Stainless steel

expansion joints

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▸ Introduction | 3.1
▸ Design and Construction | 3.2
▸ Materials and Thermal Expansion | 3.2
▸ Constructive Types | 3.4
▸ Axial Expansion Joints | 3.5
Constructive Types | 3.6
Standard Program H-Line PN16 / PN25 | 3.7
Standard Program H-Line PN16 (threaded) | 3.8
Standard Program R-Line PN1 / PN2,5 / PN6 | 3.9
Typical Cases Examples | 3.10

▸ Lateral Expansion Joints | 3.11

Universal Expansion Joints | 3.11
Constructive Types | 3.12
Standard Program R-Line PN1 / PN2,5 / PN6 | 3.13
Typical Cases Examples | 3.14

▸ Angular Expansion Joints | 3.15

Constructive Types | 3.16
Typical Cases Examples | 3.17

▸ Special Design Expansion Joints | 3.18

Rectangular Expansion Joints | 3.18
LENS Expansion Joints | 3.19
Pressure Balanced Expansion Joints | 3.19

▸ General Notes on Installation | 3.21

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 Introduction ▸ Stainless steel expansion joints

Stainless
steel expansion joints

f Introduction
Stainless steel expansion joints are essential elements of modern pipe technology. They offer
the perfect solution in absorbing expansion caused by temperature changes in pipe systems.
Furthermore, they are able to compensate any vibrations which may occur in pumping systems,
motors, compressors, or turbines. The basic advantages to be gained from using expansion
joints are:
▸ Small space required for installation;
▸ Absorption of movements in multiple directions due to their inherent flexibility;
▸ They require almost no maintenance;
▸ They reduce load and temperature loss to a minimum.

Axial, lateral or angular movements and vibration can be absorbed, according to the each individual
situation. For choosing the most appropriate type of expansion joint, our technical department will
be at your disposal for consultation at any time.

The characteristics of an expansion joint are based on the flexibility of its bellow. This flexibility results
from the bellow’s geometrical shape and the number of convolutions. Also, the thickness of each
ply and the materials used for construction play an important role in defining the characteristics
of the expansion joint.

ROTH stainless steel expansion joints can be made of single-ply or multi-ply bellows depending
on the requirements of each given application. We recommend to provide us with all necessary
data, enabling us to take into account values of movement, pressure, temperature and other
environment variables and thus to find the optimum technical design and the best cost-saving
solution for your application.

Kompensatorenbau Wellschläuche 3.1

 Stainless steel expansion joints ▸ Design and Construction

f Design and Construction

ROTH – expansion joints are designed, manufactured and approved in accordance to: EJMA-
Standards (EXPANSION JOINTS MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION INC.), APPENDIX BB OF
SECTION VIII OF ASME – CODE “PRESSURE VESSEL AND HEAT EXCHANGER EXPANSION
JOINTS“

f Materials and Thermal Expansion

The most commonly used materials for bellows, connecting components and tie-rod systems are
shown in the following table. Other materials are also available on request.

Part Material No. Short name DIN EN AISI ASTM

1.4301 X5CrNi18-10 10088 304 SA 240 TP 304

1.4306 X2CrNi19-11 10088 304L SA 240 TP 304 L
1.4310 X10CrNi18-8 10088 301 –
1.4401 X5CrNiMo17-12-2 10088 316 SA 240 TP 316
Bellows
and internal 1.4404 X2CrNiMo17-12-2 10088 316L SA 240 TP 316L
sleeves
1.4435 X2CrNiMo18-14-3 10088 – –
1.4436 X3CrNiMo17-13-3 10088 – –
1.4462 X2CrNiMoN-22-5 10888 – –
1.4541 X6CrNiTi18-10 10088 321 SA 240 TP 321
1.4571 X6CrNiMoTi17-12-2 10088 316Ti SA 240 TP 316Ti
Connecting 1.4828 X15CrNiSi20-12 10095 309 SA 240 TP 309
components
(stainless steel) 1.4841 X15CrNiSi25-20 10095 310 SA 240 TP 310
1.4893 X8CrNiSiN21-11 – – S 30815
1.0037 S235JR 10025 – A 570 Gr 36
1.0305 St35.8 17175 – A 106-65 Gr A
1.0308 St35 17175 – A 53-65 Gr A
Connecting
components 1.0345 P235GH 10028 – A 515 Gr 65,55
(carbon steel)
1.0425 P265GH 10028 – A 515-65 Gr 60
1.0481 P295GH 10028 – A 515 Gr 70
1.0570 S355J2G3 10025 – –

