Expansion joints are types of components that are used in pipelines. They are designed to absorb stress in the pipelines that result from temperature changes and other reasons and to protect the pipelines. Expansion joints are made from different types of materials such as metals, rubber and fabric. To help you understand what are fabric expansion joints and their specifications, we have discussed the topic in this blog. So, if you are planning to buy fabric expansion joints, and want to know about the same, you can take a look at this blog.
However, for the finest fabric expansion joints, make sure you get in touch with any top fabric expansion joint manufacturers.
So, let’s take a look at everything we need to know about fabric expansion joints.
What is a Fabric Expansion Joint?
Fabric expansion joints are connectors that are designed with the purpose to minimise the stress present in the piping system. They function by absorbing the temperature, movements, pressure, shock and vibration that are caused due to many factors such as thermal expansion etc. They also allow misalignments. The fabric expansion joints are made of metal flanges and various types of fabric layers that are fitted between both side flanges which is considered the main part of the fabric expansion joint.
Application of Fabric Expansion Joints
Fabric expansion joints are used in many areas.
Steel plants
Boiler plants
Thermal power plants
Cement plants
Petrochemical refineries
Chimneys
Environmental system
Water pipelines
Fertilizer units
Refineries, and etc
Structure of Fabric Expansion Joints
Here, we have described different parts of fabric expansion joints in detail.
Gas Seal Membrane
The purpose of the gas seal membrane in fabric expansion joints is that it helps to withstand the system pressure. Also, it offers resistance to internal and external chemical attacks. The gas seal is thus, designed with the flexibility to absorb the thermal movements.
Insulating Layers
Insulating layers are present to offer a thermal barrier so that the internal surface temperature of the gas seal membrane stays within the maximum service temperature. The insulating layers also help to minimise the condensation that can be triggered by the gas stream when it comes in contact with the cool surface of the gas seal membrane that is uninsulated.
Retainer Layer
The insulating retainer layer helps to keep insulating layers in their place, and also maintains thermal integrity. This layer is designed in a way that it can withstand the temperatures of the gas stream and is chemically compatible with the system media.
Back-Up Bars
Back-up bars are placed at the belt frame with the help of clamping pressure and create a fabric to frame seal. This helps to restrain the fabric when it faces system pressure. It is ensured that the backup bars’ thickness and width are proper so that they can perform the function and the bolt spacing can be used simultaneously. The fabric expansion joint manufacturers ensure that the edges of the backup bars have a radius to preclude fabric cutting
Baffle
A baffle’s purpose is to protect both the gas seal membrane and insulating layers from abrasive particles. Also, it helps to reduce the flutter in the fabric element, which is caused by turbulence. This is to help control the dust or ash accumulation in the expansion joint cavity. It also helps to lower the temperature of the expansion joint.
Accumulation bag
The accumulation bag or cavity pillow helps to prevent fly ash from gathering in the expansion joint cavity. It is used with a liner, or in-duct that runs from boilers to air clean-up equipment, for instance, scrubber, precipitator, and bag houses. It is ensured that the fly ash accumulation bag is so used that it retains both its strength and flexibility when subjected to extreme system temperature.
Frame
The frame design of the expansion joint helps to control the connection of the flexible element with the ductwork. In some of the designs, these are attached with ductwork directly to eliminate the attached duct flange's requirement. Further, frames are also sometimes designed with a "landing bar" duct attachment to allow installation misalignment. The frames establish the fabric’s standoff height which is necessary to achieve thermal integrity during movement conditions. The edges of flanges in contact with the gas seal membrane must have a radius that can help to prevent damage.
Conclusion
This is all you need to know about fabric expansion joints. So, if you were earlier clueless about fabric expansion joints, then it is likely that you have an idea of the same now. Thus, hopefully, you can make the right decision when placing the orders for fabric expansion joints. However, make sure to contact the top fabric expansion joint manufacturer for the best products. If you are looking for a company that can manufacture and supply you with the same, you can get in touch with Royal Engineering Corporation. To contact us, dial +91 9339332646 / +91 9804084422 or email at bellow.royal@rediffmail.com. For more information, visit https://www.royalengg.net.