Fabric Expansion Joints

Maine Industrial Products
Maine Industrial Products
Maine Industrial Products
Standard Frames
Insulation Pillows
Specialty Joints
Baffle Liners

Angle Frame

Angle Frames are an economical solution to many expansion joint applications. Angle Frames can be of the “In-Line” or “Stand Off” variety. They can be made from standard structural angle or fabricated from plate. Depending on the application, they may be used with or without baffle liners.

Low Profile Angle Frame

Angle Frames are an economical choice and are fabricated from standard Structural Profiles or are custom bent and/or rolled to suit. Low-Profile Angle Frames are also favored since they can be shipped fully assembled which reduces field labor costs. They may be supplied with or without baffles.

Z-frame

Z-Frames are one of the most popular, robust, and easy to install frame styles. Z-Frames include dual-overlapping baffle liners which are an integral part of the frame. No additional welding is required for installation of the baffle liners. Z-Frames are ideally suited for both high temperature and heavy particulate flow medias. Z-Frames can also be easily fitted with a fully installed fly ash seal for extreme applications. The baffles on Z-Frames will not extend beyond the downstream frame. Z-Frames can be welded to the duct mounting flanges or supplied with seal welded nuts for “bolt-in” installation.

J-frame

J-Frames include integral outboard flanges which allow them to slide easily in between two mounting flanges without any need to pre-compress the joint or jack open the breech. Additionally, a J-Frame may include either double overlapping or single sided baffle liners. They can be integral to the frame or field welded at the time of installation. J-Frames can also be easily fitted with a MIPR Corp style “Fully Installed” fly ash seal.

Channel Frame

Channel Frames are fabricated with standard C/MC Structural Channel and may include either integral (factory) installed or loose (field welded) baffle liners. Channel Frames may provide additional support and structural rigidity to the duct opening.

Fabric-over-metal Frame

This configuration allows you to retrofit existing, leaking metallic bellows. Frames of this style enable you to wrap a fabric belt over the top of an existing metal bellow without having to remove the old metal joint. Fabric-over-metal type frames can be combined with insulation pillows and/or baffle liners for maximum durability.

Insulation Pillows

Insulation and accumulation pillows are used to protect the flexible element from the system’s heat and prevent fly ash from filling the expansion joint cavity. The insulation/ accumulation pillow is comprised of multiple layers of high density mechanically bonded thermal blankets wrapped in a high strength cloth and/or alloy cases designed to meet the system’s conditions. The pillow is secured to the frame underneath the belt with tabs or by welded pins with speed washers (or other unique methods). Attaching the pillow to the frame sides ensures that the pillow stays in the proper position after the joint has moved axially or laterally. Without such a feature, the pillow would become compressed and not cover the entire width of the expansion joint cavity, allowing hot gas and/ or fly ash penetration. Pillows can be used with Flat Belts or U-Shaped varieties.

Typical materials used in the construction of insulation pillows include:

Internal Matting

  • 11# density mechanically bonded type “E” fiberglass needle mat (Temperatures up to 1000°F)
  • High density mechanically bonded ceramic needle mat (Temperature >1000°F)

External Case Covers

  • 18 oz., 24 oz., and 32 oz. unique tightly woven fiberglass and vermiculite coated cloth
  • Aluminum coated (aluminized) or aluminum laminated fiberglass cloth
  • Silica cloth (Temperature >1000°F)
  • Knitted stainless steel, Inconel® or other alloy — wire mesh can be used with these materials
  • Aramid/Kevlar® blended fabrics

Tabbed Pillow

A tabbed insulation pillow is comprised of mechanically bonded insulation blankets wrapped in a cloth/alloy case. The pillow’s integral flanges are bolted in place underneath the flexible element and backing bars. This method of attaching the pillow to the frame sides ensures that the pillow stays in the proper position, up against the belt, to provide the belt with the highest degree of thermal protection. Without such a feature, the pillow would sit loosely within the expansion joint cavity and could allow hot gas and/or fly ash to come in contact with the flexible element.

Pinned Pillow

A U-shaped insulation pillow is comprised of mechanically bonded insulation blankets wrapped in a cloth/alloy case. The pillow is formed into a U and secured to the expansion joint frame by means of welded pins and speed washers. This method of attaching the pillow to the frame sides ensures that the pillow stays in the proper position after the joint has moved axially or laterally. Without such a feature, the pillow would become compressed and not cover the entire width of the expansion joint cavity, allowing hot gas and/or fly ash penetration.

Block Pillow

A pillow block insulation pillow is comprised of mechanically bonded insulation blankets wrapped in a cloth/alloy case. This pillow design fills the expansion joint’s cavity with a large protective mass. Pillow blocks can be easily installed or replaced during an outage.