Tie-rod 1.5415 16Mo3 10028 – A 204 Gr A

systems 1.7335 13CrMo4-5 10028 – A 182-F11, F12

Please use the following diagrams in order to identify the resulting values for thermal expansion
at a specific temperature and for a given category of material. For other materials please contact
our technical department.

3.2 www.roth-kompensatoren.de
 Materials and Thermal Expansion ▸ Stainless steel expansion joints

| Diagrams for Thermal Expansion

[°C]
1
800 800
3
4
700 700
2
5
600 600

500 500

400 400
170

300 90 300
40

200 16 200
5

100 1 100
0,35
0,12
0,04
0 0
- 33 Amoniak
- 42 LPG

- 78 Co2
-100 - 104 Ethylen -100

- 161 Methan
- 196 Stickstoff N2
-200 -200

-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 [mm]

Titanium 1 3.7024

St. 37.2 St. 35.8 C. 22.N H-II 15Mo3 13CrMo44

Carbon steel 2
1.0114 1.0305 1.0402 1.0425 1.5415 1.7335

Inconel 3 2.4816 2.4856

Monel/ Incoloy 4 2.4360 1.4876 2.4858
Stainless steel 5 1.4301 1.4404 1.4435 1.4541 1.4571 1.4539

Kompensatorenbau Wellschläuche 3.3

 Stainless steel expansion joints ▸ Constructive Types

▸ Axial Expansion Joints

MWA HTE HTI MFA/MFG

▸ Lateral Expansion Joints

MWL MFL MWD MFD

▸ Angular Expansion Joints

MWP MFP MWC MFC

▸ Special Design Expansion Joints

MWY MFY MPB MRW

3.4 www.roth-kompensatoren.de
 Axial Expansion Joints ▸ Stainless steel expansion joints

f Axial Expansion Joints

The most common and simple type of compensation is provided by axial expansion joints. These
counteract linear changes in the longitudinal direction of a pipeline, but are usually also able to
absorb some angular movements and vibrations.

Unrestrained axial expansion joints do not restrain pressure thrust so adequate anchors and guides must
be provided and they can be used only in piping systems that incorporate correctly designed anchors
and pipe alignment guides.

As illustrated below, axial expansion joints necessitates properly dimensioned and arranged fixed points
and guides.

FP = fixed point, GL = guide

In the case of axial expansion joints, the load acting on the required fixed points derives from the pressure
and inherent resistance of the expansion joint as well as the pipe frictional forces.

The thrust is the product of the effective cross-sectional area and the operating pressure, the inherent
resistance is the spring rate value, and the pipe frictional forces depend on the pipe bearing, pipeline
weight, and pipe friction coefficient.

In order to assure proper operation for any axial expansion joint please take in consideration the following
notes regarding basic installation:
▸ Only one expansion joint between two fixed points;
▸ Locate fixed points and guides as close to the expansion joint as possible;
▸ The pipelines must be exactly aligned;
▸ The expansion joint must not be subjected to torsional stress;
▸ Only low-frequency vibration loads are permissible;
▸ Where welding is required in assembly, the bellows must be protected from sparks;
▸ Protect bellows, supports, and pipe guides against soiling and damage.

Kompensatorenbau Wellschläuche 3.5

 Stainless steel expansion joints ▸ Axial Expansion Joints

| Constructive Types
Axial expansion joints are based on a single bellow construction. Available with weld-ends, flanges
or thread-ends and with or without tie-rods. The couplings are made out of steel or stainless steel.

MWA/HWA MFA/MFG

Axial
Axial
Expansion
Expansion
Joint
Joint
weld-ends,
with fixed or
inner sleeves
swivel flanges.
on request.

