Clamp, Coupling and Restraint Products CC-611 04/06

Expansion Joints
611 612
Meets AWWA C221 Standards
 Expansion Joints
All pipelines are subject to some degree of mechanical couplings. Where there are no bolted
thermal expansion and contraction, resulting from mechanical couplings or other flexible joints in the piping
variations in the ambient temperature or temperature of system or where the amount of concentrated pipe
the line contents. When pipe runs are long, the movement at one point is in excess of what can be safely
temperature differential is great or movement of the absorbed by a coupling or other flexible joint, an
supporting structure could occur, provision must be made expansion joint must be used. For detailed information
to accommodate the changes in pipeline length caused regarding the use of bolted mechanical couplings to
by axial movement of the pipe. Such axial movement can accommodate axial pipe movement, consult Smith-Blair®
cause high stress that could result in damage to the Clamp and Coupling brochure CC-411.
piping system and integral equipment unless provision
has been made to allow free pipe displacement. Normal
amounts of axial pipe movement can be absorbed within
the resiliency of the rubber gasket in Smith-Blair® bolted

Selection Guide For Smith-Blair® Expansion Joints

Product Number For Pipe Working
Application Temperature
and Type Sizes Pressure

611 Expansion Joints Single End

Without Slip Pipe-Without Limit Rods
With Slip Pipe-Without Limit Rods
Absorbing change in length
With Slip Pipe-With Limit Rods
of pipeline due to
concentrated pipe movement
Welding, flanged, threaded,
in a given area.
grooved, plain for locking or
harnessed couplings, or other end
connections available.
3" and larger

612 Expansion Joints Double End Absorbing change in length For use with any type
Without Slip Pipe-Without Limit Rods of pipeline due to of pipe with sufficient -20°F to 180°F With
150 PSI
With Slip Pipe-Without Limit Rods concentrated pipe movement tensile strength to Standard Nitrile Gaskets.
According to
With Slip Pipe-With Limit Rods in opposing directions from a overcome the internal Higher or Lower with
Size and Design
given point. friction of the Special Gaskets.
expansion joint and
Welded, flanged, threaded, grooved plain 612 Expansion Joint with pipe joints that
for locking or harnessed couplings, or other MUST always be cannot pull apart
end connections available. anchored.

Pressure Balanced Expansion Joint Without

Slip Pipe-Without Limit Rods With Slip
Absorbing axial pipe
Pipe-Without Limit Rods
movement and pressure
thrust to reduce anchor
Welded, flanged, threaded, grooved, plain
loads.
for locking or harnessed couplings, or other
end connections available.

Index Page No.

Advantages of Smith-Blair® Expansion Joints 3
Applications 4
611 Expansion Joints (Single End) 5-7
612 Expansion Joints (Double End) 8-10
Anchoring 11
Typical Installation 12
Calculating Pipe Expansion 13
General Recommendations 14
Installation Instructions (Available upon request)

2
 Smith-Blair® Expansion Joints consist of a slip
pipe that telescopes within a body to compensate for
Advantages of Smith-Blair ®

changes in the length of a pipeline. The body has a

packing chamber that contains resilient packing to form a Expansion Joints
seal between the body and slip pipe. There is an
adjustable packing gland to maintain the proper • Relief of stress buildup
compaction of the packing for the joint to function • Accommodate large amount of axial pipe
properly while maintaining a seal. The standard packing movement
consists of square sections of specially compounded • Compact--Design requires minimum amount
rubber for sealing, alternated with identically sized of Space
sections of lubricant impregnated fibrous material for • Minimum pressure drop
lubrication. The design is such that repacking the • Ample packing adjustment
gland, if required, can be easily accomplished in a • Require minimum of service
minimum of time without removing the expansion joint
• No highly stressed flexing elements subject
from the line.
Smith-Blair® Expansion Joints are carefully
to fatigue failure
designed and manufactured according to specific • No finite life span
engineering requirements. Constructed of rugged
welded steel to give long, trouble free service, they are Smith-Blair® Slip Type Expansion Joints are
simple to install and require minimum maintance. particularly suited for applications where expansion and
contraction is frequent, or where there is large axial
movement.

