System Technology – Seismic & Settlement

Expansion joints in Seismic and Settlement pipe systems move in two or three planes. Motions may be in two perpendicular directions or in all three planes. Torsion may also apply. Solutions include a single expansion joint for all motions or two expansion joints with a 90-degree elbow.

Single expansion joint solutions will induce pressure force and require main anchors

Benefits

  • No change in direction required
  • Lowest pressure drop if no changes in direction

Considerations

  • Highest system install cost from anchor size and number of alignment guides
  • Highest forces and risks, pressure thrust applies
  • Specialty expansion joints may be more costly
  • Main anchors required
  • Maximum number of alignment guides if anchors located away from expansion joint
  • Not typically used for hanging or rooftop systems
  • For lower system forces and install costs, consider a system with two expansion joints with a 90-degree elbow system
  • Main anchors, supports, and alignment guides are required for correct operation and safety

Applications

  • Tunnel, ground-based, riser, or buried energy distribution systems across large distances where anchors are practically located at ground level or to substantial structures
  • Commercial, Industrial, Power, Petrochemical, and Laboratory systems of all sizes and pressures

Two expansion joints with 90-degree elbow solutions do not induce pressure force and allow intermediate (non-pressure thrust) anchors

Benefits

  • Lowest system forces and risks
  • Smallest anchor sizes
  • Minimum number of alignment guides

Considerations

  • 90-degree change in pipe direction required to allow lateral motion in each run
  • 90-degree elbow to be supported but not restricted from motion
  • Two or more expansion joints are required to allow lateral motion in each run
  • Consider a single expansion joint solution if space does not allow a 90-degree direction change
  • Intermediate anchors, supports, and alignment guides are required for correct operation and safety

Applications

  • Any system location including hanging, pipe racks, pipe risers, rooftops, tunnel, ground-based, riser, or buried energy distribution systems
  • Force limited systems requiring small forces
  • Force limited equipment connections
  • Commercial, Industrial, Power Generation, Petrochemical, Marine, Defense, and Laboratory of all sizes and pressures

Products

4500 V-Flex (Steel)

4500 V-Flex (Copper)

1511R-1512R HyFlex Universal

1511IS Inline Seismic Universal Bellows

1507H/G - 1510H/G HyFlex Hinge & Gimbal

Series 6600 Hyspan Barco Ball Joints

3501IS-3502IS Single Inline Seismic & Settling