Expansion joint tie rod installation specification: The installation specification for expansion joint tie rods (also known as transport tie rods, mounting tie rods, or limit tie rods) is mainly intended to protect the expansion joint during transportation and installation from damage to its bellows due to unintended displacement. These tie rods are usually adjusted or removed to allow the expansion joints to work properly before the piping system is put into operation. Here are some basic specifications for expansion joint tie rod installation:
Check and prepare：
Before installation, check whether the specifications and models of the expansion joints meet the design requirements.
Check that the tie rods are intact and that the threads are clean and rust-free.
Protective measures：
During installation, protect the bellows part of the expansion joint from damage such as welding slag splashing, scratching or arc ignition.
Ensure that no additional torque or lateral force is applied to the expansion joint.
Use of tie rods：
The tie rod should be kept in place during transportation and installation to prevent the bellows from expanding or contracting prematurely.
Not all expansion joint tie rods need to be removed after installation is complete. Some tie rods remain in operation to limit the displacement range of the expansion joint.
Conditioning and dismantling：
The adjustment of the tie rod should be carried out according to the specific design of the expansion joint and the expected amount of thermal expansion.
Before adjusting or removing the tie rod, it must be confirmed that the guide brackets and fixing brackets are in place.
Before removing the tie rod, consult the manufacturer of the expansion joint to ensure that the correct procedure is followed to avoid damage to the expansion joint.
In some cases, the tie rod needs to be removed before the system is tested for pressure, but in other cases, it may need to be removed only after the pressure test, depending on the specific design requirements.
System Design and Installation：
The expansion joint shall be installed at the location specified in the construction drawings, and any modification shall be agreed by the system design unit.
The deformation of the expansion joint should not be used to compensate for the installation error of the pipe.
Testing & Maintenance：
Do not perform system pressure testing until the bracket installed around the expansion joint is completed.
For system pressure testing, the expansion joint shall be subjected to a test not exceeding 1.5 times the nominal system pressure, but must be carried out with the bracket installation completed.
Operation and Use：
During the operation of the pipeline system, the valves should be gradually opened or closed to avoid sudden changes in temperature and pressure, which protect both the expansion joint and the bracket.
The above specifications should be regarded as general guidelines and specific details may vary depending on the joint type, system design, and manufacturer's guidance. Always refer to the manufacturer's provided installation manual and any relevant engineering specifications when handling specific expansion joints.