Special Features
Hard Chrome-Plated Slip Pipe Lubrication

The exterior surface area of the slip pipe that will When the service is such or the packing is of a
be in contact with the packing during movement is hard type that lubrication will be periodically required, the
chromeplated on a machine surface. The hard chrome- packing chamber can be fitted with a lantern ring and
plating was selected because: button head type lubrication fitting. When self lubricating
packing (lubricant impregnated fibrous material) is
• It protects against corrosion and pitting, insuring free furnished, no lubrication fitting will be included.
movement of the slip pipe.
• Its hardness resists scratching and scoring to provide a Limit Rods (Optional)
smooth surface.
• Its smoothness reduces friction and wear on the packing Limit rods perform three important function on
rings. Expansion Joints:

Generous packing • Limit the travel of the slip pipe.

• When two or more Expansion Joints are installed in a
The depth of the packing chamber, length of the section of pipe between two anchors, the limit rods will
packing gland, size of the packing rings and quantity of activate the adjacent Expansion Joint when one joint has
packing are carefully designed to provide tightness of the reached the full limit of its travel.
joint and to allow for considerable future tightening and • The respective position of the limit adjusting nuts and
adjustment of the packing before the addition of packing the limit ring indicate the position of the slip pipe within
rings, or repacking becomes necessary. the body.

Repack in the line

There is adequate space in the packing gland to

add rings of packing, or completely repack the joint
without removing the expansion joint from the line. The
packing gland is always accessible.
3
 Applications

Bridge crossings--aerial piping: Joining above and below ground piping:

Provide for thermal expansion and contraction Absorb thermal expansion and contraction of
due to changes in ambient temperature. Expansion the above ground pipe to prevent damage to the piping
Joints also provide for differential movement of the system.
supporting structure and pipeline.
Hot water lines, hot air lines, steam lines or other
Vertical lines in subsidence areas: lines subject to temperature changes:
Provide for change in the length of pipe due to Provide thermal expansion and contraction
settlement of the building, dock, tank or other supporting caused by changes in temperature of line contents.
structure or subsidence of the pipeline away from a stable
supporting structure.

A Smith-Blair® 24 inch 612 Double End Expansion Joint with stainless steel Four Smith-Blair® 611 Expansion Joints installed on a steel bridge to
slip pipe galvanized coating. accommodate thermal expansion and contraction.

A 16 inch pipeline was laid on this bridge at the time of construction. The bridge is approximately a mile long. The concrete deck was to be poured 160 tons at a time.
Nine Smith-Blair® Expansion Joints were installed in the pipeline at approximately 600 foot intervals to absorb the change in length of the pipeline due to settlement
when the deck was poured and to provide for thermal expansion and contraction due to changes in ambient temperature during the life of the pipeline.

4
 611
Expansion Joints
Single End
611 Single End Expansion Joints are slip- Material Specifications
type joints that are an excellent means of providing for Body: Carbon Steel AISI C1015-20 or ASTM A283 GR. C
expansion/contraction in pipelines. The standard model
provides for 10 inches of concentrated axial pipe
Slip Pipe: Carbon Steel ASTM A53, ASTM A283 or AISI
movement (traverse). When required, Model 611 C1015-20. Hard chrome-plated on a machined
Expansion Joints can be designed for any amount of surface.
movement--more or less than 10 inches. They are Gasket: Alternate square rings of lubricant impregnated
available in several configurations to meet varying fibrous packing and Nitrile (Buna-N)
application requirements--without slip pipe without limit rubber-compounded to resist oil, natural gas, acids,
rods, with slip pipe without limit rods or with slip pipe alkalies, most (aliphatic) hydrocarbon fluids, water
with limit rods. For convenience of connecting the and many chemicals (contact Smith-Blair®
expansion joint into the pipeline, they can be furnished engineers for applications involving chemicals).
with various end configurations. The ends can be Temperature range -20oF to 180oF. For higher or
beveled for welding, flanged, threaded, grooved and lower temperatures, other types of packing
plain end for use with locking type or harnessed materials can be furnished.
mechanical couplings. They can also be furnished with Limit Rods & Body Studs, Bolts & Nuts: High
mixed end connections, i.e., one end flanged and one strength low alloy steel with heavy, semi finished
end beveled for welding, etc. hexagon nuts.
Standard model 611 Expansion Joints are Optional: Stainless Steel hardware for corrosive
manufactured from carbon steel and furnished with a applications to allow re-torque of packing material.
hard chrome-plated slip pipe. When service conditions
dictate, stainless steel slip pipe can be furnished or the Material specifications are subject to change.
expansion joint can be fabricated from various types of
weldable metals such as monel, stainless steel or high
strength low alloy steel.
611 Expansion Joints can be furnished with a
built-in anchor base when required.

