BOA Group

PIPELINE EXPANSION JOINTS

Table of contents
Company profile Basic principals Compensation of thermal expansion in pipelines Capacity Nominal design conditions Materials Expansion joint programs Program 7 Program 8 Program 3 Quality assurance Applications of expansion joints 2

4 5 6 8 10 11 12 13 16

Company profile BOA BKT GmbH

BOA BKT GmbH

BOA BKT GmbH and its associates in Argentina, Austria, Brazil, France, Switzerland and USA belong to the leading manufacurers of measuring and control instruments, expansion joints, metal bellows and metal flexible hose. Within the BOA group of companies, BOA BKT GmbH in Stutensee near Karlsruhe, Germany is an independent enterprise of Bopp und Reuther AG in Mannheim, Germany. Worldwide, more than 1100 employees are involved in the manufacture of the following diversified range of products based on nine decades of experience and continuous development. Measuring and control engineering include: instruments with and without auxiliary power to control temperature, pressure and flow, electronic heater controls and compact control units for district heating systems, electronic flow meters for applications in district heating systems, heating and ventilation as well as in industrial plants. DDC building management systems include digital control and measuring systems in compact and module design for all applications in heating, ventilation and air conditioning, refrigeration and electricity as well as management and engineering systems for process control in industrial plants.

Expansion joints and expansion systems for the compensation of thermal expansion in pipelines and vessels, for the dampening of vibrations of pumps, compressors and engines, for flexible connections and penetrations of pipelines for the compensation of assembly misalignments and as assembly aid for the installation of heavy instruments. Metal bellows as flexible connectors and seals as well as expansion compensators and pressure relief elements in control instruments in solar and vacuum technology, in the construction of turbines and apparatus and in many other applications. Flexible metal joints for exhaust systems such as: Metal bellows and metal hose assemblies as flexible and gastight expansion elements in for example engine manifolds and exhaust pipes. Decoupling joints between engine and exhaust system. Flexible metal hose in stainless steel, special alloys and bronze with spiral wound and parallel convolutions up to DN 300 mm. They are used as extremely flexible connections in all industrial applications and low cost assembly systems in the HVAC industry. Flexible metal hose are also available as specialty products for more complex applications.

Company profile SFZ, France

SFZ in Chassieu, France was incorporated in 1973 and specializes in the manufacture of expansion joints for industrial applications. Since the merger with BOA BKT GmbH, the products of both companies complement each other ideally. In the Chassieu facilities, mainly specialty expansion joints for pipelines in ships and in nuclear, chemical and petrochemical plants are produced. SFZ manufactures in strict accordance with national and international codes that form the basis of their high quality standards. Our associate company SFZ in France

BOA AG, Switzerland

BOA AG in Lucerne, Switzerland was incorporated in 1906. BOA and its associates in France, USA and The Netherlands are internationally recognized for their competence and quality. At the companys main location in Rothenburg near Lucerne, 200 employees manufacture metal bellows expansion joints, flexible metal hose and instrument bellows according to manufacturing techniques some of which differ from those utilized by other associates. As a result of this, their products effect a valuable completion of the entire product range. Multiple ply expansion joints The central item of BOAs expansion joints production is the multiple ply metal bellows which provide the largest movement capacity with the shortest possible bellows length and the lowest spring rates. The diverse range of expansion joints which also includes applications for the highest pressure conditions is utilized in all areas of industry, district heating and plant construction. Metal bellows BOA metal bellows available in single or multiple wall design in stainless steels, special alloys or non-ferrous metals are used in almost all fields of industry. Extreme dimensional accuracy, highest quality and precise spring rates are characteristic of these products. Flexible metal hoses Flexible metal hose of different designs serve in the transportation of liquids and gases. High flexibility, highest pressure and temperature ratings as well as specialty designs for cryogenic applications mark this comprehensive manufacturing program.

