EXPANSION JOINTS

T. N. GOPINATH

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1. INTRODUCTION of compensating for large amounts of
axial and/ or lateral and/ or angular
When piping lacks inherent movements as a single unit. It lends itself to
flexibility due to routing and/or develops piping configurations that are much more
large reactions or detrimental overstrain on compact than those using bends or loops to
the strain sensitive equipments, the Piping provide flexibility.
Engineer considers provision of expansion
joints to overcome the same. Expansion 3. USAGE AND RESTRICTIONS
joints are also provided to isolate the
vibrating equipment from piping and also to Based on the above, the point of
usage could be identified as below.
facilitate free movement of the equipment
mounted on load cells. • At the suction and discharge
nozzles of vibrating equipments such as
2. TYPES OF EXPANSION JOINTS pumps, blowers etc.,
• On large diameter pipes and ducts
The expansion joints can be slip type operating at high temperatures but at lower
or the bellows type. pressures.
• In piping where the space is
2.1 Slip Type of Expansion Joint
inadequate for conventional arrangement for
In slip type of expansion joint one
providing flexibilities.
pipe slides into another and the assembly is
sealed by means of packing between the
It is not advisable to use the
sliding pipes. This device has the limitation
expansion joint in all piping systems.
that it permits only axial movement in the
direction of pipe axis. Small amount of
The major areas of applications where its
lateral and/ or angular movement will cause
use is not advisable are following piping
binding and eventually leakage. It is
systems.
extremely difficult to seal it off
• where hazardous chemicals are
completely. The limitations on packing
handled.
makes it suitable only for very low
• where the service is high pressure.
temperature and low pressure services. Fig
• in which slurry or suspended solids
2.1 indicates the general arrangement of a
are handled.
slip type expansion joint.

4. MATERIALS OF
CONSTRUCTION

Based on the service for which the

expansion joint is selected/used, the material
Fig 2.1 of construction of the same is selected.
2.2 Bellow Type Expansion Joint Expansion joints are available in the
The bellow type expansion joint is following materials of construction.
extensively used as the most efficient and
functionally reliable elongation compensator ° Rubber
and/ or vibration isolator. These are capable ° PTFE
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 ° Canvas It has been indicated that the
° Metal expansion joint is used to absorb the
movement in the pipeline. Let us consider
Except for the metallic expansions the various possible movements to be
joints, all others are used to isolate the absorbed by an expansion joint.
vibrating equipment from the
ducting/piping. The selection is limited by 5.1 Axial Movement
pressure, temperature and the compatibility
with the service fluid. The dimensional lengthening or
The rubber expansion joints are shortening of a bellow parallel to its
available with single convolution or multiple longitudinal axis is termed as the axial
convolutions. Metallic split flanges are movement. (Refer Fig 5.1)
provided as retaining lugs to ensure pressure
tight seal. These are provided with tie rods
which restrict the lateral movements. To
ensure that no damage is done to the
expansion joint, pipes should be anchored at
change in pipe direction, branching of pipe,
change in pipe size and end of pipe run.
The PTFE expansion joints are
mainly used in glass piping to ensure that no
strain is transmitted to the pipeline. Such
joints are provided at all equipment
connections and change in direction on
piping.
Expansion joints made from canvas Fig. 5.1
are not suitable for liquid service. These are
used in very low pressure systems and can
be used in services where operating
temperatures are moderate. These are
mainly used in ducting to isolate the 5.2 Lateral Deflection
vibrating equipment.
Rubber, PTFE, Canvas expansion The displacement of one end of the
joints are designed and manufactured as per bellow expansion joint relative to the other
manufacturers’ standard. end, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is
The metallic expansion joint is termed as lateral deflection. (Refer Fig. 5.2)
manufactured from austenitic stainless steel
of required grade depending upon the
service conditions. These are designed
and manufactured as per E J M A
(Expansion Joint Manufacturers
Association) standard.

5. TYPES OF EXPANSION JOINT

MOVEMENTS
Fig. 5.2

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 The deflection could be Fig. 5.4
multidirectional as well. (Refer Fig. 5.3)
5.4 Torsional Movement

The twisting of one end of the

expansion joint with respect to the other end
is called the torsional movement (Refer Fig.
5.5). Torsional movement imposes severe
stresses in the expansion joint and special
care has to be taken for the use of expansion
joint for such application.

