Expansion Joints
Expansion Joints
Rubber, Metal & Fabric Bellows
Without expansion joints, thermal growth, vibration, and piping misalignment end up overloading your flanges, pumps, and fixed equipment. We supply rubber bellows, metallic bellows, and fabric expansion joints in standard pipe sizes and custom specs. Rubber joints are the workhorse for water and HVAC, but they top out around 110 °C; above that you're into metal or fabric territory.
Types & Variants
Rubber Expansion Joints
Single and multi-arch rubber bellows with flanged or threaded ends. Handles water, HVAC, and general chemical service up to 110 °C. Not suitable for hydrocarbon lines unless PTFE-lined.
Metal Expansion Joints
Stainless steel bellows for high-temperature, high-pressure, and corrosive service. Single, universal, and hinged configurations.
Fabric Expansion Joints
Multi-layer fabric and elastomer bellows for ducting, flue gas, and low-pressure exhaust systems up to 1000 °C.
PTFE-Lined Joints
Rubber or metal bellows with PTFE inner lining for aggressive chemical media where elastomer contact is not acceptable.
Common Applications
Pump Connections
Isolating vibration from pumps and compressors to prevent fatigue cracking in connected piping.
HVAC & Chilled Water
Absorbing thermal movement in chilled water, hot water, and condenser water loops.
Flue Gas Ducting
Fabric joints in exhaust stacks, boiler outlets, and air handling systems where high temperatures and gas flows occur.
Process Piping
Thermal growth in long pipe runs, particularly in steam, hot oil, and high-temperature chemical lines.
Materials & Standards
Materials
- EPDM rubber (standard for water and HVAC)
- Nitrile rubber (oil-resistant applications)
- Neoprene (chemical and marine)
- 304 / 316 stainless steel bellows
- Aramid and fibreglass fabric layers
- PTFE inner lining
Standards
- AS 4087 — Metallic flanges for waterworks purposes
- EJMA Standards — Expansion Joint Manufacturers Association
- ASME B31.3 — Process piping
Need Expansion Joints?
Pipe size, media, temperature, and how much movement you need to absorb. Standard sizes ship from stock; custom-engineered joints are built to order.
Request a QuoteDisclaimer
This page is provided for general engineering reference only and does not constitute professional advice, specification, or guarantee of performance. Actual results depend on specific application conditions. Universal Gaskets Pty Ltd accepts no responsibility or liability for decisions made based on this information. For full terms, see our Terms & Conditions.