Our associate company BOA AG in Switzerland

DINATECNICA, Argentina / Brazil

DINATECNICA SA, Argentina and DINATECNICA Ind. e Com. Ltda, Brazil, in which BOA BKT GmbH hold shares since 1978, are leading manufacturers of flexible metal hose and metal bellows as well as rubber and PTFE expansion joints. The close cooperation between these companies and IBOA BKT GmbH has resulted in the development of top quality products. DINATECNICA employs an approximate total of 280 people in the manufacturing facilities in Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires. Rubber expansion joints The rubber expansion joint program was developed by DINATECNICA, Brazil. It corresponds with international codes in general and with the DIN Standards in particular. Due to the large variety of rubber compounds used, these expansion joints may be utilized for a large variety of flow media.

Our associate companies DINATECNICA SA in Argentina and DINATECNICA Ind. e Com. Ltda in Brazil

Basic principals
Compensation of thermal expansion in pipelines According to their physical properties, most metals expand with increasing temperatures and contract with decreasing temperatures. In pipeline systems, this phenomena causes a variation in the length of the individual sections of the pipeline. As pipelines are normally anchored at least on two connection points, any variation in length will result in thermal strain in the material and enhanced forces and moments at these terminal points. As far as possible, one will utilize the inherent flexibility of a pipeline to compensate the pipe expansion (natural compensation). Should the expansion, however, exceed the inherent flexibility of the pipe, expansion joints are necessary to compensate these movements. Additionally, mechanical vibrations of pumps, compressors, turbines and motors should be dampened to avoid any damage to adjoining pipelines, their supports or any installed instruments. Forces and moments on nozzles of compressors, turbines, vessels and other plant components are limited and must not be exceeded. In all these cases, expansion joints can be utilized. The central component of each expansion joint is the metal bellows(*) that, due to its shape and thin wall, acts like a spring. The bellows however has to meet the following basic criteria to qualify for its use as an expansion element. It must withstand the operating and test conditions (pressure, temperature) of the pipe system, ensure corrosion resistance against internal (flow) and external (atmospheric) conditions, provide sufficient flexibility to compensate thermal expansion and mechanical vibrations with the requested durability (life expectancy) include sufficient squirm stability. Bellows that meet these design criteria are joined together with other items to form expansion joints. According to their ability to compensate movements in various directions and planes, one differentiates between: Axial Expansion Joints Angular Expansion Joints Lateral Expansion Joints. Axial Expansion Joints are suited to compensate for expansion in straight pipelines that are fixed at both ends and guided in its axis by additional supports. Bellows sleeves are installed to reduce flow friction and to prevent vibrations or pulsation of the flow from affecting the bellows. A shroud protects the bellows against mechanical damage from the outside. Expansion joints are often supplied in prestressed conditions to simplify their installation. The pipe expansion is compensated by compression and extension of the bellows. Special consideration must be given to the pressure thrust that has to be restrained by pipe anchors. The total reaction force that a pipe anchor has to withstand is determined by the sum of: the pressure thrust the spring force of the bellows and the friction in the pipe supports/guides. Larger diameters and/or high pressure conditions often make the installation of axial expansion joints less economical due to the high reaction forces that require heavy anchors. In such cases, other expansion joints are preferred. Angular and Lateral Expansion Joints are commonly fitted with hardware that restrain the pressure thrust. Subsequently, only the spring force of the bellows and friction affect the pipeline. Angular expansion joints are suitable for compensating angular rotation. Lateral expansion joints permit movements perpendicular to their axis. By installing two hinged expansion joints as a pair, lateral movements can also be compensated for. By providing different degrees of freedom through suitable restraining hardware, expansion joints are capable of moving in various directions and planes while still restraining the pressure thrust.

