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expansion joints from precision hose ready for shipment

Precision Hose & Expansion Joints designs, manufactures, and supplies expansion joints in accordance with EJMA (Expansion Joint Manufacturers Association) Standards. The EJMA Standards are recognized throughout the world as the premier authority on the proper selection and application of metal expansion joints for safe and reliable piping and vessel installations. The following DO’s and DON’Ts are to be used as a guide for how to properly handle expansion joints before, during, and after installation. Failure to follow this guide can result in a premature failure of the expansion joint. For any questions, or for a more detailed explanation of any of the below, please contact Precision Hose & Expansion Joints.

Metal Bellows Expansion Joints have been designed to absorb a specified amount of movement by flexing of the thin-gauge convolutions. If proper care is not taken during installation, it may reduce the cycle life and the pressure capacity of the expansion joints, which would result in an early failure of the bellows element or damage the piping system. The following recommendations are included to avoid the most common errors that occur during installation. When in doubt about an installation procedure, contact the manufacturer for clarification before attempting to install the Expansion Joint.

A copy of these DO’s and DON’Ts for metal expansion joints are provided with each of our products that leave our facility. If you receive an expansion joint to your shop or job site and it does not have a copy of this document, please immediately contact Precision Hose & Expansion Joints at 770-413-5680.

dual universal expansion joint

DO’s for Metal Expansion Joints

STANDARDS OF THE EXPANSION JOINT MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION, INC.

  • Inspect for damage during shipment, i.e., dents, broken hardware, watermarks on cartons, etc.
  • Store in a clean dry area where it will not be exposed to heavy traffic or damaging environment.
  • Use only designated lifting lugs.
  • Make the piping systems fit the expansion joint. By stretching, compressing, or offsetting the joint to fit the piping, it may be overstressed when the system is in service.
  • It is good practice to leave one flange loose until the expansion joint has been lifted into position. Make necessary adjustment of loose flange before welding.
  • Install joint with an arrow pointing in the direction of flow. (If Applicable)
  • Install single Van Stone liners pointing in the direction of flow. Be sure to install a gasket between the liner and Van Stone flange as well as between the mating flange and liner. With telescoping Van Stone liners, install the smallest I.D. liner pointing in the direction of the flow.
  • Remove all shipping devices after installation is complete and before any pressure test of the fully installed system.
  • Remove any foreign material that may have become lodged between the convolutions.
  • Refer to EJMA Standards for proper guide spacing and anchor recommendations.

The manufacturer’s warranty may be void if improper installation procedures have been used.

DON’Ts for Metal Expansion Joints

STANDARDS OF THE EXPANSION JOINT MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION, INC.

  • Do not drop or strike carton.
  • Do not remove shipping bars until installation is complete.
  • Do not remove any moisture-absorbing desiccant bags or protection coatings until ready for installation.
  • Do not use hanger lugs as lifting lugs without approval from the manufacturer.
  • Do not use chains or any lifting device directly on the bellows or bellows cover.
  • Do not allow weld splatter to hit unprotected bellows. Protect with wet chloride-free insulation.
  • Do not use cleaning agents that contain chlorides.
  • Do not use steel wool or wire brushes on bellows.
  • Do not force-rotate one end of an expansion joint for alignment of bolt holes. Ordinary bellows are not capable of absorbing torque.
  • Do not hydrostatic pressure test or evaluate the system before installation of all guides and anchors.
  • Pipe hangers are not adequate guides.
  • Do not exceed a pressure test of 1-1/2 times the rated working pressure of the expansion joint.
  • Do not use shipping bars to retain thrust if tested prior to installation.

The manufacturer’s warranty may be void if improper installation procedures have been used.

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