MANUAL MAN 1/87

Sheet 1 of 24

MULTI-LAYER TEXTILE EXPANSION

JOINTS

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
AND

INSTALLATION REGULATIONS

THIRD EDITION

Reference manual:
TECHNICAL HANDBOOK Second Edition
DUCTING SYSTEM NON-METALLIC EXPANSION JOINT DIVISION
Fluid Sealing Association
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Sheet 2 of 24

INDEX

1.0 SUITABILITY

2.0 INTRODUCTION

3.0 PRESERVATION

4.0 CHECKS AND INSPECTIONS BEFORE THE INSTALLATION

5.0 TOLERANCES OF THE METALLIC COMPONENTS POSITIONING

6.0 UNPACKING AND IDENTIFICATION

7.0 HANDLING

8.0 DRILLING

9.0 INSTALLATION

10.0 INTERNAL PILLOWS

11.0 INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

12.0 REPAIR

13.0 SPECIAL TOOLS

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Sheet 3 of 24

1.0 SUITABILITY

The purpose of the present manual is to explain the main criteria to follow during the opera-
tions of preservation, handling, inspection and maintenance, in order to obtain the best of the
functional characteristics of the multi-layer textile expansion joint Alflex type:

STALFLEX • ECOFLEX • FANFLEX • VYTOFLEX • PT-GLASS

2.0 INTRODUCTION
The multi-layer textile expansion joints are installed in the systems to absorb the thermal ex-
pansions generated in the pipelines, in presence of warm fluids, and/or to eliminate the vibra-
tions generated by the mechanic equipment connected to the pipes..

Manufactured with special textile fibres, totally asbestos free, the multi-layer textile expansion
joints may be designed with different stratifications as to satisfy each specific design require-
ment.
Each expansion joint layer has a specific purpose (thermal pulling down, gas seal, anti-acid
barrier, external protection).

The multi-layer textile expansion joints, due to their own characteristics, they are not suitable
for the liquid fluids transit but rather for gaseous fluids transit, therefore they cannot stand nei-
ther hydraulic tests nor ducts inner cleaning by washing.

The textile expansion joints can be manufactured with horizontal flanges (execution 1 and 3
Alflex) or with vertical flanges (execution 2 Alflex) and they can be supplied:

 closed, with or without holes;

 open, with or without holes, equipped with the fitting-kit for the execution of the different
layers junction;
 on rolls, without holes, to size cut on demand, equipped with the fittings-kit for the execu-
tion of the different layers junction.

Furthermore the multi-layer expansion joints may be supplied fully equipped with metallic
parts (internal sleeves, back-up bars, flanges and so on).

When they are open supplied, the multi-layer textile expansion joints can be supplied, in rela-
tion to the size and type, in more sectors, so to make easier the assembling operations.

For the std. textile expansion joints type Stalflex, Ecoflex, Fanflex, e Vytoflex, in case high
pressure and/or special requiring higher sealing grade, in order to obtain good performances,
it is suggested to seal the flanges with special silicone, taking care to place the sealant
around the holes (see fig. 1).
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Sheet 4 of 24

FIG. 1

The textile expansion joints type PT-Glass, are always equipped with special gasket,
which accordingly to the size, may be supplied integral or separate by the expansion
joint flanges.

In standard execution, multi-layer Alflex textile expansion joints are suitable to work with
external environmental temperature at maximum 90°C.
For installations with eventual external thermal stress higher than 90°C., it is necessary
to manufacture the expansion joint with special layers, or to foresee special devices suit-
able for the holding of the external temperature, lower than 90°C.

Avoid to external insulation of the textile expansion joints.

The external insulation is a always dangerous when the fluid temperature is higher than
200°C.
With lower temperature it is possible to make the insulation also on the expansion joints,
in this case get in touch with Alflex technical service.

In fig. 2 and 3 it is illustrated the most usual ducts insulation geometry, near the textile
expansion joints.