(*) For rubber expansion joints see separate section. 4

Basic principals
BOA manufactures expansion joints from DN 15 mm to DN 12000 mm and larger in ferrite and austentic steels, non-ferrous metals as well as special alloys. Depending on their type, shape and material, they are suitable for use under extreme high pressure and temperature conditions, however, BOA expansion joints are also economical solutions for low pressure duct expansion problems. Aside from the common types of expansion joints, BOA designs and manufactures all specialty solutions such as inline pressure balanced and corner balanced expansion joints, combined axial / lateral joints as well as angular expansion joints for two and three pin expansion systems. BKT expansion joints are utilized in almost all fields of engineering that require expansion compensation or the dampening of vibrations. Examples are: General pipeline engineering District heating construction Chemical plant engineering Petrochemical plant engineering Power plant construction Pressure vessel construction Engine and automotive engineering Ship building

Based on the routing and length of the pipeline as well as the operating temperature, one must calculate the thermal expansion that the individual expansion joints need to compensate for. According to the type of joint, this can be axial or lateral movements. For a precise calculation of the expansion, especially for heat resistant and stainless pipe materials, we recommend using the following formula: Ro = Lo t 100

Thermal expansion coefficient Heat-resistant tubular steel For temperatures of [oC] 190 to 0 0 to 100 0 to 200 0 to 300 0 to 400 0 to 500 0 to 600 Austenite 1 .4541/1 .4878

Calculation of thermal expansion Austenite 1 .4571

[mm]

Ro = Calculated pipe expansion (mm) Lo = Length of pipeline between anchors (m) t = Temperature difference (C) = Thermal expansion coefficient

0.88 1.42 1.46 1.11 1.64 1.68 1.21 1.71 1.75 1.29 1.76 1.80 1.35 1.80 1.84 1.39 1.83 1.88 1.43 1.86 1.91

The bellows are strained by the internal pressure on the one hand and by the deformation caused by the movement on the other. Both conditions are of an opposite nature as far as the design of the bellows profile is concerned. Fig. 2 The Omega profile shown in Fig. 3 combines the features of both shapes and provides the optimum solution in terms of pressure capability and flexibility. By varying the radii, convolution height, number of plies and wall thickness, bellows are optimized with regard to the relevant design conditions.

Stability of steel bellows

Fig. 1 A torus shape as shown in Fig. 1 provides a very high pressure capability, its flexibility however, is minimal. In contrast, a membrane shaped convolution profile as in Fig. 2 is extremely flexible but suitable for very low pressure conditions only.

Fig. 3

Basic principals
Nominal design conditions All expansion joints in the data sheets are organized according to their type, nominal diameter (DN), pressure rating (PN) and movement capacity. To choose the right expansion joints, some facts need be considered. Nominal diameter DN The nominal diameters of the expansion joint comply with the size of flange connections and pipe dimensions. The outside diameters of the welding ends of our expansion joints correspond with the ISO standard. The mating dimensions, the wall thickness in particular, are listed in the data sheets. Flange face & drilling templates of flanged expansion joints correspond to DIN 2501. Pressure rating PN The pressure rating PN is a reference number that indicates the permissible operating pressures (PB) of a standard expansion joint at a nominal temperature which is either 120 C or 20 C. In case an expansion joint is used at temperatures above the nominal temperature, its permissible pressure must be adjusted by multiplying the nominal pressure by the adjustment factor Kp. The adjustment factors are tabulated in the technical data sheets for quick reference. The permissible operating pressure (PB) of an expansion joint at operating temperature (tB) is determined as follows: PB (tB) = PN Kp (tB) [bar] To choose a suitable expansion joint for a certain operating pressure (PB) and operating temperature (tB), the substitute pressure (Pe) that corresponds with the nominal temperature must be determined first. This pressure must be equal to or less than the nominal pressure rating (PN) of the joint. Pe = PB / Kp (tB) PN [bar] Nominal movement The nominal movement that is listed in the technical data sheets specifies the amount of displacement that an expansion joint is capable of compensating for at nominal temperature in either direction from its neutral position. The information ax for an axial expansion joint, for example, indicates that this unit is capable of compensating for a total movement 2 ax with 1000 full cycles at nominal pressure between the 6 two positions of the bellows that are determined by the neutral bellows length plus ax and the neutral length minus ax.It is irrelevant if the cycle starts at the bellows neutral position, its expanded or compressed position. To fully utilize the total movement capacity 2 ax of an expansion joint it is recommended to prestress the joint by 50 % of the total thermal expansion, i.e. by ax. The same applies to lateral and angular movement compensation ( lat, ). Particulary easy to install are those axial expansion joints from our standard program that are capable of compensating for the full movement in compressive direction without the necessity of any on-site prestressing. The nominal axial movement ax in the data sheets of these expansion joints complies with their total movement capacity in compressive direction. If an expansion joint is used at a temperature above the nominal temperature, the permissible movement must be adjusted by multiplying the nominal movement by the adjustment factor K. These factors K(tB) are also supplied in the data sheets along with the corresponding temperatures. The permissible movement capacity zul (tB), zul (tB) of an expansion joint at a certain operating temperature tB shall be calculated according to the following formula: zul (tB) = K (tB) If a certain movement capacity B is required for a specific condition at a certain operating temperature tB, the necessary minimum nominal movement of the expansion joint should be determined as follows: B / K (tB)

