Clamp type rubber expansion joint
Clamp type rubber expansion joint, also referred to as clamp-on rubber flexible connector, flangeless rubber compensator or hose connector, is a flexible piping component specially developed for fast, convenient assembly without flange plates and bolt hole alignment. Instead of flange connection, it is fixed tightly onto the outer wall of straight pipes by heavy-duty stainless steel clamps. This flangeless design remarkably cuts installation time, lowers overall project cost and facilitates quick disassembly for routine inspection, maintenance or replacement.
Manufactured with reinforced multi-layer fabric inside the rubber body, this expansion joint delivers reliable flexibility and structural integrity under normal service conditions. It is capable of accommodating multi-directional movements of piping systems, including axial compression and elongation, lateral transverse offset, and angular deflection. These displacements are usually caused by temperature variation, thermal expansion and contraction, foundation settlement, mounting misalignment or minor seismic movement. Besides displacement compensation, it functions as an effective vibration isolator and noise damper. It can block vibration and structure-borne noise transmitted from pumps, blowers, fans and other rotating machinery, protecting adjacent pipes, valves and equipment from fatigue damage.
A wide range of rubber elastomer materials is available to suit diverse fluid media and temperature requirements. Natural rubber (NR) is economical for clean cold fresh water service. EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) features excellent heat resistance and chemical resistance, suitable for hot water, circulating water and weak acidic or alkaline fluids. NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) provides outstanding oil resistance for oily wastewater and hydrocarbon-containing media. CR (Neoprene / Chloroprene Rubber) offers good ozone, weather and seawater resistance for outdoor exposure and marine sewage applications.
This series is designed for low-pressure applications. The standard working pressure covers 0.25 MPa up to 1.0 MPa. Typical working temperature range varies with rubber grades, generally from -20°C to +120°C. Common application fields include domestic water supply, drainage and sewage treatment, HVAC chilled and hot water circuits, industrial circulating pipelines, as well as connection between steel pipes and PVC, PE plastic pipes. It should be noted that this flangeless clamp style is not suitable for high-pressure piping, saturated steam, high-temperature gas or aggressive strong corrosive media.
Size selection is based strictly on the outer diameter of the mating pipe, not merely nominal DN. The outside diameter differs greatly between steel tubes and plastic pipes at the same nominal size, which is a critical point to avoid fitting failure. Optional anti-pull-off retaining rings can be installed on both ends for overhead suspended pipelines. The rings serve as a safety backup to prevent the rubber joint from slipping off the pipe ends under unexpected thrust or surge pressure.
Each unit is visually inspected before packing. We can supply single-ball, double-ball and concentric reducer types upon request. Customized hardness, color and special rubber formulations are negotiable for non-standard working conditions.