FIG. 2 FIG. 3

When there are outside structural elements, installed as mechanical protection of the
textile expansion joints, it is essential to be sure that a good aeration is however guaran-
teed.
The above to facilitate the thermal exchange between the first inner fabric and the last
external fabric.
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Sheet 5 of 24

3.0 PRESERVATION

The environmental conditions and the storage time are very important factors for the
preservation of the multi-layer textile expansion joints characteristics.

Whether a proper attention is not given during the storage, the expansion joint can be
seriously damaged, up to make it useless.

For long time storage we suggest to plan periodic inspections and keep the recording of
the checking.

In case of storage abuse the contractual warranty will expire.

3.1 STORAGE RECOMMENDATION

Storage the expansion joints in covered areas, not subject to floods, keeping them in
their packing, preserving them from danger or mechanical damages.

The expansion joints don’t have to be left near electrical equipment which may produce
ozone, and near heating sources.

Storage the expansion joints in a dry place in order to avoid mildewing and, at a temper-
ature not higher than 65° C.

3.2 STORAGE LENGTH AND SUGGESTED PERIODICAL CHECKS

Verify every 6 months the packing conditions to look for:

 mechanical diseases
 moisture presence
 tampering
 animal damages (rodents, insects, etc.)

Verify every 12 months the material preservation conditions, to look for:

 tearing, holes
 moisture presence
 statistical deformations
 sticking

In presence of packing damages, the material inspection is necessary, even if it is be-

fore the scheduled time.

A compulsory inspection must be done at list 60 days before the planned installation
date.
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In case the expansion joints are packed in pack-

ing which are not suitable for long lasting storage,
because not previously foreseen, for example
simple cardboard boxes, it is necessary to study
the type of packing supplied and take all steps in
order to guarantee a right and long lasting protec-
tion.
FIG. 4

4.0 CHECKS AND INSPECTIONS BEFORE THE INSTALLATION

The installation of the multi-layer expansion joints

will have to be made after the conclusion of the
works on the pipelines (fixed anchor, guides,
flanges welding, etc.) see fig. 5, in order to avoid
any possible damage to the fabrics, due to weld-
ing spits or due to impacts with sharp parts and,
by anomalous stress on the textile structure.

Fig. 5
JOINT MUST BE RAGS FREE.

In order to avoid dangerous twisting movements to the multi-layer textile expansion

joints, it is necessary to make a very scrupulous check that the size and drilling of each
flange are symmetrical to each other.

The back-up bars must be made, when possible, following the size of the multi-layer tex-
tile expansion joint.

They may be constructed in only one piece or in sectors with a maximum development of:
 1500 mm for rectangular expansion joints;
 1000 mm for circular expansion joints;
and with ends cut at 45° or straight.
NO
The adjacent terminals must not have a gap high-
er than 10 mm (execution 1) or higher than 5 mm
(execution 2).

In order to make a tightening continuity, it is nec-

NO
essary to insert a metallic plate between each sec-
tor of the back-up bar and the adjacent one (see
fig. 6).

All the inner edges of the back-up bars must be

rounded. YES

FIG. 6
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Sheet 7 of 24

For the textile expansion joints in execution 1 rectangular with corner radius make the
back-up bars with separated corner (see fig. 7).
For the expansion joint in execution 2, when using countersunk screw bolts, foresee the back
-up bars with countersunk holes (see fig. 8).

FIG. 7 FIG. 8

For the expansion joints in execution 2, it is of primary

importance the bolts positioning.
The bolts have to be positioned in a way that the
screw are inserted from the back-up bars part and
consequently the nuts are in contact with the pipeline
flange (see fig. 9). If this is not done, the threaded
ends may damage the expansion joint.

FIG. 9

In presence of:
 reduced installation lengths;
 expansion joints with stratifications of considerable
thickness;
 high axial compression movement;
as to avoid any possible interference, also with the
bolts heads, it is necessary to use countersunk screw
and back-up bars with countersunk holes (see fig. 10).
figura 10).
FIG. 10

The internal sleeve is indispensable in the case the fluid has erosive particle and in all
the cases for which the gas speed is higher than 7,6 m/s (standard EJMA - Expansion
Joints Manufacturers Association, Inc.).
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Furthermore the use of the internal sleeve allows to:

 eliminate the turbulences and erosions, avoiding the direct contact between the tex-
tile expansion joint internal surface and the fluid;
 reduce the fluid flow resistance;
 reduce the temperature on the multi-layer textile expansion joint;
 reduce vibrations and noises.