U-Shaped (Integrally Flanged) Joint

U-Shaped Expansion Joints feature integrally molded flanges that allow them to be bolted directly to existing duct mating flanges. In most cases these integrally molded flanges eliminate the need for frames. MIPR Corp innovated a procedure and the equipment necessary for the molding of continuous-corners in U-shaped expansion joints. MIPR Corp currently has eight fully automated corner molding machines in operation. The automated machinery, along with a perfected technique, produces the finest integrally molded corners in the industry.

Economy Clamp Type Joint

These joints are a simple combination of an endless belt and off-the-shelf clamp, for low pressure applications only. The belt is mounted directly to a duct or pipe and affixed with the clamp provided.

Internal Wrap Expansion Joint

Internal Wrap Expansion Joints are useful for applications where there is limited access or space to install a “traditional” belt-over-frame type expansion joint. However, careful attention must be paid to the material selection since there is no ambient cooling. Internal wrap joints can be installed from inside the duct minimizing scaffolding requirements. These joints can often be installed without removing the old, failed expansion joint. Internal Wrap Expansion Joints use “stud bars” welded to the inside of the duct wall to mount the belt, and usually include bolt-on baffle liners.

Fabric Over Metallic Expansion Joint Replacement

This design allows for the quick and inexpensive means to replace existing metallic expansion joints. A simple “Angle-Style” or “Channel-Style” Frame with a non-metallic flexible element [belt] is fitted over and around the existing metallic expansion joint. These expansion joints can be installed without removing the old leaking metal bellows and in some cases while the unit is still in service. To minimize labor costs these joints are typically shipped in assembled halves “C-Sections” so they can be easily fit over the outside of the duct. Options include insulation pillows and internal baffle liners which may be required for the application.

Baffle Liners

The baffle liner will redirect airflow over the expansion joint cavity and protect the expansion joint’s flexible element and insulation/accumulation pillow from fly ash accumulation, flutter, and abrasion. It will also serve to deflect heat. Baffle liners should enclose the full perimeter and width of the expansion joint so that the cavity is covered at all times. The material type and thickness of the baffle liner should be reviewed by the engineer for suitability. Baffles are either an integral part of the expansion joint frame or they can be shipped loose. The many styles of baffle liner which offer different benefits should be considered when designing an expansion joint.

Single-Sided Baffles

This design allows for the quick and inexpensive means to replace existing Single sided baffles are welded or bolted to the upstream side of the expansion joint and extend across the full width of the breech. Single sided baffles are generally field welded to the duct or bolted to the upstream mating flange. Single sided baffles also typically have a single bend and extend into the duct by an amount equal to the lateral movement plus 1″.

Double Overlapping Baffles

This design allows for the quick and inexpensive means to replace existing Double overlapping baffles are factory welded (integral) to the expansion joint frame and over the full width of the breech without extending past the downstream mating flange. Double overlapping baffle liners can also be designed so that they do not protrude into the duct and reduce flow. Integral double overlapping baffles are a standard feature on Z-Frames but also can be included on J-Frames and Channel Frames.

Fabric expansion joints are non-metallic flue duct expansion joints that provide stress relief for piping and ducting systems by absorbing thermal growth and shock, isolating mechanical vibration, and allowing for misalignments. We are a leading supplier of fabric expansion joints engineered to handle low-pressure (±3 psig) industrial applications including coal-fired power generation, gas turbine, marine, cement, incineration, nuclear, pulp & paper, refining, electrochemical with temperatures ranging from -100°F to more than 2000°F.

Flexible Element Components

The flexible element is the most active component of the expansion joint. It contains the gas seal and must be 100% non-permeable, and allow movement in all directions. The flexible element’s Structural Gas Ply must also be designed to withstand the system temperature and pressure and be chemically compatible. The Flexible Element may also include additional thermal barriers, as well as retaining and reinforcing plies. MIPR Corp offers flexible elements in both Flat Belt and U-Shaped “Integrally Flanged” varieties, and when combined with additional thermal layers and insulation pillows, are suitable for temperatures up to 2000°F.

Anatomy of An Expansion Joint

A. Structural Gas Ply
The structural gas ply is the outermost layer of the expansion joint belt (Flexible Element). It is 100% nonporous, features a high tensile strength, and allows movement in all directions. The structural gas ply is designed to withstand the system temperature and be resistant to chemical attack from inside and out. Based on system temperatures, the Structural Gas Ply may stand alone or be combined with additional thermal barriers to form a composite belt. MIPR Corp offers Structural Gas Plies of various combinations of EPDM, Fluoroelastomer (FKM), and PTFE. Expansion joint belts are available as Flat Belt or U-Shaped “Integrally Flanged” varieties.

B. Thermal Barrier/Insulation Matting
The Thermal Barrier Layer ensures that the temperature of the inside surface of the Structural Gas Ply does not exceed its maximum operating temperature. This layer (in combination with a secondary gas/vapor ply) also reduces the chance of hot flue gas condensing on the inside of an uninsulated Structural Gas Ply. Unless otherwise specified MIPR Corp uses only the highest quality 11# Density Mechanically Bonded Fiberglass or Ceramic Needle Mat insulation.

