Today we are going to talk about fabric expansion joints and their correct installation.
In other previous posts we have focused on: the materials we use to realize them, their maintenance and the advantages that they can entail in a plant.
Why dedicate an article to installation?
A correct installation of the fabric expansion joint is as fundamental as its production. I can have a product perfectly made, using the best materials, but if it is installed incorrectly, the fabric expansion joint is not really effective.
Safety first
It happens that companies get in touch with us to buy fabric expansion joints specifying that they do not need support for the installation .
However, it should be kept in mind that, the installation of fabric expansion joints by unskilled personnel entails a number of safety risks to employees, especially when the system is in operation or in half service. Just recently, two workers of one of our customers were injured, by getting burned while they were assembling our products.
In fact, fabric expansion joints are installed in parts of plant where fluids, in a gaseous state, usually flow and which, besides very high temperatures, may contain chemicals or acidic components. These characteristics make the installation step somewhat “delicate”; this is why it is an operation that should not be underestimated at all.
If the expansion joint is not installed correctly, fluid spills can occur and be a health hazard to operators who, as they pass in the vicinity of these areas, risk being burned or coming into contact with chemical agents.
It is not only people who are at risk, but also any equipment that is in the vicinity of an expansion joint which is leaking.
The operation of the plant
In addition to safety, which we would like to remember comes first, we have to consider the plant performance.
If there are fluid leaks, it means that the plant is not working to its full capacity. In such cases, there is a risk of compromising plant operation with the occurrence of sudden and recurring plant shutdowns.
This situation obviously leads to losses in efficiency and considerable economic damage.
The position of fabric expansion joint
A question to which usually we do not pay attention is space. In many cases the fabric expansion joints have to be installed in narrow spaces, difficult to reach. The operation area for the employees involved is limited and the risk of making mistakes is very high; as a result, the installation becomes more complicated.
And then, in light of these considerations: how can we properly install the expansion joint?
Our answer is: delegate the installation to specially trained personnel or provide for the supervision of skilled technicians. Only in this way, we can be sure to install properly the expansion joint and reduce the risk of occurrence of situations as described above.
We also must keep in mind that no fabric expansion joint has a 100% seal, therefore the proper installation is essential to avoid fluid spills or minimize this possibility.
For all these reasons, we at New Componit have created, within our staff, a division exclusively dedicated to installation or assembly supervision. They are specifically trained technicians with decades of experience on site, able to work anywhere in the world.
Want to improve comfort and performance in your plant with a tailored solution?
Sales Manager
Responsible for commercial management and the development of business opportunities in the fields of industrial insulation and expansion joints.