When planning the installation of the internal sleeve, it is necessary to verify:

 the right positioning of the sleeve itself in relation to the flow direction;
 that the building dimensions are respected accordingly with the foreseen move-
ments,
no interference will have to occur.

In fig. 11 and 12 sections of several types of internal sleeves are shown.

These types are suitable on all ducts with horizontal axis and in those with vertical axis,
where the fluid direction is from top to bottom.

FIG. 11 FIG. 12

The internal sleeves may be fixed to the duct by:

 welding, generally used with textile expansion joints in execution 1 or 3;

 bolting, generally used with textile expansion joints in execution 2.
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Sheet 9 of 24

When the sleeves have to be installed by welding, the welding has to be done before the
installation of the multi-layer textile expansion joint, and this operation, necessarily, will
have to be planned in open execution.

Instead, when planning the installation by bolting, the sleeves will have to be positioned
at the same time of the textile expansion joint.
Foresee a seal between the sleeve flange and the duct flange (see fig. 12).

FIG. 13

In case that multi-layer expansion joint is installed on a vertical axis duct and, the flow direc-
tion is from top to bottom, the sleeve will have to be overturned, and it is necessary to foresee
the fitting up of a deflection element, in order to avoid a big dust amass in the interspace, be-
tween the expansion joint and the sleeve itself (see fig. 13).

Pay always attention to fit up the internal sleeve following the reference drawing and the flow
direction.

5.0 TOLERANCES OF THE METALLIC COMPONENTS POSITIONING

Verify that the assembling lengths are complying with the drawings and that the positioning
tolerance values, mentioned in table 1 and 2, are respected.

For any discrepancy please contact Alflex technical service.

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5.1 AXIAL TOLERANCES (fig. 14 and 15)

TOLETANCE X (mm) INSTALLATION LENGTH (LU) (mm)

± 5 FROM 100 TO 200
TABLE 1
± 10 FROM 201 TO 400
± 15 FROM 401 TO 600

FIG. 14 FIG. 15

TOLERANCE Y (mm) INSTALLATION LENGTH (LU) (mm)

± 3 FROM 100 TO 150
± 5 FROM 151 TO 250
TABLE 2
± 7 FROM 251 TO 300
± 10 FROM 301 TO 400
± 13 FROM 401 TO 500
± 15 FROM 501 TO 600

FIG. 16 FIG. 17

LU = installation length X = axial Y = lateral

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6.0 UNPACKING AND IDENTIFICATION

On each multi-layer textile expansion joint the following information are given :

 Trade-mark

 Type

 Temperature

 Reference or serial number

 Customer item (if required) FIG.18

The above mentioned information, necessary both for the material identification and for
eventual spare parts order, are indicated on a fabric and/or metallic nameplate, as shown
in fig. 18.

Further information, useful for the installation, may be indicated, by a special card, on the
expansion joint itself.

All the metallic parts (flange, back-up bars, internal sleeve, etc.) and the internal bolster
bags, when supplied by Alflex, will also be marked, in order to make aesy the identifica-
tion, with “Reference or serial number” and eventually with the “Customer item” of which
the expansion joint are refered to.

Further to these markings, it will be printed on the back-up bars sectors, in clockwise, the
coupling numbers (e.g. 1-2/2-3/3-4/etc.) in order to allow their arrangement in the right
sequence.

The coupling numbers may be avoided when the sectors making the back-up bars are
exactly the same to each other.

When the textile expansion joint flanges are different from each other, the back-up bars
sectors will be printed with letter A or B.

The letter A will indicate the sectors appointed to one back-up bar, and the letter B to sectors
appointed to the opposite back-up bar (see fig. 19 and 20).
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Sheet 12 of 24

FIG. 19 FIG. 20

7.0 HANDLING
Keep the multi-layer textile expansion joints in their original packing until the installation
date.

Carry the expansion joints to the installation area, when possible, still in their carriage
packing, if it is not possible, take all precautions to be sure that the carriage is done with-
out producing any mechanical stress to the expansion joint.