Fig. 5.3

5.3 Angular Rotation

The displacement of the longitudinal

axis of the expansion joint from its initial Fig. 5.5
straight line position to a circular arc is
termed as angular rotation. (Refer Fig 5.4)
6. COMPONENTS AND
ACCESSORIES

Expansion joints are used in the

industry for multiple applications. To
perform such functions and to meet complex
requirements of industrial applications, there
are various additions to the basic
components and accessories of an
expansion bellow. (Refer Fig. 6.1 and 6.2)

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 6.3 Collar
Fig. 6.1 This is a ring of suitable thickness by
which the bellow is secured to the tangent.
This prevents the bellow from bulging due
to pressure.

6.4 Reinforcing Rings

When bellows are meant to be used
for high pressure service, reinforcing rings
made out of either tubing or solid bar will
be fitted strongly to the roof of the
convolutions. This is considered as a safety
Fig. 6.2 measure to ensure that the convolutions do
not open out due to extra pressure that gets
6.1 Bellow applied occasionally.
Bellow is the corrugated portion of
the expansion joint responsible for 6.5 Lagging Shroud
absorbing movement. Bellow consists of a This is an external cover provided
number of convolutions, which is directly over the bellows. In addition to providing
proportional to the total movement to be protection to the bellows from mechanical
absorbed by the bellows. The top most damage, this also prevents the insulation
position of the convolution is called the crest material from entering the root of the
and the bottom most portion is called the convolutions which may prevent the bellow
root. The depth of the convolution is the from functioning. This is also termed as
total height of the same and is the distance cover or external shroud.
between the crest and the root. The average
of the diameters of the crest and the root is 6.6 Internal Sleeves
termed as the mean diameter of the bellow. This is a thin pipe section placed
When the internal pressure demands a inside the bellows to prevent contact
higher thickness of bellow, the flexibility between the inner surface of the bellows and
gets reduced. To overcome this, bellows the fluid flowing through it. This device is
are made with multi ply thin wall sections. provided to protect the bellows convolutions
This will permit larger movements from damage due to resonant vibration when
withstanding high pressure and will the fluid velocity is high. This will also
provide same service life. prevent erosion when the service involves
abrasive media. While installing a bellow
6.2 Tangent with internal sleeve, care should be taken to
The straight portion at the two ends mount the same in proper direction with
of the bellows on which the end connections respect to the direction of flow. The internal
are made is termed as tangent. The end sleeve is sometimes referred to as liner as
connections could be provided with beveled well.
joint to connect the expansion joint to the
piping by welding. It could be provided 6.7 Limit Rods
with either welded or loose flanged To restrict the movement of the
connections depending on the piping bellow in axial, angular or lateral direction
specification. during the normal operation, solid rods are
provided to space the bellow assembly.
These are designed to prevent the bellows
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from over extension or over compression by
dynamic loading generated due to the 7.1a AXIAL- SINGLE EXPANSION
pressure loading. These are used in pressure JOINT
balanced type of joints.

6.8 Tie Rods

These are solid rods or bars spacing
the bellow assembly provided to restrict the
axial movement and permitting the lateral
deflection during the normal operation.
These are suitably designed to absorb the
pressure thrust due to internal pressure.

6.9 Shipping Devices

This device is provided as a Fig. 7.1a
protection against damages which can occur
to the assembly during transportation. This This is the simplest form of expansion joint
will maintain the installation tight by of single bellows construction. It absorbs all
keeping configuration of the convolution. of the movement of the pipe section into
Care should be taken to keep this device till which it is installed. These bellows are
the lines are hydro tested and removed prior capable of absorbing only small amounts of
to start up of the system. lateral or angular movement.

6.10 Pantographic Linkages

This arrangement is done in hinged
or gimbal type expansion joints. This is a 7.1b AXIAL- DOUBLE EXPANSION
scissor like device, which will allow JOINT
rotational movement while restricting the
axial and lateral movement of the bellow.

7. TYPES OF EXPANSION JOINTS

There are different types of

expansion joints manufactured to take care
of various requirements of the industry. The
various types available are as follows:-
Fig. 7.1b
• Axial - Single/ Double
• Universal A double expansion joint consists of
• Swing two bellows jointed by a common connector
• Hinged which is anchored to some rigid part of the
• Gimbal installation by means of an anchor base.
• Pressure Balanced The anchor base may be attached to the
• Tied common connector either at installation or at
the time of manufacturing. Each bellow of a
A brief description of these is given below. double expansion joint functions
independently as a single unit. Double
7.1 Axial Expansion Joint
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bellow expansion joints should not be A hinged expansion joint contains one
confused with universal expansion joints. bellow and is designed to permit angular
rotation in one plane only by the use of a
pair of pins running through plates attached
7.2 Universal Expansion Joint to the expansion joint’s ends. Hinged
expansion joints should be used in sets of 2
or 3 to function properly.

