Reasons to Choose Quality Flexible Rubber Expansion Joints

Expansion joints are movement joints that have a special design that contains a separation in the wall with a special material like bond breakers consisting of materials like sprays, liquids, etc., or sealants. Such bonds are crucial to break the existing bonds between the desired sections to ensure that these can separate at ease. Since the material of the joints is compressible, it helps to ensure that these can accommodate the movement of the sections easily.  For closing the joints, openings, and moisture from seeping the selected flexible rubber expansion joint, a special sealant is introduced to accommodate the movement of these sections. 

Selecting Flexible Expansion Joints

Choosing Flexible Expansion Joints is important to compensate for fluctuations in temperature, moisture infiltration, or handling issues that can impact the working of the sections. Similarly, contraction and thermal expansion may be common issues in regions with variable temperatures or seasonal fluctuations.  Deformity and stress can impact the performance of the selected sections resulting in cracks or problems.

 

Choosing the best pipe expansion joints manufacturer can help to overcome such internal stressors and ensure that the deformation of the material is controlled.

Metallic vs non-metallic expansion joints

There are numerous differences between a metallic and non-metallic expansion joint. Until the beginning of the 20 century, cylindrical joints were used to join the pipes and fittings. However the same was impacted by extreme climatic conditions or fluctuations. This caused problems with concrete structures, pipes, etc.

Expansion joints help to control the situation and deliver stability to the structures and systems. These are used to ensure the stability and safety of systems like -

• Buildings
• Bridges
• Roadways
• Piping system
• Petrochemical industries
• Power generation sector, etc.

Modern expansion joints occupy only half the space of a cylindrical one. The weight of these is also less which helps to deliver high efficiency and protects against deformations. It also helps to reduce issues associated with sediment deposits, turbulence, thrust effects, etc.

Over time, these have evolved to use materials other than metals. For instance - rubber and plastic-based joints deliver specific benefits and unmatched quality. 

Such elastomer joints help to smoothen joint movement and ensure efficiency and effectiveness. With quality joints, it is easy to get the following benefits –

• Reduced noise
• Compensating for misalignment 
• Relieving movement stress
• Isolating vibrations, etc.

Similarly, the fabrication from synthetic elastomers is reinforced with metals having high temperatures and pressure resistance of 200 psig.

Also Read: 6 Popular Rubber Expansion Joints

Choosing between rubber and metallic expansion joints 

Metallic joints were once quite popular but have been slowly replaced by rubber versions. However, these have the following properties - 

• When compared to standard joints, these need expert maintenance and replacements. These are prone to frequent breakdowns which are due to drops in temperature and pressure. Ultimately it helps to save costs.
• Installing these is faster than elastomeric joints. 
• These can withstand higher pressure and thus save time and efforts
• These joints also have high-temperature resistance and noise reduction 
• Such expansion joints are resistant to corrosion and abrasions 
• Metal joints also have a specific fatigue or cycle life which can impact their outcomes 

On the other hand, rubber joints can be beneficial as these have the following properties - 

• Such expansion joints absorb lateral movements more effectively than metal versions. However, the axial plane movements are identical for both.
• These are also less stiff during lateral movements. Thus it brings better results than metal variants.
• Such joints are easy to install and remove. You do not need experts to handle these joints.
• Since rubber is more affordable than metals, these joints are flexible and durable.
• It is easy to avoid corrosion, abrasions, and other issues by choosing such joints. This reduces expenditures and improves productivity.
• There is also reduced vibration fatigue, better cycle life, etc.
• It is also safe from external damages resulting from accidents, blows, etc.

Thanks!