5
 611
Expansion Joints
Single End
(10” Expansion) Plain Ends Beveled for Welding
Without Slip Pipe--Without Limit Rods Open (Cold) Length 26” Steel Pipe Size
Wt.
Nominal Pipe O.D. Catalog Number Each
Pipe Size Inches Lbs.
Inches (A)
3 3.50 611-03501010-000 50
4 4.50 611-04501010-000 65
6 6.63 611-06631010-000 90
8 8.63 611-08631010-000 125
10 10.75 611-10751010-000 165
12 12.75 611-12751010-000 195
14 14.00 611-14001010-000 220
16 16.00 611-16001010-000 250
18 18.00 611-18001010-000 280
20 20.00 611-20001010-000 310
22 22.00 611-22001010-000 340
24 24.00 611-24001010-000 370
When expansion joints are furnished without slip pipes, the customer is responsible for providing a smooth surfaced, properly sized slip pipe and assumes all
responsibility for proper operation of the expansion joint.
The customer furnished slip pipe must have a prepared end at least 24 inches long that is round, smooth and no greater that +.030” or -.010” from nominal size.

With Slip Pipe--Without Limit Rods Open (Cold) Length 38” (L) Steel Pipe Size
Wt.
Nominal Pipe O.D. Catalog Number Each
Pipe Size Inches Lbs.
Inches (A)
3 3.50 611-03502010-000 75
4 4.50 611-04502010-000 90
6 6.63 611-06632010-000 125
8 8.63 611-08632010-000 200

10 10.75 611-10752010-000 270

12 12.75 611-12752010-000 300
14 14.00 611-14002010-000 335
16 16.00 611-16002010-000 385
18 18.00 611-18002010-000 475
20 20.00 611-20002010-000 520
22 22.00 611-22002010-000 560
24 24.00 611-24002010-000 625

With Slip Pipe--With Limit Rods Open (Cold) Length 40 1/2” (L) Steel Pipe Size
Wt.
Nominal Pipe O.D. Catalog Number Each
Pipe Size Inches Lbs.
Inches (A)
3 3.50 611-03503010-000 80
4 4.50 611-04503010-000 100
6 6.63 611-06633010-000 150
8 8.63 611-08633010-000 200
10 10.75 611-10753010-000 265
12 12.75 611-12753010-000 330
14 14.00 611-14003010-000 380
16 16.00 611-16003010-000 430
18 18.00 611-18003010-000 480
20 20.00 611-20003010-000 540
22 22.00 611-22003010-000 595
24 24.00 611-24003010-000 650
Larger sizes--up to 96” available on request. Other types of end connections available on request.
6
 611
Expansion Joints
Single End
(10” Expansion) Flanged Ends

Flanged Ends
With Slip Pipe--Without Limit Rods Open (Cold) Length 39” (L) Steel Pipe Size
Wt.
Nominal Pipe O.D.
Catalog Number Each
Pipe Size Inches
Lbs.
Inches (A)
3 3.50 611-03504010-000 90
4 4.50 611-04504010-000 115
6 6.63 611-06634010-000 165
8 8.63 611-08634010-000 260
10 10.75 611-10754010-000 355
12 12.75 611-12754010-000 425
14 14.00 611-14004010-000 515
16 16.00 611-16004010-000 580
18 18.00 611-18004010-000 735
20 20.00 611-20004010-000 850
22 22.00 611-22004010-000 930
24 24.00 611-24004010-000 1065

With Slip Pipe--With Limit Rods Open (Cold) Length 50 1/2” (L) Steel Pipe Size
Wt.
Nominal Pipe O.D. Catalog Number Each
Pipe Size Inches Lbs.
Inches (A)
3 3.50 611-03505010-000 95
4 4.50 611-04505010-000 125
6 6.63 611-06635010-000 185
8 8.63 611-08635010-000 260
10 10.75 611-10755010-000 350
12 12.75 611-12755010-000 460
14 14.00 611-14005010-000 560
16 16.00 611-16005010-000 685
18 18.00 611-18005010-000 740
20 20.00 611-20005010-000 870
22 22.00 611-22005010-000 965
24 24.00 611-24005010-000 1090

Larger sizes--up to 96” available on request. Other types of end connections available on
request.

Slip-type expansion joints must be installed in an accessible location for future maintenance and packing
adjustment.

When more than one Smith-Blair® expansion joint is installed in a straight segment of pipe between two anchors, they
must have limit rods. The limit rods limit the movement of each joint when the pipe contracts and the internal stops*
will limit the movement in each joint when the pipe expands.