Fig. 7.2

A universal expansion joint is one

containing two bellows joined by a
common connector for the purpose of
absorbing any combination of three (3) basic
movements. A universal expansion joint is Fig. 7.4
used in cases where it is necessary to
accommodate greater amounts of lateral
movement than can be absorbed by a single
expansion joint.

7.3 Swing Expansion Joint 7.5 Gimbal Expansion Joint

Fig. 7.3 Fig 7.5

A swing expansion joint is designed to A gimbal expansion joint is designed to

absorb lateral deflection and/or angular permit angular rotation in any plane by the
rotation in one plane only by the use of use of two pairs of hinges affixed to a
swing bars, each of which is pinned at or common floating gimbal ring.
near the ends of the unit.
7.6 Pressure Balanced Joint
A pressure balanced expansion joint is
7.4 Hinged Expansion Joint designed to absorb axial movement and/or
lateral deflection while restraining the

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bellows pressure thrust force by means of
the devices interconnecting the flow bellow Fig. 7.6
with an opposed bellow also subjected to
line pressure. This type of joint is installed 7.7 Tied Expansion Joint
where a change of direction occurs in a run These are bellows provided with tie
of pipe, where it is not possible to provide rods to restrict axial movement, while the
suitable anchors. bellow is subjected to high pressure
services. Tie rods can be provided on
single, universal or pressure balanced type
of expansion joints.

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 Selection Chart
Sr. Type of Axial Lateral Angular Elimination
No. Expansion Joint Movement Movement Rotation of Pr. Thrust
1 Axial Yes No No No
2 Universal Yes Yes Yes No
3 Swing No Yes Yes Yes
4 Hinged No No Yes Yes
5 Gimbal No No Yes Yes
6 Pressure Balanced Yes Yes No Yes
7 Tied No Yes No Yes

The selection of a proper expansion joint • Change in direction as at elbows

involves a number of variables, including when the advantage of elbow is not
piping configuration, the operating considered in flexibilities.
conditions, derived cycle life, load • At the entrance of a side stream into
limitations on the equipment etc. The major main pipeline i.e. in “T” section.
factor is the unique character available with • At bend ends of pipe containing
the type of design, which makes it suitable bellows.
for a particular application. The selection Main anchor should be so designed
chart will facilitate a selection. that it is capable of withstanding forces and
Before discussing the applications of moments imposed by the pipe section
the various types of expansion joints, it is between which bellows are located. When
required to derive formulas, which contain main anchor is installed at the pipe bend, the
terms which are of common use and which centrifugal thrust as a result of change in
are required for the proper selection and direction of flow should also be
application of the various types of expansion considered.
joints.
8.3 Intermediate Anchor
These are anchors provided in
between the main anchor dividing the
8.0 GLOSSARY OF TERMS pipeline into individual expanding pipe
8.1 Pipe Anchor sections.
The purpose of anchor is to divide a
pipeline into individual expanding/ 8.4 Pipe Guides
contracting sections. The function of pipe Pipe guides are those, which permit
anchor is to limit and control the movement axial movement while preventing angular or
with expansion joints located between the lateral movement. These are of significant
anchors absorbing the same. importance for proper functioning of the
expansion joint.
8.2 Main Anchor
Main anchor is located at any of the
following points in a pipe section.
• Between two bellow units installed
on the same pipeline. 8.5 Directional Stop/Anchor

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 Directional stop/anchor is a device, while the case is reverse in the case of an
which is designed to absorb loading in one external pressure.
direction while allowing the movement in

another.

8.6 Spring Rate

This is a measure of bellows
flexibility. It is the force required to extend
or compress the bellow per unit length in
the axial direction parallel to its longitudinal
axis. It is expressed in kg/mm or lbs/in.

