PERIODIC IN-SERVICE INSPECTION

WARNING: Extreme care must be exercised while inspecting any pressurized system
or component.
A. SCOPE
This section will serve as a guide for periodic inspection and review of metallic
bellows expansion joints that are in service. Criteria are presented for evaluation of
their
suitability for continued safe operation. Frequency of service will be at owner's
discretion.
B. IDENTIFICATION AND RECORDING
An expansion joint record system should be established to identify and characterize the
design and operating conditions for each bellows expansion joint. The record should
include tag number, process service, design and operating pressure. temperature, flow
direction. fluid velocity, materials of construction, and engineering design data such as
pipe size, number of convolutions, bellows wall thickness and number of plys,
presence of an internal sleeve, lateral, axial, and angular movements, and design basis
cycle life. The record should allow documentation of all design reviews and
inspections.
C. DESIGN REVIEW

a. Review all bellows expansion joints periodically to confirm that current service
conditions are compatible with bellows design capabilities. Changes in pressure,
temperature, fluid composition. frequency of thermal and pressure cycling, and
possible exposure to vibration from external means or pulsating pressure should also be
reviewed and compared to the original design basis of the expansion joint.
Considerations should also be given to upset or short time conditions not originally
anticipated.
b. If current process conditions and movements imposed upon the expansion joint are
within the bellows expansion joints' ratings, and there has been no corrosion, damage,
or permanent distortion of the bellows, no further analysis is needed. If. however
pressure, temperature, or movement exceeds the expansion joints' ratings, or if there
has been
excessive deformation of the convolutions, an expansion joint manufacturer should be
contacted and an engineering analysis should be made to determine whether the
expansion joint should be replaced.
c. After an initial design review of existing installations, a periodic review program
should be established. The frequency of the review will depend service and
environmental conditions, the potential for process changes. and the critical or
hazardous nature of the service.
D. INSPECTION AND EVALUATION

a. All bellows expansion joints in service should be inspected periodically for

mechanical damage; distortion caused by overpressure, overextension or
overcompression. cracking, cracking of the bellows attachment weld, corrosion,
restriction of movement from foreign material, and any others signs that might indicate
premature failure.

b. Two Ply Testable Bellows Expansion Joints - Any bellows expansion joint designed
as a two ply testable (redundant ply) and equipped with warning equipment such as a
pressure gauges or pop-up detection devices should be inspected on more frequent
intervals, since these expansion joints are normally specified and intended for more
critical service.
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c. Consider replacement of the bellows expansion joint based upon

inspection results, the expected number of cycles in the plant, the design
cyclic basis of the bellows, and the hazardous nature of the service.
d. The frequency of the inspection depends on the nature of the service
and conditions as discussed in 4.9.I-g, and the potential for mechanical
damage, vibration, and corrosion. Bellows handling extremely hazardous
or lethal material should be inspected regularly.

e. The following can be used as a guide in making

the

inspection:
Bellows thickness. Inspect for pitting or

thinning.
Bellows- deformation. Inspect the bellows while in service for
squirm or excessive movement.
Bellows slid ace. Inspect the bellows surface for the following
conditions:
Wrinkles. Wrinkles are an indication that torsion has been applied
to the bellows either in operation or installation. If wrinkles are
present, the bellows should be replaced and the new bellows
expansion joint should have measures such as
hinges or round gimbals installed to prevent torsion from being
induced.
Dents. Dents can reduce the life of a bellows significantly,
depending upon the radius of curvature of the dented surface.
Sharp dents with small radius of
curvature in the convolution are more harmful than dents with a
large radius of curvature.
Weld splatter. Weld splatter can be detrimental to bellows
performance. If weld splatter is present, contact manufacturer
for recommendations and consider
possible replacement.
Foreign material. Foreign material, such as scraps of metal,
wood, nuts and bolts, etc., could possibly interfere with the
normal movement of the bellows. Remove any such foreign
material.
Scratches. Scratches on the surface of the bellows can act as
stress risers and can reduce the bellows cycle life. A scratch that
runs circumferentially is more
harmful than a scratch that runs longitudinally or radially.
f. Attachments to the expansion joint
In severe service applications, attachment of lugs and rings is
also a potential source of cracks and these areas should be
checked by dye penetrant, magnetic particle or ultrasonic NDE
for any incipient cracking. Any insulation should be replaced in

accordance with manufacturer's drawings.

Inspect tie rods, hinges, lugs, and rings for any distortion. Tie
rods, hinges, and gimbals should be insulated in accordance
with manufacturer's drawings.