AVOID THE DRAGGING OF THE MULTI-LAYER TEXTILE EXPANSION JOINT.

Any interference with sharp elements could irreparably damage the expansion joint.

Before the unpacking of the multi-layer textile expansion joints, prearrange a working
place, free of any keen or projecting object, which could damage the fabric.

The working area should be adjacent to the duct opening or if necessary, on the ground
near the installation place.

During the lifting operations, avoid laps and sharp edges, using faces, inner frames or
wrappings.
Never lift the expansion joints by hooking the fabric only (see fig. 21) or through the holes
on the flanges, because, these flanges could break due to the expansion joint weight.
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Sheet 13 of 24

FIG. 21 FIG. 22

With expansion joints of big weight and/or dimension, in order to allow the right positioning and
lifting, it is suggested to place a stiffener bar (wooden or other suitable material) properly dimen-
sioned, fixing it inside the upper part of the expansion joint with nylon tape or with a rope, taking
care to do not damage the inside fabric.

IMPORTANT: Support the centre of the expansion joint lower side, by binding it also to the stiff-
ener bar, in order to avoid overloading and anomalous stresses near the corners
(see fig. 22).

During these operations, it is a good practice to foresee some guide ropes to avoid oscillations.

Always concerning multi-layer textile expansion joints with big weight and/or dimension, in case
it is planned an installation on vertical axis ducts, if possible, foresee a wooden (or any other
material) work platform, near the breach opening (see fig. 23).

FIG. 23
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Sheet 14 of 24

The work platform will have to be of

such a dimension able to allow the ex-
pansion joint positioning, in a way simi-
lar to the final installation (see fig. 24).

FIG. 24

Furthermore the work platform should

run, so as to slide, with the expansion
joint, inside the opening between the
duct flanges (see fig. 25).

FIG. 25

The materials making the multi-layer textile expansion joints are very flexible, and due to
this specific characteristic, it is a good practise to handle them with great care, obtaining in
this way, the best guarantee of an excellent long lasting life during the working.

8.0 DRILLING

The multi-layer Alflex textile expansion joints may be supplied

with or without holes.

To make a right drilling, follow this procedure:

 Clamp the expansion joint, between flanges and back-up bars,
with clamps, release pincers, etc. (see fig. 26).
 Make the drilling on the fabric, in correspondence with the al-
ready existing holes on the metallic part, using a high speed
spindle drilling
FIG. 26
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Sheet 15 of 24

In case it is not possible to make the drill-

ing as above described, use the following
procedure:
 Mark the expansion joint using the me-
tallic back-up bars already drilled.
 Make the drilling by using a manual
punching tool with the same diameter of
the screw diameter and however not high-
er than the hole diameter of the metallic
flange, using as Worksop a hard wooden
base or a plastic material base (see fig.
27).

FIG. 27

9.0 INSTALLATION
Before starting the installation, make a very careful inspection of the multi-layer textile ex-
pansion joints both inside and outside.

The multi-layer textile expansion joints junctions have to be positioned where less thermal
and mechanics stress are expected.

In case of installation on horizontal ducts where there is

condense formation, the junctions will have to be posi-
tioned on the upper part of the expansion joint (see fig.
28).

FIG. 28

In case of installation on duct which are near

heat source or walls preventing heat-
dissipation, the junctions will have to be
placed in the coldest point (see fig. 29).

FIG. 29
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Sheet 16 of 24

In case of multi-layer textile expansion joint installed on horizontal ducts, which are open
supplied in 2 or more sectors, the junctions will have to be along the ducts vertical sides
(see fig. 30 e 31).

FIG. 30
FIG. 31

Before starting the installation, for the right orientation of the expansion joint, make sure
that the surface, with the identification plate applied on, is positioned towards outside.
During the installation procedures, be careful to avoid to the multi-layer textile expansion
joint to get in touch with sharp objects.

The multi-layer Alflex textile expansion joints can be supplied closed, open or assembled
on metallic carpentry and following each case, the installation and drilling operation, when
necessary, are carried out in a different way, as reported in the following sections.

