Introduction
The purpose of a rubber expansion joint is to offer stress relief in piping systems caused by temperature movements and mechanical vibration. It is a flexible connector that is made of natural and/or synthetic elastomers, fabric, and, if necessary internal metallic reinforcements are implemented.
Based on the location where rubber expansion joints are used, there are many different material choices. Compared to metal expansion joints, rubber expansion joints have benefits and drawbacks on their own. Rubber expansion joints have a very limited distance of substantial movement absorption. They offer every type of directional movement that might result from environmental factors, including axial, angular, lateral, and torsional. The usage of flexible joint malaysia is very much prominent in the usage of works including piping and plumbing. Because of several reasons
Easy installation and removal
The rubber joints do not require packing or gasket, its rubbery exterior material makes it very easy for people to install and remove it. It’s so easy to use that it is beginner friendly.
Able to absorb noise and vibration
Through Expansion Joints, sound travelling laterally is immediately blocked. The moulded, lightweight, thin-wall structure absorbs noises caused by water, pumping impulses, and other water-borne disturbances.
Increase burst strengths
It is stronger than any other arrangement as it is shaped in the spherical shape. Thus making the flexible joint almost four times as strong under pressure as cylindrical joints. It also has a far higher burst pressure making it more strong
Suitable for suction and delivery
Expansion Joints can successfully endure the suction and discharge due to their outstanding moulding method and durable chemical fibre.
Comparison between metal and rubber flexible joint
Movement: Based on the location where rubber expansion joints are used, there are many different material choices. As with metal expansion joints, rubber expansion joints have benefits and drawbacks on their own. Rubber expansion joints on the other hand have a very limited distance of substantial movement absorption. They offer every type of directional movement that might result from environmental factors, including axial, angular, lateral, and torsional.
Spring rates: For the typical face-to-face proportions, the axial characteristics of rubber and metal joints are comparable. Metal joints often have a lower lateral movement capability because they are substantially stiffer when subjected to an external motion.
Overall maintenance and installation: Rubber joints can frequently be placed without the need of specialised handling tools and doesn’t call for further gasketing. The metal joints however must be occasionally serviced, this is done to ensure that the flange gasket is still intact and has not degraded.
Resistance to Abrasion/Erosion: The usual wall thickness of metal joints ranges from 0.15 mm to 2 mm. The thickness of rubber joints ranges from 12mm to over 25mm. Metal joints are vulnerable to corrosive chemicals, abrasive liquids, and slurries due to their thin nature. In applications where these circumstances are present, rubber joints are able to perform better than metal joints because they are very resistant to all sorts of abrasion and erosion.