8.7 Spring Force Fig 8.1

While absorbing the movements, the
bellow imparts forces and moments to the
piping system, which should be absorbed by
proper provision of support and structures.
This force is the product of the deflection
absorbed and the spring rate of the bellow. 8.9 Cycle Life
This is defined as the number of
8.8 Pressure Thrust movements an expansion joint is able to
This is the force due to internal perform from the initial position to the
pressure acting to open out the bellows. The
magnitude of the pressure thrust is the
product of the system pressure and the area operating position and then return to initial
at mean diameter of the bellow. In case of position before it fails.
positive pressure, the convolutions are
pushed apart causing the bellows to elongate
Fig. 9.1 Pipe Guide Location

9. APPLICATION The general guideline used in the

The knowledge of the application of location of guides is that the first pipe guide
the various types of expansion joints is must be located within a distance of four
important, as it is required for the selection. pipe diameters from the end of the bellow
The location of anchors as well as guides are and the second guide must be located within
also very important for the proper a distance of fourteen pipe diameter from
functioning of the same. the first guide. The subsequent support

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could be placed at the maximum span
allowed as per the pipe size and the service
for which it is meant for.

9.1 Axial Expansion Joints

Tied/Untied

Fig 9.3

Fig 9.3 shows an alternate

arrangement in which the expansion joint is
installed in the short piping leg and the
Fig. 9.2 principal expansion is absorbed as lateral
The axial expansion joint could be single or deflection.
double with an intermediate anchor. Note that in this case, the longer
Because it offers the lowest expansion joint piping leg is free of compressive pressure
cost, the single expansion joint is usually loading and requires only an intermediate
considered first for any application. anchor and directional guiding. The
Fig 9.2 shows a typical application functions of the directional anchor and the
of a single expansion joint absorbing pipe guide may be combined in a single
combined axial movement and lateral device.
deflection. The expansion joint is located at
one end of the long piping leg with main
anchors at each end and guides properly
placed for both movement control and
protection of the piping against buckling. In
this case, however, the anchor at the left end
of the line is a directional main anchor,
which while absorbing the main anchor
loading in the direction of the
expansion joint axis, permits the thermal
expansion of the short piping leg to act upon
the expansion joint as lateral deflection. Fig. 9.4
Because the main anchor loading exists
only in the piping segment containing the Fig. 9.4 and 9.5 represent modifications over
expansion joint, the anchor at the end of the Fig. 9.3 in which the main anchors at either
shorter piping leg is an intermediate anchor. end of the expansion joint are replaced by tie
rods. Where the piping configuration

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 which, in turn, is restricted by considerations
of stability and manufacturing limitations.
Thus, while eminently suitable for
applications such as Fig 9.2 where the
principle movement is axial, the relatively
small available lateral movement severely
limits the type of application illustrated in
Fig 9.3, 9.4 and 9.5. Where operating
pressures and temperatures are high, or
Fig. 9.5 where availability of suitable structures
precludes the use of main anchors and
Permits, the use of tie rods frequently multiple guides, the application shown in
simplifies and reduces the cost of the Fig 9.2 may not be feasible and another type
installation. Because of these tie rods, the of expansion joint may result in a far more
expansion joint is not capable of absorbing economical installation.
any axial movement other than its own
thermal expansion. The thermal expansion 9.2 Universal Expansion Joints
of the piping in the shorter leg is, as a result, The universal expansion joint is
imposed as deflection on the longer piping particularly well adapted to the absorption of
leg. In some cases, where the longer piping lateral deflection. In addition, this design
leg is not sufficiently flexible and where the may be used to absorb axial movement,
dimension of the shorter leg is suitable, the angular rotation or any combination of the
rods may be installed spanning the entire three. The most common application of the
short leg so that no deflection is imposed on universal expansion joint is its use as a tied
the longer run from this source. expansion joint in a 90 degree piping offset.,
Where appreciable amounts of lateral with the tie rods adjusted to prevent
deflections are imposed upon the expansion external axial movement. Two such
joint, some shortening of the expansion joint applications are shown in Fig. 9.6 and 9.7
results from the displacement of the tie rods
as shown in Fig. 9.4
Care should be taken to insure that
sufficient piping flexibility exists to absorb
this deflection and that adequate clearances
are provided in the guide to permit
deflection of the piping. The amount of this
deflection can be minimized by cold
springing the expansion joint in the lateral
direction as shown in Fig.9.5
The principal restriction upon the use
of single expansion joint for lateral
deflection or combined axial movement
and lateral deflection is the limited amount Fig. 9.6
of lateral deflection, which such an
expansion joint can absorb. The allowable
lateral deflection is directly proportional to
the ratio of corrugated length to diameter,

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 recommended minimum guide
clearances.
Fig 9.7 shows a typical application
of a tied universal expansion joint in a three-
plane “Z” bend. Since the universal
expansion joint can absorb lateral
deflection in any direction, the two
horizontal piping legs may lie at any angle
in the horizontal plane.

