GIANT FINGER TYPE PRESSURE BALANCED EXPANSION JOINT

This giant Finger Type Pressure Balanced Expansion Joint is to be installed in the steam line of a Saudi Arabian Power and Desalination Plant. The Finger Type Pressure Balanced Expansion Joint is a 4-meter long DN 2500 Expansion Joint having a balancing bellow of an amazing DN 3800.

 

Design of this large Finger Type Pressure Balanced Expansion Joint

This giant Finger Type Pressure Balanced Expansion Joint, weighing in at 14 tons, is an Inline Pressure Balanced Expansion Joint with internal limiters (finger design) and designed according to EJMA. The Finger Type Pressure Balanced Expansion Joint absorbs large axial movements (+0/-190 mm) in the steam line and operates under -1/2,5 barg at +230°C. These rather demanding operating parameters dictate the requirements for the design and materials used.

 

Finger Type design due to vacuum

The Finger Type Pressure balanced Expansion Joint design was chosen due to its internal limiters, which is the best solution for vacuum applications – and especially at large diameters. Another possible option aside from Finger Type Pressure Balanced Expansion Joint design could have been Pressure Balanced Expansion Joints with external limiters (tie rods). However, in this case due the operating conditions, this design would be too vulnerable and have difficulties in withstanding the vacuum.

 

Size required special handling

With this enormous Finger Type Pressure Balanced Expansion Joint weighing in at 14 tons and at the same time being a large size Finger Type Pressure Balanced Expansion Joint in both diameter and length, special handling, lifting, as well as internal transport challenges needed to be overcome. However, this is nothing that Belman has not done before.

 

Size required special packaging and transportation

This Finger Type Pressure Balanced Expansion Joint is to be transported by sea to Saudi Arabia. From Esbjerg to the departure harbor destination, the Finger Type Pressure Balanced Expansion Joint will be transported with a special escorted transport via a designated route. The size of the Finger Type Pressure Balanced Expansion Joint alone creates significant challenges, and therefore requires special planning to safely navigate narrow road widths and minimum heights underneath bridges. The transportation route is being planned at this very moment.

As the Finger Type Pressure balanced Expansion Joint will be transported by sea, dedicated seaworthy packaging containing plastic covering and seaworthy boxes will be used. To stabilize the huge Finger Type Pressure Balanced Expansion Joint special cradles are handcrafted to fit its exact dimensions. To eliminate any risk of damage during transportation the Finger Type Pressure Balanced Expansion Joint was firmly secured with straps.

 

Belman excels in large diameter design, manufacturing, and handling

Having manufactured large diameter and heavy constructions like this Finger Type Pressure Balanced Expansion Joint since 1994, Belman has built up a vast experience base on such projects. This includes 40 tonne Expansion Joints, DN 4200 Expansion Joints, 8,1-meter-long FCCU Expansion Joints among many others. Some of these can be seen on our latest projects