Diagram A displays the use of a single Expansion Joint to absorb axial pipe line expansion. One Expansion Joint is used between town main anchors (MA).

Diagram B displays the use of a double Expansion Joint to absorb axial pipe line expansion. There is a additional intermediate anchor (IA) dividing the pipe line into individual expanding sections with two main anchors, thus there is only one Expansion Joint between any two anchors.

Diagram C displays the use of a Expansion Joints to absorb axial pipe line expansion in a pipe which a branch connection. The anchor at the junction (a tee) is a main anchor (MA) that is designed to absorb the thrust from the Expansion Joint in the branch line.

Diagram D displays the use of a Expansion Joints to absorb axial pipe line expansion in a pipe which a reducer. The anchor at the junction, which in this case is a tee, is a main anchor (MA) designed to absorb the thrust from the Expansion Joint in the branch line.

Diagram E displays the use of a single Expansion Joint to a pipe line containing an offset. Applications of this nature are not usually recommended. There will only be satisfactory performance within certain limits. At each ends, the line is provided with main anchors. This is to absorb the pressure, movement loading, and guide friction. Where the line contains an offset, this load must be transmitted through the offset leg, resulting in a moment on the piping. In cases where the line size is small, the offset appreciable, or where the pressure and movement forces are relatively high, this configuration may result in over stressing, or distortion of the piping and guides.

Diagram F displays the use of pressure balanced Expansion Joint to absorb axial line expansion. Take note that the Expansion Joint is located at the position where there is a change in direction of the piping, and that the elbow and the end of the pipe line are secured by intermediate anchors. A minimum of guiding is required since the pressure thrust is absorbed by the Expansion Joint itself, and only the forces required to deflect the Expansion Joint are imposed on the piping. Often, directional guiding adjacent to the Expansion Joint, as shown, may suffice. In cases where there are long, small-diameter pipe lines, additional guiding might be needed.

Diagram G displays the use of an in-line pressure balanced Expansion Joints to absorb axial pipe line movements in a long, straight piping run. With this arrangement, the two anchors shown are relieved of pressure loading and are designed as intermediate anchors. A minimum of guiding is required in this arrangement, primarily to direct the thermal expansion of the piping into the Expansion Joints in an axial direction as the piping is relieved of compressive pressure loading.

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