A Toroidal expansion joint is a metallic assembly that consists of a series of toroidal convolutions which are circular tubes wrapped around pipe ends or weld ends and have a gap at the inside diameter to allow for axial stroke while absorbing changes in expansion or contraction of the pipe line. Convolutions are the portion of the bellows that allow it to be flexible. The convolutions are formed around reinforcing bands so that only the concave portion of the torus allows for flexibility. Toroidal expansion joints are typically used in high pressure applications, where little movement is required, and generally used for heat exchangers. Usually, they are hydraulically formed, but others are free formed. These expansion joints are also referred to as "Omega" bellows due to their shape resembling the Greek letter, Omega.
References
- Toroidal Expansion Joint U.S. Bellows, Inc., (retrieved 6 November 2010)
- Expansion Joints: Types & Selection Charisma Global Network Pvt., Ltd., (retrieved 8 November 2010)
- Standards of the Expansion Joint Manufacturers Association, Inc., Ninth Edition, p. 4-18
- Toroidal Expansion Joint U.S. Bellows, (retrieved March 2012)
- J. Ballam; R. Blumberg; J. Mark; K. Skarpass; S.St.Lorant (October 1966). Selected Problems and Solutions in the Design of the SLAC 40" Hydrogen Bubble Chamber (PDF) (Technical report). SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. SLAC-PUB-229. Retrieved 8 November 2010.