Metal Bellows Expansion Joints are designed to absorb a specified amount of movement by the 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 could result in a premature failure of the bellows element or damage to 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 Joints.
Installation Do's
Inspect for damage during shipment, i.e., dents, broken hardware, water marks on carton, etc.
Store in clean dry area where it will not be exposed to heavy traffic or damaging environment.
Use only designated lifting lugs.
It is good practice to leave one flange loose until the expansion joint has been fitted into position. Make necessary adjustment of loose flange before welding.
Install joint with arrow pointing in the direction of flow.
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 matting flange and liner.
With telescoping Van Stone line, install the smallest I.D. liner pointing in the direction of flow.
Remove all shipping devices after the 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.
Installation Don'ts
Do not drop or strike carton.
Do not remove shipping bars until installation is complete.
Do not use hanger lugs as lifting lugs without approval of 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 asbestos.
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 alignment of bolt holes. Ordinary bellows are not capable of absorbing torque.
Do not hydrostatic pressure test or evacuate the system before proper 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 the pressure thrust if tested prior to installation.
