Do you have any ideas about lateral expansion joints or sideways flex joints? Lateral expansion joints are a type of expansion joint that is ideal for absorbing lateral deflection. They can move in lateral directions altogether to absorb expansion from two sections of pipe in several directions. These joints include fixtures, such as external tie rods, which enable the unit to absorb movement in all horizontal directions.
Those fixtures also help in absorbing the pressure thrust, including full vacuum. So let’s dive deeper into the extensive categories of lateral expansion joints. Contact a reputable lateral expansion joint manufacturer in India to buy top-grade expansion joints at a reasonable rate.
The Basics of Lateral Expansion Joints
Similar to hinged expansion joints, lateral expansion joints use the angular rotational capacities of the bellows to adjust the movement. The distance between the bellows impacts the expanse of the lateral movements, with enormous separation enabling further movements. Unlike universal or unanchored axial joints, lateral expansion joints involve tie rods to control the axial compressive powers, resulting from inner pressure.
This layout prevents additional load on nearby pipe support expansion joints. This ensures they remain functional and aligned. Unlike single-hinged expansion joints, these joints feature two pins and function independently. The movement of these joints includes the desired lateral deflection and a little axial movement.
Lateral expansion joints are ideal for compensating for horizontal movements in both multi-plane and single-plane pipe systems. When used for single-plane lateral movements, these joints provide additional expansion capacity compared to axial lateral expansion joints. In multi-plane systems, these joints can absorb expansion from two pipes moving in opposite directions.
The Types of Lateral Expansion Joints
Many of us don’t know that lateral expansion joints have three notable variations, including the following.
- Pressure-Balanced Expansion Joints
The first notable category of lateral expansion joints is pressure-balanced expansion joints. These joints are appropriate for situations where fastening the pipe system is impractical due to price considerations or structural constraints. These joints can control both lateral and axial movements without spreading inner pressure and weakening the anchor points, adjacent structures, and machinery. In such cases, there is no need for fixed points. This makes pressure-balanced expansion joints beneficial for systems attached to valves, pumps, turbines, and other devices that can’t withstand pressure thrust loads. Want to buy industrial-grade lateral expansion joints? Look no further and contact a renowned lateral expansion bellow manufacturer.
- Thick Wall Expansion Joints
The next notable type of lateral expansion joint is the thick-wall expansion joint. These joints have distinct features, including a high-coiled profile or a thick ply structure. Users can give these joints any particular shape, such as oval, circular, or square. Blast furnaces or heat exchangers may require thick-walled expansion joints.
- Rectangular Metal-Pipe Expansion Joints
Similar to their circular counterparts, rectangular pipe expansion joints are ideal for handling lateral, axial, and angular movements. Moreover, rectangular bellows are necessary to adjust longitudinal bending stresses. On the other side, circular bellows mainly deal with circumferential membrane stress due to inner pressure. Rectangular metal-pipe expansion joints do not regulate pressure thrust. Hence, they are ideal for systems with properly attached pipe alignment and anchors. The proper provision of guides and anchors is necessary for their effective functioning.
The Bottom Lines
So these are some common types of lateral expansion joints. Contact Flexpert Bellows Pvt Ltd if you are also looking for high-quality expansion joints at an economical rate. Being a leading lateral expansion joint manufacturer in India, we follow the highest standards of precision and quality. With state-of-the-art technology, customer satisfaction, and quality, we can meet all your requirements in a single go. Call us now.