VACUUM TESTED
EXPANSION JOINTS

Oil refinery

Europe

EJMA

For an oil refinery in Europe, Belman has engineered and manufactured in total 36 Expansion Joints with different designs for installation on various locations in the piping system. As the piping system works under vacuum and up to 10 barg, all the Expansion Joints have been both pressure tested and vacuum tested.

CLIENT ISSUE
For the blowing steam lines in a green energy plant within their refinery the client needed some engineered Expansion Joints that were both vacuum tested and pressure tested. The client, and their engineering company, have already selected Belman Expansion Joints from our catalogue and now contacted us with some customization needs as well as some very specific test requirements.

BELMAN SOLUTION – Vacuum tested Expansion Joints
Belman proficiently designed the many Expansion Joints, each according to the requirements and needs of the client and the engineering company. Some Expansion Bellows are made from AISI 316 Ti, AISI 316L and AISI 316 whereas some Expansion Joints are made completely from Duplex 2205. Duplex 2205 is chosen due to its high yield strength which is double that of the standard austenitic stainless steel grades. Duplex furthermore combines many beneficial properties of ferritic and austenitic steels. Due to the high content of chromium and nickel, and often also molybdenum, Duplex offers good resistance to pitting and particularly stress corrosion cracking.

Some of the Expansion Joints were to be installed vertically in the pipeline with the media flowing from bottom to top, necessitating drain holes in the inner sleeves in these Expansion Joints. Typically drain holes in inner sleeves are applied due to (1) the Expansion Joint having double inner sleeves or (2) they allow water to access and drain from the space between the bellows and inner sleeves, preventing the formation of hazardous air pockets that could pose a risk during pressure testing. To provide protection of the bellows a 3 mm cover was applied to the Expansion joints. Furthermore, flow arrows were placed on Expansion Joints as well, as per client requirement, to ease installation.

Vacuum test of Expansion Joints

Due to the operating parameters of the pipelines being both under vaccum as well as pressure, the Expansion Joints was tested for that. The many different Expansion Joints were designed for different design pressure depending on the their installation point in the pipeline, thus they were pressure tested at 15 barg. Furthermore they were vacuum tested at 0,07 bar (absolute) equivalent to -0,93 bar (relative). Belman has its own transportable equipment for vacuum test and is able to test down to -0,97bar relativ /0,03 bar absolut.

To make the vacuum test efficient Belman expertly mounted 2-8 Expansion Joint together in line. This test method saved the client time and costs and furthermore minimised the number of blind flanges required as well as time to mount them. Mounting the Expansion Joints together does not impact the performance or accuracy of the vacuum test, as these Expansion Joints are typically integrated with piping equipment in the operational pipelines at the installation point mounted with piping equipment etc. The only potential challenge arises of the test machinery’s pump cannot handle the increased load; However Belman always analyses, evaluate and adjust the setup to ensure the most efficient test process for the client.

Aside from the tests full welding documentation was required by the client, and of course Belman could meet that as well.

Belman – experienced on Expansion Joints with special test requirements
Belman is a trusted leader in the design and manufacturing of high-performance expansion joints, renowned for expertise in testing and quality assurance. With years of experience across diverse industries, Belman understands that certain applications require Expansion Joints with stringent testing to guarantee reliability under demanding conditions. Belman conducts custom tests to meet specific project demands, including but not limited to fatigue life cycle testing, pressure testing (up to 356 barg, pressure level depends on the diameter of the Expansion Joint), vacuum testing and formiergas leak testing. For that reason, Belman is often chosen due to our unparalleled expertise in design, manufacture and test.

DESIGN FEATURES

Design parameters of the vacuum tested Expansion Joint:

Type: Tied Expansion Joints • Quantity: 2 pcs. • Dimensions: DN 350 • Installation length: 500 mm • Medium: Waste water with sand and dirt • Design pressure: -1/+10 barg • Design temperature: -20/+90°C • LA: +/-15 mm • Bellows: 1.4462 (Duplex 2205) • Inner sleeves: 1.4462 (Duplex 2205) • Flanges: 1.4462 (Duplex 2205) • Design code: EJMA

Type: Tied Expansion Joints • Quantity: 1 pcs. • Dimensions: DN 350 • Installation length: 780 mm • Medium: Oil containing bleaching earth • Design pressure: -1/+10 barg • Design temperature: -20/+120°C • LA: +/-30 mm • Bellows: 1.4571 (AISI 316 Ti) • Inner sleeves: 1.4404 (AISI 316L) • Flanges: 1.4401 (AISI 316) • Design code: EJMA