Press. thrust Movements

Type Series
restraint Axial Lateral Angular
Single-Plane Single-Plane
MWA / HWA
Single MFA / MFG yes* yes*
no** yes
Unrestrained** HFA / HFG Multi-Plane Multi-Plane
RFA / RFG
yes* yes*

HTE HTI

Axial Axial
Expansion Expansion
Joint Joint
with external with internal
thread. thread.

Press. thrust Movements

Type Series
restraint Axial Lateral Angular
Single-Plane Single-Plane

Single HTE yes* yes*

no** yes
Unrestrained** HTI Multi-Plane Multi-Plane
yes* yes*
* Limited use.
** Constructions with tie-rods systems are available on request. Pressure thrust restrain can be achieved.

3.6 www.roth-kompensatoren.de
 Axial Expansion Joints ▸ Stainless steel expansion joints

| Standard Program H-Line PN16 / PN25

Our standard H-Line program for axial stainless steel expansion joints includes weld-ended HWA
and flanged HFA/G items for a nominal pressure up to 25 bar, within a size-range of DN15-DN250.

HWA HFA/HFG
Axial Axial
Expansion Expansion
Joint Joint
with weld- with fixed
ends, pipes flanges (HFA)
acc.to ISO, or swivel
DIN or others, flanges (HFG),
inner sleeves inner sleeve on
on request. request.

Nominal Axial Overall length [mm] Approx. weight [kg]

Spring rate
diameter movement
[N/mm] HWA/HWAI HFA / HFG HWA/HWAI HFA / HFG
DN [mm]

15 ± 12,0 29 175 100 0,1 1,3

20 ± 12,0 29 175 100 0,2 1,6

25 ± 15,0 65 185 105 0,3 2,2

32 ± 15,0 60 185 120 0,4 3,5

40 ± 15,0 72 190 125 0,5 3,9

205
50 ± 23,0 82 150 0,8 4,7
220*
230
65 ± 23,0 72 155 1,2 5,9
240*
230
80 ± 23,0 91 165 1,7 8,0
240*
230
100 ± 23,0 79 170 2,2 8,7
250*
270
125 ± 23,0 119 185 3,3 10,9
280*
270
150 ± 33,0 162 205 4,3 12,7
315*
300
200 ± 35,0 149 235 6,5 18,2
355*
300
250 ± 35,0 153 240 8,0 12,7
355*
* HWA type with inner sleeve.

Kompensatorenbau Wellschläuche 3.7

 Stainless steel expansion joints ▸ Axial Expansion Joints

| Standard Program H-Line PN16 (threaded)

Our standard H-Line program for axial stainless steel expansion joints is extended by two con-
structive types featuring threaded ends. These are available either with external threads (HTE) or
either with internal threads (HTI), both for a nominal pressure of 16 bar. Thread-ends are available
in all existing international standards and can be made out of carbon steel or stainless steel.

HTE HTI

Axial Axial
Expansion Expansion
Joint Joint
with external with internal
thread. thread.

Nominal Capable movement Spring Overall

Cross-section Outer - Ø
diameter axial lateral angular rate length
[mm] [mm]
DN / R” [mm] [mm] [z °] [N/mm] [mm]

15
± 12,0 ±5 ± 30° 29 7 170 36
1/2”
20
± 12,0 ±5 ± 30° 29 7 170 36
3/4”
25
± 15,0 ±8 ± 30° 65 10 170 42
1”
32
± 15,0 ± 12 ± 30° 60 14,5 185 50
1 1/4”
40
± 15,0 ± 12 ± 30° 72 22 200 60
1 1/2”
50
± 23,0 ± 11 ± 25° 82 34 225 75
2”
65
± 23,0 ± 11 ± 25° 72 50 260 90
2 1/2”
80
± 23,0 ± 10 ± 20° 91 74 275 110
3”
100
± 23,0 ± 10 ± 20° 79 111 310 133
4”
* Other sizes available on request. Subject to alteration.

Stainless steel expansion joints with threaded ends have a higher bellow flexibility that makes
them capable to compensate movements in any planes (axial, lateral and angular). This feature,
beside the threaded coupling make them an ideal solution in application where there is less
mounting space at disposal.

