Rubber or steel expansion joints in a sludge pipeline

[MartinLe]

We will need expansion joints, to account for thermal expansion, in a pipeline DN150 carrying sewage sludge (between digester and HX).

Looking at different expansion joints, I prefer rubber ones like these:

https://elaflex.de/en/products-catalogue/section-4-rubber-expansion-joints#H*file~1562

An alternative would be steel ones (like these

https://online.flippingbook.com/view/267448/100/),

however I'm hestitant because sludge will accumulate in the bellow (more so than with the rubber joints).

with both kinds of joints it would be possible to isnert a short length of pipe, jowever I see the risk of sludge accumulating inbetween, hindering the movement of the joint.

However I don'T have real experience to go by - most installations I've seen get by without expansion joints to to short pipe runs. Does the type matter much? Do any of you have experience suggesting one above the other?

 

[bimr]

You may be able to accommodate the expansion if you zig zag the pipe instead of using a straight pipe.

 

[swazimatt]

Flex-tend couplings could also be an option. I have used them to cater for seismic movement on a wastewater force main, but imagine they would work for expansion/contraction too

https://ebaa.com/products/flex/flexible-expansion-joint/flex-tend/30