Type: Tied Expansion Joints • Quantity: 4 pcs. • Dimensions: DN 150 • Installation length: 375 mm • Medium: Oil/cooling water • Design pressure: -1/+10 barg • Design temperature: -20/+70°C • LA: +/-20 mm • Bellows: 1.4571 (AISI 316 Ti) • Inner sleeves: 1.4404 (AISI 316L) • Flanges: 1.4401 (AISI 316) • Design code: EJMA

Type: Tied Expansion Joints • Quantity: 1 pcs. • Dimensions: DN 250 • Installation length: 360 mm • Medium: Waste water with sand and dirt • Design pressure: -1/+10 barg • Design temperature: -20/+90°C • LA: +/-15 mm • Bellows: 1.4462 (Duplex 2205) • Inner sleeves: 1.4462 (Duplex 2205) • Flanges: 1.4462 (Duplex 2205) • Design code: EJMA

Type: Tied Expansion Joints • Quantity: 2 pcs. • Dimensions: DN 250 • Installation length: 495 mm • Medium: Oil • Design pressure: -1/+10 barg • Design temperature: -20/+90°C • LA: +/-20 mm • AN: +/-2° • Bellows: 1.4462 (Duplex 2205) • Inner sleeves: 1.4462 (Duplex 2205) • Flanges: 1.4462 (Duplex 2205) • Design code: EJMA

Type: Tied Expansion Joints • Quantity: 2 pcs. • Dimensions: DN 150 • Installation length: 290 mm • Medium: Oil • Design pressure: -1/+10 barg • Design temperature: -20/+90°C • LA: +/-15 mm • Bellows: 1.4462 (Duplex 2205) • Inner sleeves: 1.4462 (Duplex 2205) • Flanges: 1.4462 (Duplex 2205) • Design code: EJMA

Type: Tied Expansion Joints • Quantity: 2 pcs. • Dimensions: DN 200 • Installation length: 245 mm • Medium: Waste water • Design pressure: -1/+10 barg • Design temperature: -20/+120°C • LA: +/-7,5 mm • Bellows: 1.4571 (AISI 316 Ti) • Inner sleeves: 1.4404 (AISI 316L) • Flanges: 1.4401 (AISI 316) • Design code: EJMA

Type: Universal Expansion Joints • Quantity: 3 pcs. • Dimensions: DN 80 • Installation length: 235 mm • Medium: Oil containing bleaching earth • Design pressure: -1/+5 barg • Design temperature: -20/+120°C • AX: +/-15 mm • LA: +/-10 mm • AN: +/-2° • Bellows: 1.4571 (AISI 316 Ti) • Inner sleeves: 1.4571 (AISI 316 Ti) • Flanges: 1.4401 (AISI 316) • Design code: EJMA

Type: Universal Expansion Joints • Quantity: 1 pcs. • Dimensions: DN 300 • Installation length: 450 mm • Medium: Oil containing bleaching earth • Design pressure: -1/+5 barg • Design temperature: -20/+120°C • LA: +/-30 mm • AN: +/-3° • Bellows: 1.4571 (AISI 316 Ti) • Inner sleeves: 1.4404 (AISI 316L) • Flanges: 1.4401 (AISI 316) • Design code: EJMA

Type: Universal Expansion Joints • Quantity: 1 pcs. • Dimensions: DN 300 • Installation length: 320 mm • Medium: Oil containing bleaching earth • Design pressure: -1/+5 barg • Design temperature: -20/+120°C • LA: +/-15 mm • AN: +/-2° • Bellows: 1.4571 (AISI 316 Ti) • Inner sleeves: 1.4404 (AISI 316L) • Flanges: 1.4401 (AISI 316) • Design code: EJMA

Type: Tied Expansion Joints • Quantity: 4 pcs. • Dimensions: DN 400 • Installation length: 585 mm • Medium: Vacuum • Design pressure: -1/+0,5 barg • Design temperature: -20/+120°C • LA: +/-22,5 mm • Bellows: 1.4307 (AISI 304L) • Inner sleeves: 1.4307 (AISI 304L) • Flanges: 1.4301 (AISI 304) • Design code: EJMA

