Summary

This expansion joint has two bellows sections connected by a center pipe section. This design allows for large amounts of lateral deflection. The universal can also allow for axial and angular movements in addition to the lateral movement. This expansion joint does not come with the hardware to resist pressure thrust. Like the single unrestrained expansion joint the universal expansion joint must be properly anchored and supported.

Universal unrestrained expansion joint is appropriate for any application where pressure thrust can be handled by external anchorage. The universal unrestrained expansion joint is appropriate for large lateral offset requirements wherever a low lateral offset spring rates is required.

Features

· Simple design and relatively low cost
· Suitable for a low lateral spring rate and high lateral movement
· Use of tie rods can resist pressure thrust.
· Requires main and directional anchors and guide

Types of Movement

· Axial movement
· Large lateral deflection
· Angular rotation

Summary

Universal tied expansion joints contain two bellows separated by a pipe spool with tie rods designed to withstand the pressure thrust force. These expansion joints are generally designed to accommodate lateral movement only. A universal expansion joint can be designed to have a very low lateral spring force to minimize forces on adjacent equipment. Large offset movements are possible in a universal assembly by increasing the distance between the two bellows. A two tie rod design can also accept angular deflection in a single plane.

Features

· Absorbs large amounts of lateral movement
· Unit length does not change with thermal expansion
· Withstand the pressure thrust force

Types of Movement

· Large lateral deflection
· Angular rotation