Fig. 9.7

Fig 9.6 shows a tied universal expansion

joint used to absorb lateral deflection in a
single plane “Z” bend. Where
dimensionally feasible, the expansion joint
should be designed to fill the entire offset
leg so that its expansion is absorbed within
the tie rods as axial movement. The thermal
movement of the horizontal lines is absorbed
as lateral deflection by the expansion joint.
Both anchors are intermediate Fig 9.8
anchors since the pressure loading is
absorbed by the tie rods. Only directional In cases where a universal expansion joint
guiding is required since the compressive must absorb axial movement other than its
load on the pipe consists only of the force own thermal growth, it cannot function as a
necessary to deflect the tied expansion joint and must be used in
expansion joint. Any thermal expansion of combination with main anchors to absorb
the offset leg external to the tie rods, such as pressure loading. One such case is shown in
that of the elbows at either end, must be Fig 9.8
absorbed by bending of the horizontal pipe The relative expansion between the
legs. two vessels results in both axial movement
Provision should be made in the and lateral deflection on the expansion joint.
design of the guides to allow for both this Both vessels must be designed to absorb
deflection and the reduced length of the main anchor loading. Limit rods may be
expansion joint in its deflected position. In used to distribute the movement between
addition, particularly in the case of long the bellows and to control their movements.
universal expansion joints under high As a direct result of increasingly
pressure, additional allowances may be high operating pressures and temperatures,
necessary to compensate for stretching of and lighter building construction methods,
the tie rods under load. The expansion joint universal expansion joints are finding
manufacturer should be consulted for increasing use in steam and hot water

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distribution systems where, due to their portions of the expansions joint and no
ability to absorb large amounts of movement further displacement will be possible.
with minimum guiding and anchoring, they
offer impressive savings in overall cost.
Numerous variations are possible in
the design of universal expansion joints. In
a horizontal installation, for example, where
it is desirable to support the center pipe
section of the expansion joint independently
of the bellows, tie rods or external structural
members may be used. In a single plane
system, the tie rods may be placed by two
bars with pinned connections at either end of
the expansion joint. This construction is so
commonly used that it has been given the
standard nomenclature of “swing expansion
joint”. In some cases, two sets of short Fig. 9.9 Fig.9.10
control rods, one spanning each of the two
bellows in the universal expansion joint, are Fig 9.10 shows a similar device
used instead of the overall tie rods shown in adapted to an expansion joint with overall
most of the illustrations. This arrangement tie rods. In this case, the rods’ tops are
is frequently used where the expansion joint engaged by a plate or lug attached to the
must absorb axial movement and where the center pipe portion and movement of this
control rods are used primarily for control part beyond its design deflection is
and stability rather than for absorption of prevented. In order to obtain maximum
pressure loading. control from these devices, the stops are
Where the universal expansion joint usually oriented to lie in the plane of
is very long in relation to its diameter, where resultant movement of the expansion joint,
a large number of corrugations are used at affording maximum leverage as well as
each end of the expansion joint or where the greater sensitivity to small movement.
expansion joint is subject to external forces Devices of this nature are usually stipulated
such as wind loading, vibrations, etc. it may by the manufacturer when the design
be desirable to incorporate control devices in characteristics of the expansion joint
the expansion joint to prevent excessive warrant.
displacement of the bellows and the Despite the versatility of the
relatively free pipe section between them. universal expansion joint, its use is
sometimes precluded by the configurations
Fig. 9.9 and 9.10 show two forms of of the piping, the operating conditions or
controls which may be used for this purpose. even by manufacturing and transportation
In Fig 9.9, short rods are used spanning each limitations. Where, for example, the length
of the bellows in the expansion joint. Stops of the offset leg in a “Z” bend is extremely
are provided on the rods so that, once the long, it may be undesirable or impossible to
expansion joint has reached its rated lateral fabricate, ship to the job site and install a
deflection, the stops will be engaged by universal expansion joint which would span
members rigidly fastened to the pipe the full length of the offsets. Further, where
the expansion joint is very long in relation to
its diameter, the flexibility of overall rods

