Hyspan Barco Type N Style I Ball Joints

Type N Style I ball joints have been widely accepted since the design was introduced in 1960. They are commonly used in steam, hot water, chilled water, petroleum and chemical piping to absorb thermal expansion. Common applications are tank and building settlement, seismic isolation, bridge movement and wave motion compensation in addition to steam and hot water distribution systems.

Standard models are available as weld end or flanged with optional seal materials. The total flex angle varies with size from 15º to 31º. Refer to Column 3 of the Dimensional Data below.

Standard materials are wrought steel for the ball, case and retainer. The ball sealing surface is protected with crack free chrome plating and coated with molybdenum disulfide.

Type N Style I ball joints 2 1/2" through 12" NPS are approved by Factory Mutual Research for use in fire protection systems.

Part Number BB-31020			Part Numbers BB-31533 (150 lb.) BB-31536 (300 lb.)

Flex Torque Flex torque is the moment (ft.-lbs.) at break-a-way to angularly displace a ball joint. Because the pressure thrust is reacted by the seals the flex torque is a function of pressure as illustrated by the adjacent charts for Number 11 composition seals. The values for Number 24 glass filled Teflon® seals are 15% less than the Number 11 seal values. The values given are for steam service. For water or oil service the torque values are 45% less. Flex Torque Type N Style I Ball Joints Number 11 Composition Seals		Flex Torque Type N Style I Ball Joints Number 11 Composition Seals
Seal Descriptions and Pressure Temperature Ratings Seal Number 11 Compound 11 is a pressure molded proprietary seal compound recommended for general purpose applications for steam, hot water and oil systems. Compound 11 has the highest pressure/temperature ratings of the available seal materials. Rated for service at temperatures from -50º F to +525º F. Seal Number 24 Compound 24 is pressure molded proprietary compound of glass fiber and Teflon®. The addition of the glass fiber adds strength and stability to the seal. The compound is chemically inert and is recommended for applications involving corrosive fluids when a higher pressure rating is required. Rated for service at temperatures from -325º F to +425º F. Number 24 Glass Filled Teflon® Seal Part Number BB-31020, BB-31533 & BB 31536 Weld End, 150 lb. & 300 lb. Flanged		Number 11 Composition Seal Part Numbers BB-31020 & BB-31536 Weld End & 300 lb. Flanged Number 11 Composition Seal Part Numbers BB-31533 150 lb. Flanged

Ordering Instructions

To order or specify Hyspan Barco Ball Joints state the complete part number which includes; the basic Assembly Number selected from the illustrations, the Size Code from Column 2 of the Dimensional Data tabulation and the Seal Code based on the seal composition required.


Installation and Maintenance Procedures

Proper application and maintenance of ball joints is important. Refer to Installation and Maintenance Procedures for Type N Style I ball joints for the correct procedures including disassembly and seal replacement.


Teflon® is a registered trademark of Dupont.
Grafoil® is a registered trademark of UCAR.