Fatigue life The fatigue life of an expansion joint is expressed by the number of cycles that the bellows can withstand until the occurrence of a leak. All nominal movements in our data sheets correspond with a minimum of 1000 full cycles at nominal conditions.

Basic principals
One cycle, as it is understood, corresponds with the event of inducing and reversing a movement between both extreme positions of a bellows. An example of a full movement cycle for an installed expansion joint would be heating a pipeline from ambient temperature to maximum operating temperature and then cooling it back to room temperature. For normal expansion joint applications, a design for 1000 cycles is sufficient. If more cycles are required, for example for an expansion joint installation at an industrial plant with multiple operation intervals per day, the permissible movement capacity of the joints must be adjusted by multiplying the nominal movement by the fatigue adjustment factor KL (see table below) in addition to the temperature. Fatigue factor KL Fatigue cycles Nzul 1000 2000 3000 5000 10000 30000 50000 100000 200000 1000000 25000000 Fatigue factor KL 1.00 0.82 0.73 0.63 0.51 0.37 0.32 0.26 0.22 0.14 0.05 Cumulative fatigue If an expansion joint shall be designed for different load cases, the degree of fatigue (Di) of each load case shall be accumulated, D = Di = (ni/Ni) 1 whereby ni is the required and Ni the permissible number of cycles of each individual load case. For example: Loadcase 1 requires n1 = 500 cycles with 100% nominal movement and N1zul = 1000 cycles and Loadcase 2 requires n2 = 10000 cycles with only 30% of the nominal movement (KL = 0.3) with N2zul = 1000 / (KL 3.45) = 63670 cycles This results in a degree of fatigue of D = n1 / N1zul + n2 / N2zul = 0.66 < 1 This result proves that only 66% of the bellows fatigue capabilities are utilized and confirms that the load combination is permissible. Operating temperatures Standard expansion joints from the manufacturing programs 7 and 8 are suitable for operating temperatures between 10 C and +300 C. Exceptions to this rule are sound absorbing expansion joints that allow a maximum temperature of 200 C and axial expansion joints with threaded sockets for which the maximum permissible operating temperature is limited through the different socket materials. Refer to the data sheets for information. Expansion joints for operating temperature above 300 C require a special filler material for the weld seam between the bellows and the end fitting. For temperatures above 400 C, special high temperature resistant materials must be used for pipes, fittings and restraining hardware that should be agreed upon prior to the awarding of a contract. Standard expansion joints from the manufacturing program 6 with hot formed bellows of temperature resistant, fine grain CrMo steel 16 CrMoV 4 are suitable for operating temperatures that range from 10 C to +400 C. 7 Nominal design conditions

KL = (1000 / Nzul) 0.29 Occurrences that also reduce the life of expansion joints such as corrosion, sudden strain caused by pressure surges, water hammers or thermal shock or resonance of the bellows due to flow turbulence or mechanical vibrations cannot be evaluated mathematically and are not acceptable. Additional dynamic pressure variations (pulsation) also reduce the life of an expansion joint. If the pressure variation is small compared to the rated pressure of the joint, its effect is minor and usually negligible. More significant pressure variations however shall be considered in the design of the joint and we recommend that you contact us for clarification.