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may reduce the effectiveness of the control piping run and that on the turbine are
so that the center pipe section becomes intermediate anchors and only directional
unstable. Where such limits are encountered, guiding is required. By proper design, the
other types of expansion joints may offer a guide directly above the turbine can be made
more desirable solution. to absorb the axial movement forces of the
expansion joint without imposing these on
9.3 Pressure Balanced Expansion the turbine. The only force imposed on the
Joints turbine is that which is required to deflect
The pressure balanced expansion the expansion joint laterally.
joint is used most frequently in applications
similar to those shown for the single
expansion joint, but where pressure loading
upon piping or equipment is considered
excessive or objectionable. The major
advantage of the pressure balanced design is
its ability to absorb externally imposed axial
movement without imposing pressure
loading on the system. It should be noted,
however, that the force required to move the
expansion joint is not balanced. In fact, it is
increased over that of a single expansion
joint. Since both the flow bellows and the
balancing bellows must be compressed or Fig 9.12
elongated, the combined axial force acts
upon the piping or equipment. Since the Fig 9.12 shows another turbine application,
forces to move the bellows are generally of a but, in this case, the anchor point of the
low order of magnitude, these are usually turbine is located some distance from the
not objectionable, except in cases expansion joint and the expansion of the
involving extremely light equipment with turbine between its anchor and the
close clearance moving parts which might expansion joint is absorbed as lateral
be affected by small forces. deflection. An intermediate anchor is used
at the center fitting of the expansion joint.
Since the expansion joint is located close to
the turbine, guiding between the turbine and
expansion joint is not required.

Fig 9.11
Fig 9.13
Fig 9.11 shows a typical application of a
pressure-balanced expansion joint for Figure 9.13 shows that a pressure balanced
combined axial movement and lateral expansion joint can be used at changes in
deflection. Both the anchor at the end of the direction other that 90 degrees. In this case,

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the growth of the longer piping run is The piping may then be secured by an
absorbed as axial movement on the intermediate anchor at the bottom and
expansion joint, while the thermal expansion furnished with a directional guide adjacent
of the offset piping run introduces both axial to the expansion joint. as shown. In many
and lateral components of deflection on the cases no external structure is available at the
expansion joint. Again, only intermediate upper elevation of the process vessel and the
anchors are required at the ends of the lines guide must be connected to the vessel itself.
and directional guiding is used. The guide Using this arrangement may especially help
on the offset run may be used to absorb the where the vessel is tall and is subject to
axial movement forces of the expansion wind loading deflection, or similar effects
joint, if the piping is not sufficiently stiff to where the guide is attached to a rigid
transmit this directly to the intermediate external structure. The expansion joint must
anchor. be designed to absorb wind loading
deflection, etc., as lateral deflection are
involved, Pressure balanced universal
expansion joints are used in the flow end of
the expansion joint and a single bellow in
the balancing end. Normally, as shown in
Fig. 9.15, the balancing bellows will be
subjected to axial movement only if the tie
rods are properly designed to rotate or pivot
at their attachment points.

Fig 9.15

Fig 9.14 In order for a pressure balanced expansion

joint to function properly, the pressure thrust
Fig 9.14 shows a common application for restrained by the tie rods must exceed the
which a pressure balanced expansion joint is axial movement forces of the expansion
well suited. Under various process joint. In a large diameter, low pressure
conditions, the vessel and the vertical pipe application, it may be impossible to
may expand at different rates. By installing utilize the pressure balanced expansion joint
a pressure balanced expansion joint, as to eliminate the pressure loading or at best,
shown, the differential vertical movement is the effect may be uncertain. In such cases,
absorbed as axial movement in the some other expansion joint design must be
expansion joint and the thermal expansion considered.
from the center line of the process vessel to Pressure balanced expansion joints are not
the piping is absorbed as lateral deflection. recommended for use in services where the

