The Expansion Joints Blog

This picture shows a 47.25″ I.D. Universal Expansion Joint with SB-443 (Inco. 625) round corners bellows, and SA516-70 flanges for ethylene plant in Saudi Arabia. This expansion joint was custom designed and fabricated by U.S Bellows, Inc for an ethylene plant in Saudi Arabia.

92-inch I.D. toroidal bellow expansion joint for an ASME "U" stamp heat exchanger shell

The toroidal shape gives the bellow the unique ability to carry high pressures; conversely, it also permits modest deflection ability. The expansion joint was designed for 400 PSIG at 500° F and an extension stroke of 5/16″ and the bellow’s element was fabricated from .060″ Inconel® 600 with A-516 gr 70 weld ends. The 92-inch toroidal expansion joint was also designed per ASME Sec. VIII rules as well as the Expansion Joint Manufacturer EJMA Standards. Upon fabrication completion, hydrotest was conducted at 600 PSIG to detect leaks.