Expansion Joints

Expansion joints are an important component in the design of tanks that connect to pipes on the tank side wall. These joints allow for the tank to expand and contract due to changes in temperature or pressure, which helps to prevent damage to the tank and ensure its long-term life.

Expansion Joints not only are required to validate the warranty for any fitting side mounted to a tank, but they also result in improved plant safety and increased mechanical integrity of the equipment.

As specifically engineered products that are inserted in a rigid piping system:

• Absorb movement
• Improve thermal stability
• Relieve system strain due to thermal change, load stress, pumping surges, wear of settling
• Compensate for misalignment
• Eliminate electrolysis between dissimilar metals

When a tank is filled with a liquid, it can expand due to an increase in temperature or pressure. Conversely, when the tank is emptied or the temperature decreases, it can contract. If there is no room for expansion or contraction, the tank can become damaged, which can lead to leaks, cracks, or even a catastrophic failure.

Expansion joints are designed to provide the necessary flexibility to accommodate these changes. They are typically made of a flexible material, such as rubber or stainless steel, which can bend and stretch without breaking. When the tank expands or contracts, the expansion joint absorbs the movement, which helps to prevent damage to the tank.

In addition to preventing damage to the tank, expansion joints also help to maintain the integrity of the piping system. When pipes are connected to the tank side wall, they can be subjected to the same changes in temperature and pressure as the tank itself. Without an expansion joint, the pipes can become stressed or distorted, which can lead to leaks or other problems.

Expansion joints can also help to reduce the noise and vibration that can be caused by the movement of the tank or the fluid inside it. By providing a flexible connection between the tank and the pipes, expansion joints can absorb the energy created by these movements, which helps to minimize the noise and vibration that can be transmitted through the piping system.

As part of our tank system designs, we utilize metallic and non-metallic expansion joints along with flexible couplings as they carry safety ratings that exceed product specifications in areas such as pressure and movement.

The thing to keep in mind is that not all expansion joints are the same and that every application will require a somewhat different expansion joint configuration to ensure that it performs correctly. These are not products that you should buy off-the-shelf without consulting a company that can assist you in specifying the correct product.

Contact Us with your application needs and we will work with you to ensure that you get the most cost-effective solution.