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Inspect for damage during shipment. Check for dents, broken hardware, damage to crate, etc.
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Store in a clean dry area where the expansion joint will not be exposed to heavy traffic or damaging environment.
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Use only designated lifting lugs.
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Do not use chains or any lifting device directly on the bellows or protective cover.
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Remove any foreign material that may have become lodged between the convolutions.
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Make the piping system fit the expansion joint. Do not remove shipping bars nor stretch, compress, or offset the joint to fit the piping. Install expansion joint with flow arrow pointing in the direction of flow.
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Do not force-rotate (torque) one end of the expansion joint for alignment of flange bolt holes. It is desirable to leave one of the connecting flanges loose for bolt hole alignment.
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Do not use graphite impregnated gaskets in contact with stainless steel facings or sleeves.
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Prior to welding, cover the bellows element with a fire retardant non-asbestos blanket.
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Remove all shipping devices only after the installation is complete and prior to any pressure test of the system. Only chloride free water should be used for hydrotest.
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Do not use cleaning agents that contain chlorides.
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Do not use steel wool or wire brushes on the bellows element.