Metal Expansion Joints

Pressure Balanced Expansion Joints

MPB-E & MPB-I Series

A pressure balanced expansion joint accommodates axial and lateral movements and counteracts the bellows pressure thrust. An additional bellows is incorporated into the unit and is subject to the line pressure to generate a force equal and opposite to that on the main bellows. Tying these bellows together neutralises the pressure load on the unit.

The Pressure Balanced Expansion Joints are used in situations similar to those described for the Axial and/or Lateral Expansions although this particular type of Expansion Joint offers the additional advantage of not transferring the thrust caused by the internal pressure to the pipes or adjacent equipment. This characteristic is especially important when it comes to joining the pipes to turbines or other delicate equipment which, by their nature, are unable to withstand these extra loads.

The only loads on the equipment are the sum of the forces required to move the line bellows and balancing bellows of the expansion joint.

This type of Joint can be fitted between intermediate fixed points so main anchoring of the pipe or adjacent equipment is not required.

Designed to absorb lateral and/or axial movements eliminating the thrust caused by the internal pressure.
MPBE

Elbow pressure balanced

Designed to absorb lateral and/or axial movements eliminating the thrust caused by the internal pressure.
Absorbs Axial and/or Lateral Movements while restraining the pressure thrust. This type of Expansion Joint is used in a straight run of pipe.
MPBI

Inline pressure balanced

Absorbs Axial and/or Lateral Movements while restraining the pressure thrust. This type of Expansion Joint is used in a straight run of pipe.

Typical Applications

Expansion joint applications. Case 1 diagram
Case 1

This case involves connecting a pipe to a turbine or other similar device which is of itself unable to withstand the thrust caused by internal pressure

Expansion joint applications. Case 2 diagram
Case 2

In order to absorb both lateral and axial movements, two movement absorption bellows plus one balanced bellows must be fitted as shown in the diagram below.

Expansion joint applications. Case 2 diagram
Case 3

This case involves absorption of axial movement in a straight section of piping by using an In-line Pressure Balanced Expansion Joint

Features

  • Pressure balanced
  • MPBE
  • MPBI
Pressure Thrust Restrain
Movements
Axial
Lateral
Single-plane
Multi-plane
Angular
Single-plane
Multi-plane
Limited use
 
Limited use
 

Eliminates change in pressure

No main anchors required

Pressure forces remain in balance