Pipe Guide Spacing

Axial Movement:

Single bellows assembly axial unrestrained expansion joints are not provided with attachments such as tie rods or hinges to restrain pressure thrust. Therefore, they can be used only in a piping system that incorporates correctly designed anchors and pipe alignment guides. These components prevent the bellows from over extension and damage due to distortion under operating conditions.

The diagram below shows the essential elements of a typical axial expansion joint installation which must be followed at all times.

D = Pipe Diameter

First Guide G1: Locate within a distance of four pipe diameters from the expansion joint. If the expansion joint is an externally pressurized design (ES-40071 thru ES-40103), the first guide is integrated into the expansion joint and only a second guide and intermediate guides are necessary.

Second Guide G2: Locate within a distance of fourteen pipe diameters from the first guide.

Intermediate Guide G: Enter nominal pipe diameter and pressure and click calculate to for the answer.

Input

	Pipe Nominal Diameter
	Pressure (psig) 50 psig to 400 psig range only


Main Anchor	Pipe Alignment Guide

Output

Spacing

3.5

N/A

all values rounded to the nearst 1/4 of a foot

(Values based on standard weight carbon steel pipe.)

MAIN ANCHORS are the most important to consider from a design standpoint. They must resist
the effects of all forces acting upon them. These are pressure thrust, bellows spring resistance,
frictional resistance of pipe guides, and inertial forces at bends and elbows.

PIPE ALIGNMENT GUIDES are another essential part of a properly designed piping system. Thermal expansion in the system must be controlled so that the movement applied to the bellows assembly is axial only. Pipe alignment guides must be designed so they prevent bowing and buckling of the pipe. They should also keep frictional forces resulting from movement of pipe across the guide to a minimum.
The three figures below show three styles of alignment guides.


Style 1	Style 2	Style 3

Expansion Joint Systems, Inc. 1-800-482-2808