3.8 www.roth-kompensatoren.de
 Axial Expansion Joints ▸ Stainless steel expansion joints

| Standard Program R-Line PN1 / PN2,5 / PN6

Our standard R-Line program for axial stainless steel expansion joints is designed to offer very
competitive items for low-pressure ventilation, exhaust application, etc. These expansion joints
are available with flanges (RFA/RFG) or with weld-ends (RWA). The materials used for flanges or
weld-ends can be for the couplings can be carbon-steel or stainless steel.

RWA RFA/ RFG

Axial Axial
Expansion Expansion
Joint Joint
with weld- with fixed
ends, pipes flanges (RFA)
acc.to ISO, or swivel
DIN or others, flanges (RFG),
inner sleeves inner sleeve on
on request. request.

Nominal Axial Overall length [mm] Approx. weight [kg]

Spring rate
diameter movement
[N/mm] RWA RFA / RFG RWA RFA / RFG
DN [mm]
300 ±30 58 280 300 5 20
350 ±30 59 280 300 5.7 21
400 ±30 79 250 270 6.3 24
450 ±30 80 250 270 7.1 26
500 ±30 70 260 280 8 29
560 ±30 72 260 280 8.8 32
600 ±30 72 260 280 12 36
630 ±30 74 260 280 12.4 38
700 ±30 67 260 280 14 42
800 ±30 67 260 280 16 48
900 ±30 68 260 280 18 54
1000 ±30 104 290 320 27 91
1200 ±30 112 290 320 32 110
1400 ±30 118 290 320 55 143
1500 ±30 122 290 320 58 150
1600 ±30 126 290 320 62 162
1700 ±30 130 290 320 66 207
1800 ±30 134 290 320 70 220
2000 ±30 143 290 320 77 250
* Other sizes available on request. Subject to alteration.

Kompensatorenbau Wellschläuche 3.9

 Stainless steel expansion joints ▸ Axial Expansion Joints

| Typical Cases Examples

Axial expansion joints cannot withstand thrust from the internal pressure and must therefor
always be fitted in between two principal fixed points. Secondary (intermediate) fixed points can
also be installed along the pipe segment. Guides are to be used to ensure that there will be no
displacements along the pipe line. The following are typical layout examples:

A. Basic case, expansion joint situated in a straight between two principal fixed points.

B. HFP’s are situated at pipe bends, compensating the straight length in-between as
shown in case A.

C. Applies for very long straights; ZFP and two axial expansion joints required, situated
between two HFP’s.

D. The principal fixed point is located at the intersection of two pipe lengths.

E. The HFP is located at the meeting point of two pipes of different sections, as a
consequence of the different reactional forces.

HFP = principal fixed point; ZFP = interm. fixed point; GL = guide.

3.10 www.roth-kompensatoren.de
 Lateral Expansion Joints ▸ Stainless steel expansion joints

f Lateral Expansion Joints

Lateral expansion joints are designed with tie-rod supports, allowing movements only to the sides;
therefor, installation must be executed vertically to the direction of movement of the conduit. Axial
expansion can not be absorbed. The most favorable types are those absorbing expansion in a
circular plane.

The standard joint construction allows movements in one plane only. The bellows’ flexibility as
well as the distance between the middle of the bellows are crucial for the value of the permissible
movement: the longer the intermediate pipe, the larger the lateral movement.

A lateral expansion joint depicts a complete 2-joint-system. The axial reactional forces caused by
the internal pressure are absorbed by these joints, so that the resulting fixed point loads are very
low. Large movements can be absorbed by relatively simple pipe constructions.

Important factors are the spring rate and joint frictional forces. Lateral expansion joints with tie-
rod supports are also able to absorb vibrations at pumps and compressors, with fixed points
assembled directly behind the expansion joints.

A particular case of lateral expansion joint are universal expansion joints. A particular case of lat-
eral expansion joint are universal expansion joints. These items are a special type construction,
available both with weld-ends and flanges, that allow multi-plane movement compensation. Uni-
versal expansion joints have similar construction as lateral expansion joints with the exception of
the tie-rods system.

| Universal Expansion Joints

Our universal expansion joints are the special types of our product range: lateral expansion joints
without tie-rods, absorbing both lateral and axial movements. They mainly apply for pipe systems
with low internal pressure; any reactional forces are to be compensated by the conduit.

