In order to keep the isolating joints within a structure and to allow the separate segment of piping structure to contract and expand in response to temperature change, the expansion joint is used. The necessity of the joints in piping structure may be determined by empirical basis.

These joints serve the function of modern piping system and include the reduction of noise and vibration, directional movement, resisting shock and anchor stresses. These joints also provide access to the equipment and pipes. With metallic joints and expansion loops these function are not achieved. With serious consequences, these expansion joints can be misused. Hence, a reliable piping system should understand the overall piping requirement and basic function of these joints.

Inspection Of Pipe And Product
The expansion joint and flange faces should be checked for damaged or rough areas. The flanges of the pipeline should be properly spaced, flat and parallel in order to achieve proper seal. Flanges with oversized inner diameter can cut the flange itself. In order to prevent the joint from damage one should file the sharp edges of the pipeline flange. The joints are manufactured as per measured inner diameter and are provided with correct bolt service specification.

In case of slip on joints, the inner diameter of the joint fitting should be larger than the outer diameter of mating pipes. The edges of the mating pipe should be free of sharp edges and clean in nature.

Measure Length Of Joint

Measurement of distance between the two connected flanges should be done. The ambient temperature is required for the measurement. The flanges should be properly aligned and the misalignment should be over 1/8 mm.

Place Joint Perfectly

For avoiding elongation or expansion, the joints should be placed in face – to – face dimensions. If the distance between the flanges is required then the arches may be slightly compressed. Before installation, a thin film of glycerin may be applied on the face of the flange. This prevents the material from adhering to the metal flange so that if dismantling is required, the joint can be removed easily.

In Case Of Raised Face Flanges
The mating flanges should be full faced and flat in nature. The raised mating flanges are not recommended. There should be serrated ring gasket between the joint flange and mating flange, if it is installed in raised flange face.

Non-Metallic Flange
One needs to use the split back up retaining ring behind the synthetic flange, when installing the joint to synthetic mating flange. The mating flange will generate enough force on the flange faces for proper seal, if split back up retaining is not done. There are recommendations that the serrated metal gasket should be installed between the joint flange and PVC flange in order to ensure proper sealing.

Retaining Rings
The split steel back up rings is used in these joints to prevent the hardware to be damaged and to ensure even tight seal. From the steel retaining ringside of the joint, bolts with integrated should be inserted. At all splits in the steel rings, flat washers should be used in conjugation with hex bolts.
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