Expansion Joints and Flexible Connectors for Pumps

Introduction

Pumps, motors, compressors and other equipment produce vibrations and movements that must be controlled.

If not properly restrained, these vibrations can be destructive and magnified throughout the piping system.

Expansion Joints are the most effective tool that can be used to against potential damage caused by uncontrolled vibration and dampen undesirable disturbances, including harmonics and vibrations caused by the frequency of centrifugal pumps and fans.

Expansion Joints and Flexible Connectors on both the suction and discharge sides of the pump shall be used on all piping connected to rotating equipment to reduce noise and vibration transmission, and to eliminate stresses in piping systems due to misalignment and thermal movement of piping.

The main functions of Expansion Joints and a Flexible Connectors in pumps include:

Absorption of thermal movements

Absorb Axial, Lateral, Angular and Torsional (rubber expansion joints only) movements. Wear, load stresses, relaxation and settling of supporting foundations of pumps, compressors, fans, piping and related equipment generate misalignments. Rubber expansion joints absorb axial, lateral, angular and torsional movements, preventing damage.

Reduce Vibration

Protecting piping lines from the effects of vibration is a critical element in any installation and if not considered, these excessive vibrations can cause serious damage to equipment.
Rubber expansion joints reduce vibration caused by equipment.

Noise reduction

Normal wear and tear, corrosion, abrasion and erosion eventually lead to unbalance in the drive equipment, generating undesirable noises that are transmitted to the occupied areas. Rubber Expansion Joints dampen sound transmission.