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pressure equalizing connections between deflection in one or more directions in a
the flow bellows and the balancing bellows single plane piping system. Each
may become plugged or blocked by the individual expansion joint in such a system
flowing medium or contaminants. Where is restricted to pure angular rotation by its
flow considerations permit, this problem hinges. However, each pair of hinged
may be overcome by the use of a tee as a expansion joints, separated by a segment of
center fitting of the expansion joint rather piping will act in unison to absorb lateral
that an elbow. In some cases, the pressure deflection in much the same manner as a
for the balancing end of the expansion joint swing or universal expansion joint in a
has been introduced from a separate pressure single plane application. For a given angular
source. A control failure or even a slow rotation of the individual expansion joint,
control response might result in partial or the amount of lateral deflection which a pair
full pressure loading being imposed upon of hinged expansion joints can absorb is
the piping or equipment, thus defeating the directly proportional to the distance between
initial reason for using the pressure balanced hinge pins. Therefore, in order to utilize the
expansion joint. expansion joints most efficiently, this
From the view point of cost, it must distance should be made as large as possible.
be considered that the pressure balanced Expansion joint hinges are normally
expansion joint requires the use of an extra designed to absorb the full pressure thrust of
bellow which does not add to its ability to the expansion joint and, in addition, may be
absorb movement. In addition, the designed to support the weight of piping and
expansion joint is usually furnished with a equipment, wind loads or similar externally
center fitting, either elbow or tee, which applied forces. Where such external forces
would otherwise constitute a portion of the are anticipated, their direction and
piping cost. Further, the necessary structure magnitude must be indicated to the
i.e blind flanges, tie rods and attachment expansion joint manufacturer so that the
structures add appreciably to the cost of the hinges can be adequately designed to
expansion joint. The use of a pressure withstand these forces.
balanced expansion joint can be justified
economically only where the problems
created by the pressure loading represent an
even greater cost.
The pressure balanced expansion
joint is finding increasing use for the sole
function of relieving loads upon equipment
such as pumps, compressors and turbines.
In many cases, the cost of the pressure
balanced expansion joint will be negligible
when compared to the cost of additional
equipment, piping and building space which
would be necessary for safe functioning of
Fig 9.16
the equipment without the expansion joint.
Fig 9.16 illustrates the use of a two hinge
9.4 Hinged Expansion Joints
system to absorb the major thermal
Hinged expansion joints are usually
expansion in a single-plane “Z” bend. Since
used in sets of two or three, to absorb lateral
the pressure thrust is absorbed by the hinges

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on the expansion joints, only upper horizontal leg may also be carried on
intermediate anchors are required at each these lower supports. It should be noted,
end of the piping system. The thermal however, that the sliding support nearest to
expansion if the offset section containing the the vertical leg must be designed to resist
expansion joints must be absorbed by the force required to deflect the piping.
bending of the piping legs perpendicular to Spring supports must be used throughout the
that segment, since the expansion joints are length of the upper horizontal leg where
restricted to pure angular rotation by their bending occurs. Beyond that point, sliding
hinges and cannot extend or compress. The supports may be used.
amount of bending deflection imposed on In locating hinged expansion joints
each of the two long piping legs may be for more efficient use, it should be noted
controlled by proper design of guides and that the hinges need not be collinear in order
supports. to function properly.
Where one long leg is sufficiently
flexible to absorb the full thermal growth of
the offset leg, the other long leg may be
controlled to permit longitudinal movement
only. The planar guides shown at the ends
of the long piping runs near the elbow are
intended to maintain the planarity of the
piping system only and must of course allow
for the bending deflections of the long
piping legs. In calculating guide clearances,
consideration should be given to the fact that
the thermal expansion of the offset piping
leg containing the expansion joints will be
partially offset by the reduction in length
resulting from the displacement of the center
pipe section. The latter effect may be
neglected only where the distance between
hinge pins is very large and the lateral
displacement small. This effect can be
minimized by cold springing the expansion
joints 50% of the full rated deflection.
Because of the ability of the hinges
to transmit loads, support of a hinged piping
system can frequently be simplified. Fig 9.17
Assuming that Fig. 9.16 is an elevation
view, for example and that the upper piping Fig 9.17 illustrates a two-hinge expansion
leg is sufficiently flexible to absorb the total joint system similar to the pressure balance
expansion of the vertical leg, it would be expansion joint application of Fig 9.14. In
possible to use sliding supports on the lower this case, the expansion joints will absorb
horizontal run to support its weight and only the differential vertical growth between
restrict it to longitudinal movement only. the vessel and the pipe riser. Any horizontal
By utilizing the rigidity of the hinges, a movement due to piping expansion,
substantial portion of the weight of the vibration, wind loads etc., will be absorbed