*Pipe Stop Optional

7
 612
Expansion Joints
(Double End)
612 Double End Expansion Joints are slip type
joints with a slip pipe at each end to accommodate axial
Material Specifications
pipe movement. The standard model provides for 10 Body: Carbon Steel AISI C1015-20 or ASTM A283 GR. C
inches of concentrated axial pipe movement (traverse)--5 Slip Pipe: Carbon Steel ASTM A53, ASTM A283 or AISI
inches at each end. Other lengths can be constructed C1015-20. Hard chrome-plated on a machined
accommodating movement from 1” through 36”. They are surface.
available without slip pipe, with slip pipe without limit rods Gasket: Alternate square rings of lubricant impregnated
or with slip pipe with limit rods. For convenience of
fibrous packing and Nitrile (Buna-N) rubber-
connecting the expansion joint into the pipeline, they can
compounded to resist oil, natural gas, acids,
be furnished with various end configurations. The ends
can be beveled for welding, flanged, threaded, grooved or alkalies, most (aliphatic) hydrocarbon fluids, water
plain end for use with locking type or harnesses and many chemicals (contact Smith-Blair®
mechanical couplings. They can also be furnished with engineers for applications involving chemicals).
mixed end connections, i.e., one end flanged and one end Temperature range -20oF to 180oF. For higher or
beveled for welding, etc. lower temperatures, other types of packing
612 Double End Expansion Joints MUST materials can be furnished.
always be anchored to prevent the total pipe
movement form accumulating in one end.
Limit Rods & Body Studs, Bolts & Nuts: High
strength low alloy steel with heavy, semi finished
Standard model Smith-Blair® 612 Expansion
hexagon nuts.
Joints are manufactured from carbon steel and furnished
with a hard chrome-plated slip pipe. When service Optional: Stainless Steel hardware for corrosive
conditions dictate, stainless steel slip pipes can be applications to allow re-torque of packing material.
furnished or the expansion joint can be fabricated from
various types of weldable metals such as monel, stainless Material Specifications are subject to change.
steel or high strength low alloy steel.
612 Expansion Joints can be furnished with a
built-in anchor base upon request.

8
 612
Expansion Joints
Double End
(10” expansion--5” each end)
Plain End Beveled for Welding
Without Slip Pipe--Without Limit Rods Open (Cold) Length 36” Steel Pipe Size
Wt.
Nominal Pipe O.D. Catalog Number Each
Body Flange Gland Bolt Pipe Size Inches Lbs.
Inches (A)
Stop
3 3.50 612-03501010-000 60
4 4.50 612-04501010-000 75
6 6.63 612-06631010-000 100
8 8.63 612-08631010-000 145
Packing 612-10751010-000
10 10.75 180
12 12.75 612-12751010-000 205
14 14.00 612-14001010-000 235
16 16.00 612-16001010-000 265
Body Packing Gland 18 18.00 612-18001010-000 305
20 20.00 612-20001010-000 335
Packing Chamber 22 22.00 612-22001010-000 370
24 24.00 612-24001010-000 400
When expansion joints are furnished without slip pipes, the customer is responsible for providing a smooth surfaced, properly sized slip pipe and assumes all
responsibility for proper operation of the expansion joint.
The customer furnished slip pipe must have a prepared end at least 24 inches long that is round, smooth and no greater than +.030” or -.010” from nominal size.

With Slip Pipe--Without Limit Rods Open (Cold) Length 48” L Steel Pipe Size
Wt.
Nominal Pipe O.D. Catalog Number Each
Pipe Size Inches Lbs.
Inches (A)
3 3.50 612-03502010-000 85
Body Flange Gland Bolt
4 4.50 612-04502010-000 120
L
Stop 6 6.63 612-06632010-000 160
8 8.63 612-08632010-000 230
Slip Pipe
Slip Pipe in Closed Slip Pipe A 10 10.75 612-10752010-000 290
Packing Position
12 12.75 612-12752010-000 405
14 14.00 612-14002010-000 475
Body Packing Gland 16 16.00 612-16002010-000 530
18 18.00 612-18002010-000 575
Packing Chamber
20 20.00 612-20002010-000 625
22 22.00 612-22002010-000 670
24 24.00 612-24002010-000 740

