The Expansion Joints Blog

286" O.A.L. Expansion Joint Designed for the Regenerator Stand Pipe

163" O.A.L Expansion Joint Designed for the Reactor Stand Pipe

U.S. Bellows, Inc. specially designed and manufactured two 55″ O.D. refractory lined universal gimbal expansion joints for a refinery in Joliet. These expansion joints are equipped with slotted hinges with an overall length of 163″ and 286″ respectively.  The 163″ O.A.L. expansion joint, designed for 60 PSIG and 1020°F, will be used at the reactor stand pipe of the refinery. The 286″ O.A.L. expansion joint will be used for the regenerator stand pipe of the refinery and it is designed for 57 PSIG and 1300°F. Both expansion joints consist of a A516 Gr70 pipe, two SB-443 two-ply bellows and a slotted hinge.

To ensure quality, 100% dye-penetration, 100% x-ray and pressure tests were performed on the bellows. Pneumatic and vacuum tests were also conducted on the expansion joints and between bellows dry plies prior to shipping.

55 O.D. Universal Gimbal Expansion Joint with Floating Rings for a Refinery in Joliet

Pneumatic Test on the Expansion Joint at 55 PSIG

U.S. Bellows, Inc. custom designed and manufactured a 55 O.D. universal gimbal expansion joint with floating rings for the FCC overhead vapor line at the refinery.  This expansion joint has an overall length of 310 and is fabricated from A387 Gr 11 CI2 spool and Inconel® 625 LCF bellows. It is designed for 50 PSIG and 1075°F with 13 of lateral movement.

To ensure quality, 100% dye-penetration, 100% x-ray and pressure tests were performed on the bellows. Pneumatic tests were also conducted on the expansion joint and between bellows dry plies at 55 and 15 PSIG, respectively, prior to shipping.