A decisive role in the design and layout of pipelines and valves is played by Dismantling Joints. They act as an essential aid during the installation and removal of pipe sections and valves. The lack of a dismantling joint that offers longitudinal adjustment makes it almost impossible to insert a valve exactly into a pipe section. Aiding to this adjustability of the dismantling joint, the valve can be rightly fitted next to the dismantling joint and the dismantling joint can be set to the exact length which is required prior to being securely connected to flanges. For dismantling in places where readjustment of the length of the dismantling joint creates enough space for loosening and removing the valves, the reverse sequence is used. In both cases, fast installation and removal are guaranteed by dismantling joint and it contributes to higher efficiency and reducing the site operations and downtime.
An expansion joint comprises one or more metal bellows which are most commonly made up of stainless steel or from materials such as fabric, rubber, or plastic-like PTFE. While materials like plastic, rubber, and fabric have several limitations, metal is the most versatile choice of all the materials. They are suitable for being used at high temperatures, have high strength properties, and are corrosion resistant. The metallic expansion joints are designed for absorbing the dimensional changes of steel pipe systems and ducts safely. The changes can be heat-induced expansion and contraction, vibrations caused by rotating machines, misalignment during installation, pressure deformations, or building settlements. Bellow is the main element of the expansion joint, it is made up of a series of convolutions with the shape of the convolution designed to withstand the internal pressure of the system, but flexible enough for accepting axial, lateral and angular deflections.
An important role is played by the Pipe Coupling or Coupler for connecting the pipe sections while maintaining the integrity of the pipes in the process. It is a very important pipe fitting for the piping and plumbing industry. The coupling has a very short piping length and resembles a tube with either socket or female pipe threads at one or both ends which allows two pipes or tubes of equal or different sizes to be joined together. Coupling can help to extend or terminate pipe runs, it can be used for changing pipe size, it can be used for repairing a broken or leaking pipe. The body of the pipe coupling is mainly made of either the same or dissimilar materials as that of the pipes it joins. They can be rigid or flexible depending on the amount of movement the pipe is supposed to have and may also be permanent or removable.
