U.S. Bellows, Inc.

Worldwide Leader in Metallic and Fabric Expansion Joints

Fast Turnaround

Repair

Replace

Refurbish

Quick Delivery

Introduction to U.S. Bellows

Pioneer in expansion joints, in business since the 1960s
Joined the PT&P Family in 1995
5x the resources: PT&P, SWECO, Pipe Shields and Fronek
Anchor Darling
Better location next to the Houston Ship Channel (one of
the largest ports in the U.S. and in the world)
U.S. Bellows got a further shot in the arm with the
acquisition of RM Engineered Products
Acquired the expansion joint assets of Lortz Manufacturing in
2011
Manufacturing Facility

More than 450,000 sq/ft of

covered shop space
40 acre property
Continuing to expand
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Certification / Membership

EJMA Member
Approx. 10 years now!
Representation on:
Technical Committee
(Roy Felkner, Rakesh Agrawal)
Management committee
(Durga Agrawal, Rakesh Agrawal)

EJMA Technical Committee Meeting (Barcelona, November 2009)

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Certification / Membership
ASME U-Stamp, R-Stamp and NS Certified
Minority Business Enterprise
Houston Minority Business Council
ISO 9001:2008

Manufacturing Qualifications

ASME Section IX
AWS D1.1
MIL-STD-248
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QA / QC Approval

UOP
GE / Stewart and
Stevenson

Presentation Overview
This presentation will cover the following topics

Fabric Expansion Joint Basics

Applications

Fabric Belt Materials

Installation Instructions

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What is a Fabric Expansion Joint?

Fabric expansion joints compensate

for duct misalignment and duct
thermal growth

Fabric expansion joints can absorb

larger movements than metal
expansion joints using a smaller
span

A fabric expansion joint has two

main componentsthe fabric gas
seal material and the metal frames

Fabric expansion joints are found

where there is a need to convey
hot media in low pressure
applications such as in flowing air
and out flowing gas in large
combustion processes.

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Fabric Belt Material Introduction

The fabric belt deforms to allow thermally induced
movements. The belt must be able to withstand
the thermal, pressure and chemical conditions.

Resist
Flutter

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High
Heavy
Temperatures Particulates

Wet Corrosive
Chemicals

Where are Fabric Joints Found?

TYPE OF PLANTS
Fossil Fired Power
Plants
Pulp and Paper
Plants
Cement Plants
Refineries
Chemical Plants

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Fabric Expansion Joint Applications

Fossil Fired Power Plant

Boiler
Economizer
Air Heater
FD Fan
Precipitator
ID Fan
Scrubber
Stack

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A fossil fired power plant is used to illustrate a

range of conditions that can be found in many
industrial applications.

Application Example
Economizer to Air Heater Example
Economizer

Economizer to
Air Heater
Expansion Joint

Air Heater

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Application Example
High Temperature Dirty Flue Gas

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Fabric EJ Data Sheet

HOW TO FILL OUT THE DATA SHEET
Contact Information

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Data Sheet Input = Design Output

A: FABRIC BELT

E: LINER

B: ACCUMULATION BARRIER

F: FASTENER

C: FRAME

G: BACKUP BAR

D: RADIUS CORNER

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Fabric Expansion Joint Basics

Part Terminology
Belt Attachment Frame
Gasket and/or
Insulation Tape
Insulation Pillow
Accumulation Barrier
Fabric Belt
Back-up-Bars
Fasteners
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Bolt In vs. Weld In Designs

Expansion joints can either bolt or weld directly to the duct
or duct flanges. Comparisons include the following.

Framed EJs that weld in are less expensive to manufacture than framed bolt in
designs.

Weld in designs reduce potential problems in field fit up.

Weld in designs, when factory integrated into purchased ducting, save the
customer money.

