Houston, Texas, USA: In October 1999, U.S. Bellow, Inc., the expansion joint subsidiary of Piping Technology & Products, Inc., fabricated three expansion joints for a well-known engineering company in Singapore.  The expansion joints manufactured included one 36" single hinged expansion joint, one 36" double hinged expansion joint and one 36" double gimbal expansion joint.  These expansion joints will be used at a compressor discharge in Singapore.  Due to the critical applications of these expansion joints, they were tested per ASME Sect. VIII Div. 1 Appendix 26.  The bellows together with the hinge assembly were hydro-tested.  Additionally, a dry nitrogen test between the two plies were conducted to ensure that each of the two plies would withstand the design pressure.  Gimbal expansion joints allow for restrained angular movement of attached piping in two planes.  Expansion joints, in general, allow for axial, lateral, angular and torsional movement in piping systems.

36" Double Gimbal Expansion joint manufactured by U.S. Bellows/PT&P. It is designed at 450 PSIG and 338° F. The approximate pressure thrust of this joint is 507,000 lbs. Gimbal ring, hinges and pins were designed to withstand this pressure thrust plus 55,000 lbs. of external dead weight.

36" Single Hinged Expansion Joint fabricated for shipment to Singapore by U.S. Bellows/PT&P. It is designed for 338° F and 450 PSIG. The approximate pressure thrust of this joint is 507,000 lbs. Hinges, standoffs and pins were designed to withstand this pressure thrust plus 30,000 lbs of external dead weight.