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by the bending of the vertical pipe leg. A expansion joints B and C. It is therefore
planar guide may be installed near the top of evident that expansion joint B must be
the vessel to protect the hinged expansion capable of absorbing the total of the
joints from wind loads at right angles to the rotations of expansion joints A and C.
plane of the piping. Hence, it is frequently necessary that the r
The anchor shown at the bottom of the expansion joint at the center contain a
riser is an intermediate anchor only. The greater number of corrugations than those at
pressure load is absorbed by the expansion either end.
joint hinges. However, this anchor must be As in the previous cases, the anchors
capable of withstanding the forces created at the ends of the piping system are
by bending of the riser. Depending upon the intermediate anchors only. In this case, all
dimensions and weight of the piping deflection is absorbed by the expansion joint
system, complete support may be obtained and no pipe bending loads will be imposed
from the process vessel and from the upon these anchors. Where the distance
intermediate anchor. If additional supports between the anchor at the left and the first
are required , spring type supports should hinged expansion joint C is large, a pipe
be used. If desired, the vertical piping may guide should be installed adjacent to the
be cold sprung to reduce bending stresses, expansion joint, as shown in Fig.9.18. This
utilizing the hinges to withstand the cold pipe guide will minimize bending of the
spring force. pipe section between expansion joint C and
Where the piping in a single plane the left hand anchor, which might otherwise
system is not sufficiently flexible to absorb result from the moment required to rotate
the bending deflections involved in a two the expansion joint. One or more additional
hinge system, or where the loads resulting guides may be used to maintain the planarity
from such bending exceed the allowable of the piping system and relieve the hinges
limits for connected equipment, a system of of bending forces, which may be created by
three hinged expansion joints may be used. external loads. Support of the piping system
may be effected in various ways, utilizing
available supporting structures with greatest
efficiency. Here again, however, it is
essential that spring supports be used to
permit free movement of the piping between
the expansion joints.

Fig.9.19
Fig 9.18
Fig 9.19 illustrates the principle that systems
Fig 9.18 illustrates a system of three hinged of hinged expansion joints may be used in
expansion joints in a single plane “Z” bend. other than 90o bends. In such applications,
The thermal expansion of the offset piping
section is absorbed by the action of

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a three hinge system is usually most Among the major advantages of hinged
suitable, since the expansion joints are their compact size,
components of movement may be quite which facilitates installation, and the great
large and excessive bending stresses would rigidity and strength which can be
result from the use of a two hinge system. incorporated into the hinge structures. By
Except for this point, the system is similar in the use of these individual units, it is
every respect to the previous ones frequently possible to compensate for the
containing 90o bends. Only intermediate thermal expansion of irregular and complex
anchors and planar guides are required. piping configurations which might preclude
the use of other types of expansion joints.
Because of the ability of the hinge structure
to transmit loads, piping system containing
hinged expansion joints impose minimum
force on the pipe anchors. Furthermore,
such systems may be supported at virtually
any point which does not interfere with the
free movement.

9.5 Gimbal Expansion Joints

Just as hinged expansion joints may
offer great advantages in single plane
applications, gimbal expansion joints are
designed to offer similar advantages in
Fig. 9.20 multiplane systems. The ability of the
gimbal expansion joint to absorb angular
A hinged expansion joint system may be rotation in any plane is most frequently
used effectively in applications involving applied by utilizing two such units to absorb
movement other that the pure thermal lateral deflection. An application of this
growth of piping. Fig. 9.20 illustrates an type is shown in figure 9.22. Since the
application combining the thermal pressure loading is absorbed by the gimbal
expansion of piping system with the single structure, intermediate anchors only are
plane movements of a piece of connected required. Planar guides are provided to
equipment. So long as all movements are restrict the movement of each piping leg. As
restricted to a single plane, the behavior of in the case of hinged expansion joints, the
the expansion joint system is quite similar to location of pipe supports is simplified by the
that of the system shown in Fig. 9.18. In this load carrying ability of the gimbal structure.
case, an intermediate anchor is required at Since, in a two gimbal system, the growth of
one end of the piping. The equipment the vertical pipe leg will be absorbed by
serves as an intermediate anchor at the bending of the long legs, spring supports
opposite end. The displacements of the may be required on either or both of these.
equipment are totaled with those of the Guides must be designed to allow for the
piping in order to evaluate the movements of thermal expansion of the leg containing the
the expansion joints. Planar guide clearances expansion joints and for the shortening of
in the plane of the piping must be adequate this leg due to deflection.
to allow for the equipment movement as Where it is impossible or undesirable
well as for the piping rotations. for the piping to absorb the growth of the

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offset leg, a system consisting of two gimbal
and one hinged expansion joints may be Fig. 9.22
used as shown in Fig. 9.21.
The gimbal expansion joints function in
unison to absorb the combined movements
of the upper and lower legs, while the
hinged expansion joints and the upper
gimbal expansion joint act in combination to
absorb deflection of the offset leg. Since the
expansion of the offset leg takes place in one
plane only, the use of the simpler hinged
expansion joint is justified. The advantages
of using gimbal expansion joint system are
simpler to those previously mentioned for
systems containing hinged expansion joints.
Greater flexibility of usage is, however
Fig. 9.21 possible since gimbal expansion joints are
not restricted to single plane systems.

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