Type: Tied Expansion Joints • Quantity: 4 pcs. • Dimensions: DN 100 • Installation length: 265 mm • Medium: Gums • Design pressure: -0,5/+0,5 barg • Design temperature: -20/+95°C • AX: +/-10,5 mm • LA: +/-15 mm • AN: +/-3° • Bellows: 1.4462 (Duplex 2205) • Inner sleeves: 1.4462 (Duplex 2205) • Flanges: 1.4462 (Duplex 2205) • Design code: EJMA

Type: Tied Expansion Joints • Quantity: 1 pcs. • Dimensions: DN 300 • Installation length: 345 mm • Medium: Oil • Design pressure: -1/+10 barg • Design temperature: -20/+120°C • LA: +/-20 mm • Bellows: 1.4571 (AISI 316 Ti) • Inner sleeves: 1.4404 (AISI 316L) • Flanges: 1.4401 (AISI 316) • Design code: EJMA

Type: Tied Expansion Joints • Quantity: 3 pcs. • Dimensions: DN 100 • Installation length: 210 mm • Medium: Oil containing bleaching earth • Design pressure: -1/+10 barg • Design temperature: -20/+120°C • LA: +/-15 mm • Bellows: 1.4571 (AISI 316 Ti) • Inner sleeves: 1.4404 (AISI 316L) • Flanges: 1.4401 (AISI 316) • Design code: EJMA

Type: Tied Expansion Joints • Quantity: 2 pcs. • Dimensions: DN 250 • Installation length: 393,5 mm • Medium: Cooling water • Design pressure: -1/+10 barg • Design temperature: -20/+60°C • LA: +/-15 mm • Bellows: 1.4307 (AISI 304L) • Inner sleeves: 1.4307 (AISI 304L) • Flanges: 1.4301 (AISI 304) • Design code: EJMA

Type: Tied Expansion Joints • Quantity: 1 pcs. • Dimensions: DN 150 • Installation length: 400 mm • Medium: Oil with small particles • Design pressure: -1/+10 barg • Design temperature: -20/+120°C • LA: +/-30 mm • Bellows: 1.4571 (AISI 316 Ti) • Inner sleeves: 1.4404 (AISI 316L) • Flanges: 1.4401 (AISI 316) • Design code: EJMA

Type: Pressure Balanced Expansion Joints • Quantity: 2 pcs. • Dimensions: DN 350 • Installation length: 1144 mm • Medium: Oil with solids • Design pressure: -1/+10 barg • Design temperature: -20/+120°C • AX: +/-23 mm • LA: +/-30 mm • Bellows: 1.4571 (AISI 316 Ti) • Inner sleeves: 1.4404 (AISI 316L) • Flanges: 1.4401 (AISI 316) • Design code: EJMA

CLIENT BENEFIT

Safe operation as the Expansion Joints has been both vacuum and pressure tested
Assistance from a supplier that is highly experienced with pressure test and vacuum test
Expansion Joints from a manufacturer able to design and manufacture Expansion Joints from special materials
High-quality Expansion Joints just as per specifications from the client
Trouble-free operation as the solution is as per the specific clients specifications and needs

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Vacuum-tested-Expansion-Joints-Belman-b (2)

Vacuum-tested-Expansion-Joints-Belman-b (3)

Vacuum-tested-Expansion-Joints-Belman-b (4)

RELATED INFORMATION

TECHNICAL information

Technical information on tests Belman can conduct on Expansion Joints in the Belman Expansion Joint Catalogue on
pages 42 – 43
Technical information on materials used for Expansion Joints in the Belman Expansion Joint Catalogue on
pages 51 – 55 and pages 480 – 487

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REFERENCES

Total Fina Elf • BP • OMV • Gunvor Petroleum (Prev. Kuwait Petroleum Europoort B.v (Q8)) • Shell • Statoil • Rosneft • Enap • TOR • MOL • Chevron • Eni • Murco Petroleum Limited • Linde Ag • Qapco • Lukoil • Preem • Total • PKN Orlen • Saudi Aramco • KNPZ • Maersk Oil • Tatneft • Ceylon Petroluem • Termo Petroleo • Repsol • Equinor (Statoil) • Novatek • Valero • China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) • Ineos • National Refinery • Valero • GE Oil & Gas • ExxonMobil • Sinopec • Petrogal • NOV • Ruhr Oel •

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