipe design software such as Rohr2 Configuring the Expansion Joint in the
provides the option of configuring software requires familiarity with
Expansion Joints in the pipe design. Expansion Joints. Many pipe
All Expansion Joint types can be designers find Expansion Joints
created requiring data such as: particularly tricky. Belman has vast
l Regulating powers experience in Expansion Joint
l Spring rates of bellows engineering and manufacture. This
l Mean Diameter of Bellows knowledge we gladly use to provide
l Type of bellows (consideration of you the best piping design
balancing chambers if any) incorporating Expansion Joints.
l Degrees of Freedom of external Contact us for our Piping Engineering
hardware service.
l Weight of the unit
l Overall dimensions (bounding box /
bellows distance)
 T O O L S & FA Q
33

FAQ 4.1

Incorrect flange placement ?

Can the Expansion Joint a customised solution does not
? How much maintenance is
handle misalignments? necessarily add to cost - as it will be required and how often?
creates major problems
engineered for the exact purpose,
No, if not designed for this, the A correctly dimensioned and carefully
Many think that if flanges are incorrectly parameters and eventual issues - and
Expansion Joints cannot handle installed Expansion Joint does not
placed the Expansion Joint will therefore in the long run the
misalignments. require any special maintenance other
compensate for this, but it cannot. Expansion Joint can be cost saving.
Even though the Expansion Joint is than the inspection that is carried out
For catalogue Expansion Joints clients
How long is the delivery for the other parts of the pipe system
heavy and strong, it should be ? time for Expansion Joints?
can upon request get access to a
in which the Expansion Joint is
considered fragile and especially
price module in the BelMaker Light®
vulnerable to torsion. installed.
The delivery time depends on the software.
size, complexity and quantity. It is
How can I see
of course also depended on the
Who performs the test and
? specifications on the
availability of the materials chosen. ? how is that specified and Expansion Joint for now
Belman holds a large stock of raw
reported? and for later use at
materials which ensures a short
replacement?
delivery time. Most Expansion Joints Depending on the design code, client
are produced on an order-to-order requests and request for third party Either in the documentation book or
basis - and the delivery time varies authority Belman can perform the test on the tag plates of the Expansion
very much from supplier to supplier. with and/or without third party Joint.
Belman has the shortest delivery time inspection. The test is documented in
on the market. If required, the delivery the documentation files that What is the highest
?
time can be fast track, which is extra accompany the Expansion Joint. pressure and temperature
short lead time service provided to Clients are always welcome to attend that an Expansion Joint
clients upon request. tests and final inspections. can take?
Expansion Joints can be designed for
How is the quality of the
? How is the Expansion very high temperatures (up to 1000
Expansion Joints assured? ? Joint delivered and who degC. or more) and up to 150 barG
All Expansion Joints undergo visual organises it? pressure or more on request.
inspection, all bellows are tightness
Depending on the geographic
tested and most Expansion Joints are Why do Expansion
pressure tested. There are two
location, size and time, Expansion ?
Joints fail?
Joints are delivered by sea, road, rail
different test types: non-destructive
or air freight. The client can arrange Despite looking strong the Expansion
and destructive testing. In most cases
by themselves acting on the data Joint - and especially the bellow is
non-destructive testing is made. As
provided by Belman. In most cases extremely fragile. The Expansion Joint
Belman are able to execute tests and
the transport is organised by Belman should be handled with due care.
inspections in-house, our
for delivery to any site and/or client Failure can be due to many reasons,
documentation is generated quickly
warehouse anywhere in the world. however mostly: Shipping and
and in accordance with client
Being a global supplier Belman handling damage, improper
requests. The ability to provide quick
always finds a cost-efficient transport installation, incorrect fixation,
documentation ensures that no time
method of delivery - even for special improper guidance and support,
is lost.
transport. exposure to higher pressure and/or
temperature than designed for and
What is the price
? level? How to install Expansion
exposure to torsion.
LATERAL EXPANSION JOINTS ? Joints correctly?
The price is dependent on the size,
TIED EXPANSION JOINTS ABSORBING complexity, materials used and the By following the Belman installation
LATERAL MOVEMENT design. Belmans expertise in instructions, the correct installation is
customised solutions enable us to ensured. You can find it here:
provide cost efficient Expansion Joints www.belman.com/installation-
to the client. For that reason, selecting instruction
 T O O L S & FA Q
35

Belman provides
training
TOOLS & ASSISTANCE 4.2
Belman provides Expansion Joint
trainings at our facilities, client
facilities or via skype. Book your
training here: CATALOGUE
www.belman.com/training Expansion Joint Catalogue
Providing you with 500 pages of technical information, guidelines, suggestions for
pipeline design and comprehensive technical data. With selection criteria for
+3500 standard Expansion Joints.
Download it here: www.belman.com/catalogue1

SOFTWARE
Expansion Joint Software BelMaker Light®
With this you can easily locate technical data and select the right Expansion Joint needed
for your project. BelMaker Light® provides you with info for expansion joints selection from
many parameters, searchable resistance tables, flange tables and much more.
Download it here: www.belman.com/belmaker

ASSISTANCE
Piping engineering
Belman assists clients on various areas of Piping engineering, such as: piping design
in Rohr2, piping layout and analysis, selection and placement of Expansion Joints
and steel structures supporting pipelines, hangers, fix points, flange connections etc.
Read more here: www.belman.com/piping

MAKE YOUR WORK EASIER

Inquiry sheet, check lists etc.
On the Belman website you can download check lists for Expansion Joints
inquiries and inquiry sheets.
Find the lists here: www.belman.com/lists

CORRECT INSTALLATION
Installation instruction
The installation instruction guides you how to install the Expansion Joint correctly.
Download it here: www.belman.com/installation-instruction

QUALITY
Quality assurance via Belman QA & certificates
As certifications are crucial to ensure that the manufacturer
is capable of manufacturing the exact Expansion Joint needed.
Find Belman's certificates here: www.belman.com/certificates
Our experience, your benefit

DESIGN

ASSE
SSED

Belman Partner
in Austria:

RKG Energietechnik GmbH

Murlingengasse 42
1120 Wien
Österreich

T: +43 1 813 35 16
E: [email protected]
www.rkg.at

BE L M AN GR OUP

Belman A/S | Denmark | T: (+45) 7515 5999 | [email protected] | www.belman.com

Belman 2019 – Änderungen vorbehalten, keine Haftung für Druckfehler

Belman-UK Limited | United Kingdom | T: (+44) (0) 161 491 5515 | [email protected] | www.belman.com

OOO Belman Russia | Russia | T: (+7) (812) 445 2195 | [email protected] | www.belman.ru

To learn more about our sales and production facilities as well as our cooperative partners please refer to our
website or contact us.