UNIVERSAL EXPANSION JOINT

Universal expansion joints is made up of 2 elements of bellows joined together by a common spool piece so it is also called as Double Bellows Expansion Joint or Universal Bellows. A Universal Expansion Joint is generally used where more lateral movement is to be absorbed which is beyond the capacity of a single Axial Expansion Joint and when there is a limitation on the amount of lateral forces allowed by the connecting pipe system Universal expansion joints can take deflection in lateral, axial or angular movements.

Universal expansion joints




The universal expansion joint consists of two bellows separated by a pipe section or spool. The primary purpose of this arrangement is to have a unit which will accept large amounts of lateral deflection.

The amount of lateral deflection they can accept is a function of the amount of angulation. These joints have no restrains to resist pressure thrust like the axial. For a given bellows element, the amount of lateral deflection capability be increased or decreased by simply changing the length of the center spool.

A universal expansion joint is composed of two bellows connected by a common pipe or center spool. This type of assembly allows any combination of the three basic movements: axial, lateral and angular. A universal expansion joint is generally used In cases with more lateral movement than can be absorbed by a single axial expansion joint, or when there is a limitation on the amount ot lateral forces allowed by the connecting pipe system. The lateral movement capability of e universal expansion joint depends on the centro spool length. When using a universal expansion joint, anchors must be sufficiently designed to withstand the full thrust forces .