Basic principals
Materials Materials for metal bellows, either in single, multi-wall or multiple ply design, must satisfy numerous prerequisites. These are: Weldability Weldability must fundamentally be assured. The properties of the longitudinal weld seams of bellows have to meet the same criteria as the base materials. Ductility Ductility is the prime condition for the manufacture of cold formed bellows and sufficient residual elongation must be guaranteed after forming. Physical properties A high strength is a prerequisite for pressure resistance. It also extends the range of elasticity. Technological properties They include the capability to withstand alternating strain. These properties are not only defined by the chemical composition of the material but also by its surface condition, grain size and the metallurgical state of the grain structure. Corrosion resistance Corrosion allowance is not recommended for bellows. This would have a negative affect on the flexibility. Only materials that are corrosion resistant against the flow media are acceptable. Temperature characteristics This, basically, refers to long term material strength at elevated temperatures and impact strength at temperatures below zero. Almost all austenitic chromium nickel alloys are ductile to 200 C below zero and comply with the requirements for temperatures up to 500 C. Special, heat resistant materials are required for high temperature applications above 550 C. Stainless steels primarily comply with the before mentioned criteria. Commonly they contain more than 12% chromium (Cr) and are normally resistant against oxidizing corrosive agents. Higher contents of chromium and other components such as nickel (Ni), molybdenum (Mo) and nitrogen (N) further increase their corrosion resistance. These and other alloying components also affect the mechanical and technological properties. A minimum of 8% chromium causes the stainless steel to turn into an austenitic material. This is the reason why these materials are often described as 18/8 or 18/10 or generally as austenitic chromium-nickel steels. Through the formation of a passivating film and the presence of oxygen, stainless steel achieves its corrosion resistance. Standard bellows materials are: Material Designation according ASTM number to DIN 17006 1.4541 X6 Cr Ni Ti 18 10 321 1.4571 X6 Cr Ni Mo Ti 17 12 2 316 Ti These austenitic stainless steels are titanium stabilized and allow a wide range of applications. Higher alloys or even nickel based alloys must be used for more severe corrosive conditions.

Standard materials

Material number 1.4541

Designation according to DIN X6 Cr Ni Ti 18 10

Common designation Stainless steel

Application Bellows, in special cases for weld ends, restraints, pipe sections and flanges Bellows Weld ends, pipe sections Weld ends, ducts, flanges Forged restraints, flanges Flanges Hinge bolts for angular expansion joints Tie rods, hex-nuts for tied expansion joints Weld ends, pipes, restraints flanges in case of high temperature applications

1.4571 1.7728 1.0305/1.0315 1.0425 1.0673 1.0038 1.1135 1.7709 1.5415

X6 Cr Ni Mo Ti 17 12 2 16 Cr Mo V4 St 35.8 / 37.8 H II 19 Mn 6 R ST 37-2 (FE 360 B) Ck 35 21 CrMoV 5 7 15 Mo 3

Stainless steel Temp. resistant, fine grain steel Temp. resistant pipe material Boiler plate Temp. resistant structural steel General structural steel Temp. resistant bar Temp. resistant bar Temp. resistant boiler plate

Basic principals
Beside the variety of austenitic stainless steel and Ni-alloys, the ferrite material 16 Cr Mo V4, which was exclusively developed for BOA, has proven its excellent suitability for more than 40 years. In particular the fine grain, its ability to be quenched and tempered and the high strengths make it an ideal bellows material. Such bellows are hot formed and meet the prerequisites for numerous applications, even in a chlorine contaminated enviroment. High temperature and heat resistant materials are used for applications at temperatures above 550 C. Not all of them are suitable for bellows. Metallurgical processes take place in this temperature range which, on the one hand, increase the strength but, on the other hand, have a negative affect on the fatigue strength. It is important that only those heat resistant materials are used for bellows that maintain their ductility.

