Fabric Expansion Joints

Available Configurations and Installation Types

Flexible Element Types

  • Belt Type

    Wrap-around belt secured with clamping bars

  • Flanged Type

    Integral flanges built into the flexible element

  • Convoluted Type

    Pre-formed convolutions for enhanced flexibility

  • Rectangular & Cornered Joints

    Pre-mitered for rectangular ducting

Frame and Support Systems

  • Integral steel frames with drilled bolt patterns

  • Welded-in-place backing bars for belt-type joints

  • Hybrid systems combining metallic and fabric elements in high-stress areas

frontend.fabric-expansion-joints.config-and-types.image

Essential components supporting Fabric Expansion Joints

The performance and longevity of fabric expansion joints rely on properly designed complementary components:

Bolsters

  • Insulation packs placed inside the joint cavity

  • Prevents hot spots and protects gas seals

  • Constructed from ceramic fiber, silica felt, or fiberglass blankets

Clamping Systems

  • Steel backup bars ensuring uniform sealing pressure

  • Available in carbon steel, stainless steel, or special alloys

Corner Reinforcements

  • Pre-formed or mitered corners to prevent stress concentration

  • Often reinforced with additional layers of high-strength fabric

Dust Seals

  • Secondary seals to prevent particulate ingress at flange interfaces

  • Critical in cement, steel, and biomass plants

Internal Flow Sleeves

  • Protects flexible element from high-velocity, abrasive, or turbulent flows

  • Stainless steel or Inconel options for extreme environments