Installation Recommendations

Installation Do's

  • Inspect for damage during shipment, i.e., dents, broken hardware, water marks on carton, etc.
  • Store in clean dry area where it will not be exposed to heavy traffic or damaging environment.
  • Use only designated lifting lugs.
  • Make the piping system fit the expansion joint by stretching, compressing, or offsetting the joint to fit the piping. It may be over stressed when the system is in service.
  • It is good practice to leave one flange loose until the expansion joint has been fitted into position. Make necessary adjustment of loose flange before welding.
  • Install joint with arrow pointing in the direction of flow.
  • Install single Van Stone liners pointing in the direction of flow. Be sure to install a gasket between the liner and Van Stone flange as well as between the matting flange and liner.
  • With telescoping Van Stone line, install the smallest I.D. liner pointing in the direction of flow.
  • Remove all shipping devices after the installation is complete and before any pressure test of the fully installed system.
  • Remove any foreign material that may have become lodged between the convolutions.
  • Refer to EJMA Standards for proper guide spacing and anchor recommendations.

Installation Don'ts

  • Do not drop or strike carton.
  • Do not remove shipping bars until installation is complete.
  • Do not use hanger lugs as lifting lugs without approval of manufacturer.
  • Do not use chains or any lifting device directly on the bellows or Bellows cover.
  • Do not allow weld splatter to hit unprotected bellows. Protect with wet chloride-free asbestos.
  • Do not use cleaning agents that contain chlorides.
  • Do not use steel wool or wire brushes on bellows.
  • Do not force-rotate one end of an expansion joint alignment of bolt holes. Ordinary bellows are not capable of absorbing torque.
  • Do not hydrostatic pressure test or evacuate the system before proper installation of all guides and anchors.
  • Pipe hangers are not adequate guides.
  • Do not exceed a pressure test of 1-1/2 times the rated working pressure of the expansion joint.
  • Do not use shipping bars to retain the pressure thrust if tested prior to installation.

The manufacturer's warranty may be void if improper installation procedures have been used.