Installation specifications for metal expansion joints are key to ensuring their proper functioning and longevity in piping systems. Here are a series of basic specifications and takeaways for metal expansion joint installation:
Check and prepare：
Before installation, check that the model, size, material and design parameters of the expansion joint are consistent with the design drawings.
Check the appearance of the expansion joint to ensure that it is not damaged, deformed, or corroded.
Verify that the amount of pre-tension or pre-compression of the expansion joint meets the design requirements.
Protective bellows：
Take care to protect the bellows from knocks, scratches, welding splashes, and more throughout the installation process.
Do not remove units secured during shipping in advance until they are installed.
Avoid torsion and undue force：
Avoid twisting of the bellows during installation.
Do not use wire brushes or other hard tools on bellows to prevent damage.
Bracket Installation：
Properly install fixing brackets, guide brackets, and other brackets to ensure firm support between the piping system and the expansion joint.
The support shall be installed according to the pipe system diagram to ensure that the expansion joint can expand or contract freely.
Pre-stretch or compress：
The expansion joint is pre-stretched or compressed as per design specifications, and the allowable deviation is typically ±10mm.
Pre-stretching or compression should be performed after all relevant pipe installations have been completed.
Position and direction：
Ensure that the expansion joints are positioned and oriented correctly, especially for directional expansion joints.
For horizontally mounted expansion joints, the parallel arms shall have the same slope as the line and the vertical arms shall be parallel to each other.
Installation sequence：
Installation of the expansion joint should be carried out after the pipe between the two fixed brackets has been installed.
Avoid Extra Loads：
Expansion joints should not be subjected to displacements that were not accounted for at the time of design.
Adjust the ductwork to fit the expansion joints instead of compensating for pipe installation deviations with expansion joints.
Subsequent tests：
Once the installation is complete, perform a pressure test or leak test to ensure there are no leaks at the expansion joints and joints.
Records and Documents：
Record key data during installation including installation date, operators, test results, etc.
Updated documentation of the ductwork, including installation records of expansion joints.
Following these specifications and points ensures that metal expansion joints can effectively absorb thermal expansion and contraction, vibration, or positional changes in the piping system after installation, thus protecting the entire system from stress and damage. During installation, the manufacturer's instruction manual and relevant industry standards, such as ASME, EN standards, etc. shall be strictly followed.