Expansion Joints

General Design & Application:

Econostos ECONFLEX expansion joints are installed to accommodate movement in piping runs, protect piping from expansion and contraction and ensure efficient and economical on-stream operations. Rubber expansion joints provide time tested ways to accommodate pressure loads, relieve movements stresses, reduce noise, isolate vibrations, compensate for mis-alignment after plans go on stream and prolong the life of motive equipment. Rubber expansion joints are used in all systems conveying fluids under pressure and / or vacuum at various temperatures. 1. Absorbs Vibration, Noise and Shock Sound, travelling axially through ECONFLEX expansion joints, is stopped at once. Water hammer, pumping impulses and water borne noises are absorbed by the moulded light-weight thin-wall structure. 2. Easy to Install and Remove Floating flanges, no need of gasket or packing, and elastic spherical body make the joint easy to install or remove. 3. Security Assured in Usage Special spherical carcass enables its body, when subjected to high pressure and expansion, not contacting with the connecting bolt head. Thus, the joint may be used in a sense of damage proof and full security. 4. Higher Burst Strength Spherical shape is stronger than cylindrical shape or other configuration. Thus under pressure, ECONFLEX expansion joint is 4 times as strong as a cylindrical joint, Additionally, our products are made of best suitable material, and hence their burst pressure is much higher than others. 5. Suitable for Suction and Delivery (Discharge) Owing to its excellent molding technique with its tough chemical fiber, ECONFLEX expansion joints can satisfactorily withstand the suction and discharge. Vacuum rating can stand up to 750 mm Hg. 6. High Efficiency ECONFLEX expansion joint has streamlined, flowing arch to reduce turbulence, sediment buildup, thrust area and the effects of thrust on the piping system equipment. 7. Low Deformation under Pressure Internal pressure is exerted in all directions distributing forces evenly over a large area. Hence, the deformation of ECONFLEX expansion joint due to pressure is much lower than that of other makers. 8. Light and Compact The space required for the installation of ECONFLEX expansion joints is about half of the requirement of cylindrical. Weight is about one third. 9. Greater Movements are available Axial compression and elongation, deflection and angular movements will be greater. 10. Wide Service Range Made with chemical resistant elastomers such as Neoprene, Nitrile, Hypalon. EPDM: ensures a product compatible with the fluid being pumped or piped. Operate up to 16KG and - 20C to 100C
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Used in:
Air Conditioning system Air ducts Chemical lines Circulating water lines Compressor lines Paper stock lines Pump-suction and discharge Refrigeration lines Turbine to Condenser

Marine Installations
Air intake on Diesel engines Ballast Between scoop and condenser Circulating lines to condenser Fog foam lines Fire and bilge pump lines Forced draft Overboard discharge Sanitary system Ventilation lines

Applicable Fluids
Water, warm water, seawater, weak acids, alkalies, compressed air etc. Remarks: For the other kinds of fluids, to which this connector can become applicable by changing the composition of its constituent rubber, please consult the nearest Econosto office.

Control Rods Control of Extension

Applications
The control rod (tie rods) is used to prevent an excessive extension or compression (Ref. rating table) which could damage the expansion joint: in general when there are high pressure risks (starting a pump) or when wide temperature fluctuations occur.

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HVAC Product Catalogue

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Important : Control Rod unit must be installed when pressure (Test Surge, Operating) exceeds
the rating below

Rating Table
No 01 02 03 04 Size 1 - 4" 5 - 10" 12 - 14" 16 - 24" Fig 5582 150 PSI 135 PSI 90 PSI 45 PSI

Mounting Instructions
1. The alignment of the piping system should be adjusted and secured with fixation points as close as possible on each side of the expansion joints at a distance less than 3 times the pipes nominal diameter. 2. These fixation points must be installed when mounting an expansion joint with control rods or in a case of an elbow pipe. If there is a considerable distance between 2 fixation points, guiding points can be installed in order to support and guide the pipe. 3. (A) When installing take care the rubber expansion joint dont support compression or extension due to the weight of the upstream or downstream pipe. Mounting order: a - Upstream pipe: anchor b - Downstream pipe: anchor c - Expansion joint (B) When installing the rubber expansion joint take care that it must not be twisted in any case. 4. Verify that the upstream and downstream pipe alignment does not deviate more than 1/8 (3mm) and that the expansion joint does not support heavy weight. 5. Verify that the surfaces coming in contact with the joint are perfectly clean and without cutting edges (pipe) thus avoiding damage to the joint surface. 6. Insert the bolts on the arch side of the joint, thus avoiding direct contact with the rubber. 7. If welding is carried out within close range, cover or dismount the expansion joint. 8. Do not paint or coat the joint with insulation. 9. During installation, the pre-compression should not exceed 5mm. 10.Store the joint the flat position avoiding humidity and extreme temperatures. Note: Bolt tightness should be checked daily within the first month (one week) after services and checked periodically thereafter.

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HVAC Product Catalogue

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