U-shaped designs are an alternative to framed EJs but should be used in limited
applications

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Metal Attachment Frames No Baffles

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Metal Attachment Frames With Baffles

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Metal Attachment Frames With Baffles, Pillows, & Seals

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Fabric Expansion Joint Basics

Factors influencing expansion joint design
Belt material
Frame material
Frame design
Liner
Insulation Pillow
Accumulation Barrier
Face to face
Standoff
Drain
Gasket

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Fabric Expansion Joint Basics

Factors influencing expansion joint design
Temperature
Wet Corrosive Media
Movements
Abrasive Media / Particulate Accumulation
Pressure / Flutter

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Expansion Joint Components

Additional components are available to augment certain

fabric expansion joint styles in specific applications.
Particulate Deflector

Insulation Pillow
Accumulation
Barrier

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Bolt In Liner

Fabric Belt Materials

Fabric belt material selection is a critical factor

in the successful design of each fabric expansion
joint. A number of materials are widely accepted
for use in fabric expansion joint applications.
These materials fall into two general families
Fluoroplastics (PTFE) Also known
commercially as Teflon. The chemical resistance
of this material is unequaled.
Fluorelastomers A general name for the group
of synthetic rubber materials that are characterized
by their elastic property. These materials are
also known by their commercial names as Viton,
Hypalon, EPDM, and Chlorobutyl.

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Fabric Belt Variables

Fabric belt material variables include:

Fiberglass Tensile Strength
Chemical barrier thickness
Addition of a bonded insulation
mat of varying thickness
Cross film technology

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Materials Comparison Chart

Temperature

Materials

Advantages

Low
Ambient - 250F

Butyl Rubber,
Neoprene, Viton

High Tensile
Strength, Ozone and
weathering
resistance

Medium
250 - 500F

Fiberglass,
Reinforced
Silicone

High
500 - 700F

Pressure

Chemical
Resistance

Applications

Medium

High

Hot and Cold

Water, Low
Pressure Steam,
Neutral Solutions

Resistant to
deterioration by
weathering and
engine oil remains

Low

High

Gaskets or Seals,
Recirculation Air,
Air Intake

PTFE
Impregnated
Fiberglass, PTFE
Coated Glass
Cloth

High tear / crease

resistant; Smooth,
low friction, non-stick
surface, high tensile
strength

Low

Medium

Exhaust
Ventilation,
Fume Protection,
Gaskets or Seals

High
700 - 1000F

Silica Fabric
Cloth

High abrasion
resistance, Wont rot
or mildew

Low

Low

Boiler Exhaust

High
1000 - 1800F
*3-layer

Silica/PTFE
Fabric with
Kaowool

Excellent resistance
to chemicals, High
Temp. Stability

Low

Low

Furnaces, Kilns

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Fabric Belt Materials Fluoroplastics PTFE

PTFE Coated Glass Cloth

Physical Properties
Upper Temperature: 600F
Tensile Strength: 1200 lb./in.
Thickness: .047
Weight: 60 oz/yd2
Features
Excellent Chemical Resistance

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Fabric Types
Reinforced Silicone Fabric
Physical Properties
Temperature Range: 70 +/-10

Tensile Strength, PSI: 1300

Pain Weave Thread Count: 20 x 18
Fiberglass Diaphragm Burst Strength (psi): 750
Compression Set: 35 Max

Features

Excellent Gasketing Material

Extremes High & Low Temperature Resistant
UV / Ozone Resistant
Non-Toxic, Chemically Inert

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Fabric Types
Aluminized Glass Cloth
Physical Properties
Tensile Strength: 400 lb./in.
Thickness: .045
Weight: 38.5 oz/yd2
Features
Resists most acids & alkalis
20% Liquid Aluminum Compound
K Factor of .25 (ANSI /ASTM C 3335)

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Fabric Types
Silica Oxide Glass Cloth
Physical Properties
Weave Style: Satin
Nominal Weight: 26 oz/yd2
Width: 38, 60 in.
Thickness: .030 in.
Roll Length: 50 yards
Features
Non-Flammable
Maintains High Tensile Strength at
Elevated Temperatures.
Remains Flexible at High Temperatures
High Product Value

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Fabric Types
PFA Fluoropolymer Film
Physical Properties
Thickness: .0005 to .010
Widths up to 64
Insoluble
Clear or Translucent
Features
Outstanding flex life and stress crack resistance
Performance from -254C to 260C
Outstanding anti-stick release properties
Excellent electrical properties
Excellent weather ability
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Fabric Types
Insulation
Physical Properties
Density: 4, 6, 8 pf
Thickness: fi-2 (12.5-50) in.
Melting Point: 3200F
Max cont. use limit: 2000F
Max temp. rating: 2300F

