Dual expansion joints allow for large amounts of axial movement. They must be placed in the center of the piping run and secured by using an anchor base.
Anchor bases are designed to absorb the spring forces of the bellows. Single expansion joints with anchor bases are placed at one end of the piping system, not in the center....
A female NPT port can be added to any expansion joint provided there is a pipe or tube section. Ports are used as a drain, to inject steam, for instrumentation, or other applications....
Hinges are control devises that limit the bellows to angular movement in one plane only. Standard hinges do not require anchors. Slotted hinges will also permit axial travel but must have anchors in the system....
These control devises are used to limit movement to the design capability. In the event of an anchor failure, the rods will absorb the full pressure thrust loading of the expansion joint....
Control rods are devises that limit the individual travel of each bellows in a universal or dual expansion joint. These rods can also be designed to support external loads. Control rods are not normally designed to absorb the pressure thrust loads....