Kompensatorenbau Wellschläuche 3.11

 Stainless steel expansion joints ▸ Lateral Expansion Joints

| Constructive Types
Lateral Expansion Joints are based on a two in-line bellow construction with an intermediate pipe
between. Available with weld-ends or flanges and with or without tie-rods.

MWD MFD

Universal Universal
Expansion Expansion
Joint joint
with with
weld-ends and flanges and
intermediate intermediate
pipe. pipe.

Press. thrust Movements

Type Series
restraint Axial Lateral Angular
Single-Plane Single-Plane

Universal MWD yes* yes*

no yes
Unrestrained MFD Multi-Plane Multi-Plane
yes* yes*

MWL MFL

Lateral
Lateral
Expansion
Expansion
Joint
Joint
with
with flanges,
weld-ends,
with tie-rod
with tie-rod
supports.
supports.

Press. thrust Movements

Type Series
restraint Axial Lateral Angular
Single-Plane Single-Plane

Lateral MWL yes no**

yes no*
Tied MFL Multi-Plane Multi-Plane
yes no**
* some axial movements may be absorbed with a specific design.
** some angular movement can be absorbed providing 2 tie rods at 180 degrees only.

3.12 www.roth-kompensatoren.de
 Lateral Expansion Joints ▸ Stainless steel expansion joints

| Standard Program R-Line PN1 / PN2,5 / PN6

Our standard R-Line program for universal stainless steel expansion joints includes unrestrained
weld-ended (RWD) and flanged (RFD) items for a nominal pressure of 1 bar or more.

RWD RFD

Universal Universal
Expansion Expansion
Joint Joint
with with
weld-ends and flanges and
intermediate intermediate
pipe. pipe.

Axial Lateral Overall Approx.

Nominal Axial Lateral length weight
spring spring
diameter movement movement [mm] [kg]
rate rate
DN [mm] [mm]
[N/mm] [N/mm] RWD RFD RWD RFD
300 ±30 ±60 51 6 800 800 15 30
350 ±30 ±60 60 7 800 800 16 32
400 ±30 ±60 61 9 800 800 19 37
450 ±30 ±60 61 9 850 850 23 42
500 ±30 ±60 58 11 850 850 25 46
560 ±30 ±60 58 13 850 850 27 50
600 ±30 ±60 58 16 850 850 38 62
630 ±30 ±60 44 15 850 850 36 62
700 ±30 ±60 47 14 950 950 48 76
800 ±30 ±60 42 14 1000 1000 55 87
900 ±30 ±60 46 18 1000 1000 62 98
1000 ±30 ±60 61 32 1100 1100 95 159
1200 ±30 ±60 63 41 1100 1100 110 188
1400 ±30 ±60 65 55 1100 1100 177 265
1500 ±30 ±60 58 44 1200 1200 232 324
1600 ±30 ±60 61 50 1200 1200 248 350
1700 ±30 ±60 64 57 1200 1200 265 406
1800 ±30 ±60 67 63 1200 1200 280 430
2000 ±30 ±60 58 44 1300 1300 350 523
*Other sizes available on request. Subject to alteration.

Kompensatorenbau Wellschläuche 3.13

 Stainless steel expansion joints ▸ Lateral Expansion Joints

| Typical Cases Examples

Lateral expansion joints with tie-rod supports allow lateral movements in a circular plane. Thrusts
from the internal pressure are absorbed by the supports, so they might be installed between two
intermediate fixed points.

Formation Z-shaped in one plane. Two angular expansion joints or one lateral expansion
joint with intermediate pipe.

HFP = principal fixed point; ZFP = interm. fixed point; GL = guide.

3.14 www.roth-kompensatoren.de
 Angular Expansion Joints ▸ Stainless steel expansion joints

f Angular Expansion Joints

Angular expansion joints exclusively execute angled movements and are therefor always installed
as a 2- or 3- joint system. The distance between the joints is decisive for the value of absorption.

Standard type angular expansion joints absorb angled movements in one plane. If angled
movements in a circular plane are to be absorbed, cardan expansion joints must be used.

The axial reactional forces are compensated by the joints, so that no heavy demands are made to
the conduit and the design of the fixed points. The angular spring rate and the frictional moment
of the joints must be considered.

