Expanders
Expansion Joints
Gimbal, multi-plane, pressure-balanced, thermal, bellows, hinged and rubber expansion joints.
Range overview
Specification and supply scope
Expansion joints absorb axial, lateral and angular movement in piping systems. The range covers metallic bellows joints for high-temperature and pressure duty, and rubber joints for vibration isolation and corrosive service. Each joint is specified by movement, pressure class, temperature, media and cycle life, with tie rods, liners and limit rods available as required.
- Product types
- 8
- Documents
- 10
- Supply mode
- Made to order
Stock on request
Selection note: EJMA, ASME B31.3, ASTM A240 / A312. Final dimensions and materials are confirmed on the order acknowledgement and, where required, the certified drawing.
Type 01 · EJMA
Gimbal Expansion Joint
Two-plane angular movement with gimbal rings and pinned hinges.
Typical applications
- Multi-plane piping
- Turbine exhaust
- Steam lines
- Refinery piping
Gimbal expansion joints absorb angular movement in any plane using a pair of gimbal rings and pins. They are used in multi-directional piping systems where axial and lateral movement is restrained by anchors and guides.
- Angular movement in any plane
- Gimbal rings and pins carry pressure thrust
- Bellows protected from torsion
- Tie rods and limit rods available
- Standards
- EJMA · ASME B31.3 · ASTM A240 / A312
- Materials
- ASTM A312 TP304 · ASTM A312 TP316L · ASTM A240 321
Specification
| Size range | 4–48 in |
|---|---|
| Pressure class | 150 / 300 psi |
| Angular movement | ±8° to ±10° |
| Bellows | 2–6 ply, 304/316L/321 |
| Accessories | Tie rods, limit rods, liners |
| Design code | EJMA |
Ordering range
| Size | Pressure | Movement | Material | Part number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6" | 150 psi | ±10° | TP304 | BGI-GJ-0600-150-304 |
| 10" | 150 psi | ±10° | TP304 | BGI-GJ-1000-150-304 |
| 14" | 300 psi | ±8° | TP316L | BGI-GJ-1400-300-316L |
| 20" | 300 psi | ±8° | TP316L | BGI-GJ-2000-300-316L |
Type 02 · EJMA
Multi-Plane Expansion Joint
Universal joint for combined axial, lateral and angular movement.
Typical applications
- Complex piping layouts
- Plant interconnections
- Retrofit expansion
- Multi-plane movement
Multi-plane expansion joints combine two bellows and a center spool to absorb axial, lateral and angular movement in multiple planes. They are used in complex piping layouts where a single-plane joint cannot accommodate the movement.
- Combined axial, lateral and angular movement
- Two bellows with center spool
- Tie rods for pressure thrust control
- Custom movement combinations
- Standards
- EJMA · ASME B31.3 · ASTM A240 / A312
- Materials
- ASTM A312 TP304 · ASTM A312 TP316L
Specification
| Size range | 6–60 in |
|---|---|
| Pressure class | 150 / 250 psi |
| Axial movement | ±3 in |
| Lateral movement | ±2 in |
| Angular movement | ±4° |
| Design code | EJMA |
Ordering range
| Size | Pressure | Movement | Material | Part number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8" | 150 psi | ±3 in axial | TP304 | BGI-MP-0800-150-304 |
| 12" | 150 psi | ±3 in axial | TP304 | BGI-MP-1200-150-304 |
| 16" | 250 psi | ±2 in lateral | TP316L | BGI-MP-1600-250-316L |
| 24" | 250 psi | ±2 in lateral | TP316L | BGI-MP-2400-250-316L |
Type 03 · EJMA
Pressure Balanced Expansion Joint
Balanced bellows arrangement that removes pressure thrust from anchors.
Typical applications
- High-pressure steam
- Turbine connections
- Equipment nozzle protection
- Retrofit piping
Pressure balanced expansion joints use a balancing bellows and tie rods to contain pressure thrust internally. This reduces anchor and guide loads, making them suitable for high-pressure lines and equipment with limited nozzle load capacity.
- Pressure thrust contained within the joint
- Reduced anchor and nozzle loads
- Suitable for high-pressure lines
- Available with purge connections
- Standards
- EJMA · ASME B31.3 · ASTM A240 / A312
- Materials
- ASTM A312 TP316L · ASTM A240 321
Specification
| Size range | 8–48 in |
|---|---|
| Pressure class | 150 / 250 psi |
| Axial movement | ±4 to ±5 in |
| Balancing | Balancing bellows and tie rods |
| Accessories | Purge, drain, liner |
| Design code | EJMA |
Ordering range
| Size | Pressure | Movement | Material | Part number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12" | 150 psi | ±5 in axial | TP316L | BGI-PB-1200-150-316L |
| 16" | 150 psi | ±5 in axial | TP316L | BGI-PB-1600-150-316L |
| 20" | 250 psi | ±4 in axial | 321 | BGI-PB-2000-250-321 |
| 24" | 250 psi | ±4 in axial | 321 | BGI-PB-2400-250-321 |
Type 04 · EJMA
Thermal Expansion Joint
High-temperature bellows joint for thermal growth in process piping.