With Slip Pipe--With Limit Rods Open (Cold) Length 54” L Steel Pipe Size
Wt.
Nominal Pipe O.D. Catalog Number Each
Pipe Size Inches Lbs.
Inches (A)
Body Flange Gland Bolt 3 3.50 100
L
612-03503010-000
Stop 4 4.50 612-04503010-000 130
6 6.63 612-06633010-000 190
Slip Pipe
Slip Pipe in Closed Slip Pipe A 8 8.63 612-08633010-000 270
Packing Position 10 10.75 612-10753010-000 100
12 12.75 612-12753010-000 130
Limit Rod Body Packing Gland Limit Rod 14 14.00 612-14003010-000 190
Packing Chamber 16 16.00 612-16003010-000 270
Limit Adjusting Nuts 18 18.00 612-18003010-000 610
20 20.00 612-20003010-000 700
22 22.00 612-22003010-000 770
24 24.00 612-24003010-000 840
Larger sizes--up to 96” available on request. Other types of end connections available on request.
9
 612
Expansion Joints
Double End
(10” expansion--5” each end)

Flanged Ends
With Slip Pipe--Without Limit Rods Open (Cold) Length 56” (L) Steel Pipe Size
Wt.
Nominal Pipe O.D. Catalog Number Each
Pipe Size Inches Lbs.
Inches (A)
3 3.50 612-03504010-000 100
4 4.50 612-04504010-000 145
6 6.63 612-06634010-000 200
8 8.63 612-08634010-000 290
10 10.75 612-10754010-000 375
12 12.75 612-12754010-000 535
14 14.00 612-14004010-000 585
16 16.00 612-16004010-000 725
18 18.00 612-18004010-000 835
20 20.00 612-20004010-000 955
22 22.00 612-22004010-000 1040
24 24.00 612-24004010-000 1180

With Slip Pipe--With Limit Rods Open (Cold) Length 71” (L) Steel Pipe Size
Wt.
Nominal Pipe O.D. Catalog Number Each
Pipe Size Inches Lbs.
Inches (A)
3 3.50 612-03505010-000 115
4 4.50 612-04505010-000 155
6 6.63 612-06635010-000 230
8 8.63 612-08635010-000 330
10 10.75 612-10755010-000 435
12 12.75 612-12755010-000 555
14 14.00 612-14005010-000 665
16 16.00 612-16005010-000 745
18 18.00 612-18005010-000 870
20 20.00 612-20005010-000 1030
22 22.00 612-22005010-000 1140
24 24.00 612-24005010-000 1280

Larger sizes--up to 96” available on request. Other types of end connections available on request.

Slip-type expansion joints must be installed in an accessible location for future maintenance and packing adjustment.

When more than one Smith-Blair® expansion joint is installed in a straight segment of pipe between two anchors, they
must have limit rods. The limit rods will limit the movement of each joint when the pipe contracts and the internal stops*
will limit the movement in each joint when the pipe expands.