Angular expansion joints are designed according to the operating conditions on site and to your
specifications. There is no standard range. Please ask for details.

Kompensatorenbau Wellschläuche 3.15

 Stainless steel expansion joints ▸ Angular Expansion Joints

| Constructive Types
Angular Expansion Joints are generally based on a single bellow construction restrained with hinged
bars or a cardanic system. Available with weld-ends or flanges.

MWP MFP

Angular Angular
Expansion Expansion
Joint Joint
with weld-ends with flanges
and hinged-bar and hinged-bar
supports. supports.

Press. thrust Movements

Type Series
restraint Axial Lateral Angular
Single-Plane Single-Plane

Single MWP no yes

yes no
Hinged MFP Multi-Plane Multi-Plane
no no

MWC MFC

Angular Angular
Expansion Expansion
Joint Joint
with weld-ends with flanges
and gimbal and gimbal
system system.

Press. thrust Movements

Type Series
restraint Axial Lateral Angular
Single-Plane Single-Plane

MWC no yes
Gimbal yes no
MFC Multi-Plane Multi-Plane
no yes

Some applications require compensation for both angular and lateral movements. In these cases
special hinged constructions involving two in-line bellows with an intermediate pipe between them
are considered the optimal solution. The restrain can be achieved by cardanic system as well.

3.16 www.roth-kompensatoren.de
 Angular Expansion Joints ▸ Stainless steel expansion joints

MWY MFY

Angular-
Angular-
Lateral Double
Lateral Double
Hinged
Hinged
Expansion
Expansion
Joint
Joint
with welding
with flanges.
ends.

Press. thrust Movements

Type Series
restraint Axial Lateral Angular
Single-Plane Single-Plane

Double MWY yes yes

yes no
Hinged MFY Multi-Plane Multi-Plane
no no

| Typical Cases Examples

Angular expansion joints are generally used in groups of 2 or 3 and absorb lateral deflections in
one or more directions in one plane, whilst one single unit of these joints can only absorb angular
movements. Given that these expansion joints themselves bear the internal pressure thrust, they
can be fitted between intermediate fixed points. Here are some typical application schemes:

A. Case of angular movement only

B. Compression in a pipe with angles of up to 90 degrees

HFP = principal fixed point; ZFP = interm. fixed point; GL = guide.

Kompensatorenbau Wellschläuche 3.17

 Stainless steel expansion joints ▸ Special Design Expansion Joints

f Special Design Expansion Joints

| Rectangular Expansion Joints

MRU

Rectangular
Expansion
Joint with
U-shaped
convolutions
and round
corner.

MRV

Rectangular
Expansion
Joint with
V-shaped
convolutions
and miter
corner.

MRW

Rectangular
Expansion
Joint with
V-shaped
convolutions
and camera
corner.

Press. thrust Movements

Type Series
restraint Axial Lateral Angular
Single-Plane Single-Plane
MRU yes* yes*
Rectangular MRV no yes
MRW Multi-Plane Multi-Plane
yes* yes*
* with limitations.

3.18 www.roth-kompensatoren.de
 Special Design Expansion Joints ▸ Stainless steel expansion joints

| LENS Expansion Joints

LENS Expansion Joints are characterized by a high convolution profile and thick-ply construction.
They can be manufactured in circular, oval or almost any particular shape in various materials.

M-LENS

Lens
Expansion
Joint
with one thick
convolution.

Press. thrust Movements

Type Series
restraint Axial Lateral Angular
Single-Plane Single-Plane
yes* yes*
Lens M-LENS no yes
Multi-Plane Multi-Plane
yes* yes*

| Pressure Balanced Expansion Joints

MPB

Pressure
Balanced
Expansion
Joint
with elbow.

Press. thrust Movements

Type Series
restraint Axial Lateral Angular
Single-Plane Single-Plane
Elbow yes yes*
Pressure MPB yes yes
Balanced Multi-Plane Multi-Plane
yes yes
* with limitations.

Kompensatorenbau Wellschläuche 3.19

 Stainless steel expansion joints ▸ Special Design Expansion Joints

| Layouts for Pressure Balanced Expansion Joints

Pressure balanced expansion joints have similar applications to axial or lateral types, although
they do not transfer the effort due to internal pressure to the pipework.