9.1 EXPANSION JOINTS INSTALLATION EXECUTION 1 (FASTENED WITH BOLTS)

Open supplied expansion joints

Place the expansion joint on the external perimeter of the metallic flange and temporarily
fasten for all it development.

VERIFY THAT THE IDENTIFICATION LABEL IS PLACED OUTSIDE.

Starting from the opposite side of the junction, place one

back-up bar sector, making in sequence the following ac-
tions:
 drilling of the textile part, if necessary;
 insertion and hand tightening, of all bolts relevant to
the sector itself.

Proceed, in progressive sequence, as shown on figure 32,

to the positioning, the drilling, the bolts hand tightening and
the clamps removal, of the other back-up bar sectors, leav-
ing free at least 400 mm for each edge to be jointed.
This quota may change in accordance with the textile ex-
pansion joints size .
FIG. 32
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Sheet 17 of 24

Pay attention, before drilling, to find any possible textile surplus concentrated in some points.
If this happen, homogeneously distribute the excess.

For rectangular expansion joints supplied with

pre-marked and/or pre-formed corners, pay
attention to match them with the carpentry
corners.
In this case first place the back-up bars sec-
tors relevant to the corners (see fig. 33).

FIG. 33

Proceed with the junction (see point 9.5) and the complete bolts tightening, taking care to
proceed from the opposite ends, as it is good habit of doing the screwing of any flange.

For the torque wrench settings see table 3 on page 21.

Closed supplied expansion joints

Fit the expansion joint on the outside perimeter of the metallic flanges.

VERIFY THAT THE IDENTIFICATION LABEL IS PLACED OUTSIDE.

In case of rectangular expansion joints, supplied with pre-marked and/or pre-formed cor-
ners, be careful to match them with the carpentry corners.

In order concentration, in some points, of fabric surplus, which is not possible to distribute
on the expansion joint development, proceeding from opposite ends, place the back-up
bars sectors by fastening them with the drilling, on the textile part (if necessary), and by a
bolt insertion and hand tightening at each end of the same.

In case of rectangular expansion joints, the back-up bar sectors to place first are the
ones relevant to the corners.

Keeping the back-up bars well tightened, complete the drilling and the insertion of all
bolts, by hand screwing them, taking care to proceed from opposite ends, as it is good
habit of doing the screwing of any flange.

Always proceeding from opposite ends, tighten the bolts in an homogeneous and gradu-
al way, up to the complete tightening of them.

For the torque wrench settings see table 3 on page 21.

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9.2 EXPANSION JOINTS INSTALLATION EXECUTION 3 (FASTENED BY CLIPS)

Open supplied expansion joints

For the multi-layer textile expansion joints open supplied, temporarily place and fix the
expansion joint itself on the external perimeter of the metallic flanges, making sure that,
for at least 400 mm, each edge to be jointed is left free.
This quota may change in accordance with the textile expansion joint size.

VERIFY THAT THE IDENTIFICATION LABEL IS PLACED OUTSIDE.

Proceed with the junction (see point 9.5) and complete the installation by positioning and
tightening with the clips.

Closed supplied expansion joints

For the expansion joints supplied closed, after having made their positioning on the me-
tallic flanges outside the perimeter, proceed with the positioning and the tightening of the
clips.

VERIFY THAT THE IDENTIFICATION LABEL IS PLACED OUTSIDE.

9.3 EXPANSION JOINTS INSTALLATION EXECUTION 2

Compensatori forniti aperti

Open supplied expansion joints

Insert the expansion joint in the opening.

Move the expansion joint in order to take the jointing area
beyond the external edge of the duct flanges, then insert,
under the textile part, a support plane of proper dimen-
sions, in order to support the jointing area and allow an
easy execution of the several layers closing operations
(see fig. 34).

Proceed with the jointing (see point 9.5) referring to the

overlapped part limits, preliminary marked by Alflex, on
each layer.

FIG. 34
Afterwards, take the textile expansion joint back in a posi-
tion suitable for the installation, temporarily tightening it be-
tween flange and back-up bars, with clamps, release pin-
cers, and so on (see fig. 35).