*Pipe Stop Optional

10
 Anchoring, Guiding and
Supporting Pipelines
Anchoring: Force required to actuate the expansion joint
Proper anchoring is vital to the normal operation slip pipe is dependent upon the pipe size and tightness
of any piping system, whether or not expansion joints are of the packing gland. A good figure to use to calculate
used. Expansion joints will not function properly unless this is 600 pounds times the nominal pipe size.
the pipeline in which they are located is securely Forces required to overcome the friction
anchored and guided. Anchors serve to stabilize the created by the pipe alignment guides and pipe supports
pipeline where concentrated loads could occur such as at will depend upon the type and number used. These
terminal points, changes in direction, valves, fitting etc. forces must be obtained from the manufacturer of the
Anchors also divide the pipeline into straight runs of guides supports.
independently expanding-contracting segments, limiting Pipe alignment guides: Smith-Blair®
the thermal and mechanical changes in dimension to Expansion Joints are designed specifically to
each segment, and establishing the limits of movement to accommodate axial movement of a pipeline. It is
be absorbed by expansion joints. necessary to provide proper and adequate guiding to
Pipe anchors, designed to withstand all the assure free and concentric movement of the slip pipe
through the packing chamber to permit the Expansion
forces and movements which will be imposed upon them,
Joint to function in a trouble-free manner, providing
are classed as either MAIN ANCHORS or satisfactory operation and long life with a minimum of
INTERMEDIATE ANCHORS. maintenance.
Main anchors are required at the terminal points Alignment guides are sleeves or frames
of the piping system, valves, changes in direction, fastened to a rigid structure. They must be designed
junctions, and to control the pipe movement so that and constructed to permit free movement along the axis
expansion joints will function properly. Main anchors of the pipe, positively restrict any lateral movement of
must be designed to withstand the full thrust resulting the pipe and resist corrosion to ensure continued
from the internal line pressure, plus the force required to trouble free service.
actuate the expansion joint slip pipe and the frictional Proper placement of the alignment guides is
forces created by the pipe guides and supports. very important. The first alignment guide should be
When an anchor is installed at a change in located as close to the Expansion Joint as possible
direction of the pipeline, there will also be a reaction force within a maximum of four pipe diameters.
due to the change in direction of flow of the line contents. The distance from the first to the second
Some applications also require consideration of the alignment guide should be up to a maximum of fourteen
weight of the piping system and wind loads. pipe diameters, not to exceed 18 feet. Additional
As a general rule, the total force imposed on any alignment guides, should be calculated to keep the
main anchor located in a piping system is equal to the pipeline from bowing and preserve the stability of the
vector sum of all forces imposed on that anchor by each system as axial loading increases, since any pipeline
segment of piping adjacent to the anchor, plus any acts as a load-bearing column.
reaction force resulting from change in direction of the Pipe supports, such as rollers, hangers or
piping. In the case of a reduction in line size, the total U-bolts, cannot be considered as alignment guides, as
force is equal to the difference between the larger and they are designed to simply carry the dead weight of the
smaller force, and is applied in the direction of the smaller pipeline and its contents.
force. Pipe supports: Between alignment guides and
Intermediate anchors can be installed anchors, it is necessary to support the pipe at regular
anywhere in a straight run of pipe between the main intervals to keep it from sagging. Supports should also
anchors. They are used to divide the pipeline into be installed where there is concentrated loading such as
straight, independently expanding-contracting sections. valves or other heavy fittings or equipment. Pipe
The only forces to consider are the frictional forces supports should be designed to carry the total weight of
required to actuate the expansion joint slip pipe and the the pipeline, valves, fittings and line contents. They
frictional forces created by the pipe alignment guides and should also be able to withstand any horizontal thrust
supports. All other forces at the intermediate anchor are resulting from expansion or contraction of the pipe.
acting in opposition to each other, and theoretically Typical supports are U-bolts, roller supports and rod
become zero. spring hangers.
If an Expansion Joint is installed at an anchor, it In addition to the proper design and placement
should be within four pipe diameters. of anchors, guides and supports, it is equally important
Pressure thrust, resulting from internal line to consider the design of the structure to which they will
pressure, is the cross sectional area of the outside be attached to ensure that it has sufficient strength to
diameter of the pipe times the line pressure (PSIG). carry the total load.
11
Typical Expansion Joint Installations Typical Anchor Installations
Economy in alignment guides can be obtained by Anchor No. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 are MAIN ANCHORS.
locating an expansion joint within four diameters of an Anchor No. 2 is an INTERMEDIATE ANCHOR.
anchor. Pipe alignment guides are then required on one Considering axial extension and compression
side only. Expansion joints located in the line away from only and assuming that the pipe is properly supported,
anchors require alignment guides on both sides. the forces on each anchor will be shown below:

611 Single End Expansion Joint installed within 4 pipe

diameters of an anchor.

611 Single End Expansion Joint installed in the line away from
the anchors.

611 Single End Expansion Joint installed within four diameters

of an intermediate anchor.

612 Double End Anchored Expansion Joint installed in a line

mid-way between two main anchors.
Expansion Joints Must be Anchored

Two 611 Single End Expansion Joints with limit rods installed
in a line between two anchors.

Pipe installed with proper anchors, alignment guides and Forces in Anchors (Axial Movement Only)
supports usually remain that way unless there is a
malfunction or anchor failure. Anchors 1, Pressure thrust.
5 and 7 Resistance from alignment guides and
supports.
Legend Force to activate Expansion Joint.
Anchor 2 Resistance from alignment guides
Main Anchor and supports.
Intermediate Anchor Force to activate Expansion Joint.
Alignment Guide Anchor 3 Vector sum of pressure thrusts line 1 to 3
and 3 to 4.
Sliding Support Resistance from alignment guides and
611 Single End Expansion Joint supports.
611 Single End Expansion Joint with Limit Rods Force to activate Expansion Joint.
Reaction force at change of direction.
611 Single End Expansion Joint Anchored Anchor 4 Line 4 to 5
612 Double End Expansion Joint Pressure thrust.
612 Double End Expansion Joint with Limit Rods Resistance from alignment guides and
supports
612 Double End Expansion Joint Anchored Force to activate Expansion Joint.
Reaction force at change of direction.
Line 3 to 6
Pressure thrust line 3 to 4 minus pressure
thrust 4 to 6.
Resistance from alignment guides and
supports line 3 to 4 minus line 4 to 6.
Force to activate Expansion Joints Line 3
to 4 minus line 4 to 6.
Anchor 6 Vector sum of pressure thrust lines 4 to 6
and 6 to 7
Resistance from alignment guides and
supports.
Force to activate Expansion Joint.
Reaction force at change of direction.
12
 Calculating Pipe Expansion

