A rubber expansion joint is a type of piping that is designed to accommodate pressure and movement. The material used is natural or synthetic rubber. Its body is reinforced by interior metal rings and wire. A leak-proof lining tube extends from the bore to the outside edges of the flanges. When installed properly, a rubber expansion joint can withstand high pressure and a high degree of movement.
While rubber expansion joints are ideal for many applications, they do have their limitations. The first is that they can fail under extreme pressure and temperature. Rubber becomes hard under such conditions and the reinforcing material can break down. In addition, the heat tracing material can burn the outer rubber cover and penetrate the reinforcing material. These factors can lead to catastrophic failures of the expansion joints.
Rubber expansion joints are available in a variety of materials and can withstand a wide range of pressures and temperatures. They are also corrosion-resistant. They are also available in special materials that can withstand over 1000°F operating temperatures.
Materials used in rubber expansion joints
The inherent flexibility of rubber expansion joints make them a good choice for many piping applications. They can absorb thermal energy and shock, and are known to be durable in extreme environments. They are commonly used in chemical processing, water and wastewater, pumping, and pulp and paper industries. They are also useful in reducing noise generated by fluids moving through rotating equipment.
Rubber expansion joints are available in different styles, depending on the fluid and pressure that they will handle. Some common types of rubber expansion joints include EPDM, IIR, NBR, and PTFE. Their inner tube diameter may vary depending on the design requirements. Single and multiple arch designs are available. Single and multiple arch types feature full-face flanges that are reinforced with metal rings.
Installation methods
Proper installation of rubber expansion joints requires a certain set of techniques that should be adhered to. To start with, the pipes and joints should be inspected before installation. This rubber expansion joint is essential in order to avoid putting a joint in danger. Moreover, the joints should be installed close to control rods and fixed anchors.
It is important to install the expansion joint at the right face-to-face length to avoid pipe misalignment. This can also result in the joint overextending under pressure if there is no restraint.
Cost of rubber expansion joints
Whether your equipment needs to absorb periodic movement due to changes in temperature or controls vibration, rubber expansion joints can help. They are available in a variety of sizes and materials. They are also available in various specifications. In addition to their many benefits, they can be extremely cost-effective. Here are some reasons why you should consider using them.
As a flexible unit, rubber expansion joints have a higher burst strength and are therefore more resilient to pressure. They are also easier to install and remove than other types of joints. These advantages mean that they can last longer.