Expansion Joints

What should an expansion joint do?

An expansion joint is a flexible connector in a piping system, typically fabricated from synthetic elastomers and often reinforced with fabric and/or metal.
Its role is to provide controlled flexibility and stress relief where movement cannot be engineered into the piping system itself.

Pipe strain is a major contributor to unreliable pump uptime. While no joint can compensate for poorly supported piping, a properly selected and installed
expansion joint can help reduce strain, absorb movement, and minimize transmission of vibration and shock.

Important note

There is no expansion joint made that can compensate for an improperly supported piping system.
Expansion joints should be treated as an engineered component, specified correctly, installed properly, and inspected regularly.

What should an expansion joint do?

Expansion joints provide controlled flexibility and stress relief in piping systems where movement cannot be designed into the pipework itself.

Important note

Expansion joints cannot compensate for improperly supported piping. Proper specification, installation, and inspection are essential.

What expansion joints can help address

When engineered correctly, expansion joints can reduce stress on equipment, minimize vibration transfer, and help protect pumps and connected pipework.

Pipe strain Within the joint’s specific movement capability.	Start-up surge and water hammer Helps reduce shock and noise from pressure thrust events.	Sympathetic vibration Limits vibration transmission from nearby equipment.
Equipment and piping movement Accommodates alignment variation and movement.	Thermal growth Compensates for expansion and contraction of the system.	Reliability improvement Reduces stress on connected assets and supports uptime.

Pipe strain

Within the joint’s movement capability.

Start-up surge and water hammer

Helps reduce shock and noise.

Sympathetic vibration

Limits vibration transmission.

Equipment and piping movement

Accommodates movement and variation.

Thermal growth

Supports expansion and contraction.

Tips for optimal service life

Proper handling and inspection reduces failure risk and helps prevent unplanned downtime.

Avoid

No painting joints
No covering joints with insulation
Avoid installing joints outside their movement rating

Best practice

Follow installation guidelines
Specify the joint correctly for duty and media
Carry out regular inspections
Book an AVT lunch and learn for maintenance teams

Avoid

No painting joints
No covering joints with insulation
Avoid installing joints outside movement rating

Best practice

Follow installation guidelines
Specify correctly for duty and media
Regular inspections
AVT lunch and learn training

Expansion joint designs we support

Selection depends on movement requirements, vacuum conditions, media, abrasion risk, and installation constraints.

Wide Arch Design

Molded rubber expansion joints for general service, designed to provide flexibility and stress relief across a wide range of industrial duties.

Abrupt Arch Design

Designed for rigid piping systems and full vacuum applications. Abrupt arch joints can be fully customized to meet installation and duty requirements.

Abrasive Applications

The ABRA-LINE™ family is engineered for highly abrasive duties, supporting industries such as power generation, fertilizer, mining, and chemical processing.

Wide Arch Design

Molded rubber joints for general service, flexibility and stress relief.

Abrupt Arch Design

Full vacuum capable options for rigid piping systems, customizable to duty.

Abrasive Applications

ABRA-LINE™ solutions for severe abrasive services in heavy industry.

Need help specifying an expansion joint?

Share your operating conditions, media, flange details and movement requirements. We will help you select an engineered joint that supports reliability and uptime.

Speak to a Sealing Specialist

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A comprehensive range of sealing, lubrication, and asset protection products to support rotating equipment and piping systems.

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