Linear Expansion of Pipe

Increase in Inches Per 100 Ft. of Pipe From 0 to To determine the change in length of a pipeline due to
Temperature thermal expansion or contraction:
Temperature Indicated
Differential
Degrees Wrought Brass &
Steel Cast Iron
Fahrenheit Iron Copper 1. Determine the temperature range from the maximum
and minimum temperature given.
0 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000
10 0.076 0.072 0.079 0.114
2. From the chart at the left, find the increase in inches
20 0.152 0.144 0.158 0.228
30 0.228 0.126 0.237 0.342 per 100 feet of pipe at the temperature for the type of
40 0.304 0.288 0.316 0.456 pipe involved.
50 0.380 0.360 0.395 0.570
60 0.465 0.432 0.474 0.684 3. Divide the increase in inches per 100 feet by 100,
70 0.532 0.504 0.553 0.798 and multiply by the length of the pipeline.
80 0.608 0.576 0.632 0.912
90 0.684 0.648 0.711 1.026 4. Add 10% to the calculated change in length to allow
for unforeseen temperature extremes, or for installation
100 0.76 0.72 0.79 1.14
discrepancies.
125 0.92 0.88 0.97 1.40
150 1.15 1.10 1.21 1.75
175 1.34 1.28 1.41 2.04 Example 1:
500 Feet Steel Pipeline
200 1.57 1.50 1.65 2.38 Maximum Operating Temperature 130• F
225 1.78 1.70 1.87 2.70 Minimum Operating Temperature -20• F
250 1.99 1.90 2.09 3.02 Temperature Range 150• F
275 2.26 2.15 2.36 3.42 Change in length per 100 ft. of steel pipe @ 150• F = 1.15”

300 2.48 2.35 2.58 3.74 1.15 x 500 = 5.75” Change in length of 500 ft. Steel Pipe
325 2.73 2.60 2.86 4.13 100
350 2.94 2.90 3.08 4.45 5.75 x 1.10 = 6.33” Allowance for thermal expansion/contraction
375 3.31 3.15 3.46 5.01 Example 2:
400 3.46 3.30 3.63 5.24 800 Foot Steel Pipe Line

425 3.86 3.68 4.05 5.85 Maximum Operating Temperature 110• F

Minimum Operating Temperature 40• F
450 4.08 3.89 4.28 6.18
Temperature Range 70• F
475 4.41 4.20 4.62 6.68
•
Change in length per 100 ft. of steel pipe at 70 F = .532”
500 4.67 4.45 4.90 7.06
525 4.99 4.75 5.23 7.55 .532 x 800 = 4.26” Change in length of 800 ft. of Steel Pipe
100
550 5.30 5.05 5.55 8.03
575 5.63 5.36 5.90 8.52 4.26 x 1.10 = 4.67” Allowance for thermal expansion/contraction

600 5.98 5.70 6.26 9.06

625 6.35 6.05 6.65 9.62
650 6.71 6.40 7.05 10.18
675 7.12 6.78 7.46 10.78
700 7.50 7.15 7.86 11.37
725 7.96 7.58 8.33 12.06
750 8.36 7.96 8.75 12.66
775 8.84 8.42 12.66 13.38
800 9.31 8.87 9.76 14.10

Expansion values given are approximate, but are correct to the

best known information.

