Expansion joints are used to prevent deformation and excessive tension in the forced pipe due to expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes or external loads. They also ensure a leak-proof seal during these displacements. At SETA ÇELİK, we are ready to provide you with unlimited service in expansion joint installation and dismantling, based on our years of field experience.
How Should Expansion Joints Be Manufactured?
For the installation and dismantling of expansion joints, the inlet and outlet pipes should have the same inner diameter as the forced pipe. The wall thickness of these pipes will be determined based on the calculation results. The sealing element, which is the most crucial component of the expansion joint sealing system, should be made from PTFE-based braided material. As the expansion joint moves during the expansion and contraction of the forced pipe, the pipe surface it slides on will be coated with stainless steel. At least four layers of sealing material should be wrapped around the stainless steel surface, and the dismantling bolts should be placed on the outer flange of the sleeve to allow for the installation and dismantling of the expansion joint.
Expansion Joint Installation and Dismantling Process
For sliding joint type expansion joints, a stopper ring will be placed at the center of the inner side of the sleeve. For forced pipes with an inclination angle less than 12°, the expansion joint installation and dismantling will occur at the center of the pipe between two fixed supports. If the inclination is more than 12°, the expansion joint installation and dismantling will be done closer to the outlet side of the fixed support (or elbow fixing kit, etc.). To account for potential difficulties and possible project errors during the installation and dismantling of expansion joints, the inlet pipe will be extended by 200 mm according to the project length.
The connection elements (bolts, nuts, studs, washers, etc.) used for the expansion joint installation and dismantling will be made of stainless steel. In the case of low-inclined forced pipes, ladders will be built on top of the expansion joints to facilitate bolt access. For high-inclined forced pipes, working platforms will be constructed for the installation and dismantling of the expansion joints. If only axial changes are expected in the forced pipe, sliding-type expansion joints will be used. If both axial and minor vertical changes are expected, sliding hinge-type expansion joints will be preferred. In cases of high-inclined forced pipes (≥30°), the expansion joint will be connected to the pipe in the inlet direction using bolts to prevent vertical settling due to the joint's own weight, and a spherical bearing will be used at the bolt connection.
After the expansion joint installation and dismantling, no water leakage will be allowed. For the best results in expansion joint installation and dismantling, you can contact SETA ÇELİK.
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