What is a rubber expansion joint?
A rubber expansion joint is a flexible connector to absorb noise, shock, vibration, physical and thermal energy. Made of natural or synthetic elastomers it may be internally reinforced with fabrics and metal for strength and pressure resistance whilst metal reinforcement may be used externally for movement control.
Why Use a Rubber Expansion Joint?
Rubber expansion joints offer flexibility allowing concurrent movements, isolation of vibration, reduction of noise, resistance to abrasion and chemical erosion within fluid systems.
Here are the key benefits of rubber expansion joints:
Movement Absorption
Rubber joints can absorb greater movements when compared to similar length metal expansion joints. Equipment such as pumps, compressors and piping can move out of alignment due to wear and settling of their supporting structures. Rubber expansion joints can routinely manage the resulting lateral, torsional and angular movements whilst strategically located rubber expansion joints can mitigate thermal expansion and contraction movements. Metal joints typically have a lower lateral movement capability and the allowance for movement offered by rubber expansion joints has positive benefits in extending system life and maintenance intervals.
Vibration Reduction
Reducing vibration is important to prevent unbalanced forces building up to a level where they can damage a fluid system. Rubber pipe and expansion joints dampen these disturbances and provide resistance against shock stress from hydraulic surge and water hammer.
Sound Reduction
As systems age and wear, imbalances occur which cause unwanted noise. Rubber expansion joints dampen sound transmission with their rubber to steel interface. When compared to full metal joints, thick-walled rubber expansion joints offer a much higher reduction of sound transmission.
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