Pressure Piping Expansion Joints

Dual-Flex Series "DFT"
Tied Universal Expansion Joints

Thorburn's Dual-Flex model DFT expansion joint is made up from two single expansion joints connected by a piece of pipe called the center spool. Tie rods are then attached on the outer ends to span both the bellows and the center spool. This type of construction allows the bellows to absorb the thermal growth of the piping between the tie rod attachments and still eliminates the pressure thrust on the system.

The most common application for Thorburn's Dual-Flex Model DFT tied universal expansion joint system is the "Z" shape piping system. In this case, the expansion joint absorbs the thermal growth of the horizontal piping as lateral deflection.




MA-Main Anchor
IA-Intermediate Anchor
PG-PlanarGuide
DFT-Dual-Flex "DFT"

Benefits


Absorbs large amounts of lateral movement
in any direction
Eliminates pressure thrust loads
Absorbs thermal growth of piping between
the tie rods
Eliminates main anchors
Can support deadweight of the center spool
Sizes up to 6m (240")


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One important advantage found in Thorburn's Dual-Flex Model DFT is that the piping system does not have to be in one plane. The two horizontal legs may lie at any angle in the horizontal plane.

Where dimensionally feasible, Thorburn's Dual-Flex Model DFT should be designed to fill the extra offset leg so that its expansion is absorbed within the tie rods as axial movement. If this is not possible, the growth of the vertical piping leg outside the tied rods must be absorbed by bending in the horizontal legs. To eliminate this deflection, Thorburn can supply its tied universal expansion joints with two 90° elbows.