Half split expansion joint design.

[rQuestionEngineering]

Is there possibility to design a half split expansion joint ?
See picture.
I need to design something that can be installed by using 2 halves , provide expansion, and seal against oil mist.

 

[Tmoose]

(pipe ?) size, temperature range, linear expansion required in mm or inches or feet, actual pressure conditions ?
5 down, 15 to go.

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Reliability of Split replacement boots for CV joints on FWD cars earned a bad rep in the last millenium.

These are probably better.

https://www.dormanproducts.com/c-255-cv-joint-boot-kits-solvent-welded-split-boot.aspx

 

[pennpiper]

bayan1999,
(1) My initial reaction was "NO"
(2) Then I said "AAAAAGGGGGGHHHHHH"
(3) Then I thought, this poor soul is new on the job and has been given a problem (as a joke) by the "Old" guy(s) and he (or She) is afraid if they do not come up with some kind of answer the Old guy(s) will not respect them.
(4) If this (#3) is the case or close to it then tell the "old Guy" you found a solution but it is a closely held secret and they (the old guy) must come up with $10,000(USD)

Sometimes its possible to do all the right things and still get bad results

 

[MikeHalloran]

Metal bellows, as in the illustration, actually comprise many nested thin tubes, roll formed to produce the convolutions, then welded by proprietary processes to fairly ordinary flanges. I know of no way to split the assembly as indicated and produce an oil-tight separable joint, much less a pressure-tight joint.

If the problem were restated to allow assemblies other than metal bellows, then maybe some combination of telescoping and sliding seals might be able to meet the unstated requirements, especially if considerably more space is available, e.g. for a large u-shaped assemblage of pipes and rotary joints.

... but in general, the answer is NO.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[EngineerTex]

Bayan1999,

The expansion joint that you have shown in your post is designed to carry significant pressures. Are you only trying to seal out (or in) oil mist? Is there any pressure differential in your system between outside and inside of the joint? As Tmoose said, split bellows on a CV joint is asking for trouble on parts that rotate continually and change the axis of one end. But if the component(s) you are trying to cover only move back and forth at low speeds, then you may be able to use a bellows that is not as stout as what you have in the photo. I think that I have seen those. Look for split boots and split bellows.

Hold that thought...

These guys have exactly what you're looking for. Note that installation requires expert welding.

https://www.eagleburgmann.com/en/pr...joints/cb-clamshell-br-metal-expansion-joints

Engineering is not the science behind building. It is the science behind not building.

 

[MikeHalloran]

Well, I'll be dipped in, er, used food.

Do note that such a single ply bellows is going to be pretty stiff.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[IFRs]

"expert welding" indeed. This would be a tough weld in a shop environment, very, very tough in the field. I'd call it temporary and pray. Still, good to know it exists.

 

[SnTMan]

I have seen a damaged (blew up at hydro) bellows joint in a shell & tube exchanger replaced by the joint vendor at the fabricators' shop, using a clamshell replacement. Roughly 24 in. diameter.

Can be done. Expert welding indeed.

Regards,

Mike

The problem with sloppy work is that the supply FAR EXCEEDS the demand