The Importance And Applications Of Metallic Expansion Joints

By Ryan Olson


Mostly, we judge things by face value. One may only see and perceive things as what they are on the dot. This can cause one to miss out on a lot of stuff, including the inner workings and values of structures and things. When you look at a building, bridge, sidewalk, or a piping system, for instance, you do not always factor in that they are what they are because of Metallic Expansion Joints.

Many kinds of physical processes affect the form and shape of all states of matter. Materials naturally expand or contract when subjected to changes in, say, temperature. When subjected to heat, for instance, the kinetic energy of its molecules increases and pushes the boundaries of the object, causing it to expand. When left to its own devices, the structure may develop cracks or fissures and may gradually collapse.

Metal Expansion Joints are most fittingly also called compensators. They compensate, or take upon themselves, the stress and exertion of all the expansions, contractions, pressures, vibrations, and all kinds of sundry powerful mechanical forces. Metallic joints are specifically designed to conveniently absorb all the dimensional changes in these physical systems.

As per their appellation, they are usually made of stainless steel and other metal alloys. Sundry designs are available, and customized orders are also possible to place. Whatever the configurations, however, they always come with the following essential parts and components. There are flanges, tie rods, hinges, wire mesh, welding ends, inner sleeve, external cover, insulation, and bellows. The last is the most indispensable part of the mechanism, as it is the full force shock absorption factor.

Expansion joints are found in a wide range of industrial applications. They include, and are not limited to, power generation, petrochemical industries, desalination and desulphurization plants, ship building ports, water treatment facilities, oil refineries, iron and steel mills, and pressure vessels manufacturing. The type of compensator to purchase will depend on whether the facility will use one or some of the three movements, axial, lateral, or angular.

The advantages of metallic compensators are that they have a relatively minimal installation cost, and they only need marginal space. It is also energy efficient and its inherent flexibility allows it to absorb all three movements outlined above. Because of the durability of this material, no or little maintenance is required.

The primary types are the universal, single, inline and elbow pressure balanced, externally pressurized, gimbal, toroidal, hinged, thick wall, rectangular, and slip type. Some types absorb one kind of movement better than others. They each also have their own advantages and disadvantages. There are industries and applications in which one or some of them are principally used, as in duct work, containment vessels, and stream lines.

Expansion joints are also liable to fail. This can be attributed to shipping or handling damage, or else to improper installation and insufficient maintenance. It can also be due to joint fatigue, squirms, ruptures, inadequate testing, and improper usage. To prevent and minimize expansion joint failure, one should be conscientious in precluding damage by choosing the correct manufacturers and installers.

To minimize failure and optimize performance, one should choose and hire adept service providers and manufacturers. Your choice may be aided in understanding the function, particularities, and technicalities of certain kinds of expansion joints. This will ultimately make all the difference in the integrity, reliability, and safety of your building, bridge, or some such structures and systems.




About the Author: