A rubber expansion joint is designed to provide stress relief in piping systems. The flexibility of the rubber makes it ideal for absorbing large movements. In addition, the unit can also absorb wind loading and vibrations. They can be made with a wide variety of materials, depending on the application. However, most are manufactured from EPDM, Neoprene, and other synthetic elastomers. In addition to providing abrasion protection and thermal stability, they are resistant to chemical attack, slurries, and other contaminants.
A common feature of a rubber expansion joint is that the bellows are reinforced. This is done with nylon, aramid, or steel. The bellows can also be vulcanized. For greater pressure resistance, the joint may be filled with rubber foam. Moreover, the bellows can be designed with a spool or a full face integral flange. The spool-type is the most popular design. This style is available in different arch sizes and is manufactured from a variety of elastomers. Alternatively, a full face integral flange is available in several arch types.
Another feature of a rubber expansion joint is that it can accommodate bends and deformations. This is beneficial for reducing wind loading and vibration transmission, and it provides unlimited flexing to recover from imposed movements. Nevertheless, some limitations exist. For example, the elastomeric epoxy should be mixed with four to seven parts of sand to one part of elastomeric epoxy. This should be applied with a minimum elongation factor of 200% at 0degF. In addition, the lining tube should be leak-proof. This prevents fluids from entering the carcass and provides a secondary seal. The lining tube is typically made of fluoroplastic. This material can be used for a variety of applications, including chemical processes.
Other features of a rubber expansion joint include a leak-proof lining tube that extends through the bore of the flange and to the outside edge of the flange. This rubber expansion joint helps prevent contaminants from reaching the concrete and eliminates the possibility of sediment buildup. Similarly, hot-dipped galvanized retaining rings are provided. In some cases, control rods are used to avoid excessive movement of the joint. This is particularly recommended for rubber expansion joints without solid anchors.
Reducing expansion joints are used to connect pipes of unequal diameters. These can be constructed in several styles, including concentric and eccentric reducers. They are also available in various materials, including zinc-plated carbon steel, copper, and stainless steel. They can be designed to have a 20-degree reduction along the joint’s length. They are mainly used for low to medium pressure applications.
In addition to being available in a wide range of pressures and sizes, these units can be drilled to any dimension. This means that they can be used to complete a pipe stress analysis. These can be made from various elastomers and materials, including PTFE, NBR, and synthetic materials. There are also a variety of designs to choose from, and they can be customized to meet individual needs.
If you are looking for a high-quality rubber expansion joint, consider the REFLEX(r) brand. This material is 100% recycled and is manufactured in the United States. It is considered the best in the industry. It can be used in horizontal and vertical applications, and it can absorb up to 8.3 passenger car tires.