中文
Expansion joints are an important component of many piping systems and are designed to increase flexibility, reduce stress and compensate for movement, misalignment, vibration and other variables. If the expansion joint fails, serious damage and safety risks will be caused to the piping system.
Commonly used materials for expansion joints
Rubber has excellent vibration and shock wave absorption properties and can be used for thermal expansion. To protect equipment such as pumps, expansion joint is ideal for reducing the transmission of noise and vibration from other equipment. Additionally, they can be used as shock absorbers to mitigate damage from seismic events and pressure fluctuations.
Technically braided stainless steel hose with a flexible or metal lining, is effective in applications where shock absorption or pipe misalignment is required in high pressure and high temperature environments.
Possible factors of failure
Wrong design
The design of the expansion joint must take into account the environment and working conditions of the pipeline system. If the design is unreasonable, such as improper material selection or size mismatch, the expansion joint may fail due to its inability to withstand the stress and pressure in the system.
Incorrect installation
Correct steps and requirements must be followed during the installation process, including proper installation direction to protect equipment from damage, otherwise the pipeline system may not work properly.
Improper maintenance
The expansion joint requires regular maintenance during use, such as checking the sealing performance, removing blockages, etc. If the maintenance is not timely or does not meet the standards, it may cause leakage or damage.
Contact with chloride
Expansion joints in certain special environments, such as contacting with chloride, may cause corrosion or corrosion fatigue, leading to failure. Chlorides are commonly found in chemical plants and marine environments.
Date: 18 Dec 2023