The following Redoxdiagram shows the increase of the corrosion resistance in aqueous solutions. The pitting-potential indicates the degree of resistance of a material against pitting dependent upon the factor of effectiveness of the chemical composition of an alloy whereby chromium, molybdenum and nitrogen have a significant influence. (See diagram)

The material 1.4439 for example with its molybdenum and nitrogen content of 45%, 0.10.2% respectively, has a factor of effectiveness that is twice as high as the factor for the material 1.4541 and is subsequently more resistant against pitting.

Redoxdiagram

1000 800 2.4610 Alloy C4

Pitting potential mVH

600 2.4856 Alloy 625 400 Redoxpotential 200 0 1.4406 1.4571 1.4541 1.4301 10 20 30 40 50 1.4462 AVESTA SMO 254 1.4439 1.4539 1N MaCL pH-Wert 7.5 Temperatur 80C 60 70

factor of effectiveness

%Cr=factor 1

%Mo=factor 3.3

%N=factor 30

Pitting potential of austenitic steels depending upon their factor of effectiveness

Expansion joint program

The BOA expansion joint program includes a variety of bellows designs that are manufactured according to different methods and are used in a large number of standard as well as custom-made expansion joints.

Program 7 with hydraulically formed bellows

The standard bellows material for this program is the stainless steel 1.4571 for diameters from DN 15 mm to DN 50 mm and 1.4541 for DN 65 mm and larger. The range includes diameters from DN 15 mm to DN 1000 mm with the pressure ratings PN 6, PN 10, PN 16, PN 25 and PN 40.

We offer a variety of movement capacities per size and pressure rating to serve a wide range of applications in the pipeline engineering and vessel construction industry.

Program 7 (307) Single ply bellows in stainless steels and special alloys are unusually cost effective design elements for low and medium pressure applications up to PN 40.

Program 7 (307) Multi-wall, extra flexible bellows for high performance and special requirements for flexibility and movement. These bellows are also available with liners with special corrosion resistance.

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Expansion joint program

Like hydraulic or hot rolled bellows, cold rolled bellows are also made from longitudinally welded cylinders. A set of rolls forms a single convolution. This method is utilized for large diameters where the other forming methods are technically impractical or not economical. Contrary to so called lens type bellows, cold rolled bellows do not have circumferential weld seams that would weaken the convolutions and reduce their fatigue life. Any weldable and reasonably formable material can be used for such bellows. Program 8 with cold rolled bellows

Program 8 (308) Single and double ply bellows up to DN 12000 mm for enhanced quality requirements and pressure ratings up to PN 16.

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Expansion joint program

Program 3 Rubber expansion joints The bellows and the rim of rubber expansion joints according to program 3 are made of elastomer. Several embedded layers of a nylon cord mesh provide the necessary strength against internal pressure. The bulging rim is reinforced with steel wire and serves as the sealing face. An additional gasket is not required. The program includes three types of bellows, type A (313), B (303) and D (323) which have a different face to face length. The standard design in the diameter range between DN 25 mm up to DN 500 mm is available with bellows made of EPDM, Chloroprene, Nitrile and Hypalon. Type B (303)-PTFE is a special design with a wetted liner that is made of PTFE and solidly bonded to the body by vulcanization. This type is available from DN 100 mm to DN 500 mm. Larger diameters and other designs are manufactured on request. Depending on the particular elastomer, BOA rubber expansion joints can be used in a large variety of industrial applications. Program 3 B (303)

Program 3 A (313)

Program 3 D (323)

