Expansion Bend

An expansion bend, also known as an expansion loop, is a flexible section of pipe that's added to a piping system to absorb thermal expansion and contraction. Expansion bends are often used in high-temperature gas well flow lines, gas and water injection lines, and other applications where thermal expansion can cause excessive stress on the piping system.

Expansion bends are typically made from standard pipe and elbows, and are formed using 90° angle bends. They can be installed in the middle of a pipe run between the top and bottom elbows, and run over pipe racks.

Expansion bends have several advantages, including:

Reduces stress: Expansion bends reduce the stress on the piping system caused by thermal expansion and contraction

Pressure-balanced: Expansion bends are pressure-balanced

Less vulnerable to mechanical failure: Expansion bends are less vulnerable to mechanical failure

Expansion bends can take up a lot of space in a piping system layout, so they're often used in outdoor systems. In more confined spaces, flexible loops can be used that are made from corrugated metal hose assemblies.

Expansion loops provide sufficient flexibility to prevent thermal expansion and contraction from causing excessive stresses in the piping system. Expansion loops often are required in high-temperature gas well flow lines and gas and water injection lines.

Why do you need an Expansion Joint?

Expansion joints are important for preventing cracks within concrete. Concrete is most susceptible to cracks after being poured, because it shrinks slightly as it dries, and then expands or contracts depending on the ambient temperature. Expansion joints are only required when the concrete meets another structure.