Typical applications
- Hot process piping
- Steam distribution
- Refinery units
- Power plant piping
Thermal expansion joints are designed for the axial growth of hot piping between anchors. The bellows alloy, insulation and liner are selected for the operating temperature and cycle life, with optional external covers for personnel protection.
- Designed for thermal growth
- High-temperature alloys and liners
- Insulation and personnel covers
- Cycle life verified by calculation
- Standards
- EJMA · ASME B31.3 · ASTM A240 / A312
- Materials
- ASTM A312 TP316L · ASTM A240 321 · Alloy 625 on request
Specification
| Size range | 4–36 in |
|---|---|
| Pressure class | 150 psi |
| Axial movement | ±3 to ±4 in |
| Temperature | -20 to 1,000 °F |
| Bellows | 316L, 321, alloy on request |
| Accessories | Liner, cover, insulation |
Ordering range
| Size | Pressure | Movement | Temperature | Part number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6" | 150 psi | ±4 in | 750 °F | BGI-TJ-0600-150-316L |
| 10" | 150 psi | ±4 in | 750 °F | BGI-TJ-1000-150-316L |
| 12" | 150 psi | ±3 in | 1,000 °F | BGI-TJ-1200-150-321 |
| 18" | 150 psi | ±3 in | 1,000 °F | BGI-TJ-1800-150-321 |
Type 05 · EJMA
Bellows Expansion Joint
Standard metallic bellows joint for axial movement and vibration.
Typical applications
- Pump connections
- Compressor piping
- Steam lines
- General process piping
Bellows expansion joints use a formed metal bellows to absorb axial movement and isolate vibration. They are the basic building block for the expansion joint range and can be supplied with flanges, weld ends, liners and covers.
- Formed metal bellows
- Axial movement and vibration isolation
- Flanged or weld-end connections
- Single or multi-ply construction
- Standards
- EJMA · ASME B31.3 · ASTM A240 / A312
- Materials
- ASTM A240 321 · ASTM A312 TP304 · ASTM A312 TP316L
Specification
| Size range | 3–36 in |
|---|---|
| Pressure class | 150 psi |
| Axial movement | ±2 in |
| Bellows | Single or multi-ply |
| Connection | Flanged or weld end |
| Design code | EJMA |
Ordering range
| Size | Pressure | Movement | Material | Part number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4" | 150 psi | ±2 in | 321 | BGI-BJ-0400-150-321 |
| 8" | 150 psi | ±2 in | 321 | BGI-BJ-0800-150-321 |
| 10" | 150 psi | ±2 in | TP304 | BGI-BJ-1000-150-304 |
| 14" | 150 psi | ±2 in | TP316L | BGI-BJ-1400-150-316L |
Type 06 · EJMA
Hinged Expansion Joint
Single-plane angular movement with hinge pins and structural supports.
Typical applications
- Single-plane piping
- Steam lines
- Expansion loops
- Turbine connections
Hinged expansion joints absorb angular movement in a single plane using hinge pins and structural supports. The hinge carries pressure thrust, so the joint can be used without additional tie rods in the plane of movement.
- Single-plane angular movement
- Hinge pins carry pressure thrust
- No tie rods required in the movement plane
- Heavy-duty structural hinges
- Standards
- EJMA · ASME B31.3 · ASTM A240 / A312
- Materials
- ASTM A312 TP316L · ASTM A240 321
Specification
| Size range | 4–36 in |
|---|---|
| Pressure class | 150 / 300 psi |
| Angular movement | ±12° to ±15° |
| Hinge | Structural pins and plates |
| Connection | Flanged or weld end |
| Design code | EJMA |
Ordering range
| Size | Pressure | Movement | Material | Part number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4" | 150 psi | ±15° | TP316L | BGI-HJ-0400-150-316L |
| 6" | 150 psi | ±15° | TP316L | BGI-HJ-0600-150-316L |
| 10" | 300 psi | ±12° | 321 | BGI-HJ-1000-300-321 |
| 14" | 300 psi | ±12° | 321 | BGI-HJ-1400-300-321 |
Type 07 · ASME B31.3
Mechanical Pipe Expander
Packed slip-type joint for axial movement in low-maintenance piping.
Typical applications
- District heating
- Utility piping
- Long straight runs
- Retrofit expansion
Mechanical pipe expanders use a packed sliding sleeve to accommodate axial movement. They are used in utility and district heating lines where a bellows joint is not suitable, and are supplied with guide and anchor recommendations.