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Fabric Expansion Joint Adhesives

Adhesives

VersaChem Red Silicone 650

High Temperature up to 650F
Red Pasta

Loctite 404
Transparent / Colorless
Low Viscosity

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Fabric Types

Braided Material
Available in 304, 321, & 316L Stainless Steel
Temp. from cryogenic to 1500F

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Fabric Belt Materials - Elastomers

Elastomer belt materials are built up

into a multi-layered sheet reinforced
with fiberglass or Aramid fabric.
The finished product:
1/8 to 1/4 thick
Used as a flat belt or as an integrally
flanged U-shaped cross section that
bolts directly to duct or equipment
flanges.
Inherent characteristics of flexibility,
abrasion resistance, and flutter
resistance = long service life when
applied properly.
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Single Ply vs. Two Ply Elastomers Rubber / Viton

Reinforcement

Elastomer

Reinforcement

Typical 1/4 thick

belt with two ply
reinforcement
Elastomer

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Typical 1/8 thick

belt with single ply
reinforcement

Manufacturing Capabilities
Fabric Expansion Joints
Materials:
Single layer PTFE: temperatures
up to 600F
3-layer Belt and Insulation Pillow:
temperatures up to 2,000F
Inside Layer: 100% fiberglass, coated with
an aluminum compound on both sides
Middle Layer: thick KO wool
Outside Layer: PTFE fiberglass reinforced

Capacity: 40 Length and 20 Wide

Duct Expansion Joint Low Temperature

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10 square fabric expansion joint w/ high temp.

and corrosion resistant composite belt

Duct Expansion Joint High Temperature (up to 1200F)

A Variety of Fabric Expansion Joints

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A Variety of Fabric Expansion Joints

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Fabric EJ Installation

Pre-Installation Check
Confirm dimension data per U.S. Bellows
drawing
Confirm duct/duct flanges are in good
condition
Confirm duct/duct flanges are lined up
correctly
Prior to installing the frames, the opening to
which the unit will be installed must be
inspected to make sure it meets design
requirements
Make available necessary tools such as a drill,
come along, rope and pry bar
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Fabric EJ Installation

If ducting is in place & cannot

be moved for the installation
Lift expansion joint into place
using sufficient straps
Fit up and tack weld one flange
of the expansion joint into
place.
During any welding, protect
the fabric belt material from
potential weld splatter

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Fabric EJ Installation

Use the U.S. Bellows drawing as

a guide for dimensional info
Clean duct/flange surfaces and
prepare for welding or bolting
Using proper lift equipment,
attach straps to the expansion
joint (do not attach to the
shipping bars)
If the unit has a liner, make
certain the flow arrow of the
liner is in the proper system flow
direction

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US Bellows Experience

General Electric
Exxon Mobile Houston
Tulsa Heaters
KBR
Augering Technology
Bechtel
ALBEMARLE Corp.

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Fabric Types
Rubber
Operational Features
Minimum 3 to 1 safety factor, rated
to burst pressure
High Temp. Resistant fabric for up
to 400F
Pressure cured components, for
structurally sound long life service
Optional exterior coat for Hypalon
paint for additional protection

Features

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Sizes: 1.5 to 144 Diameter

1 to 4 Arches as Required
Choice of Cover and Liner Materials
Reinforcement Wire or Solid Rings
Built to your Specifications

Manufacturing Capabilities
Fabric Expansion Joints

New Customer Standard:

Liner and flange used to be 2 pieces
We combined the liner and flange into one piece
As result, there is less welding for us and a
smoother flow in the duct work for them

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Conclusion
U.S. Bellows is a diverse manufacturer of a wide
variety of high-quality, competitively priced
expansion joints.
U.S. Bellows has focused experience in supplying
expansion joints around the world.
U.S. Bellows is here for all your engineering
needs
Please forward any additional questions or inquiries to us at
sales@usbellows.com, call us at 877-660-1795 or visit our
website at www.usbellows.com

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