When installing an expansion joint in your piping system, you must do it correctly so it will continue performing as needed and absorb extreme stresses. This makes proper pipe alignment critical. Read on for a brief overview of pipe alignment standards so you won’t have to make excessive repairs to your system later on.
Why Pipe Alignment Is So Important
When you misalign your pipe system, you set your expansion joint up for failure. The error can result in too much stress on the joint and limit its ability to move. The joint may even develop leaks and become dangerous, putting your workers’ safety at risk. To avoid these hazards, make sure you install your pipe guides and supports properly.
How To Align Your Anchors and Guides Correctly
As you review this overview of pipe alignment standards, remember that your anchors should go on the pipe ends. When picking your anchors, choose ones that are more powerful than the internal pressure thrust and can handle the force that squeezes your joint. In addition, position the anchor near the joint to stop the pipe from moving.
Pick pipe guides that can handle the load of the piping system and any other equipment. You can determine how many to use and where they go based on the pipe’s flexibility and your system’s pressure rating. After installing them, they should stop lateral and angular movement but allow axial movement.
Tips for Installing Expansion Joints
You can make the maintenance of your expansion joints simpler for your workers by adding the joints in areas where workers can easily examine them. Consider adding shields in case they are moving hazardous materials.
Triad Bellows takes pride in manufacturing and supplying our clients with quality expansion joints, pipe anchors, and guides. We are ready to help our industrial clients solve their issues, so visit our homepage to learn more!