This characteristic is especially interesting at the union of pipes with turbines or other equipment
not able to bear such loads. These joints are always situated where the system changes direction
and between intermediate fixed points. It is not necessary to locate them between principal fixed
points.

The following are typical examples:

A. Absorption of axial movements in a straight pipe section, with small deviation.

B. Connection of a turbine. Thrusts from the internal pressure are absorbed by the
pressure balanced expansion joint.

C. When axial and lateral movements must be absorbed, a 2+1 bellows configuration as
shown below is necessary.

HFP = principal fixed point; ZFP = interm. fixed point; GL = guide.

3.20 www.roth-kompensatoren.de
 General Notes on Installation ▸ Stainless steel expansion joints

f General Notes on Installation

For their correct function, the expansion joints require some precautions which will prolong their
useful life, thus becoming elements virtually free from maintenance.

Most important to bear in mind in the different stages of assembly are described in the following
paragraphs.

| Installation
Avoid damaging of the bellows with knocks, strikes, weld splatters, etc. Avoid any movement
of the expansion joints with their ends misaligned or beyond the limits established at the time of
supply, as regards magnitude of movement or maximum angle.

Presetting are to be carried out in accordance to the established limits, which include direction
and magnitude of movement. Expansion joints with inner sleeve must be fitted according to the
direction of flow. Transport supports, if any, must be removed after installation.

| Checks Before Putting into Service

Verify that the expansion joints are fitted in the correct place and correctly fitted with respect to
the direction of flow. Verify that all transport supports have been removed and any supports and
guides are installed according to plan.

Check that there are no misalignments in the expansion joints!

| Checks During and Immediately after Pressure Test

Check if there are any leaks or pressure losses or any instability in the bellows. Also control the
firmness of the tie-rods, guides, and any other components of the system.

| Periodical Checks
Verify visually that the expansion joints absorb the movements for which they were designed.
Check for unexpected vibrations, signs of external corrosion, looseness of any of the mechanical
elements, deterioration of the guides, etc. Verify that there are no accumulations of dust or
other particles between the convolutions of the expansion joints which may limit or restrict their
movement.

Expansion joints are wear and tear parts. In case of a defect, take precautions and provide for
appropriate safety devices.

Kompensatorenbau Wellschläuche 3.21

 Stainless steel expansion joints ▸ General Notes on Installation

| Fixed Points and Guides

The first step in selecting expansion joints and in the positioning of the fixed points and guides
in a pipeline is to divide the pipe into individual lengths having relatively simple configurations
(straight lengths, „L”- or „Z”- shapes, etc.) and establish their expansions, since the number of
fixed points as well as their position will depend as much on the configurations and dimensions
of the expansion joints.

After deciding on the positions of the fixed points, principal fixed points (HFP) and intermediate
fixed points (ZFP) must be found. Principal fixed points divide the pipe line into lengths considered
individual and whose purpose is to bear the thrust from the internal pressure of the pipe (see
loads).

Generally, the principal fixed points are placed:

▸ At changes of direction in the pipe line;
▸ Between 2 straight lengths of different sections;
▸ At valves and other accessories which might be fitted on a straight length;
▸ At blind pipe ends;
▸ Anywhere the piping layout requires.

Principal fix points are located at the end of a piping system and must bear high loads. Intermediate
fix points either divide two compensation systems in one axis, or support hinged systems. In both
cases, the loads are normally rather low.

In the case of L- or Z- shaped lengths, many variables are met within this calculation, such as the
type of expansion joint, the different expansions, etc. Our technical department will advice you in
each specific case.

| Guides
Serve the purpose of supporting the pipework and avoiding misalignments of the expansion.
Please find below a typical scheme of positioning of the guides.

Principal fixed point 1st guide 2nd guide guide

D – diameter of the pipe

Lmax – maximum recommended distance between guides (see diagram on the following page)

Common distances between fixed points are showed in the following diagram. Please note that
these values are only a recommendation and may vary from one application to the other.

3.22 www.roth-kompensatoren.de
 General Notes on Installation ▸ Stainless steel expansion joints

Distance between guides

Working pressure

Kompensatorenbau Wellschläuche 3.23