Expansion Joints

Do’s

Dont’s

• Inspect for damage during shipment, i.e., dents, broken hardware, watermarks on carton, etc.
• Store in a clean dry area where it will not be exposed to heavy traffic or damaging environment.
• Use only designated lifting lugs.
• Make the piping systems fit the expansion joint. By stretching, compressing, or offsetting the joint to fit the piping, the joint may be overstressed when the system is in service.
• It is good practice to leave one flange loose until the expansion joint has been fitted into position. Make necessary adjustment of loose flange before welding.
• Install joint with arrow pointing in the direction of flow.
• Install single Van stone liners, pointing in the direction of flow. Be sure to install a gasket between the mating flange and liner.
• With telescoping Van stone liners, install the smallest I.D. liner pointing in the direction of flow.
• Remove all shipping devices after the installation is complete and before any pressure test of the fully installed system.
• Remove any foreign material that may have become lodged between the convolutions.
• Refer to EJMA Standards for proper guide spacing and anchor recommendations.

• Do not drop or strike carton.
• Do not remove shipping bars until installation is complete.
• Do not remove any moisture-absorbing desiccant bags or protective coatings until ready for installation.
• Do not use hanger lugs as lifting lugs without the approval of the manufacturer.
• Do not use chains or any lifting device directly on the bellows or bellows cover.
• Do not allow weld splatter to hit unprotected bellows. Protect with wet chloride-free insulation.
• Do not use cleaning agents that contain chlorides.
• Do not use steel wool or wire brushes on bellows.
• Do not force-rotate one end of an expansion joint for alignment of bolt holes. Ordinary bellows are not capable of absorbing torque.
• Do not hydrostatic pressure test or evacuate the system before installation of all guides and anchors. Pipe hangers are not adequate guides.
• Do not exceed a pressure test 1-½ times the rated working pressure of the expansion joint.
• Do not use shipping bars to retain thrust if tested before installation.
• Pipe hangers are not adequate guides.