Angular expansion joints

Angular expansion joints are expansion joints that absorb angular movements in a plane They are equipped with joints that allow only angular movements.

HKS DN 150 angular expansion joint with fixed flanges at both ends and joints
HKS angular expansion joint

Advantages of angular expansion joints

  • Medium to large expansion absorption possible
  • Relatively low fixed point load
  • Lower fixed point load than e.g. with axial expansion joints
  • Regular guides are sufficient
  • Pressure test possible even without fixed points

Disadvantages of angular expansion joints

  • Tricky design
  • Redirection of pipe work required
  • Greater space requirements (than e.g. with axial expansion joints)
  • Two or three expansion joints required for a compensation system
  • Higher unit costs (than e.g. with axial expansion joints)
  • No axial expansion possible
Angular expansion joint variants
Connection parts
  • Lateral expansion joints can be manufactured with weld ends, fixed flanges or swivel flanges or combinations thereof, depending on customer requirements
Single/Double bellows
  • Angular expansion joints can be equipped with single bellows or double bellows and central tube.
Tie rods/Swivel tensions
  • Angular expansion joints can be equipped with two opposing joints to allow angular movements of the expansion joint in a plane or equipped with two lots of two joints at 90° (universal joint) to enable angular movements of the expansion joint in two planes.

 

A simplified graphic representation of an expansion joint in angular motion
Simplified graphic representation of a expansion joint in angular movement