13
 General
Recommendations

The expansion joint selected must Before applying hydrostatic tests on a piping
accommodate axial movement at least equal to the system with expansion joints, be sure all of the anchors
maximum anticipated pipe movement. and alignment guides are properly installed.
Slip type expansion joints must always be Expansion joints installed below ground must
installed in an accessible location to permit maintance be in a vault. Earth backfill compacted around the
and adjustment. expansion joint will prevent it from functioning properly.
Proper positioning of the slip pipe is
extremely important when installing expansion joints. MANDATORY ORDERING CHECKLIST
If the slip pipe is not properly positioned, the
expansion joint will not have the full axial movement 1. Quantity
designed into it. Axial movement of the pipe could 2. Pipe size and type, outside diameter, and wall
result in damage to the pipeline, expansion joint or thickness.
other equipment. 3. Type of installation--steam lines, bridge crossing,
When dividing a pipeline into independent slurry line, etc.
expanding and contracting segments by the 4. Line content
placement of main anchors and intermediate anchors, 5. Maximum working pressure.
it is desirable to make the segments approximately 6. Maximum and minimum temperature.
the same length, if possible. This will require all 7. Amount of axial movement to be taken care of by
expansion joints to accommodate approximately the each expansion joint.
same amount of axial movement and simplify or 8. Frequency of cycling.
ordering, design and installation. 9. Type of slip pipe--chrome-plated, stainless steel, etc.
When laying long runs of pipe and installing 10. Special coatings or materials requirements.
the expansion joints later, the practice of leaving 11. End preparation--how will the expansion joint be tied
random gaps in the line for the expansion joints should into the line? Welded, flanged, threaded, etc.
NOT BE PERMITTED. A space in the pipeline the 12. How will the pipe be supported and anchored?
exact length for proper adjustment of the expansion 13. Any information concerning unusual installation or
joint should be provided at the time of installation. service requirements.
When expansion joints are installed in the
pipeline by welding, care must be taken that no
welding slag gets on the slip pipe.

14
 View Other Products Available at
Smith-Blair®
Product Product Number and Type Application For Pipe Sizes

Reducing and Size-on-size

flanged outlets on all types of
622 Tapping Sleeve 4" & larger
pipe. Also available with threaded
outlets.

623 Carbon Steel Reducing and size-on-size

4" & larger
Mechanical Joint flanged outlets

625 Tapping Sleeve for Reducing outlets on concrete steel

12" & larger
concrete cylinder pipe cylinder pipe

Reducing flanged outlet that can

626 Weld-on Outlet 4" & larger
be welded onto any steel pipe

662 Stainless Steel Tapping

Reducing and size-on-size flanged
Sleeve with Flexi-Blue 4" thru 24"
4" thru 12" outlet
Epoxy coating Flange

663 Stainless Steel Tapping

Reducing and size-on-size flanged
Sleeve with Stainless 4" thru 24"
4" thru 12" outlet
Steel Flange

664 Stainless Steel Tapping

Reducing and size-on-size flanged
Sleeve with Flexi-Coat 4" thru 24"
4" thru 12" outlet
Epoxy Coated Flange

665 Stainless Steel Tapping

Reducing and size-on-size flanged
Sleeve with Stainless 4" thru 24"
4" thru 12" outlet
Steel Flange

Tapping Sleeve w/MJ Outlet

Option Available on SB Carbon
See CC-620 for details
Steel and Stainless Steel Tapping
Sleeves

680 Series Tapping Sleeve

See CC-620 for details
with Line Stop Outlets

15
Although SMITH-BLAIR® has employed every effort to present WARRANTY: SMITH-BLAIR® warrants its products only against
accurate information, the technical performance data, defects in materials and workmanship. SMITH-BLAIR’s® liability
installation recommendations, and specifications in this catalog and customer’s exclusive remedy under this warranty or any
are presented merely as a guide. Each application must be warranty extends for a period of (1) year from the date of SMITH-
evaluated relative to its own “special conditions” and should be BLAIR’s® shipment and is expressly limited to repayment of the
reviewed by a qualified engineer to verify that the stated purchase price, repair, or replacement, at SMITH-BLAIR’s®
pressures, temperatures, and other performance data are options during said period, upon proof satisfactory to SMITH-
applicable. Anyone making use of this information assumes all BLAIR® and upon customer’s returning and prepaying all charges
liabilities from such use. on such products to factory or warehouse designated by SMITH-
BLAIR®. THIS WARRANTY IS MADE EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF
ALL OTHER WARRANTIES. EXPRESS, IMPLIED, OR
STATUTORY, WITH RESPECT TO QUALITY,
MERCHANTABILITY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE.

Distributed By:
Sales and Manufacturing Facility

Smith-Blair, Inc.
30 Globe Avenue
Texarkana, AR 71854
P.O. Box 5337
Texarkana, TX 75505
Phone:(800) 643-9705 (870) 773-5127
Fax:(800) 648-6792 (870) 773-5212
www.smith-blair.com

5000/4/06/SWP