There are several types of expansion joints. Each type of expansion joint is designed to operate under a specific set of design conditions. Some of the most common types of expansion joints are, Single Expansion Joint,Double Expansion Joint,Universal Expansion
Pressure-Balanced Expansion Joint
A pressure-balanced expansion joint is designed to absorb axial movement and/or lateral deflection while restraining the pressure thrust force of the bellows. This is done by means of interconnecting the flow bellows with an opposed bellows also subjected to a line pressure.
This type of expansion joint is usually used when a change in direction usually occurs in a run of the pipe.
Gimbal Expansion Joint
A gimbal expansion joint is designed to permit angular rotation in any plane by the use of 2 pairs of hinges affixed to a common floating gimbal ring.
Universal tied, swing, hinged and gimbal expansion joints, are normally used for the restraint of pressure thrust forces.
Hinged Expansion Joint
A hinged expansion joint contains one bellows and it is designed to allow the angular rotation in one plane using a pair of pins running through plates attached to the expansion joint ends. In order to function properly, a hinged expansion joint should be used in sets of two or three.
Universal Tied Expansion Joint
A universal expansion joint, similar to a double expansion joint, contains two bellows joined by a common connector to absorb any combination of three basic movements. A universal expansion joint is capable of accommodating.greater amount of lateral movements in comparison to a single expansion joint.
