Series 500 Expansion Joints

• Custom Elastomers
  
• Single Arch (full vacuum)
  
• High Pressure Capability
• Food Grade
  
• Custom Lengths
  
• Various Drill Patterns

The cross section on screen "What is a Handbuilt Expansion Joint" is typical of series 500 construction. The vast majority of expansion joints have one arch, but if the movements cannot be accommodated, we build them with two, three or four arches, so the sum of the movements of each individual arch add up to the specifications. Multiple arches are a great help in misalignment and unparallel face situations as well.

Materials A high grade of Natural Rubber is still an excellent choice for most water applications below 180° F. DuPont Neoprene has the broadest range of chemical resistant capabilities and higher temperature resistance than Natural Rubber. Butyl and Sulfur cured EPDM are generally used for temperatures up to 250° F. Peroxide cured EPDM will handle 350° F and has outstanding aging characteristics. Nitrile is superior for general oil resistance. Both Natural Rubber and Hypalon are excellent for abrasion resistance, and DuPont Viton® has outstanding chemical properties as well as temperature tolerance to 400° F. Reinforcement fabrics may be Nylon, Polyester or DuPont Kevlar for much greater strength and stability, particularly at the higher temperatures. Since we cut all of our own tire cord, the ply angle can be changed to provide either larger movements, greater pressure resistance or shape stability. Series 500 expansion joints find themselves in virtually every application and they are manufactured in sizes ranging from 1 1/2" to 144" in diameter. They are recommended for expansion and contraction in long pipe lines or in misalignment and displacement situations at equipment connections. These functions are in addition to high frequency vibration isolation. Picture 1- A very unusual application showing a triple arch expansion joint used to maximize transverse movement. Rather than the conventional control rods, chains connect flange to flange to allow for very much improved transverse flexibility and movement. Picture 2- Typical two arch series 502 expansion joint in a hot water line. In this application two arches are used to meet the specified movements. Picture 3- Single arch molded expansion joint in a hot water line. Temperature 215° F, pressure 165psi. This is an unanchored application requiring the use of control rods. In this application nuts were used inside of the control rod plates as well to prevent inward movement. The primary function would be transverse motion and in many applications spherical washers are used under the nuts.

Mercer Rubber Company, PO Box 410, Smithtown, NY 11787. Tel: 631-582-1524; Fax: 631-348-0279.

Viton® is a registered trademark of DuPont Performance Elastomers.