Metal
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Pipe
lines, ducts, and vessels that carry hot or cold fluids can encounter thermal
expansion which is a major problem. As the metal temperature increases
or decreases, the length of the piping system varies due to its thermal
expansion or contraction. Thus, unless something is added to compensate
for these dimensional changes, high stresses will be caused throughout
the piping system and can cause a great deal of damage.
An expansion joint is any
device containing one or more bellows used to absorb dimensional changes
such as those caused by thermal expansion or contraction in a pipe-line,
duct, or vessel. |
