In-Line Pressure Balanced Expansion Joints and Universal Untied for European Refinery

A total of 13 units In-Line Pressure Balanced Expansion Joints and one Universal Untied have been successfully designed, manufactured and tested in for a refinery in southern Europe.

The Pressure Balanced units MPB-I Series DN 400 and a length of 2855 mm have been designed for 18 barg pressure and tested at 24 barg while keeping a high flexibility level by using a multiply construction. 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 refinery will convert unconventional (palm oil) and second generation (animal fat, frying oils) raw materials into green diesel, green LPG and green naphtha.