2.6-METRE-LONG EXPANSION JOINTS FOR
EXTENSIVE AXIAL MOVEMENT

For a chemical plant in Europe, Belman has designed and manufactured two highly engineered 2.6-metre-long Expansion Joints capable of absorbing extensive axial movements in combination with accommodating lateral movement, ensuring optimal flexibility and system performance.

CLIENT ISSUE
The chemical plant required replacement Expansion Joints as the existing units had reached the end of their service life. Since the original design had performed exceptionally well, the client was looking for a manufacturer capable of replicating the design while ensuring compliance with EJMA. With its proven expertise in high-quality, precision-engineered Expansion Joints, Belman was chosen to deliver the solution.

BELMAN SOLUTION – 2.6-metre-long Expansion Joints for extensive axial movement 
Based on the drawings of the existing Expansion Joint, Belman designed and manufactured two identical Expansion Joints to ensure seamless integration into the chemical plant’s system. The media in the pipe section of installation in the chemical plant is exhaust gas with a high carbon percentage, meaning a solution was required that could withstand elevated temperatures and specific operating conditions. Given that exhaust is normally at an elevated temperature and low pressure, the Expansion Joints are designed for 550°C and for 0 barg pressure while pressure tested at 0.5 barg. The specialised design features two bellows, a middle pipe and an extended section at one end to provide the necessary flexibility. Tie rods were mounted to control the extensive movement absorption.

Tie bars control the extensive movement absorption
To precisely control the absorption of both axial and lateral movement, each Expansion Joint is equipped with three strategically mounted tie bars. The exact positioning of the tie bars and nuts ensures that only the intended movements are absorbed and, more importantly, that they are absorbed in the correct manner. This helps to relieve the pipeline while also ensuring the longest possible service life of both Expansion Joints and the adjacent piping. To protect the long Expansion Joints during transportation and installation, they are equipped with transport bars and also wooden transport bars at one end. These protective elements are removed after installation, ensuring the Expansion Joints function as designed.

Belman – experts on Expansion Joints with long built-in lengths
Certain applications require Expansion Joints with extended built-in lengths to accommodate large movements. With decades of expertise, Belman specialises in designing and manufacturing long Expansion Joints that ensure durability, flexibility and optimal performance in the most demanding industrial environments. Belman has supplied numerous long Expansion Joints for various industries worldwide including Expansion Joints ranging from 5 to 10 metres in length. One of the most remarkable designs featured a 5-metre-long Expansion Joint with 11 bellows in sequence, allowing it to absorb an impressive +/- 450 mm axial movement (900 mm in total). By incorporating multiple bellows in a row, Belman’s Expansion Joints effectively absorb extensive movements while maintaining system integrity and longevity.