South
Carolina 1715 Hwy 29 S. / P.O. BOX 1229
Anderson, South Carolina 29622
Phone. 864-222-1710 Fax: 864-222-1306
ISO
9001: 2000 Certification under way
Metal
Expansion Joints
"MATCHLESS"
BELLOWS TYPE
EXPANSION JOINTS
Metal Bellows
Expansion Joints have been designed to absorb a specified amount of
movement by flexing of the thin-gauge convolutions. If proper care is
not taken during installation, it may reduce the cycle life and the
pressure capacity of the expansion joints which could result in an early
failure of the bellows element or damage the piping system. The
following recommendations are included to avoid the most common errors
that occur during installation. When in doubt about an installation
procedure, contact the manufacturer for clarification before attempting
to install the Expansion Joints
RECOMMENDED
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTION
DO'S
Inspect for damage during
shipment, i.e., dents, broken hardware, water marks on carton,
etc.
Store in clean dry area
where it will not be exposed to heavy traffic or damaging
environment.
Use only designated lifting
lugs.
Make the piping system fit
the expansion joint by stretching, compressing, or offsetting
the joint to fit the piping. It may be over stressed when the
system is in service.
It is good practice to
leave one flange loose until the expansion joint has been
fitted into position. Make necessary adjustment of loose
flange before welding.
Install joint with arrow
pointing in the direction of flow.
Install single Van Stone
liners pointing in the direction of flow. Be sure to install a
gasket between the liner and Van Stone flange as well as
between the matting flange and liner.
With telescoping Van Stone
line, install the smallest I.D. liner pointing in the
direction of flow.
Remove all shipping devices
after the installation is complete and before any pressure
test of the fully installed system.
Remove any foreign material
that may have become lodged between the convolutions.
Refer to EJMA Standards for
proper guide spacing and anchor recommendations.
DON'TS
Do not drop or strike
carton.
Do not remove shipping bars
until installation is complete.
Do not use hanger lugs as
lifting lugs without approval of manufacturer.
Do not use chains or any
lifting device directly on the bellows or Bellows cover.
Do not allow weld splatter
to hit unprotected bellows. Protect with wet chloride-free
asbestos.
Do not use cleaning agents
that contain chlorides.
Do not use steel wool or
wire brushes on bellows.
Do not force-rotate one end
of an expansion joint alignment of bolt holes. Ordinary
bellows are not capable of absorbing torque.
Do not hydrostatic pressure
test or evacuate the system before proper installation of all
guides and anchors.
Pipe hangers are not
adequate guides.
Do not exceed a pressure
test of 1-1/2 times the rated working pressure of the
expansion joint.
Do not use shipping bars to
retain the pressure thrust if tested prior to installation.
The manufacturer's
warranty may be void
if improper installation procedures
have been use.
To help us
provide you with the best Expansion Joint for the service intended
and at the lowest possible cost,
please use the following
checklist.
Specify
style (SLP, SMP, S-1, LMP etc.) if determined.
Quantity
required.
Pipe Size -
size of existing pipe.
Installed
Face to Face dimensions
End
Connections - advise type of end, alloy and method of
attachment for each end. Also, specify drilling pattern,
number of bolt holes, bolt circle and flange O.D. for flange
connections.
Medium
Conveyed - type of liquid, gas vapor etc.
Pressure
and/or vacuum ranges
Temperature
range
Movements-minimum
and maximum axial compression, extension and lateral
deflection. Also, angular rotation if applicable.
Liners
and/or covers -
(check here
for details)
Control Units - control
units are recommended for use with all Expansion Joints. For
the small additional charge, safety and longevity are
enhanced. They must be used when piping support is
insufficient.
Other conditions which will
help us provide the best possible Expansion Joint for hte
service. A complete range of standard products as well as
special constructions are available to serve every possible
need.