In case of rectangular expansion joint, during the installa-

tion procedures, be careful to make the fabric part corners
FIG. 35 to match with the ones of the metallic.
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Make, if necessary, the drilling on the fabric part and proceed with the bolts positioning and
the relevant tightening.

For the torque wrench settings see table 3 on page 21.

Closed supplied expansion joints

Place the expansion joint in the duct opening and temporarily fasten it between flange and
back-up bar with clamps, release pincers, etc. (see fig. 35).
In case of rectangular expansion joints, during the installation procedures, be careful to make
the part corners to match with the metallic carpentry.

Then proceed with the operations of:

 drilling of the fabric part, if necessary;
 bolts and the relevant tightening positioning.

For the torque wrench settings see table 3 on page 21.

9.4 EXPANSION JOINT INSTALLATION ASSEMBLED ON CARPENTRY

The multi-layer Alflex textile expansion joints may be supplied equipped with all the metallic
parts, both with flanged terminals or weld terminals.

The use of transport spacers and axial and/or lateral pre-set devices (yellow painted) allows
the keeping of the pre-assembled expansion joints in the installation right positioning.

To avoid anomalous tensions to the fabric with consequent tearing off of the fabric, it is nec-
essary to keep the spacers mounted during the installation.

In case there is the internal sleeve, it is necessary to set up the expansion joint, referring to
the arrows on the expansion joint itself, indicating the right orientation in relation to the flow
direction.

9.4.1 Expansion joints with flanged metallic parts

This type of expansion joints will be fastened to the duct by using the bolts.

Foresee the insertion of the gaskets.

After having finished the bolt tightening,

remove the transport spacers and axial
and/or lateral pre-set devices (yellow paint-
ed)
(see fig. 36).

FIG. 36
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9.4.2 Expansion joints with metallic part to weld

The expansion joints may be supplied fully equipped of metallic parts with terminals to weld.

Also for this procedure the transport spacers and axial and/or lateral pre-set devices (yellow
painted) will be removed after the welding conclusion (see fig. 37).
During the welding operations protect the fabric.

FIG. 37

9.5 JOINTING OF THE TEXTILE EXPANSION JOINTS OPEN SUPPLIED

(EXECUTION 1 - 2 - 3)

Each layer of the expansion joint will be jointed in sequence, starting from the inner layer, using
the materials and following the jointing instructions given together with the assembling fittings-
kit.

When the jointing is finished, before completing the installation, following the jointing instruc-
tion, make sure that the expansion joint can be manipulated.

IMPORTANT: For the multi-layer textile expansion joints in execution 2, open supplied in 2 or
more sectors, it is necessary to make one junction at a time.
Before proceeding with the next one, make sure that the necessary time has passed, in order
to mechanically stress the junction made before.

THE JOINTING IS AN INTEGRANT PART OF THE FABRIC EXPANSION JOINT AND IT

MAINLY DETERMINES THE PERFORMANCES AND THE TIME LASTING.

The good working and the excellent performances of the multi-layer textile expansion joints are
mainly depending on good installation.
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9.6 STANDARD TORQUE WRENCH SETTINGS FOR THE BOLTS

TABLE 3

10.0 INTERNAL PILLOWS

The multi-layer Alflex textile expansion joints may be supplied fully equipped with internal pil-
lows, which purpose, when inserted in the interspace between the internal sleeve and the ex-
pansion joint, is :

 to eliminate any dust deposit, mainly in the lower part of the horizontal ducts;
 to prevent, due to their volume, the expansion joint to make the very dangerous oscilla-
tion caused by pulsating pressures;
 to supply a good support to the expansion joint, in order to avoid, when in presence of a
depression, that the expansion joint is piped inside of the metallic parts.

Furthermore, the internal pillows, due to their good acoustic insulation characteristics, given by
the materials employed for their manufacturing, they may be used as acoustic barrier, there-
fore reducing the noise.

At last, premising that the multi-layer textile expansion joints are always designed to withstand
the projected temperature, independently from the presence of the internal pillow, it is
necessary to point out that the installation of an internal pillow, if coupled, has the driven ad-
vantage of producing a lower thermal stress to the expansion joint and further extend the time
lasting.

