Pipe Expansion Joints

HVAC/Plumbing Applications of Rubber Pipe Joints

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HVAC/Plumbing Applications of Rubber Joints

▪ Expansion joints in HVAC/Plumbing systems are commonly installed for noise and vibration reduction

▪ Specified and detailed at pump and equipment connections:

HVAC/Plumbing Applications of Rubber Joints

▪ Installation at rotating or vibrating equipment:

Pump Isolation

Chillers

Air Handler Coils

HVAC/Plumbing Applications of Rubber Joints

▪ Installation Considerations (follow the instructions!):

▪ Don’t use joints to compensate for pipe misalignments

▪ Tighten bolts to proper torque according to the manufacturer’s specifications

▪ Always include control units

▪ Check temperature and pressure limits against operating conditions

▪ Check material compatibility with medium in the pipes and environment of installation

HVAC/Plumbing Applications of Rubber Joints

▪ Common Questions:

▪ Other standard details show metal connectors – what’s better?

▪ Extensive testing has shown that rubber joints are superior to metal joints in noise and vibration reduction; however, the specifier must also consider temperature, pressure and fluid medium. There are applications that may be outside of the performance of rubber joints.

▪ Won’t the control rods “short circuit” the vibration and render the joint ineffective?

▪ No! Testing has shown that the control rods have little effect on vibration transmission.

HVAC/Plumbing Applications of Rubber Joints

Common Materials for HVAC/Plumbing Applications:

HVAC/Plumbing Applications of Rubber Joints

▪ Standards:

▪ Fluid Sealing Association (FSA)

▪ Piping Expansion Joints Technical Handbook

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▪

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FSA-PSJ-701-19 Hydro and Vacuum Testing

FSA-PSJ-702-19 Installation, Maintenance and Storage

FSA-PSJ-703-19 Guidelines for Elastomers

▪ ASTM

▪ F1123 Standard Specification for Non-Metallic Expansion Joints