Lateral expansion joints

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.

HKS lateral expansion joint with oval flanges and tension rods at both ends
Lateral expansion joint oval flanges tension rods by HKS

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
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
  • Lateral expansion joints can be equipped with single bellows or double bellows and central tube.
Tie rods/Swivel tensions
  • Lateral expansion joints can be equipped with tie rods (spherical washers and retaining washers) or swivel tensions. This variation with tie rods is designed for the absorption of slight weak forces.
  • With swivel tensions it is a sturdier variation, which is designed for the absorption of stronger forces and with which the pivot movement is precisely predefined by the bolts.
A simplified graphic representation of an expansion joint in lateral motion
Simplified graphic representation of a expansion joint in lateral movement

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