Rubber expansion joints are engineered flexible rubber products that absorb movements, reduce noise, and compensate for misalignment in piping systems. They are an efficient and cost-effective way to ensure safe and reliable systems. They are a versatile solution and have many advantages, including long service life, reduced noise, and resistance to corrosive materials.

TANIQ has developed a new manufacturing process for the optimized design and production of rubber expansion joints, based on lightweight engineering principles. This process combines mathematical and finite element models with the in-house developed winding equipment to create high-performance rubber joint components with reduced material costs, improved quality and consistency.

The optimized design methodology enables us to create rubber joints with minimal face-to-face dimensions, resulting in shorter installation times and less cost. It also reduces the heat loss, reducing maintenance requirements and providing longer service life.

A wide range of elastomers and fabrics are used to fabricate rubber expansion joints. The elastomers are generally vulcanized to produce long-lasting, flexible rubber. In addition, fluoroplastic liners are often used for added protection against corrosion. Stainless steel is sometimes used to increase temperature and pressure resistance.

Temperature Resistant & Pressure Rated

Expansion joints are rated for maximum pressure and minimum temperature at which they can be operated safely. For example, an EPDM wide arch has a maximum 225 psi rating at 250degF. If the elastomer is changed to neoprene, this value drops to 160psi at 250degF.

For a wider range of temperatures and pressures, molded rubber expansion joints or metal bellows may be used. Typically, these types of joints can resist substantially higher pressures than reinforced fiberglass fabric or ductile iron. However, pulsations or pressure changes can significantly lower the life of these elastomers.

Pipe System Anchoring & Control Units

A common error with rubber expansion joints is the failure to adequately anchor the piping system before use. Proper anchoring is critical for ensuring the joint stays in place and that pulsating pressure does not cause the flanges to crack or leak.

In some cases, a combination of a flanged end and a control rod is required to stabilize the system in order to avoid excessive movement. For these applications, the control rods are integrated into the flanges of the joint.

Other important considerations with rubber expansion joints are the appropriate lining, the type of piping and flanges, the bolting method, and sealing methods. The liners provide additional protection against corrosive materials and should be selected to complement the other parts of the piping system.

Corrosion Resilience

Various elastomers and fluoroplastics can be used for the lining of expansion joints, extending their use in challenging industrial environments. They offer high resistance to most corrosive chemicals and are extremely resistant to thermal shock.

For a spool-type expansion joint, the internal surface is covered with fluoroplastic liners of TFE or FEP. These liners are fabricated to the configuration of the joint body, offering protection from virtually all corrosive liquids and gases carried within the joint.