Expansion Joints for inert gas piping

[Miyazaki]

Hello everyone,

Has anyone come across expansion joints for inert gas piping?? Can anyone please share some data such as positioning the expansion joints, vendor info etc.

 

[FacEngrPE]

Two good methods,
[ul]
[li]Use pipe loops, per B31.1 or B31.3 correctly designed, longest lasting, least chance of leaks.[/li]
[li]Use metal bellows, or short lengths of metal hose.[/li][/ul]

Use this search term "bellows expansion joint design" for bellows joints.
Use this search term "expansion loop design guide" for expansion loops, or use code calc software.

 

[MJCronin]

Piping expansion joints are typically used where there is significant thermal movement on a hot piping system.

Piping expansion joints are an expensive option when compared to the use of piping expansion loops to address system flexibility (as stated above)

Is your inert gas piping moving thermally ?

Why do you require these for a fire protection system ?

MJCronin
Sr. Process Engineer

 

[Miyazaki]

@MJCronin

From my experience, I have not come across any piping expansion loops for inert gas piping. Project specification calls for this requirement.

 

[Miyazaki]

@FacEngrPE

Thanks for the advice, will look into it.

 

[Miyazaki]

@MJCronin

No, the piping routed in the protected room is usually maintained at 21 degrees Celcius.

The protected room is a switchgear room.

 

[MJCronin]

Nassar ...

So, your piping is at ambient ....

You state: From my experience, I have not come across any piping expansion loops for inert gas piping. Project specification calls for this requirement.

From my experience, I have not come across any cold piping system (with any kind of fluid) that requires expansion loops OR expansion joints

From my experience, I have come across many so-called Client "Project Specifications" written by Newbie Morons...

Could this be your problem ?

MJCronin
Sr. Process Engineer

 

[Miyazaki]

@MJCronin

Well that was fast!! I am not sure whether a newbie has written the project specification. We have raised this query to our client, let me see what their reply is.