Wherever high-pressure systems are involved, it is incredibly important to properly inspect all equipment and components of an operation. Although the engineers at Flextech Industries create heavy-duty expansion joints that are optimized to withstand the pressure and type of materials being transported, they also know that joints can still fail when not properly used or checked on regularly. For this reason, it is important to have a good expansion joint inspection checklist for any industry.
Inspection Checklist for Expansion Joints
Before beginning to use a piping system that implements expansion joints, it is essential to check that each joint has been installed properly and is ready to handle pressurized materials. Although inspection standards will vary within different industries, there are a few rudimentary steps that should be taken before using any system that implements expansion joints. Some of the components that should be inspected on each expansion joint include:
- Make sure each expansion joint is located in the right position along the pipeline
- Any shipping device or stabilizers should be removed
- Ensure that there are no foreign objects impeding the expansion joint
- The expansion joint must be installed to allow materials to flow in the right direction
- Check that all anchors and supports match the system drawings
- Pipe supports and guides should allow for pipe movement
- Make sure that the joints are all properly aligned
- Check to ensure that no damage was sustained to the expansion joint during shipping or installation
Checklist for Ongoing Use of Expansion Joints
Once the systems have been started and expansion joints have been in use, it is important to regularly check in on each joint. Items to look for during an expansion joint check-up include but are not limited to:
- Check each anchor, guide, and support to make sure that no warping, flexing, or loosening has occurred
- Make sure that anchors and guides are not binding when the expansion joint moves
- Look for any signs of leaking or depressurization
- Record any damage that has been sustained since installation
- Ensure that the expansion joint is only moving or flexing in the intended directions
If you would like to learn more about how an expansion joint inspection checklist can benefit you, or if you are interested in any of their services or products, contact Flextech Industries at the location nearest you or fill out a contact form on their website.