REJ1 & REJ2 Installation Instructions
PH 905-755-9610
TF 877-755-9610
Fax 905-755-9612
Email sales@ssbhose.com
Alignment:
Expansion joints are not designed to make up for piping misalignment errors. Piping misalignment should be no more than 1/8” in any direction. Misalignment of an expansion joint will reduce the rated movements and can induce severe stress of the material properties, thus causing reduced service life.
Anchoring:
Anchors are required wherever the piping system changes direction. Expansion joints should be located as close as possible to anchor points. If an anchoring system is not used, it is recommended that control rods be installed on the expansion joint to prevent excessive movements from occurring due to pressure thrust of the line.
Pipe Support:
Piping must be supported so expansion joints do not carry any pipe weight.
Mating Flanges:
Install the expansion joint against the mating pipe flanges and install bolts so that the bolt head is against the expansion joint flange. Flange-to-flange dimension of the expansion joint must match the breech opening*. (*A spherical rubber connector must be compressed 1/8” to 3/16” during installation in order to obtain a correct installed face-to-face dimension.)
Make sure the mating flanges are clean and are a flat-faced type. When attaching beaded end flange expansion joints to raised face flanges, the use of metal gaskets are required to prevent metal flange faces from cutting rubber bead during installation.
Never install expansion joints next to wafer type check or butterfly valves. Serious damage to the rubber flange bead can result due to lack of flange mating surface and/or bolt connection.
Bolting:
Never tighten an expansion joint to the point that there is metal-to-metal contact between the expansion joint flanges and the mating flanges. A slight bulge in the rubber beaded end should create a flush tight seal.
Storage:
Ideal storage is in a warehouse with a relatively dry, cool location. Store flanges face down on a pallet or wooden platform. Do not store other heavy items on top of the expansion joints. Ten year shelf life can be expected with ideal conditions. If storage must be outdoors, place on a wooden platform and joints should not be in contact with the ground. Cover with a tarpaulin.
Large Joint Handling:
Do not lift with ropes or bars through the bolt holes. If lifting through the bore, use padding or a saddle to distribute the weight. Make sure cables or forklift tines do not contact the rubber. Do not let expansion joints sit vertically on the edges of the flanges for any period of time.
Additional Tips:
A. Do not insulate over a non-metallic expansion joint. This facilitates inspection of the tightness of the joint bolting.
B. It is acceptable (but not necessary) to lubricate the expansion joint flanges with a thin film of graphite dispersed in glycerin or water to ease disassembly at a later time.
C. Do not weld in the near vicinity of a non-metallic joint.
D. If expansion joints are to be installed underground, or will be submerged in water, contact manufacturer for specific recommendations.
E. If the expansion joint will be installed outdoors, make sure the cover material will withstand ozone, sunlight, etc.
F. Check the tightness of lead-free flanges two or three weeks after installation and retighten if necessary.
Warning: Expansion joints may operate in pipelines or equipment carrying fluids and/or gasses at elevated temperature and pressures and may transport hazardous materials. Precautions should be taken to protect personnel in the event of leakage or splash. Rubber joints should not be installed in areas where inspection is impossible. Make sure proper drainage is available in the event of leakage when operating personnel are not available.
Flexible Solutions For Today's Rigid Industries
Service Conditions:
Make sure the expansion joint rating for temperature, pressure, vacuum*, movements and selection of elastomeric materials match the system requirements. Contact the manufacturer if the system requirements exceed those of the expansion joint selected.
(*Vacuum service for spherical rubber connectors: Vacuum rating is based on neutral installed length. These products should not be installed “extended” on vacuum applications.)