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Quality assurance

Z E R T I F I K AT
Die TV CERT-Zertifizierungsstelle des TV Sdwest fr Management-Systeme bescheinigt gem TV CERT-Verfahren, da das Unternehmen
IWK Regler + Kompensatoren GmbH D - 76297 Stutensee IWK Regler + Kompensatoren Vertriebs GmbH, D - 06484 Quedlinburg IWK Regulatory i Kompensatory Sp. z. o. o., PL - 01-378 Warszawa

fr den Geltungsbereich
Kompensatoren, Metallblge, Metallschluche, Automobilteile, Me- und Regeltechnik

ein Qualittsmanagementsystem eingefhrt hat und anwendet.

Durch ein Audit, Bericht-Nr. QM-M-96/584 wurde der Nachweis erbracht, da die Forderungen der DIN EN ISO 9001 erfllt sind. Dieses Zertifikat ist gltig bis November 1999 Zertifikat-Registrier-Nr. 70 100 M 584

Mannheim, den 16. Dezember 1996 TV-CERT-Zertifizierungsstelle des TV Sdwest fr Management-Systeme

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Quality assurance
Quality is of particular importance to BOA BKT GmbH. The quality requirements are defined in the expansion joint quality assurance manual and meet the ISO 9000 standard. Applied manufacturing and test procedures are qualified according to the HP and WO code and certified by TUeV. Approval certificates are also available from other national and international inspection authorities. A considerable number of products have been approved by the DVGW (German authority for gas and water installations) for gas installations according to DIN 30681. Additional tests and inspections are possible and would be certified according to DIN 50049. In principle, all expansion joints are subjected to a dimensional, visual and leak examination. Leak tests are carried out according to two methods, the soap bubble and underwater air bubble procedure. Expansion joints that are larger than 2000 mm in diameter or joints where these procedures cannot be utilized are leak tested with dye penetrant methods. The sensitivity of these methods corresponds to a leak rate of 1 x 10-3 mbar l/sec. Hydraulic pressure tests are carried out with 1.3 times the design pressure. More sensitive leak tests, for example a helium test or special pressure tests can be agreed upon. Further examinations such as X-ray tests, crack detection by dye penetrant or magnetic particle method, ultrasonic tests and other material and weld seam tests should be defined by the customer and manufacturer. All tests are carried out by qualified staff who act independently from production. Test certificates will be issued as may be agreed upon. The many years of the combined experience of our staff, intensive material research and state of the art manufacturing equipment and techniques guarantee that each expansion joint will meet extremely high quality standards.

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The matellurgical department examines materials and weld seams, investigates defective products and conducts corrosion tests.

Quality inspection on goods received is CAQ supported. All data are recorded and stored.

Quality assurance

The Spectrolab reliably analyses the quality and quantity of the chemical composition including the carbon content of materials.

The universal testing machine is an indispendsable piece of equipment for material as well as for weld seam testing.

The Conturoscop examines complex profiles and monitors dimensions that are otherwise difficult to measure.

Helium leak tests are applied to a wide range of expansion joints. This is the most sensitive method and can detect leaks of up to 1 x 10-10 mbar l/sec.

By means of ultrasonic examination, the wall thickness of bellows can be checked even on the finished product.

The X-ray examination is the most common non-destructive test method for weld seams. A number of direct and circumferential beam machines are available.

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Typical applications for expansion joints

Pipelines

Power stations

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Typical applications for expansion joints

District heating systems

17

Typical applications for expansion joints

Chemical and petrochemical industry

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Typical applications for expansion joints

Water treatment plants

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BOA BKT GmbH

Balg- und Kompensatoren-Technologie P.O. Box 11 62, D-76288 Stutensee Lorenzstrasse, D-76297 Stutensee Phone +49 (0) 7244/99-0 Fax +49 (0) 7244/99-372 Internet: www.boa-bkt.de E-Mail: kompensatoren@boa-bkt.com
60 000 355 BK. 1199. 3. 10. en. Sto. 1967