Rubber expansion joints industry

Apart from the above three types there are custom built rubber products such as expansion joints, flexible cell covers and large size rubber foils for the caustic soda industry, and many inflatables, fabric reinforced products and thick moulded sheets for specialty applications in certain process plants. These are all hand formed in aluminium or cast iron moulds or forms by laying up process and then cured in autoclave. Here the flow of the un-vulcanized rubber during cure is not very important as the shape is already formed rather the green strength and the stiffness of rubber stock with a low scorch time are the important requisites. A rubber expansion joint made by a hand layup method and cured in autoclave is shown in the following figure 14.1. 

Figure 14.1 A hand fabricated rubber expansion joint for the fertilizer industry pipelines.

Stability, fluid compatibility and fatigue resistance also are associated with wear resistance. Vibration and pulsation in mechanical systems, or pipelines are common in chemical process industries and can lead to leakages of corrosive fluid. The vibration fatigue is an unavoidable factor which is further aggravated by improper installation of the moving system. Leakages due to these pulsations can be prevented by the installation of flexible rubber expansion joints. 

The unique advantages of rubber expansion joints make them used in industrial settings where fluid and gas handling is a primary part of the process, e.g. waste management, or air pollution control. Wherever movements or vibrations from thermal expansion or mechanical equipment expansion occur, joints provide low cost and efficient solutions to leakage problems. 

Rubber expansion joints are successfully used in several industrial plants, nuclear and military installations to control leaks in hot and cold water distribution systems, chilled water and condensed water piping, and suction and discharge sides of pumps adjacent to compressors. 

Chem. Desetip. One-component fluoroelastomer based on Viton Uses Sealant/caulk for industrial applies, such as Joint sealant for steel and concrete, door gasket adhesive on industrial ovens, adhesives for flue duct expansion Joints, acid-resist. Joint sealant for industrial flooring, hazardous abatement material, coatings for fuel inj. hoses in automobiles, coatings for equip, subject to corrosive liq., and adhesives for bonding rubber gaskets to metal... 

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