For the internal pillow installation, which may be supplied in different types, it is necessary to
refer to the specific manuals.
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For the internal pillow handling, it is valid what written about expansion joint on point 7.0 of
the present manual.

11.0 INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

Usually the multi-layer textile expansion joint do not need any maintenance.
However it is necessary to be sure that their integrity will be preserved in future.

11.1 INSPECTION

After installation :

 Verify the right positioning of the expansion joint. The surface has to be loose, with
no stretched areas. Missing material abundance, the expansion joint could not ab-
sorb the movements for which it was designed for.
 Verify the expansion joint external surface in the horizontal ducts, in order to find
any scrap deposit or slag, left after assembling operations. They might produce lo-
calised heating sources and damage the expansion joint external covering.
 Verify the tightening systems (bolts, clamps, clips) which have to be positioned in
the right way and tightened in order to guarantee the pressure seal.
Verify that between each back-up bar sector and the adjacent one, in order to pro-
duce the tightening continuity, a metallic plate has been inserted.
 After the start up of the equipment make again the tightening of all the tightening
systems (bolts, clamps, clips).

During the working, monthly:

 Verify that the expansion external surface is free from stray duct accumulation. In
case of dust accumulation presence, immediately remove it, taking care to avoid
damages to the expansion joint.
Remove the dust accumulation mainly along the back-up bars, along the expan-
sion lower flange in the vertical duct and, along the expansion joint top edge in the
horizontal duct.
The stray dust can be blown off by using compressed air.
 Verify that any eventual expansion joint external protection element, appointed to
protect it in case of excessive dust accumulation, will not reduce the air circulation
or increase the environmental temperature.
 Verify that on the expansion joint external surfaces, no tools or scraps are left after
a maintenance working made near the expansion joint area.
 Verify that there are no tears and / or holes in the corners area. If any please contact
Alflex technical service.
 Check that there are no cracks on the external surface of the expansion joint (this could
be due to excessive heat).
 Check the proper tightening of screws/bolts/clips/clamping belts.
 Check that the back-up bars are intact and not deteriorated.
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11.2 MAINTENANCE

In case of expansion joint replacing:

In case the expansion joint must be replaced, it is necessary to:

 Disassemble and keep all the tightening elements (bolts, clamps, clips and back-up
bars).
 Remove the expansion joint, taking care to avoid damages to the metallic parts.
If a bolster bag has been installed, check it for damage. If necessary replace it.
For any questions concerning the conditions and functional characteristics of the multi-
layer textile expansion joints and protection bolster bag, please contact Alflex technical
service.
 Check that the installation length of and / or misalignment between duct flanges do not
exceed their designed values.
 Check the condition of the metal flanges. Welding work on steel structures, if any, have to
be carried out before new textile expansion joint placing, in order to prevent possible fab-
rics damage. If this is not possible, the expansion joint must be adequately protected.
Protection will be removed when the works will be finished.
 Unless otherwise required, the expansion joint replacement should be scheduled every
24 months of operation.

12.0 REPAIR
The multi-layer textile expansion joints are usually repairable, but this is subject to the damage
importance.
If during a periodical check, it is noted an evident deterioration so to compromise the good ex-
pansion joint performance, pls inform Alflex technical Service about the problem and the ac-
tions to take.

13.0 SPECIAL TOOLS

For the installation and the check no special tools are required.

For the open supplied expansion joints, the special tools for the jointing installation, of all lay-
ers, (curved needles, thread, special adhesives, etc.) are contained in the installation fittings-
kit.
For the expansion joints with anti-acid barrier, supplied open, for which it is required a heat-
sealed jointing of the PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) or PTFE coated layer/layers, it is neces-
sary a “HEAT-SEALER” not included in the installation fittings-kit.
 BBV Tech S.r.l.
Sede operativa/Headquarters: Via Papa Giovanni XXIII, 56 - 20090 Rodano (MI) – Italy
Tel. +39 02 953 28 118 r.a. – Fax. +39 02 953 28 316