- Sliding packed sleeve
- Axial movement with low spring rate
- Field-replaceable packing
- Guide and anchor recommendations
- Standards
- ASME B31.3 · ASTM A106 / A182 · Manufacturer standard
- Materials
- Carbon steel · Stainless steel
Specification
| Size range | 4–24 in |
|---|---|
| Pressure class | 300 psi |
| Axial movement | ±6 in |
| Packing | Field-replaceable |
| Connection | Flanged or weld end |
| Design code | ASME B31.3 |
Ordering range
| Size | Pressure | Movement | Material | Part number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4" | 300 psi | ±6 in | Carbon steel | BGI-MPE-0400-300-CS |
| 8" | 300 psi | ±6 in | Carbon steel | BGI-MPE-0800-300-CS |
| 12" | 300 psi | ±6 in | Stainless steel | BGI-MPE-1200-300-SS |
| 16" | 300 psi | ±6 in | Stainless steel | BGI-MPE-1600-300-SS |
Type 08 · ASME B31.3
Rubber Expansion Joint
Elastomeric joint for vibration isolation, movement and corrosive service.
Typical applications
- Pump connections
- HVAC systems
- Marine piping
- Corrosive service
Rubber expansion joints combine axial, lateral and angular movement with vibration and noise isolation. The elastomer and reinforcement are selected for the media, temperature and pressure, with EPDM, NBR and neoprene options.
- Vibration and noise isolation
- Axial, lateral and angular movement
- EPDM, NBR and neoprene options
- Full-vacuum designs available
- Standards
- ASME B31.3 · ASTM D2000 · Manufacturer standard
- Materials
- EPDM · NBR · Neoprene · Nylon reinforcement
Specification
| Size range | 4–24 in |
|---|---|
| Pressure class | 150 psi |
| Movement | Axial, lateral, angular |
| Temperature | -40 to 250 °F (elastomer dependent) |
| Vacuum | Full vacuum with reinforcement |
| Elastomer | EPDM, NBR, neoprene |
Ordering range
| Size | Pressure | Movement | Elastomer | Part number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4" | 150 psi | ±1.5 in | EPDM | BGI-RJ-0400-150-EPDM |
| 6" | 150 psi | ±1.5 in | EPDM | BGI-RJ-0600-150-EPDM |
| 8" | 150 psi | ±1.5 in | NBR | BGI-RJ-0800-150-NBR |
| 12" | 150 psi | ±1.5 in | NBR | BGI-RJ-1200-150-NBR |
Documentation
Range documents
Datasheets, overviews and general arrangement drawings for this range. Controlled copies are issued with each order.
| Document | Type | Scope | Revision | Date | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expansion Joints — Product Overview4 pages · PDF | Product overview | Expanders · Expansion Joints | Rev. 04 | 15 Sept 2026 | Download |
| Expansion Joints — General Arrangement Drawing1 page · PDF | Drawing | Expanders · Expansion Joints | Rev. 03 | 15 Sept 2026 | Download |
| Gimbal Expansion Joint Datasheet2 pages · PDF | Datasheet | Expanders · Expansion Joints · Gimbal Expansion Joint | Rev. 04 | 15 Sept 2026 | Download |
| Multi-Plane Expansion Joint Datasheet2 pages · PDF | Datasheet | Expanders · Expansion Joints · Multi-Plane Expansion Joint | Rev. 04 | 15 Sept 2026 | Download |
| Pressure Balanced Expansion Joint Datasheet2 pages · PDF | Datasheet | Expanders · Expansion Joints · Pressure Balanced Expansion Joint | Rev. 04 | 15 Sept 2026 | Download |
| Thermal Expansion Joint Datasheet2 pages · PDF | Datasheet | Expanders · Expansion Joints · Thermal Expansion Joint | Rev. 04 | 15 Sept 2026 | Download |
| Bellows Expansion Joint Datasheet2 pages · PDF | Datasheet | Expanders · Expansion Joints · Bellows Expansion Joint | Rev. 04 | 15 Sept 2026 | Download |
| Hinged Expansion Joint Datasheet2 pages · PDF | Datasheet | Expanders · Expansion Joints · Hinged Expansion Joint | Rev. 04 | 15 Sept 2026 | Download |
| Mechanical Pipe Expander Datasheet2 pages · PDF | Datasheet | Expanders · Expansion Joints · Mechanical Pipe Expander | Rev. 04 | 15 Sept 2026 | Download |
| Rubber Expansion Joint Datasheet2 pages · PDF | Datasheet | Expanders · Expansion Joints · Rubber Expansion Joint | Rev. 04 | 15 Sept 2026 | Download |
Verification
Documented at every release
Material, dimensional and pressure records are matched to the order before shipment. Certificates and test reports are available on request.
Quality and verificationMaterial traceability
Heat-number matched mill certificates and EN 10204 3.1 on request.
Dimensional inspection
Bore, face, bolt circle and envelope checked to drawing.
Pressure testing
Hydrostatic or pneumatic testing to the order specification.
Documented release
Inspection record, packing list and certificate package.
Related ranges
Continue through the catalog
Adjacent product lines are often specified together. Review the related range or open the full product index.
Request a quotation
Send the duty, we will confirm the configuration.
Provide size, pressure class, material, connection and quantity. For critical service, include the project specification, drawing or NDE requirements.