Metal Expansion Joints

Tied Universal Expansion Joints

MWL & MFL Series

This model is made up of two bellows joined together by a central pipe and a system of tie rods able to withstand the thrust produced by the internal pressure.

This model is used to absorb lateral movements in all planes. In addition and with a special design and/or positioning of the tie rods system this type may be used to absorb some axial and angular movements*.

The tie rods are provided in sets of two or more, equally distributed around the circumference of the expansion joint. When the Expansion Joint is supplied with 2 tie rods at 180 degrees, the expansion joint is free to deflect angularly and laterally. With three or more tie rods only lateral deflections are possible.

The amount of lateral deflection depends on the amount of angulation each bellows can absorb and the length or the central pipe. The amount of lateral deflection capability can be increased or decreased by simply changing the length of the spool pipe and the thermal expansion of the central pipe is taken by the bellows elements.

Typical Applications

Expansion joint applications. Case 1 diagram
Case 1

This case illustrates how one MWL or MFL Expansion Joint can be used to absorb the thermal Expansion in a Z-shaped section of piping which only occurs in one plane.

Expansion joint applications. Case 2 diagram
Case 2

This case shows how an MWL or an MFL Expansion Jont can be used to absorb the thermal Expansion in a Z- shaped section of piping which occurs in three different directions.The fact that this type of Expansion Joint is captable of absorbing lateral movements in more than one direction means that two horizontal pipes can form any angle in that plane.

Features

  • Universal Tied
  • MWL
  • MFL
Pressure Thrust Restrain
Movements
Axial
Some axial movements may be absorbed with a specific design
Lateral
Single-plane
Multi-plane
Angular
Single-plane
Angular movement can be absorbed providing two tie rods at 180 degrees only
Multi-plane
 
Some axial movements may be absorbed with a specific design
Angular movement can be absorbed providing two tie rods at 180 degrees only
 

Adequate anchors and guides must be provided