Lateral expansion joints are expansion joints that absorb mainly lateral movements - laterally along a section of pipe. They are equipped with two or more tie rods or swivel tensions that prevent axial movements of the bellows.
![Lateral expansion joint oval flanges tension rods by HKS HKS lateral expansion joint with oval flanges and tension rods at both ends](assets/images/6/lateral-expansion-joint-oval-flanges-tension-rods-a6f7e4e5.jpg)
Advantages of lateral expansion joints
- Relatively simple design
- Relatively low fixed point load
- Movement absorption in all directions in a plane
- Lower fixed point load than with axial expansion joints
- Regular guides are sufficient
- Pressure test possible even without fixed points
Disadvantages of lateral expansion joints
- Redirection of pipe work required
- Greater space requirements (than e.g. with axial expansion joints)
- Higher unit costs (than e.g. with axial expansion joints)
- No axial expansion possible
- Small and medium movement absorption
Lateral expansion joint variants | |
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Connection parts |
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Single/Double bellows |
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Tie rods/Swivel tensions |
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![Simplified graphic representation of a expansion joint in lateral movement A simplified graphic representation of an expansion joint in lateral motion](files/content/Expansion%20Joint/Corrugated%20tube%20expansion%20joints/Lateral%20expansion%20joints/schematic-diagram-expansion-joint-lateral-motion.gif)