When it comes to engineering, it’s always good to try to make your systems as robust as possible. A good design will identify points of stress or failure and take steps to mitigate their impact. A hydraulic system, for example, might use an expansion joint.
What Are Hydraulic Expansion Joints?
Hydraulic expansion joints are flexible joints that are installed in stress points along an otherwise rigid hydraulic system. They are installed in the same way as any standard hydraulic pipe joint, but are typically much shorter with an expanded and rounded inside.
The Benefits of Hydraulic Expansion Joints
As much as we might want them to be, not every system can be perfectly static. Expansion joints are used to absorb shock and stresses that come from:
- Thermal expansion
- Vibration
- Misalignment
- Unintended movement
For instance, an unbalanced pump or motor without an expansion joint could shake the attached pipe network, transmitting unwanted noise and vibrations to everything that is attached. In this instance, adding an expansion joint would absorb forces and dampen cyclical stresses that would damage the system over time. In the long run, this reduces how often the system needs to be maintained, and reduces overall upkeep costs.
Hydraulic Expansion Joint Construction
Hydraulic expansion joints are usually made of high-strength rubber and reinforced textiles, but some specialized versions use corrugated metal. They have a minimum inside diameter that matches standard piping, but have a spherical, expanded section as well. As the joint moves and bends, the expanded section would constrict without impacting the rest of the flow. These joints are designed to be easily added or replaced within any standard system.
Shop MISUMI’s Catalog of Expansion Joints
From rubber to metal, imperial or metric, flanged or welded, MISUMI has a large variety of hydraulic expansion joints to suit any need. Garlock’s Style P2000 expansion joint combines optimal mechanical design with advancements in textiles and elastomer technology.
This style has the versatility for a wide range of applications given its exceptional pressure and movement capability. It has best-in-class ratings for pressure, movement, and spring rates and has undergone performance testing to ensure reliable performance under extreme conditions.
