Universal Expansion Joint

MAXWOR universal expansion joints are metal expansion solutions designed to safely absorb high lateral and angular movements, featuring two metal bellows connected by an intermediate pipe (spool piece).

It is particularly preferred for balancing thermal expansions in long pipeline systems, reducing mechanical stresses on the pipeline and improving overall system safety. Thanks to its highly flexible structure, it offers a wide movement capacity while also helping to reduce the number of expansion joints required in the system.

It is widely used in power plants, refinery facilities, petrochemical applications, and high-temperature process pipelines.

Technical Specifications

Design and Operating Principle

Universal expansion joints consist of two metal bellows connected by an intermediate pipe (spool piece). This special design allows controlled absorption of lateral and angular movements, while axial movement is accommodated only to a limited extent.

The bellows structure is optimized to absorb thermal expansion, mechanical loads, and pipeline displacements. Flanged or weld neck connection options provide suitable solutions for different process systems.

Universal expansion joints deliver high performance and long service life when used together with proper anchor points and pipe guiding systems.

Performance Advantages

  • High lateral movement capacity
  • Safely absorbs angular movements
  • Reduces thermal stresses in pipelines
  • Optimizes expansion joint requirements in long pipeline systems
  • High flexibility
  • Suitable for high-temperature applications
  • Long service life
  • Wide range of applications

Operating Values

Operating Pressure

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

Operating Temperature

  • -196°C / +550°C
  • (depending on bellows material)

Movement Capabilities

  • Axial Movement: ±10 mm – 30 mm
  • Lateral Movement: ±30 mm – 200 mm
  • Angular Movement: ±3° – 10°

Note: Universal expansion joints must be used together with proper anchor points and pipe guiding systems.

Design & Material

In universal expansion joints, the bellows structure is designed to provide high flexibility, fatigue resistance, and long service life. The double bellows configuration enables safe absorption of large lateral movements.

Bellows Materials

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

Spool Piece (Intermediate Pipe)

  • Carbon steel
  • (P235GH, ASTM A106 Gr.B)
  • Stainless steel (optional)

Connection Options

  • Flanged connection
  • Weld neck connection

Optional Design Features

  • Internal liner
  • Movement limiting tie-rod / stop systems
  • Multi-ply bellows design
  • External protective coating
  • Special movement and pressure solutions

Production is project-specific and optimized according to operating pressure, temperature, movement range, fluid type, and pipeline design.

Applications

  • Long straight pipeline systems
  • Power plants
  • Refinery and petrochemical facilities
  • Industrial process pipelines
  • High-temperature and high-pressure applications

Documents

Quotation Form