Supports and flexible connections
Expansion joints and flexible connectors
Axial, lateral and angular movement, pressure, temperature, cycle life and reaction forces must be considered together.
Type and construction
Available types
1
Single-sphere rubber joint
View details2Twin-sphere rubber joint
View details3Axial metal bellows
View details4Lateral expansion joint
View details5Angular expansion joint
View details6Universal expansion joint
View details7Metal hose
View details8Composite hose
View details9Expansion loop
View details10Fabric expansion joint
View detailsQuick comparison
How the main types differ in selection
TypePurposeBest suited toWatchpoint
Single-sphere rubber jointAbsorbing movement, misalignment or vibrationRotating-equipment connections or thermal expansion with proper restraintAxial and lateral movement, pressure thrust, cycles, anchors and fatigue
Twin-sphere rubber jointAbsorbing movement, misalignment or vibrationRotating-equipment connections or thermal expansion with proper restraintAxial and lateral movement, pressure thrust, cycles, anchors and fatigue
Axial metal bellowsAbsorbing movement, misalignment or vibrationRotating-equipment connections or thermal expansion with proper restraintAxial and lateral movement, pressure thrust, cycles, anchors and fatigue
Lateral expansion jointAbsorbing movement, misalignment or vibrationRotating-equipment connections or thermal expansion with proper restraintAxial and lateral movement, pressure thrust, cycles, anchors and fatigue
Angular expansion jointAbsorbing movement, misalignment or vibrationRotating-equipment connections or thermal expansion with proper restraintAxial and lateral movement, pressure thrust, cycles, anchors and fatigue
Universal expansion jointAbsorbing movement, misalignment or vibrationRotating-equipment connections or thermal expansion with proper restraintAxial and lateral movement, pressure thrust, cycles, anchors and fatigue
Metal hoseAbsorbing movement, misalignment or vibrationRotating-equipment connections or thermal expansion with proper restraintAxial and lateral movement, pressure thrust, cycles, anchors and fatigue
Composite hoseAbsorbing movement, misalignment or vibrationRotating-equipment connections or thermal expansion with proper restraintAxial and lateral movement, pressure thrust, cycles, anchors and fatigue
Expansion loopAbsorbing movement, misalignment or vibrationRotating-equipment connections or thermal expansion with proper restraintAxial and lateral movement, pressure thrust, cycles, anchors and fatigue
Fabric expansion jointAbsorbing movement, misalignment or vibrationRotating-equipment connections or thermal expansion with proper restraintAxial and lateral movement, pressure thrust, cycles, anchors and fatigue
Before selection
Information to define
- 1Axial movement
- 2Lateral movement
- 3Angular movement
- 4Pressure and temperature
- 5Cycle life
- 6Reaction force
Typical materials
Stainless steelRubberPTFETechnical fabric
Typical connections
FlangedWeldedThreaded
Typical media
WaterSteamGasProcess
Function
What does this family do?
Movement and vibration control
Absorbing thermal expansion, misalignment and rotating-equipment vibration
Functional selection guideJoining and sealing
Creating welded, threaded, flanged or mechanical joints with compatible sealing
Functional selection guidePipe support and restraint
Carrying weight, controlling movement and transferring piping loads to structure
Functional selection guideTechnical reference
Related standards
The exact edition and requirements must be checked against the project specification.
EJMAASME B31.3
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Related families
Engineering note
This page supports initial screening and does not replace engineering calculations, project specifications, manufacturer approval or design pressure-temperature checks.
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