EJMA Recommends Proactive Replacement

EJMA provides standards for fabric expansion joint design, inspection, and maintenance. Adhering to these guidelines is crucial for safe operation. Fabric expansion joints have a finite lifespan, which depends on design, operating conditions, and maintenance. Key replacement indicators include:

• Cracking or Tears: Especially in the convolutions (bellows element) or at weld points.
• Corrosion: Pitting, thinning, or perforation of the bellows material.
• Deformation: Swelling, bulging, or permanent distortion of the bellows or external hardware (e.g., tie rods, guides).
• Leakage: Any signs of media escaping from the expansion joint.
• Loss of Movement Capability: The joint appears "locked up" or unable to absorb the designed movements. This can be caused by internal debris, fatigue, or external restraint.
• Excessive Vibration: Increased vibration in the piping system, which could indicate bellows fatigue or damage.
• Process Changes: Significant changes in operating temperature, pressure, flow rate, or media composition that exceed the original design parameters of the expansion joint.
• Exceeding Design Life/Cycle Count: Even without visible damage, if the joint has reached its engineered fatigue life (cycle count), proactive replacement is recommended.
• Wear in Accessories: Deterioration of internal liners, external covers, tie rods, hinges, or gimbals.

Proactive inspection and timely replacement, following EJMA guidelines, are crucial to prevent unscheduled downtime, catastrophic failures, and potential safety hazards.

At U.S. Bellows, we specialize in the custom design and manufacture of high-quality fabric expansion joints. With decades of engineering expertise, we provide durable, reliable solutions for industries ranging from power generation and petrochemical to oil & gas and refining.