Seismic Expansion Joints

MAXWOR seismic expansion joints are special metal bellows solutions designed to safely absorb high-amplitude axial, lateral, and angular movements that may occur in pipeline systems during earthquakes and similar sudden dynamic loads.

It reduces excessive stresses that may occur in pipelines, equipment, and connection points during seismic movements, thereby maintaining system integrity. This minimizes the risk of rupture, cracking, and loss of sealing performance while increasing overall plant safety.

Thanks to its highly flexible bellows structure, it not only accommodates thermal expansion under normal operating conditions but also provides a safe solution against sudden and high-displacement seismic movements.

It is widely used in power plants, petrochemical facilities, building mechanical systems, and industrial plants located in high seismic risk regions.

Technical Specifications

Design and Operating Principle

Seismic expansion joints feature a metal bellows structure designed to provide high fatigue life and multi-axis movement capability. The bellows geometry is optimized to absorb sudden axial, lateral, and angular displacements that may occur during seismic events.

Single-bellows, double-bellows, or universal-type designs allow solutions suitable for different movement scenarios. Flanged or weld neck connection options enable easy integration into the system.

Engineered in accordance with international seismic design criteria, these systems offer high strength and reliability in critical process and safety applications.

Performance Advantages

  • Absorbs movements occurring during earthquakes
  • Reduces risk of damage to pipelines and equipment
  • Provides safe response to sudden and high displacements
  • Helps maintain system sealing integrity
  • Increases plant safety
  • Provides multi-axis movement capability
  • High fatigue resistance
  • Long service life

Operating Values

Operating Pressure

  • Maximum 40 bar
  • (depending on DN size and design)

Operating Temperature

  • -50°C / +550°C
  • (depending on bellows material)

Movement Capabilities

  • Axial Movement: ±20 mm – 100 mm
  • Lateral Movement: ±25 mm – 200 mm
  • Angular Movement: ±5° – 15°

Note: Seismic expansion joints are designed to accommodate not only normal thermal movements but also sudden and high-amplitude seismic displacements.

Design & Material

In seismic expansion joints, the bellows structure is optimized to provide high flexibility, impact resistance, and fatigue life. Special bellows geometries and support elements are used to safely accommodate multi-axis movements.

Bellows Materials

  • AISI 304
  • AISI 316 / 316L
  • AISI 321
  • Inconel 625
  • (for applications requiring high fatigue and impact resistance)

Connection Elements

  • Carbon steel flanges
  • (P235GH, ASTM A105)
  • Stainless steel flanges (optional)

Optional Design Features

  • Internal liner
  • Movement limiting stops
  • Multi-ply bellows design
  • External protective housing
  • Special seismic design solutions

Production is project-specific and optimized according to operating pressure, temperature, seismic displacement values, fluid type, and facility safety requirements.

Applications

  • Facilities in high seismic risk regions
  • Power plants
  • Refinery and petrochemical facilities
  • Industrial process pipelines
  • HVAC and building mechanical systems
  • Firefighting systems

Documents

Quotation Form