When a person installs a new expansion joint, they have many important things to consider, including how much pressure the joint must withstand and what kind of support it needs. But there is another issue they must also consider: the media that enters the joint and how it will affect the inner layer. Read below for a brief explanation of media in expansion joints and how it affects their performance.
What Is Media?
You may wonder, “What is the media in an expansion joint?” The term refers to what moves through your piping system, such as liquid or gas. Ultimately, the contents of that media touch the inner liner of your joint and the cover of the joint itself.
Why Is It So Important?
Certain types of media can impact the liner’s condition. When determining what kind of liner your expansion joint needs, consider certain factors in your media, such as if any cleaning additives are present and how caustic or acidic they are.
It is also important for you to find out if the media will be abrasive to the liner inside the expansion joint and explore the possibility of condensation on the outside. This moisture can lead to corrosion that damages the joint itself.
What Do I Need in an Inner Layer?
When picking an inner layer, try to find one that will help you get the most out of your investment in the expansion joint. The layer plays the important role of stopping media from moving through a bellows and creating vibrations that result in it failing.
Find a liner that is thick enough to protect the bellows. You should also look for one that features a surface that’s resistant to the rough nature of the media so that it lasts longer and prevents wear or future vibrations.
Triad Bellows is an expansion joint supplier that specializes in manufacturing products that can withstand the needs of abrasive media. We can develop a product that will last you a long time while preventing erosion and wear. Visit our homepage to learn more!