C. Retaining Ply
The Retaining Ply is designed to join the Structural Gas Ply and thermal barrier. It protects the thermal barrier from mechanical damage and provides additional thermal protection. The retaining ply is selected based on the operating temperature and chemical compatibility. MIPR Corp frequently uses high strength tightly woven fiberglass cloth, silica cloth, vermiculite coated cloths, aluminized fabrics and/or alloy wire mesh in various combinations.

D. Backing Bars
Backing bars are used to seal the flexible element against the frame. MIPR Corp designs the backing bars in accordance with FSA (Fluid Sealing Association) standards but always ensures that the thickness, width, fastener size, and spacing are sufficient for the system pressure to meet FSA standards. MIPR Corp’s standard specification calls for a 2″ x 3/8″ backing bar with rounded edges to protect the flexible element. The bars feature slotted holes for easy fit up and adjustment. MIPR Corp includes 1/2″ hardware spaced 4″ on center as a minimum or as specified by the customer.

E. Baffle Liner
The baffle liner will redirect airflow over the expansion joint cavity and protect the expansion joint’s flexible element and insulation/accumulation pillow from fly ash accumulation, flutter, and abrasion. It will also serve to deflect heat. Baffle liners should cover the full perimeter and width of the expansion joint so that the cavity is covered at all times. The material type and thickness of the baffle liner should be reviewed by the buyer’s engineer for suitability. Baffles are either an integral part of the expansion joint frame or they can be shipped loose. The many styles of baffle liner which offer different benefits should be discussed when designing an expansion joint.

F. Insulation/Accumulation Pillow
Insulation and accumulation pillows are used to protect the flexible element from the system’s heat and prevent fly ash from filling the expansion joint cavity. The insulation/ accumulation pillow is comprised of layers of high density mechanically bonded thermal blankets wrapped in a high strength case designed to meet the system’s conditions. The pillow is secured to the frame underneath the belt with tabs; by welded pins with speed washers; or other unique methods. Attaching the pillow to the frame sides ensures that the pillow stays in the proper position after the joint has moved axially or laterally. Without such a feature, the pillow would become compressed and not “spring back” to cover the entire width of the expansion joint cavity allowing hot gas and/or fly ash penetration.

G. Frames
Also called flanges in some instances, they comprise the metallic portion of a non-metallic expansion joint. Frames allow the fabric expansion joint and its components to be easily attached to the duct by either welding or bolting. The frame provides a standoff between the duct and the belt to aid in heat dissipation and passive cooling. It forms a cavity where the pillow can be installed. There are almost endless lists of frame styles which may include integral baffle liners.

H. Gasket
Single layer flexible elements like MIPR Corp’s 500SL TEXFLEX® and flexible elements for special applications require a sealing gasket where they are bolted to the frame. MIPR Corp typically uses a chemical resistant PTFE dipped ladder gasket but other elastomers, fluoroplastic, and fluoroelastomers are available.

I. Fly Ash Seal
For select systems a fully installed and secured fly ash seal may be required. MIPR Corp’s fly ash seals are manufactured from tightly woven cloth and wire mesh fabrics. The fly ash seal is a fabric membrane that spans between the baffle plate (flow liner) and frame. The fly ash seal prevents fine particulate from filling the cavity that is formed between the expansion joint frame halves. MIPR Corp’s fly ash seals are uniquely robust and superior in construction. Instead of the loosely installed membranes that are common to the industry, MIPR Corp’s fly ash seals are attached to the joint’s frame by means of 3/8″ welded studs on 3″ centers. The fly ash seal is then secured using a 1-1/2″ wide x 1/4″ thick backing bar. It is in effect a joint within a joint.

Service Features

Fabric expansion joints act as a vibration isolators, shock absorbers and make up for misalignment of adjoining ducted equipment with features including:

  • Ability to absorb axial, transverse & torsional movements
  • Corrosion & chemical resistance
  • Easily repairable & installable
  • Excellent corrosion & chemical resistance
  • High cycle life
  • Less force to flex than metal expansion joints
  • Lower shipping & installation costs
  • More movement in shorter face-to-face
  • Negligible spring rates & loads
  • Temperature capability range (-110°F to more than 2,000°F)
  • Unique application solutions
  • Vibration dampening & sound attenuation

Joint Design Considerations & Accessories

Baffles. While baffles are usually not necessary with elastomeric expansion joints due to the tube resistance to most abrasive particular matter, baffles must be used with fabric composite joints to protect the inner surface form particulates in the gas stream. Depending on your application, we can supply baffles fabricated from carbon steel, stainless steel, or other materials as required.

Retaining Rings. Standard expansion joint construction calls for 2″ wide, 3/8″ thick bars with slotted holes for easy installation. Material of construction can be carbon steel, weathering (COR-TEN) or stainless steel.

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